Anyone’s Freshman year of college is never easy, but mix that with being a student-athlete and you have a whole new challenge. Freshman Tayler Klassen plays on the Northeast volleyball team and is also a member of the Viewpoint staff. Between her academics and athletics, she has a lot on her plate. She manages to balance everything while doing her best to keep stress at bay. Klassen says, “Being a freshman and being a student-athlete hasn’t been the easiest. You have to juggle academics and your athletics while trying to keep your stress at a minimum. I just try to stay on top of everything and get schoolwork done as soon as I can.” She also has a piece of advice, “ I learned if you need help in anything you can’t be afraid to ask. Talking to second-year players about school and volleyball has helped me get through the year.”
Making the transition into collegiate sports is another challenge that one has to face when becoming a college athlete. Regardless of the sport, the game changes when you go to the next level. Klassen stated “Volleyball in college is a lot different than in high school. I really feel like I am part of a team. I’m glad I got this opportunity and decided to take it because not many people get the chance.”