The University of Dubuque has helped me navigate through today’s mental and physical challenges of being an athlete. Being a two-sport athlete is not easy. There are a lot of pressure situations in golf and basketball. Having success in these tough situations is what every athlete works for, but experiencing failure is very common. This can take a toll on an athlete mentally. I hate losing a basketball game or not playing well on the golf course because you feel defeated and put all the blame on yourself, especially when you know the team is counting on you. I have felt this many times, but I have prided myself in getting up the next day and going to work. Getting an individual workout in with a coach after a tough loss or asking the golf coach to help me with my short game a little extra after practice is a way to better yourself physically and mentally. Putting in those extra hours when it’s hard will benefit you as a person more than you think. Having a good workout or practice gives me so much more confidence and allows me to believe in myself in those pressure situations. I also turn to my teammates a lot to give me strength. Having a good support system is extremely important to me and being a good support system for others is something I try to do.
