Hi Coach Newman and ATA,

Hope everyone is doing well. Coach Newman has asked us to write about tips we would give for college and what we would do differently to prepare. I am currently halfway through my first semester of college and let me start with this. Whoever says the first week of college is fun lied. Being in a  new place with new people I would be lying if I told you the first week that I was here I didn’t cry on the phone to Coach John. He told me it was all going to work out and yet again he was right. I now consider my teammates my best friends and I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.

One thing I have noticed in college is communication is very important. Communicating with your professors about missed classes and makeup work is a skill that is very necessary in order to stay on top of your school work. Time management and keeping track of classes are also very important. With a given schedule of what is due for the whole semester in the first week, it is your job to stay on top of dates and what you need to get done.

A throwback of Synclair to 2013

As for tennis we just finished our fall season and coming up on off season in a few weeks. ATA has done a great job with teaching how to be an accountable teammate. On my team, if someone is late or not wearing the correct uniform we are all held accountable. College is a lot of fun and freedom, but you get out exactly what you put in whether its school or tennis it’s all on you. If you are deciding between playing college tennis or not I would say do it! Although sometimes it is difficult I have made so many friends by being a student athlete and my team has become a second family to me.

I am beyond happy with my life here at Northern Colorado and I would love to hear from you!

Best,

Synclair