With two new volleyball players, seven new women’s soccer players and nine new softball players, the freshmen athletes had made an impact in Pitt-Johnstown sports.

Transitioning into the college athletic world puts a strain on many freshmen even causing some to quit a sport due to demanding schedules.

According to freshman women’s soccer player Kim Mixon, her schedule is busy.

“We are either playing, or practicing six out of the seven days in a given week,” said Mixon.

“So, to say the least, we are occupied most of the time.”

With her demanding schedule, Mixon said that she had to learn how to adapt.

“I have learned to adapt in accordance with school work and time-management,” said Mixon.

“In high school, I was a multi-sport athlete, so basically every season in a given school year, I was occupied with some sport,” said Mixon.

“Honestly, I feel like my ability to juggle such things did carry over from high school, but, at the same time, us freshmen are learning that, if you really want to excel in school while playing a sport, you have to be on the ball at all times.”

During season can be the most demanding time for student-athletes, especially with the time it takes to travel to away games.

According to Mixon, she utilizes that time to excel with her academics.

“Every bus ride to away games, we are utilizing our time on important school work, trying to get ahead, if need be, because our schedules get hectic,” said Mixon.

“Overall, the transition has been a smooth one for all of us freshmen, and not to mention the fact that we have each other to rely on if need be, which helps a lot,” said Mixon.

Sometimes, schedules are not as demanding and athletes get lucky.

Freshman volleyball player J.C. Longeville, got lucky.

According to Longeville, she gets a long break between classes and practices.

“Surprisingly, my schedule worked out pretty well, and I have about a three-hour break between class and practice, so I use that time wisely to get homework done.”

When evening hits though, Longeville said that is when time management is harder.

“The nights are busy though; we have practice, then we lift twice a week,” said Longeville.

According to Longeville, with her schedule, she had to learn important lessons so she could stay on top of things.

“I have had to learn managing my time, and using the little time I have a day to do all of my work and get it out of the way.”

“One thing that I learned is to get into a routine each day, and also to write down everything I have to do,” said Longeville.

“Another thing that is hard is leaving on Fridays early and having to miss class, but I learned to email my professors and talk to them in person.”

Pitt-Johnstown freshman softball player Bree Ginther said that she has never had a problem balancing academics and athletics.

“I’m a student-athlete and I can’t be an athlete if my grades aren’t good,” Ginther said.

Kristen Coffey another freshman softball player, said that it is all about time-management.

“It is really hard to make time for academics, softball and working out. I’ve never been on a strict schedule until I came to college,” Coffey said.

Cory Geer contributed to this article