Kristen Stanek, who came to us from Orchard Park High School, just finished her freshman year of college at Fredonia. Below she gives some insight on making the transition from high school to college, developing a social network, and maintaining good grades as a freshman.
1) Tell us about the transition from volleyball in high school to volleyball in college
1) Tell us about the transition from volleyball in high school to volleyball in college
The transition was fairly easy for me but the one big difference is off season training and the amount of time I have to put in. In college summer training for preseason is key. Being strong and ready to face the preseason challenges is extremely important. Also I had a very tight knit team in high school, and coming to college and having another team that is like family to me made the transition much easier.
Coming from the high school I did, I didn't think there were many more people out there that could be my best friends and sisters on and off the court. Once I came to Fredonia and got to know my teammates, I now know that it's possible. These girls made the transition such an easy process for me and now they are more like my family away from home.
Coming from the high school I did, I didn't think there were many more people out there that could be my best friends and sisters on and off the court. Once I came to Fredonia and got to know my teammates, I now know that it's possible. These girls made the transition such an easy process for me and now they are more like my family away from home.
2) In addition to the volleyball team you've also developed a social network outside of athletics. Has that been important to you? And why?
The friends that I have made outside of volleyball have been extremely important to me. Leaving them at the end of the year was so hard because we became the best of friends. At the beginning of the year I had just met the girl I was rooming with and I am lucky enough to now call her my best friend. She helped me through stress with school work and is always there to talk, too. Living away from home was hard for me, but meeting so many new people and having really great friends makes it so much easier.
3) Sometimes freshman need time to transition to college academics, but you did well in school right away. How did that happen?
Study. Study. Study. Once I came to college I realized I was on my own and there was no one there to tell me when to study for tests or to do my homework. I always went to class, did my homework, and studied my butt off for tests and exams. It really does pay off.
During volleyball season I had to make time for school work before or after practice, and sometimes the long bus rides were my best friend for doing homework or studying. I always tried to get ahead on work when I knew we had a game or a tournament. Studying really does pay off and I learned that staying organized and ahead on work really helps with balancing school and volleyball.
During volleyball season I had to make time for school work before or after practice, and sometimes the long bus rides were my best friend for doing homework or studying. I always tried to get ahead on work when I knew we had a game or a tournament. Studying really does pay off and I learned that staying organized and ahead on work really helps with balancing school and volleyball.
