I am attending Texas Lutheran University. I’m a freshmen and I’m playing football so we reported to campus a couple weeks before classes and student move in. Today was the first day of practice… And it feels so different. Football isn’t what it use to be. Not it’s necessarily “fun”…it’s like a job. I talked to my parents tonight and my dad said just me mentally tough, you signed up for this ect. I’m not sure if I feel this way because I’m homesick or what, but if this feeling doesn’t wear off im not sure what to do. It’s not the busy practice schedule, or the waking up early or anything. But simply playing football isn’t fun anymore, and I’m scared I’m losing my passion for it. Is it normal for freshmen to feel like this? If by the end of football season I feel like this still, then would do I do? I’m giving it my best. I had a good first day. I just didn’t ‘enjoy’ it you know? Why do I feel like this? Is it common?
So I don’t know anything about sports, but I know that
- College is a huge adjustment and it’s very common to have feelings of blues, loneliness, and being overwhelmed/overworked
- You shouldn’t have to do something that brings you no enjoyment.
I’d stick it out for now. Once classes start, your social life really picks up, and you get more adjusted to campus, you might feel differently. But-- and again, I have no idea how college sports work and whether or not you can just easily quit-- it’s fine to do what’s best for you if it’s making you unhappy.
Football is more fun with friends, and you barely know your teammates. Give it all you’ve got this year academically and in football. See how you feel after winter break.
Thank you for your reply! I’m putting myself out there I’ve been getting to know people. I get along with everyone, they’re all nice and funny. I personally just feel burned-out or “footballed-out” you can say. Eating, living, and breathing football 24/7 like it is in college seems to be draining my passion for it.
That’s what I plan on doing! How could I explain to my dad if that were to happen? He really wants me playing football. And IF I continue to feel this way after the first semester/winter break then what should I do?
Are you on a football scholarship? If not, then do it for the love of football. There is no reason you have to play if you are not enjoying it. Yes, your dad maybe disappointed, but this is your college experience, not his. As a parent, I was disappointed when my older daughter didn’t want to play piano any more after playing it for 10+ years, but I got over it. College sports is a lot more intense than high school, and it can seen more like a job. A good friend’s son chose a school because he was recruited as a Div 1 swimmer. He loved swimming in high school, but lost his interest after a year in college. So it does happen. With all that being said, give it a shot, it may just take you some time to adjust to the new surrounding.
I would stick it out for now until you start making friends on the team and feel part of the team.
Sometimes it’s hard to enjoy stuff when everything is different and it all feels kind of overwhelming. There is no groove to feel comfortable in because you haven’t had time to find it yet.
I say give it until the end of the season. By then you’ll know if it’s something you want to stick with, or drop it and pursue other interests.
Just make sure that you have those other interests kind of “in the pipeline” before you drop football.
Like, if you find yourself being really attracted to rowing, check them out in October and see what is involved in being on the team, etc. You don’t want to drop football only to find out there’s nothing you can get involved with because you missed a signup or something like that.