Lives of Future Cambridge College Athletes

Cambridge’s athletic prowess is growing, and major universities are starting to take notice.

The Bears currently have 18 athletes, across several sports, who have committed to Division I or II schools, along with many more who hope for their chance to play at the next level.

These athletes have to manage the pressure of performing at a high level — along with training and practice — while staying on top of the heavy workload the average student faces.   

Almost every day requires early mornings and late nights.

“I wake up at 6:15, work out 7 to 8, then class from 9:20 to 2:30, practice from 3 to 5, dinner and schoolwork from 6 to 9, then bed at 11,” said pitcher Austin Weiermiller, a senior who has committed to Stanford.   

Weiermiller is not by any means the only student-athlete who stresses about the competing demands of earning good grades and getting enough sleep.

“I usually spend around two hours on homework, and sometimes I am up till 12 depending on what time I get home from volleyball,” said senior volleyball middle hitter Lauren Swift, who has committed to Georgia College and State University. “It can become very stressful.”

The excitement of having their hard work finally pay off seems to make up for the long days.

“There’s no feeling like it. After ten years of sacrifices, missing out on hanging out with friends, non-stop practice and lots of sweat, blood and tears, I finally reached my goal,” said senior softball pitcher Keara Napoli, who committed to the University of Georgia.

Mastering a sport doesn’t come easy. In many instances, it comes at the expense of a student athlete’s social life.  

Swift said, “I have had to give up a lot of time with my friends to play volleyball all the time. Big events, such as prom and homecoming, are some things that I have had to miss over the years for volleyball. It’s sad, but I love my club team and am always happy when I’m around them.”

Even though this schedule might seem daunting, these athletes all have reasons that drive them.

“I remember the first time I pitched on the field. There was no greater feeling than having complete control over the game,” said Napoli. “When I watched girls play in college, I knew that it was what I wanted to do.”