A snapshot into traveling on the road in the ACC:
During the first week of the 2024 Fall semester, while most students were walking to their first class on campus, it looked a little different for the SMU volleyball student-athletes; who were on a plane traveling to Hawaii and San Diego for their first away tournament. Before they stepped into a class, they were walking on the court.
It’s no secret that the demands on a student-athlete are different than the average college student. There are early mornings, late nights, changing schedules, and traveling for competitions that take up an athlete’s “spare time”. In those small breaks, you can see the dedication shown by the athletes studying on the bus or plane, reading the in the hotel room, etc. Our Mustang Student-Athletes want to be the best at everything they do, so SMU Athletics partners with ADSA to ensure that academics are still prioritized even when they are traveling for competitions. The coaching staff “really value ADSA support and resources and make it a priority in the volleyball program” – Alana Owens, Senior Academic Counselor
More than Competition:
This trip allowed many of the volleyball players to experience Hawaii and Polynesian culture for the first time. While most away trips for student-athletes are scheduled to allow for the shortest travel time possible- to avoid missing classes, etc. On this trip, the team was able to experience several unique events including attending the Polynesian Cultural Center (see below)
When on the road, Alana Owens, the Volleyball Senior Academic Counselor, conducted mandatory academic study hall for all student-athletes on the team. This is to ensure that there is scheduled time dedicated to academics. “This group is very athletically and academically focused this semester; I am very proud of them for putting in the required road study hall hours through this busy road trip schedule” – Alana Owens. Of the 15 players on the team, 7 are graduate students pursuing programs in Cox and Simmons. These athletes are dedicated to pursing their degree while also having a record-breaking season in the ACC.
Come support this outstanding team at their next game on Friday, November 15, 2024 in Moody Coliseum in Dallas, TX.
Photography credit: FreeKey Three Creative Team