Vancouver Island University's fall semester is getting underway and for new student-athletes, they'll be getting used to a new school and a new team.
While not a first-year student, Jordyn Exner is experiencing many of the same feelings that members of the freshmen class are feeling. The second-year transfer from Saskatchewan comes to the VIU Mariners' women's volleyball team via the University of King's College in Halifax, and her initial transition from high school to post-secondary is still fresh in her mind.
"Time management is super important, especially as a student-athlete, and just staying disciplined to get the grades you need…" she said. "Growing up, I played many sports and was in school, so the transition was easier for me."
Moving away from home was tough, Exner said, but having a group of like-minded people like her teammates lessens the homesickness.
"When you are on a team for sport, it becomes much easier, especially when the girls are very welcoming and it's almost like a second family and that's exactly how VIU has been," said Exner. "I've only been here for a couple days, but just after our first two practices, it's been amazing."
With 18 years experience with the Mariners, Shane Hyde, women's volleyball coach, said finding the right balance can be difficult for newcomers to the program. The focus on academics is huge and athletes have to do their schooling "100 per cent on their own," he said.
"Time management is a key, because they're not only worrying about school and maybe a little bit of club volleyball or whatever they're used to, now they're worrying about high-level travel and every weekend going away, but they're also having to think about what they're making for dinner, getting to school on their own and doing something simple like laundry," said Hyde.
Some are prepared for it, he said, while for others it can be a difficult transition.
Exner's course load will feature general sciences and she hasn't decided on a major yet.
The first day of the fall semester at VIU is Tuesday, Sept. 3. The volleyball season begins in mid-October.
