Felician soccer student-athlete Brittany Lohman discusses the difficulties of being a student-athlete and why it's all worth it.

Being a "student-athlete" is a demanding, yet rewarding, title to possess. On top of our academic obligations, we have a responsibility to our team. Essentially, we have two full-time jobs, and we are expected to perform and produce positive results in both of them.

As a college student-athlete - in my case a Division II soccer player - my responsibilities to my sport are never-ending. My soccer season is a 12-month job consisting of preseason workouts, practice, games and tournaments, and we can't afford to slack off in these unstructured summer months.

Summer workouts are very important, especially for fall athletes. We are expected to come into pre-season in shape and ready to go, which can make this time of the calendar as busy as the school year can be. Between working, family vacations, trying to make time for friends and working out, there is little time to do anything else.

My non-athlete friends think I'm nuts for playing a sport but I wouldn't have it any other way. Sure, they have the convenience of heading to the beach anytime they want, but many people do not understand the importance of preparing for the season nor my love and devotion to the game. Pre-season begins three weeks before the academic school year even starts, and we move back into the dormitories 2 ½ weeks before everyone else does. Some might say our summer fun is cut short but for us, the real fun is just beginning.

Like my friends, the average college student is not fully aware of the demands placed upon a student-athlete. For instance, we are expected to be leaders or role models of the school. Athletes tend to set a positive image for the other students and unify the school as well. And I haven't touched upon the academic side yet. In my case, I carry a double-major in elementary education and English with a minor in special education. My course load each semester consists of about 18 credits, which includes mandatory classroom observations on Tuesdays throughout the 15-week semester. Needless to say, spare time is rare for me.

However, I can't imagine not playing collegiate soccer. I actually enjoy being busy and having limited free time. That is another thing my friends do not understand -- how I do everything without having a melt down. But to me, this is normal; I've just always balanced the various responsibilities in my life.

According to ncaa.org, "Less than three in 50, or about 5.5 percent, of high school senior boys' interscholastic soccer players will go on to play men's soccer at a NCAA member institution". I think it's safe to say that the percentage of female high school senior soccer players is fewer then three in 50. With this staggering figure, I consider myself extremely lucky and blessed to have the opportunity to play at an NCAA Division II institution. It is a great privilege to represent my school, my family and most importantly, myself, playing the game I love.

Although being a student-athlete is not always glamorous, it is a great honor. With my collegiate career coming to an end, I am truly going to cherish every moment of this season. I hope to go out on a high note, and perhaps one day I will return to the collegiate scene -- as a coach.