MIDWEEK DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DIVISION II COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL PLAYER

A Day in the Life: Division 2 College Volleyball at UCCS

Hey everyone! Welcome to The Student Athlete Diaries. Today, I want to give you a peek behind the scenes of a typical day in my life as a Division 2 volleyball player at UCCS. Fair warning—it’s busy, sometimes chaotic, but honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Morning: Getting Started

My day usually kicks off around 8 a.m. with class or homework. Some mornings I’m dragging a little (who isn’t?), but coffee and a quick breakfast—usually eggs or yogurt—always help me wake up. I like to get at least a few things done for school first, so I’m not stressing later. I’ll admit, sometimes I sneak in a little extra scrolling on my phone, but I try to keep it under control.

Afternoon: Weights and Workouts

Around 1 p.m., it’s time for the gym. Weights are tough, but they’re also one of my favorite parts of the day. There’s something satisfying about finishing a heavy lift or hitting a new personal best. Plus, seeing the results on the court makes it worth the sweat. Working out together with the whole team makes it more fun—we joke, challenge each other, and sometimes end up laughing more than lifting, but the work gets done.

Practice: Court Time

From 2 to 5:30 p.m., it’s volleyball practice. Drills, scrimmages, you name it, we do it. This is where teamwork really shines. One of my favorite moments each practice is when we finally nail a tough play we’ve been working on for weeks. It’s those little wins that remind me why I love the sport. Of course, some days are more frustrating than others (missed serves, rough serve receive days), but even those moments teach patience and resilience.

Evening: Recovery and Relaxation

After practice, it’s all about recovery. Foam rolling, stretching, and a healthy meal to refuel. Then I jump back into homework or assignments, trying to make sure nothing falls behind. My roommates are usually around too, so I try to take a little time to hang out with them, watch a show, or just relax. Volleyball is a big part of my life, but spending time with friends keeps me grounded and sane.

Final Thoughts

Being a student-athlete at UCCS is a balancing act. Between classes, workouts, practice, and social life, it can get overwhelming, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every day teaches me time management, perseverance, and how to push myself to be better on and off the court. Sure, it’s a lot, but the hard work pays off, and the friendships, memories, and skills I gain along the way are priceless.

Thanks for following along! Stick around for more stories from my life—workouts, game days, road trips, and all the highs and lows of being a college athlete.