Life as a Student Athlete

Story by Breanna Prince

When it comes to playing a sport in college, it can change your everyday routine more than you’re used to. 

Sophomore Aiden Beckman, who plays division two club hockey at Central Michigan University, has been playing since he was 8-years-old. While growing up in Michigan, there was a rink not too far from his home that he always went to when he was younger. 

“There was a rink 10 minutes away and I just fell in love with it,” Beckman said. “I figured since I played it, I might as well make a career out of it. I wanted to see how far it could take me.” 

Senior Aj Kostic, who plays division one baseball at CMU, has been playing ever since he was 9-years-old. 

Kostic began playing baseball after falling in love with watching the Blue Jays.  

“My grandpa got me into the sport, I didn’t actually get to meet him,” Kostic said. “I had a Blue Jays jersey of his and started watching the Blue Jays because I’m from Canada.” 

During the season, it takes commitment when going to practice, making time for school, and trying to make time for friends and family. 

For the fall semester, Beckman spent three times a week, getting up for practice at 7 a.m. for a one hour practice at Martin Ice Area, Mount Pleasant, Michigan. 

Currently, during the spring semester, the team gets up two times a week for an hour of practice. 

With Kostic, he spends about 20 hours a week with the team, whether that be working out in the mornings or going out to the field to practice hitting or pitching the balls. 

Kostic said with the team currently being in season, the team practices everyday, but get’s Monday’s off. 

“Lots of guys put in time everyday to train so we can all push forward to achieve our goals,” Kostic said. 

Both athletes enjoy being able to spend time with their family when they aren’t doing their sport.

“I’m from Arizona, so being able to go see family during off season is awesome,” Kostic said. “I also like going hiking because there’s not really anywhere to hike here.” 

For Beckman, he misses the warm weather with his family. 

“Being on a boat with my family is the one thing I miss the most,” Beckman said. “With living in Georgia it’s hot and a whole different ecosystem than here in Mount Pleasant.” 

 “Sports and academics are going to take a lot of your time, but find time to do something that you love,” Beckman said. 

Kostic said when it comes to playing a sport, you have to really enjoy it. 

“Just play lots of sports in high school and be athletic,” Kostic said. “Just know it’s something that you have to love because it does take up a lot of your time, and if you’re not enjoying it, you’re not going to enjoy it in college.”