Photo courtesy of Lexi Smith.
How student athletes feel about open practice areas and the community it builds.
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By Wandalie Marie Taveras
TAMPA, Fla. — You wouldn’t typically expect to find yourself spectating an official swimming team practice while tanning, much less before they have a big competition. At the University of Tampa, it is simply part of the routine.
The men’s and women’s swimming team practices are at the Riseman Aquatic Center, more commonly known as the campus pool. No one bats an eye when the swimmers come in and start training. Students tap away on their computers or adjust their sunglasses while the swimmers stretch and chat. They power through the lanes while their classmates lounge poolside. The consistent recurrence of this situation raises questions about how this affects student-athletes’ mentality.
“It’s all about self-discipline,” said Avery Frece, a sophomore on the UTampa women’s swim team.
Maintaining this mentality is simple when referring to students these athletes don’t personally know. On the other hand, it might be more challenging to ignore close friends and significant others. It is a true test of their mental toughness and consistency when training. The open practice area forces athletes to stay present and committed while their peers go about their day.
As the swim team shifts its focus to making it to the NCAA DII National Championship, self-discipline is going to be essential.
Most sports teams on campus train behind closed doors. The baseball and softball teams typically train in a stadium, while the basketball and volleyball teams train on the indoor courts. Students typically only see these athletes perform on gameday. Most students never witness a failed attempt at a new skill, moments of mental struggle, or the breakthrough moments that might only be observed in a closed practice.
The beach volleyball team, similar to the swim team, trains in a shared student facility. No matter the level of athleticism, playing beach volleyball in the Benson Alex Riseman Fitness and Recreation Center is a frequent recreational activity for UTampa students. The big question is: should students be allowed access to these facilities during official team practice?
“I think everybody should have the right to be by the pool… I think it is one of the most exciting things about UTampa,” said Frece.
Hanging out by the campus pool between classes has become a significant part of the UTampa experience. The peaceful nature of this space has become a distinguishing factor in the reasons students attend the university. Students go to the campus pool for many different reasons, whether that is to study, unwind, or simply ignore the pressure of academic life for a few moments. A subtle sense of community exists as students and athletes share the same space. The campus pool is one of the few places where varsity athletics and everyday student life coexist.
These swimmers are in a unique situation, but to them, it has become a normal part of life. Their practice happens out in the open, surrounded by the community that they represent.