Student-Athlete Motivation | Graphic by Grace Merkle | The Wright State Guardian
Wright State University student-athletes share that they choose to play because of their love for their sport and relationships with teammates despite the busy schedule.
“If we were losing regardless, I would still show up the next day. We would all still show up because we just have each other’s backs and are there for each other,” Lainey Stephenson, a senior for WSU Volleyball, said.
Way of life
For many athletes, a desire for competition starts at a young age. When an athlete has a competitive spirit and a family that raises them in their sport, it creates a way of life.
“When I was born, my mom played in college, my sisters played, my mom started my club,” Stephenson said. “Volleyball has always been my way of life. I never imagined not playing volleyball.”
Whatever their sport of choice may be, playing it from a young age creates a love for the game and a desire to get better every day.
“Ever since a young age, my dad coached basketball for my high school team.” Blake Sisley, a new transfer player for Men’s Basketball, said. “I basically grew up in a gym every day after practice, and that kind of started my love for the game.”
Memories
Outside of competition, athletes stay motivated through their relationships with their teammates.
“The memories you make are so much fun. Winning is so much fun, but I feel like this family that we have built is just so much better,” Ellee Ruskaup, a former player for WSU Volleyball, said.
When looking back on what they remember most about their time at WSU, student-athletes point out the fun things they did rather than their big wins.
“We are way more than our wins and way more than our losses. It definitely is cool winning games, but it’s the behind-the-scenes, the fun moments for all of us,” Megan Alders, a junior for WSU Volleyball, said.
Across all sports, creating memories with teammates is how athletes stay motivated and keep coming back year after year.
“To showcase yourself and create something special with your teammates is definitely a motivating factor for me,” Sisley said. “I would assume it is also a factor a lot of other athletes that play this game as well.”
