Discovering Life’s Lessons Through Softball
A day in the life of Ashlyn Roberts, PR senior and standout player for MSU Softball
By: Leila Raines
The average day of a Michigan State University student is usually hectic, filled with classes, study sessions and various extracurricular commitments. For Ashlyn Roberts, a PR senior and pitcher on the MSU Softball Team, time is especially precious. While aspiring to be a student athlete may seem like a dream, it comes also comes with challenges and a lot of hard work.
For Roberts, a typical Wednesday during the off-season is a mix of exhilarating moments, significant responsibilities and valuable life lessons.
Morning:
5:50 a.m. – Wake-up call
6 a.m. to 7 a.m. – Lift weights
7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. – Make breakfast and pack lunch before leaving…
9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Classes
Afternoon:
2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Softball practice
Evening:
6:30 p.m. – Arrive home and prepare dinner
Shower, tackle homework and everything else
Roberts is first to say her experience as a student athlete is marked by numerous highs and lows. She says the fatigue from lifting weights four to five times a week, the soreness from practice and the mental strain of balancing softball and academics can be overwhelming.
“Being a student athlete consumes so much time and effort – something many people often overlook,” said Roberts.
Despite the ongoing physical and mental strain, Roberts says being a student athlete is something she wouldn’t trade for anything. While the journey isn’t always easy, she expects to carry the values and lessons learned with her throughout her life.
“No challenge is too hard, no mountain is too big,” said Roberts. “I can accomplish anything.”
The ability to wake up early, attend to details, be a leader and inspire others are all qualities she says she’s gained as an MSU student athlete. Though, she’s quick to note that every student’s experience is unique, and that facing challenges certainly isn’t unique to student athletes.
“[When you’re facing adversity], my biggest piece of advice is to just attack the situation head-on,” said Roberts. “Don’t be hesitant or scared if it goes wrong. Just go for it! Do the hard things. Life is too short to not be grateful for every opportunity. There will be hurdles and blocks in the road, but don’t be scared and don’t turn around.”
MSU Softball begins in January 2024. To follow Roberts’ final season pitching for the Spartans, visit https://msuspartans.com/sports/softball.