Daily Grind columns are are posted every Wednesday to provide an introduction into a day in the life of a college athlete and an example of time management skills.

The determination to become the best athlete in your school is not something that you are taught, it's something you're born with. Brianna Rodda is a clear example of someone who pushes herself to the limits to become one of the best, and it is very clear through her daily routine. In 2018, Brianna was going into her senior year at SUNY Potsdam as a captain of the volleyball team, so we asked her to give us a break-down of her daily schedule as a college athlete.

During the season her time is occupied by working out, practice, classes, homework, healthy eating, and of course, naps. With everything going on in the college lifestyle, time management is one of the best skills you can acquire and use to your advantage, and Brianna's schedule is a perfect example. 

Related: Chicago Bears, Keandre Jones, Talks Time Management and Leadership

8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Brianna will wake up, shower, and get ready to go to breakfast. Her breakfast consists of a smoothie and oatmeal, as these provide energy for the entire day. After breakfast, on days that there is not a scheduled team lifting session, Brianna goes to the gym to get a workout in before class.

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Brianna has class. In between classes, she gets as much homework done as possible to free up time later in the day. She also has lunch at 1:30 every day at the student union on campus, where there are a variety of healthy options to eat. One of Brianna's favorite meals is chicken salad, a great source of nutrients and protein.

Related: Athletes' Tips on Balancing Your GPA and College Football

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Brianna splits this time up for practice, homework, and dinner. It is important for Brianna to plan her week around practice times because they can fluctuate. There is sometimes mandatory team lifting before practice, which takes more time in the evening, but gives Brianna time to sleep in because she doesn't have to wake up early to workout. If practice is from 5pm to 7pm, Brianna plans to eat and do homework later, and vice versa if practice is from seven to nine. Either way this time period is planned out strategically.

10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Finally it is time to unwind from a busy day. This time period is reserved for relaxing, spending time with friends, and finishing up any homework that is needed to be done for the next day. It is important to get a good night's sleep so Brianna is able to wake up and repeat her busy day tomorrow.

Have a question you need answered or an idea of an athlete we should interview? Email us at [email protected]

* Originally published on September 15, 2021, by Andrew Streeter