Your Academic Advisor Is Your Secret Weapon
When I got to college, I thought my academic advisor was just there to help me pick classes. I was wrong. That person controls your schedule, your eligibility, and your ability to travel with the team. Getting on their good side early is one of the smartest things you can do as a freshman.
Here is what most athletes miss. Your advisor can put you in classes that work around practice times. They can warn you about professors who do not work with athletes and steer you toward ones who do. They know which majors are manageable with a training schedule and which ones will bury you. But they will only help you if you show up and ask.
Visit your advisor before the semester starts. Bring your practice schedule. Ask for their advice on the best course load for an athlete. Send a thank you email after your first meeting. That simple relationship can save you from academic probation and keep you on the field. Treat them like a teammate, not a clerk.