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What’s it Like to be a Student-Athlete at SMWC?

Blog | 06.25.2024

By Emma Booher, nursing major

Being a student-athlete and a nursing major is probably among the top 10 most challenging but rewarding things I’ve had to do in my 21 years. Juggling intense workouts, practices and games and then adding rigorous coursework and clinicals is not for the weak. It all comes down to time management, dedication, discipline, teamwork and figuring out how to handle pressure. 

I chose Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) due to its top-notch nursing program in addition to being a part of rebuilding the SMWC volleyball program. With the volleyball team getting new coaches almost every year, my freshman year was supposed to be the start of something new where the newest incoming coaches promised to build the program from the ground up and stay for a while, and this included everyone’s help on the team. Here at SMWC, I could live out my dream of earning my nursing degree while pursuing a collegiate volleyball career. Most schools do not let you participate in both due to how rigorous the programs are, but here at The Woods, I could. 

I’ve always had a passion for helping others and making a positive impact in other people’s lives. In nursing, I can combine that love for others and use it in the healthcare field in more ways than one. Nursing has become a very demanding field with endless opportunities for growth, learning and the opportunity to make a difference. 

Growing up, sports have always been very essential to me, but volleyball has been the one I have stuck with the most. Just like nursing, I had a passion to continue playing after high school. Volleyball has taught me discipline, perseverance and teamwork. Volleyball brings out the best of me, as well as my competitive side. When I mentioned why I chose SMWC, here I could live out my dream of being a nursing major and collegiate athlete at the same time. 

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Being a student-athlete helps develop time management skills, find ways to balance academics while staying focused and prioritized on what’s important, communicate effectively, trust others and learn how to work towards a goal as well as achieve it. Another benefit is staying fit and in shape. Health and well-being is the most important thing. At the end of the day, being a student-athlete is a rewarding experience that shapes you not only as an athlete but as an individual.

Being a student-athlete has taught me a lot of lessons:

Lesson 1: The importance of perseverance. Being able to push through some of the hardest moments of your life and learning not to give up is key.

Lesson 2:  The power of discipline and time management. Being a student-athlete means learning and understanding how to balance my academics and sport. This means staying organized and knowing what to prioritize, and sometimes that means missing out on things.

Lesson 3: Teamwork and communication are crucial. Volleyball is obviously not an individual sport. Being able to work with my teammates and effectively communicate is critical for the team’s success.

Lesson 4: Hard work pays off. Not everything comes easy, and sometimes you have to put in the effort, stay on the path, stay dedicated and strive to improve in areas that need improvement.

I am thankful for these lessons as they have not only helped me become a better student-athlete but a better individual. 

My advice to anyone debating being a student-athlete is to follow your heart, think about it a lot and if you decide to, then go for it. Being a student-athlete has a lot of benefits and can help you develop skills that you will use in the real world. If you want to find a way to stay active while pursuing a degree, this is the right fit for you. Remember that being a student-athlete can be demanding, but don’t give up! Ultimately, it’s about what brings you happiness, joy and fulfillment. 


Emma Booher

Emma Booher is a junior at The Woods. She is majoring in nursing with a minor in healthcare administration and will graduate in 2026. She is originally from Linton, Indiana, which consists of about 5,000 people, is a small rural area and is known as a great place to raise a family, considering the size. On campus, she is involved in SMWC InterVarsity, the Cheer team and the Volleyball team. She also has multiple on-campus jobs with the athletics, advancement and marketing and communication departments.

2 Comments

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Judy Miller | 06.26.2024 at 6:16pm
Very proud of you and your accomplishments Emma. I know the whole family is also so proud of you. Keep making your dreams come true everyday.
Tim Stevens | 06.25.2024 at 10:55pm
Emma is an awesome young lady that attended Shakamak. She worked while in high school. We talked to her about The Woods as my daughter went there. So glad Emma is living her dream.