No matter how big or small the university is, no matter what division the team may be, being a student athlete is a major challenge. Besides having to deal with classes, homework, studying, group projects, presentations and papers, student athletes have to practice for multiple hours a day, with other dedications like lifting, team study tables, and mandatory meetings.

However, although taking on the challenge of being a student athlete requires time management and dedication, it’s an opportunity that is well worth the effort, according to junior defensive end Alex Lloyd.

Growing up in Goreville, Ill., Lloyd began playing football when he was 12-years-old. From then on, the passion to play football stuck with Lloyd throughout his adolescence, and has remained with him all the way up to playing defensive end on Millikin University’s football team.

Although it’s one of the most rewarding experiences, it takes an abundant amount of effort in order to play the game.

Even before the semester starts, Lloyd, along with his teammates, return to Millikin University to practice before the school year begins.

Once the school year beings, the amount of dedication needed from Lloyd, as well as the rest of the team, is almost infinite.

On top of practice every day after class for multiple hours, Lloyd, a history education major, has to deal with the stresses of juggling both education classes, history classes and general education classes, in order to stay on top of academics.

“In order to be a good student, as well as a good athlete, you need to have the ability to manage your time productively as well has having a desire to do well and having a good work ethic,” Lloyd said.

Keeping in check with his statement, after getting done with practice, Lloyd commences his studies, in order to complete his academic work.

Even out of season, Lloyd and the rest of the team are still working to improve themselves for the next years football season, as the team is required to attend early morning workout every weekday, in order to be more prepared for the next season.

Even over the summer, the time of the year that most students are meant to relax and enjoy, Lloyd and his teammates are still hard at work, as each player is required to set personal athletic goals for themselves over the summer that they have to reach.

Although it takes countless amounts of dedication to be a student athlete, according to Lloyd, it’s the desire to play and be part of a team that keeps him going.