December 19, 2023

                                                        Courtney Sandy 

A conversation with Courtney about her reflection on the first semester at Murray State University.

When I was a little girl, I went to my grandparent's farm to ride horses. It was an escape from the urban streets of Louisville, Ky. It’s funny how God works in strange, little ways to foreshadow how life will unfold. I had no idea that I would shift from the city lifestyle and enroll at Murray State University as a student-athlete. Looks like you can’t take the horse out of the girl- therefore I say Shoes Up and Go Racers!

As I reflect upon my timeline from May (being a 5-year high school student) to December (being a 20-year-old freshman), it is baffling and humbling to witness how a change in environment can bring out the best and worst parts in character. In this journal entry, I aim to answer questions that my followers on Instagram asked me. My followers consist of relatives and mutuals who may have surpassed the college experience; friends from Louisville and Danville who may be in college; and those who hold various emotions because they will graduate high school and soon hold an experience of their own.

What is the student life like at Murray?

  This is a great question because I can discuss so many aspects of college all from this one question- so stay with me! 

 Moving away from home introduced me to an independent lifestyle. Like most colleges, Murray State gifts so many opportunities to take risks and make decisions that may influence how the college experience will become. 

 I made my first influential decision long before school started; I decided to take 12 credits my first semester. This was a difficult decision for someone who holds so much ambition. I am a student who fuels on academic validation- and the decision to take the minimum credit hours initially worried me. I did not want to delay in completing my bachelor’s. However, I reflect that it was the best decision for me.

I utilized my flexible mornings to accomplish tasks immediately instead of procrastinating. My team would finish workouts at 7:00 in the morning, go eat breakfast at Winslow Dining Hall, and then I encouraged myself to complete my study hall hours when the Weaver Center opens at 7:30. I could have chosen to nap until my 10:30 lecture. I wanted to instill the habits of proactivity this fall, so I can easily establish the same expectations during the spring season. Therefore, I finished my study hall hours by Tuesday…maybe Wednesday at the latest.

 Practices, workouts, and games were a key emphasis in my first semester- and it will remain this way for the next four years. After the 3:00 pm practices, I took advantage of my mid-to-late-week afternoons. I got involved in Baptist Campus Ministry on Thursday nights, and Westside College Ministry on Wednesday nights. 

What was one of your goals for this semester?

 My goal this semester was to get acclimated to campus. I developed relationships with my teammates, classmates, professors, coaches, and those who are involved in church. 

 Remember how I mentioned that people take risks? Well, placing my free time into fellowship was a risk. I could have fixated on social media and compared social lives with my friends at other schools. I could have stayed up all night to study. The most appealing of all: I could have napped, and napped, and napped. 

 I am a BIG supporter of relationship-building! I enjoyed growing relationships with my teammates outside of practices; We hit two nails with one stone by going to the batting cages together, ~~running~~  dying together in the mornings, and eating meals together. I was also relieved to find friendships with those not involved in softball because they reassured me that I have an identity that is not solely placed in athletics. 

How have you seen Jesus through your athletic career?

This is such a good question.

 I may be vulnerable, but I use this page to practice reflection and to encourage myself for the upcoming semesters. 

 I was not confident in my performance when I started fall practices. I felt behind because I had wrist issues that prohibited me from hitting during the summer.  I placed so much pressure on myself- it was pitiful. I would stay after practices on my own and desperately try to “perfect” my swing. I approached my first few weeks with an incorrect mindset. I was so critical. I should have praised God for gifting me college softball. 

 I shifted my mindset by inviting my freshmen teammates to hit after practices. This was such a game-changer!  The fellowship and memories are so much greater than what I initially surrounded myself with. I soon felt joy and eagerness to go hit. I thank God for those memories with my new friends. 

 I have also learned how beautiful the fruit of the spirit is. My Lord has gifted the program love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  ****gentleness and self-control.(Galations 5:22).

   Like all sports teams, we have difficult practices and games. Softball revolves around failure. A big realization was that everyone is in the same boat- we despise failing. I can see the Lord’s work throughout our practices and team bonding experiences. I have seen teammates lead and encourage to diminish the fear of failure. I am so blessed to be surrounded by athletes and coaches who support.