One might assume being a Tulane University student-athlete results in constant interaction with the campus community. As a volleyball player at Tulane, I have come to realize that the reality is very different. Tulane University Athletics is a distinct social bubble separate from the broader campus experience.
Being a member of an athletic team is a cheat code for forming friendships in college. When I started my first semester in the fall, I was accompanied by four other girls in my signing class. Brought together by our sport, we found comfort in each other’s company and shared experiences.
However, the immediate friendship we established did not allow me to step out of my comfort zone and explore campus life. Meeting new people in my dorm and going to freshman events seemed unnecessary. Without even noticing, my college experience was confined to the athletics bubble.
Despite initial challenges trying to connect with people outside of my sport, I gradually began branching out in classes. These olive branches I extended to classmates and familiar faces in the dorms were received but only represented half the battle in building meaningful connections.
Three-hour practices, weightlifting, team film and travel weekends made hanging out with my peers nearly impossible. There were no spontaneous weekend outings or fun dinners. My social life was in limbo and quickly becoming consumed by the demands of athletics.
Along with the social disconnect I experience as an athlete, there is also the physical distance between the athletics facilities and the heart of campus. Tulane’s athletic facilities are curated to serve the needs of any athlete. Anything I could ever need as both a student and an athlete can be found at the James W. Wilson Athletic Center.
With all things pertaining to athletics concentrated in one area, it becomes easy to stay in that space. Renting a study room at the Small Family Collaboration Hub or enjoying an off-campus study session feels like a distant thought. This physical separation unintentionally isolates me from opportunities to engage in campus activities.
The social and physical bubble of Tulane Athletics is not inherently wrong. The athletics department offers various activities that promote interactions between sports. Furthermore, I have found myself connecting with athletes in other sports who share my sentiments. Nevertheless, a part of me still feels disconnected from the Tulane community at times.
Tulane could bridge this disconnect between athletes and the broader student body by implementing cross-campus events that encourage meaningful interactions. Furthermore, members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council could collaborate with other student groups to promote joint service or social events.
Striking a balance between athletic commitments and engaging with the Tulane community remains a challenge to me and countless other athletes. However, it is a challenge I hope will be overcome, one meaningful friendship at a time.
