Study Tips By Jacob Pyle - UCI Athletics
Jacob Pyle is a graduate student on the UC Irvine men's water polo team where he has excelled both in and out of the pool. Last year, Pyle helped the Anteaters to both the Big West regular season crown and championship title en route to UCI's first appearance in the NCAA tournament in 30 years. He earned the Big West Championship MVP honor in addition to an all-conference nod for his defensive efforts in goal. In the classroom, Pyle has seen similar success as a 12-time Dean's List honoree, thee-time ACWPC All-Academic team member, two-time GCC All-Academic selection, two-time men's water polo scholar-athlete of the year, and a Big West All-Academic team recipient. To close out the 2023-24 athletic year, Pyle was selected as a Big West Scholar Athlete of the Year.With classes underway, Pyle shares some of his tips on how to be successful in the 2024-25 academic year.
1. Avoid Procrastination
While it can be challenging, overcoming procrastination can significantly improve your ability to balance academics, sports, and leisure. Putting off work often leads to last-minute submissions or cramming before exams, which increases stress and negatively impacts both academic and athletic performance. Try to stay ahead of your studies as much as possible to ensure success.
2. Sleep is essential for success
Sleep is a critical factor in the classroom and in sports. Lack of sufficient sleep can lead to poor academic and athletic performance. Adequate rest is crucial for decision-making and critical thinking skills which are constantly being challenged as a student-athlete. Prioritizing sleep helps optimize both mental and physical performance.
3. Use the academic advisors
The academic advisors are solely there to help us achieve academic success. They help with choosing classes, writing emails to professors, academic opportunities, and other important factors surrounding school and life. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your academic advisor and establish a relationship with them.
4. Communicate with professors
During your time at UCI, you will eventually miss class due to a game, meet, race, or competition. It is important to inform your professor in advance of any scheduling conflicts. The professor should provide you with any notes or information on the material you missed which will prevent from falling behind.
5. Stay organized
With numerous assignments due each week, it can be challenging to keep track of everything. Life becomes especially hectic when your sport is in season. To stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed, try using a planner or calendar to manage your assignments, projects, tests, and midterms. This will help you stay on top of deadlines, reduce stress, and prevent last-minute cramming or studying.
6. Make sure to eat healthy
Between school, sports, jobs, and other activities, it is hard to find any free time throughout the day. Don't skip out on meals or substitute healthy meals with quick, non-healthy food. The way you fuel yourself has a direct effect on sport performance.
7. Find time to have fun
Being a student athlete is exhausting. Between class, practice, game days, homework, studying, midterms, and finals, you'll find that your weeks are extremely busy. Prioritize finishing all that to the best of your ability and then spend time doing activities that you enjoy. Whether it's on the weekends or a couple of hours throughout the week, do something that you find fun. After all, you only get 4-5 years to be a student athlete… enjoy the time while it lasts
