With daily classes, studying, homework and projects, little time is left for students involved with extra-curricular activities.
Ball State men's tennis player Shaun Bussert is no different.
As a Division I athlete, Bussert is expected to perform on and off the court. He has responsibilities as the Cardinals' lone senior this fall and a promising future as an accounting major.
"It's pretty difficult at times," said Bussert, a Decatur, Ga., native. "It definitely teaches you a lot of time management. I've learned that as I've went along."
Despite the challenges, Bussert balances tennis with the classroom.
With a 3.92 high school grade-point average, he was admitted into Ball State's honors college as a freshman. Bussert, who has a 3.53 college GPA, said he has made the dean's list at least three times. He's also a member of the Ball State Student Advisory Board, a student-run organization that represents student-athletes' interests.
The final major Bussert considered was accounting. After one class, he said he was hooked.
"I came into Ball State with about seven different majors in mind," Bussert said. "I had never taken an accounting class before Ball State, and then I took a class and loved it. Accounting is something that deals with math, and that's something I've always enjoyed doing."
Coach Bill Richards speaks to his players each year about the purpose of college. To him, good grades will make their future successful.
"The number one reason they're here is to get an education," Richards said. "We want to win — and win championships — but the number one priority is academics.
"I feel like I do everything I can. I feel like I accommodate to my players and their academic needs."
Bussert said he plans to continue his academic learning after Ball State. When his athletic career is over, he wants to attend graduate school.
He must take the Graduate Management Admission Test to get into graduate school, then the Certified Public Accountant exam to become a professional accountant.
"That means I have to get to 150 [credit] hours," Bussert said of one requirement to take the CPA exam.
Bussert said he sees more than accounting in his future. Bussert, who coached a tennis academy in Atlanta two summers ago, said he'd like to teach the sport he's come to love.
"[Coaching] is definitely something I would want to do, along with an accounting position," he said.
There is only so much time in the day, and one person can only do so much. Richards said Bussert does what he can to be there for his team.
"It's been a struggle for Shaun at times," Richards said. "With his major, a lot of conflicts with practice occur. When that does happen, it's tough to just walk on the court and perform like he does.
"To be successful on the court, you have to be in control of every aspect of your life. I want my players to feel they can come to me."
Tennis success hasn't eluded Bussert while at Ball State. He's consistently played in the Cardinals lineup between No. 3 and No. 6 singles. He said he fondly remembers winning the clinching match in the Mid-American Conference semifinals as a freshman. The win placed him on the All-MAC Tournament Team.
Bussert's academics will remain important in his final year as an undergraduate, but Bussert said he wants to enjoy the last stages of his playing career.
"It's been a sobering experience, and it's gone by quick," Bussert said. "I'm definitely trying to savor every last bit with the guys. Hopefully I'll have one last experience with them — winning the MAC championship."
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