At St. Ambrose University, student-athletes juggle long practices, late-night bus rides and thorough coursework. For athletes like Carri Hungate ‘28 and Emmanuel Howard ‘28, balancing academics and athletics has become a test of discipline and resilience, while also receiving support from the community around them.
Hungate, an exercise science major on the pre-physical therapy track, plays both basketball and volleyball. She said her decision to attend St. Ambrose was rooted in both academics and athletics.
“Being close to home was a big factor, as well as the highly recommended physical therapy program,” Hungate said. “At Ambrose, I get the opportunity to play both sports. Who could say no to that?”
Howard, an industrial engineering major and football player, was drawn in by the familiar atmosphere and faith-based community.
“The campus was just beautiful,” Howard said. “All the people walking around, how close-knit it was. Of course, football was important because I loved it growing up in high school. St. Ambrose gave me an opportunity to continue to play.”
Finding Balance
A typical day for these athletes starts early and ends late. Hungate carefully structures her class schedule to maximize study time between practices.
“One of the best strategies that I’ve come up with is doing your homework on the bus,” Hungate said. “Bring that tablet, bring that laptop, and then try and make up for lost time.”
Howard’s days begin before sunrise.
“This morning, I woke up at around 5:15 because we have 6 a.m. lifting,” he said. “It’s tiring, but it’s something you have to endure. After practice, you study, you get in the ice bath, and then you rest your body. Do it again, rinse and repeat pretty much every day.”
Both athletes agree that time management is key. Hungate relies on her planner and prioritizes schoolwork over athletics when necessary.
Howard uses study sessions at the library to stay on track.
“If I have, say, a two-hour break, I go straight to the library,” he said. “If I end up going to the residence hall, I might not get anything done. So I go straight to the library, get two hours of study time in, do some homework and get that done there.”
Campus Resources
St. Ambrose provides a range of resources to help student-athletes succeed academically, from tutoring to mandatory study hall hours. Both Hungate and Howard highlighted the Student Success Center as a cornerstone of their support system.
“That’s definitely a good quiet place to go study, and they provide access to tutors,” Hungate said. “I’ve used tutors a couple times. They can help if you’re struggling in a class. It’s free, and the tutors here are awesome.”
Howard pointed to one resource in particular.
“The biggest thing for me has been Math Lab,” he said. “I cannot tell you how many times I went to Math Lab on Tuesdays and Wednesdays getting ready for an exam on Thursday. They really take their time with you if you’re not understanding, and they’ll even stay a couple extra 15 minutes if you really don’t get it.”
Professors and coaches also play a key role in ensuring student-athletes can succeed in both arenas.
“Professors, in my experience, have always been super accommodating,” Hungate said. “As long as you email and stay in contact with them, they’ve been very supportive and understanding.”
Howard echoed that support.
“My professors have accommodated me many times,” Howard said. “As long as you do the work, you’ll be alright.”
Lessons for Life
Balancing athletics and academics has not only tested these students’ endurance but also prepared them for life beyond college. Hungate’s biggest piece of advice to any prospective student-athlete is to believe in yourself.
“You can do it,” Hungate said. “It feels like a lot, but you can get through it. You’re going to get out of it what you put into it.”
Howard said his biggest takeaway has been resilience.
“I learned that I have a strong resilience,” he said. “I can adapt well to many different situations, and when I’m in a hard situation, I have the resilience to continue to push through.”
Their advice to incoming student-athletes is straightforward: seek support and stay ahead.
“Ask for help,” Hungate said. “Lean on other people. The environment at Ambrose is insanely supportive,” Howard agreed.
“Get ahead, because if you get behind, you’re never going to catch up,” he said. “Make sure you keep up with your deadlines.”
For Hungate and Howard, success at St. Ambrose isn’t just about what happens on the court or the field – it's about growth, determination and the community that helps them thrive.
