Inside the daily grind of PSU student-athletes

Most people see Portland State student-athletes when they're locked in on the field or court. They see the big plays, the final scores and the celebrations. But the real grind happens in the in-between moments.

"The early mornings, late nights, and constantly switching mindsets from practice and mental game training to class and meetings," says Anna Jardin, a junior pitcher for the softball team and a student in The School of Business. "The discipline that happens when people aren't looking is what makes everything else possible."

That discipline is the common thread uniting Viking student-athletes, regardless of the sport they play or the degree they're pursuing.

Ahead of a co-sponsored basketball game on Feb. 2, three student-athletes - representing The School of Business, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Maseeh College of Engineering & Computer Science - share how they balance academics, athletics and the discipline required to succeed in both.

Anna Jardin | The School of Business

Sport: Softball
Major: Business Management and Leadership

Jardin says it's a balancing act to show up fully in both the classroom and on the field, but one she thrives in thanks to structure and accountability.

"I plan my weeks intentionally and treat school as a part of my training and commitment to myself and the team," she says. "Staying organized allows me to give full effort to both without feeling too overwhelmed."

She aspires to a career in collegiate athletics, with goals of becoming an athletic director or supporting student-athlete development.

Her classes are helping her better understand how organizations run and how leaders build strong cultures. But she also credits PSU's softball program with leading by example.

"Our program is big on growing off the field and softball being an outlet for that," she says. "We learn how to grow our gratitude for others, our public speaking and communication skills all through consistent action."

Her advice to future Viking athletes: "Don't be afraid to ask questions and use the resources around you. Build relationships early, stay organized, and remember that balance doesn't mean being perfect or at your 100% every day - it means showing up consistently."

Ava Blascziek | College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Sport: Volleyball
Major: Psychology

For senior setter Ava Blascziek, the jump to collegiate play required a shift in mental discipline. Beyond the physical demands, she found that college requires athletes to cultivate their own social circles and independent lives for the first time.

"Learning how to balance my passion for my sport, education and work in a way that is fulfilling instead of draining is something that has taken a lot of time, trial and error," she says. "It's something I'm still continually working on."

Blascziek approaches both her sport and academics with a growth mindset. In the gym, she looks for new challenges and skills to improve. In school, she seeks out courses that she's genuinely curious about.

"Learning to manage my responsibilities in a way that works for me, and accepting that that is not going to look the same for every person," she says.

She's grateful for what volleyball has given her - a space for self-discovery, resilience and preparation for what comes next, whether that's graduate school, playing professionally overseas or taking a break from the sport altogether.

Blascziek initially entered college as an undecided major but found her path after a freshman psychology course.

"I remembered why I wanted to coach - to help athletes with their mental health like coaches had helped me in the past," she says. "I want to help athletes not only be good in their sport, but happy with their sport and what it adds to their life."

Her advice to future Viking athletes: "Be patient with yourself and your experience! Cultivating a social network that sustains you takes time. Learning to be comfortable with your team, staff and the hours that are put into your sport takes time. Learning how to manage all of the aspects of your life in a way that doesn't leave you drained takes time. Be patient, realize that the first couple months of your experience do not determine what your experience will look like in a year's time."

Josephine DeLine | Maseeh College of Engineering & Computer Science

Sport: Soccer
Major: Electrical Engineering

Junior defender Josephine DeLine describes the grind as the challenge of straddling multiple communities and meeting the unique expectations of each.

"It's showing up and putting in the work even when you're exhausted," she says.

Her secret to managing the workload of an engineering student is a strict schedule, balanced with knowing when to rest to avoid burnout.

Soccer has served as a training ground for teaching her to trust her instincts.

"It's important to believe in yourself and take a leap of faith even when you're unsure," she says.

DeLine is working toward a future career in power engineering and the power grid.

"Helping improve the systems that power our everyday lives is something I'm passionate about," she says.

Her advice to future Viking athletes: "It's okay if your path doesn't look the same as you expected. Just go with it and enjoy the journey."

Rapid-Fire

Pre-game ritual

• Jardin: Alani, hair done, lots of smiles
• Blascziek: Every year, I pick a new song to listen to before every game. This year, it was Chromakopia by Tyler the Creator.
• DeLine: Jamming out with my teammates

Toughest part of training

• Jardin: The mental side. Staying locked in every day, even when you're tired.
• Blascziek: Learning that mistakes are a part of learning, and responding in a way that serves me.
• DeLine: The warm-up

Sporting hero

• Jardin: Josh Allen for his leadership and constant improvement
• Blascziek: Micah Christenson - the GOAT of setting in volleyball
• DeLine: Becky Sauerbrunn

Game-day fit

• Jardin: Comfy Portland State gear, clean and simple
• Blascziek: I usually like to stay comfy, so probably a sweat suit!
• DeLine: Sweats and a hoodie - comfy clothes

If you have two hours of total free time, where on campus would we find you?

• Jardin: Versa for a burrito and in Stott doing homework
• Blascziek: On the rooftop of FMH - the view is awesome.
• DeLine: Napping in the locker room

In one word, what does it mean to be a PSU Viking?

• Jardin: Resilient
• Blascziek: Proud!
• DeLine: Family

The PSU community is invited to celebrate these student-athletes and many others at the upcoming men's basketball game on Monday, Feb. 2 at the Viking Pavilion. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. with a special on-court halftime recognition.