The dedication that comes with being a student athlete does not end when spring break begins.

While many college students will be spending spring break with their toes in the sand and soaking up the sun, student athletes have other plans as they will be playing games and training throughout the break instead.

With the second half of the season approaching, spring sports teams will be trying to close out the season strong.

“Our spring athletes are used to playing and practicing that week so it’s nothing new to them,” said Athletic Director Mark Linder.

Athletes are willing to sacrifice going to the beach with their friends because of their passion of their respective sport. Competing and being around their teammates will be the fun they will experience during the break, said softball player Amy Carden.

“I haven’t had a spring break since probably eighth grade,” Carden said. “You’re used to it, and that’s just part of it.

“When you travel or play at home during spring break, that’s your vacation you have to make the best of it.”

Carden said it can be tough for athletes to focus on their games that week when they hear how much fun their friends may be having during the break via text message or social media websites.

“There are problems because of course with social media you see all your friends going to the beach or doing whatever,” Carden said.

Softball coach Ashley Cozart said her players know coming into college they do not have a spring break. She said the players probably do not even know what one is, period.

Spring break, then, will be a busy week for UNA Athletics.

The softball team has a double-header against Ohio Dominican in Columbus and the baseball team will have a home date with Trevecca Nazarene during the middle of the break. The golf team will host the Jim Bishop Spring Classic. The men’s and women’s tennis team will have two matches away from home during the week.

Although UNA Athletics cannot require the fall athletes to train during spring break, most of them will still do some sort of training in order to stay in shape.

“We start workouts in January and then don’t get a break until spring break,” said football player Taylor Carney. “I still always try to do something during that week though.”

The football team starts spring practice earlier than most schools so they can play the spring game before spring break. The team will then start workouts again after the break and continue them until exams start.