Timing for the soccer season is a bit unfortunate. After a summer of chilling out, working retail, or, if you're lucky, busting a move at an internship, you've got to launch right into the soccer scene. Your season goes from late August until mid-December, so you'll be kicking your way through the midterms and finals of your first semester of the year. Be prepared to practice every day, whether it's drills or conditioning or running. You need to stay on your A game on the field (and at least your B or C game in the classroom) to keep your scholarship and your position.

Just like momma did in her ninth month of carrying you, have a travel bag ready at all times. You'll be spending plenty of time on the road, so pack your headphones if you want to listen to an audiobook and have some hype songs ready to pump yourself up before the game.