At the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB), every student on campus has a busy schedule, but student-athletes live in a completely different world. Between practices, classes, and work, their days fill up fast.
For UWGB senior Addyson Kleean, that balance is something she’s learned to manage over the last four years. As a member of the cheer team and a Communication major with emphases in sports communication and public relations, she’s constantly moving from one thing to the next.
Kleean’s mornings usually start earlier than most students. Some days she’s heading to class, other mornings she’s going to work at six in the morning. On top of that, she has cheer practice to prepare for game days, competitions, and events connected to the university. It creates a routine where she’s always thinking ahead, trying to stay one step ahead of her schedule. “You really don’t have a lot of downtime,” Kleean said. “If you’re not in class, you’re getting ready for practice or trying to catch up on school.”
Being part of the cheer team means she’s involved a lot on campus. Home basketball games, campus events, and competitions all fall into her schedule. That also means late nights, travel, and staying motivated even when she wants to go to bed. Still, she always brings energy because that’s part of what her job requires. She knows the team sets the tone in the arena, and she takes pride in helping create that environment.
On top of athletics, Kleean works while taking a full load of communication courses. Majoring in Communication with emphases in sports and PR adds even more to her already busy schedule. A lot of her coursework involves writing, group projects, and staying on top of deadlines. That kind of workload forces her to stay organized, even on days when she walks into the Kress Center running on low sleep and a lot of caffeine. “Communication classes can pile up fast,” she said. “There’s always something due, so I try to get homework done whenever I can.”
Despite the long days, Kleean says being a student-athlete has helped her grow. It’s taught her time management, responsibility, and how to handle pressure. She’s learned to communicate, stay organized, and show up even on days when she doesn’t feel like it. Those are skills she knows will help her in sports communication and PR after graduation. “It gets overwhelming sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade it,” Kleean said. “Cheer has given me so much, especially the people.”
Kleean is just one example of what student-athletes at UWGB deal with every day. Balancing the game isn’t just about performing at events. It’s about managing the full picture: academics, work, practices, and everything that comes with being part of a team. It’s not easy, but Kleean shows how dedication and passion can make the grind worth it.