Balancing the demands of a college athlete and an academic scholar is no easy feat, but Atreonia Garner manages it with grace and determination. What better time than Black History Month to highlight and celebrate an outstanding HBCU athlete? A sophomore at Clark Atlanta University, Garner takes immense pride in her commitments both on and off the court. She plays small forward and shooting guard. Her basketball journey began in seventh grade inspired by watching her older brother play. While the sport wasn’t originally her dream, she quickly discovered her natural talent and has dedicated herself to the game ever since.
During basketball season, Garner’s schedule is packed. Her day typically starts with weight training from 8:30 to 9:30 am., followed by classes, then a rigorous 2–3-hour practice, and sometimes additional coursework afterwards. As a biology major, her workload is intense, requiring her to juggle a demanding academic and athletic routine. In the off- season, her schedule lightens slightly, but she’s still required to attend practice 2-3 times a week to stay in top condition.
Managing school, practice, games, and studying can be overwhelming, but Garner stays on top of her responsibilities through careful planning. She keeps a calendar in her room on her wall to track her daily tasks and sets daily phone reminders to stay on schedule. One of her biggest challenges is finding time to eat amidst her hectic routine, so she relies on protein shakes and fruit bowls as quick, nutritious options when she’s unable to sit down for a full meal.
Originally from Washington State, Garner is deeply family- oriented. However, she felt the need to step outside her comfort zone and move to Atlanta for college, believing the experience would foster her personal growth. Garner is aware and understands that being a student athlete comes with its challenges, and at times, the demands of her schedule can feel overwhelming. To maintain structure and prioritize her well- being, she practices self- care by listening to podcasts, tuning into church services, going on walks, and talking on the phone to her mom and sister.
Her commitment to basketball has required countless sacrifices and adjustments. For instance, during midterms week, the team will be on the road for the entire week, meaning she and her teammates must take their exams a week early causing her to have to be extra prepared and focused. Socially, Garner acknowledges that she has had to miss out on many college events and experiences to prioritize her education and athletic responsibilities, especially as a scholarship athlete. Yet, she remains focused on the bigger picture, aiming to leave a lasting impact. She is incredibly grateful for her friends and support system, who understand her commitments and continue to uplift and encourage her along the way.
Garner describes her professors and coaches as incredibly supportive in helping student athletes balance out their athletics and academics. To stay on top of their responsibilities, the team proactively shares their schedules with professors in advance, ensuring that faculty are always aware of their commitments. This open communication makes it easier to arrange any necessary accommodations should conflict arise. She also emphasizes the importance of attending office hours to avoid falling behind academically. When it comes to coaching, Garner sees her coaches as more than just a coach on the court, they serve as life coaches as well. They consistently advocate for their players, recognizing the importance of mental health. If an athlete needs a mental health day, they are given the space needed to recharge. Garner expresses deep gratitude for this level of support at Clark Atlanta University.
For high school athletes transitioning into college, she stresses the importance of organization and building a strong support system. “Using some sort of planner and physically writing things down that you have to do is the best way to stay on track”, she advises. She also encourages athletes to seek out someone they can talk to on difficult days, reminding them that feeling overwhelmed is normal. She strongly warns against bottling up emotions, as that can lead to burnout and breakdowns.
Garner looks up to her family as her greatest role models and takes lessons from both their successes and setbacks. As the youngest of five, she believes she had the unique advantage of learning from her siblings’ experiences, helping her avoid the same mistakes. When it comes to basketball, she admires Lebron James for his all-around excellence as a player on the court and sees a reflection of herself in A’ja Wilson’s style of play. Looking ahead, Garner is open to the possibility of playing overseas, but ultimately wants to leave that decision in God’s hands. No matter what the future holds, she feels incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. Her ultimate dream, however, is to attend medical school and become a physician assistant.
One of the biggest misconceptions Garner wishes more people understood about student- athletes is the idea of “special privilege”. She explains that while many assume athletes receive advantages simply because they play a sport, few recognize the immense dedication and sacrifices required. The demanding schedules, the physical and mental exhaustion, and the pressure to balance academics with athletics often goes unnoticed. “People expect athletes to always be in motion, but we’re not machines”, Garner says. “Our mental health is just as important as our physical well- being.
As Garner reflects on her journey that’s still being written, she remains grateful for the lessons, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped her both on and off the court. With faith as her foundation, and an unwavering amount of support, she is determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes her way. No matter where life takes her, one thing is certain: Garner’s resilience, passion, and commitment to growth will continue to guide her toward success.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Atreonia Garner
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