For most students, winter break is that final destination to look forward to, a reward after a long semester of hard work. Finally, we get an absence from classes, projects and cafeteria food, all to be replaced by your own warm bed in your own room, old friends, and mom and dad’s home cooking. After that last final, students get to go back to their comfort zones. But for some, the trip home is as short-lived as the Tennessee Lady Vols’ 2009 NCAA tournament run.

Junior forward Jenna Galloway calls for the ball in a game against San Diego. Jennifer Hilderbrand / The Lumberjack

Many students tend to leave the routine doctor, dentist and hair appointments (Yes, I said hair. I think half my team came back with a new hairdo or color) for winter break. At home, there’s about a month to schedule check-ups, semi-yearly teeth cleanings and haircuts. Throw in additional holiday shopping, evenings with friends and family bonding, and it’s have one busy month. But what if the break in only four days?

NAU’s swim and dive team had about seven days. Men’s basketball had only five days. My teammates and I had less than four days. We arrived in our hometowns Dec. 22 and were due back for practice Dec. 26.

While I was home, my day was scheduled to the minute, but I found there really wasn’t a moment of boredom. It never seems like enough time to do everything I want or need to do, but I’ve become used to having my break last four to five days.

So how do student athletes spend the rest of winter break? For the remaining 27-odd days, student athletes do what they’re on scholarship to do: practice and play their sports. Over winter break, student athletes have total access to practice facilities, more time for weight training and unlimited hours to practice. When school is not in session, the NCAA does not have a countable hour rule.

In other words, coaches can work with athletes for as long as they need. This includes film, weights, conditioning, actual practice and games. Practices, weight training and film are scheduled, but if practice runs over the allotted time, there’s no penalty administered to coaches from the NCAA.

However, without making it sound like we’re a bunch of farm-raised animals, coaches are responsible for feeding their athletes. Because food services are closed over break on NAU’s campus, the NCAA allows schools to provide meals or money for food to athletes. Budgets for food differ between institutions based on budgets, but at NAU coaches can provide three meals a day or the equivalent amount of money. Sandwiches and pizza are a few of my team’s favorites, but there’s no way restaurant food can compare to my mom’s holiday ribs.

For me, winter break is bittersweet. I have an entire month without homework, no worries about studying for a test or finishing an assignment. I feel as if I have more time — more time to spend with my teammates, more time to practice, more time to sleep. But I also have less time — less time to spend at home, less time to see my family, less time to enjoy my hometown.

Student athletes are aware of the sacrifices that need to be made to play their sports, but in all reality, who cares what you do over winter break? The best part is being free from deadlines and assignments, not having to worry about tests or grades, and spending time with the people who mean the most to you.