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University of New Haven track and field student-athlete Hollisa Liburd ’27 shares how she balances Division I competition, academics, training, and life beyond athletics while pursuing her degree in history.

Being a Division I athlete requires more than just showing up for practice and competing. Hollisa Liburd ’27, that means balancing a busy schedule of practices, lifting, classes, studying, and taking care of her body, all while making time for her personal life.

Hollisa is a from Torrington, CT, and she is a long sprinter for the University of New Haven where she competes in the 200m and 400m. As she enters her fourth year as a student athlete, her experience has taught her how to manage the demands that come with competing at the Division I level while pursuing her degree.

Hollisa’s interest in track and field began when she was younger. “Growing up, I was always the fastest kid in the neighborhood, and my parents realized I had a lot of energy. As soon as the opportunity presented itself in middle school, I started track and field.”

Her track and field journey eventually brought her to the Division I level here at the University.  “I was reached out to by ,” she said. “I decided to take the chance to better myself and have something positive in my college experience to one day look back on.”

‘I always make time for things that are non-athletics related’

A typical day for Hollisa is filled with different responsibilities. “Very busy, but also very fulfilling and productive.” She is up at 8:30 a.m. for 9:30 practice and then heads straight to 11 a.m. lifting. From there, she goes to her classes for the day while snacking in between. After classes, she makes time to do her work and takes care of her body to prepare for the next day.

With having such a busy schedule, staying organized is an important part of managing her responsibilities. “It may not sound complex and difficult, but it comes easier than people may think,” she said. “I have developed a lot of self-discipline and time management skills and I always ensure that I make time for things that are non-athletics related. I have a calendar, planner, and notes consistently keeping me on track.”

Along with managing her schedule, Hollisa also has access to resources that support her as a student athlete. When asked about one thing students who aren’t DI athletes may not realize, Hollisa replied, “I think that people aren’t aware of just how many amazing resources we have access to. We have a whole team of coaches, staff, and trainers who are willing to help and connect us with various tools that allow us to be successful.”

In addition to this, Hollisa mentioned that a memorable moment with the University’s track and field team took place during her sophomore year outdoor season. Her coach entered her in the first 400m of her career, which made her nervous because, up until then, she was a short sprinter who never went above 200m. “I ended up winning my heat with a time of 67 seconds,” she said. “Ever since that meet, I’ve been in the 400m, and my time has decreased each race. I even qualified for our conference championships that season in the 400m, and that was shocking.”

‘The thought of how far I have made it keeps me going’

Preparing for a competition is another important aspect of her routine. “I make sure to fuel and rest my body as best as I can,” she said. “Proper sleep before competition is especially important.”

On the day of a competition, she listens to energetic music or gospel to get herself in the right headspace. She also thinks of her family and prays to get through it to the best of her ability. Even during difficult practices or stressful weeks, Hollisa finds motivation in how far she has come. “The thought of how far I have made it keeps me going,” she said. I never dreamt of being a collegiate athlete and, as stressed as I can be at times, I am still very blessed to have this experience be a part of my life.”

Looking back at to her first year, Hollisa said, “I would tell myself to trust the training and stick with it. Don’t beat yourself up if you feel like you’re not doing right. Be patient and find your footing.”

After four years as a student athlete, Hollisa hopes that others understand that being a DI athlete is about more than the competition itself. “Being a DI athlete is not always easy, but that is also what makes it such an amazing thing,” she said. “The development and maturity you get from it is beyond this world. Also, being a part of a team means built in best friends.”