What is a super senior?

A "super senior" typically refers to a college athlete who has exceeded the usual number of years of eligibility in their sport. This isn't a formal title, but rather a descriptive term. Here's some information about them:

• Extended Eligibility: They've played beyond the typical four years (or five in some sports with redshirting allowed). This extra time is often granted due to injury redshirts (a year where they don't compete but maintain eligibility), medical hardship waivers (due to prolonged or significant injury), or sometimes COVID-19 related waivers that were granted during the pandemic.

• Experience and Maturity: Super seniors bring a wealth of experience to their team. They've seen different coaching styles, learned from past mistakes, and developed a high level of maturity and leadership. Their presence can be invaluable to younger players.

• Academic Considerations: Sometimes, a super senior might have taken extra time to improve their academics before graduating, leading to the extra year of athletic eligibility.

• Motivation and Goals: Super seniors often have strong motivations for returning. They may be aiming for a championship, working towards specific personal goals (like improved stats or individual awards), or simply wanting to maximize their college experience and extend their athletic careers.

• Team Dynamics: Their presence can have positive and negative effects on team dynamics. While their experience is usually beneficial, it can also create competition for playing time and potentially affect the development of younger players if not managed well.

In short, a super senior is a valuable asset to a college athletics program, bringing experience, leadership, and often a strong work ethic. Their stories highlight the dedication and perseverance required to succeed at the collegiate level.