From High School Hustle to College Football - An Interview with Student-Athlete Will Hook

I had a chance to speak with Will Hook, a college football player and communications major at the College of Idaho. Will shared his journey from starting football in high school to playing at the collegiate level, offering a real and relatable perspective for student-athletes like us. He talked about how he began taking football seriously in his junior and senior years and what a typical weekday looks like now with morning lifts, classes, team meetings, practice, and late-night study sessions. Will also emphasized the importance of commitment, motivation, and staying disciplined both on the field and in the classroom. We discussed the reality of juggling academics and athletics, how the pandemic impacted his path, and how social media played a key role in the recruiting process. In this week's post I share his insights, which are full of honesty and experience, and I hope they’ll inspire other student-athletes planning their own path to college sports.

Getting to Know Will

Thea: Will, can you tell us your name, which university you attend, and what you’re studying?

Will: Yeah, my name is Will Hook, and I currently attend the College of Idaho. I’m pursuing a degree in Communications.

Thea: What level of football do you play at the College of Idaho?

Will: We compete in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).

Thea: When did you start playing football, and when did you start taking it seriously?

Will: I started playing football in high school as a sophomore, so I was about 15. Growing up, I always had a football in hand, playing catch with my brother and friends at the park. I started taking it seriously at the end of my junior year, and by my senior year, I knew I wanted to pursue college football.

A Day in the Life of a College Football Player

Thea: What does a typical weekday look like for you, balancing school and football?

Will: During the season, we lift weights in the morning three times a week. I have classes throughout the day, and from 11–12 PM we have football meetings where we go over our game plan and film. Practice runs from 4–6 PM, and after dinner, I study or do homework until about 10 PM.

Thea: How does your university support student-athletes academically?

Will: We get a lot of support. Professors understand the demands on student-athletes and are really responsive. There are tutoring centers on campus, and we also form group study sessions with teammates. It makes a big difference.

Thea: Have you had to make sacrifices to balance both academics and sports?

Will: Definitely. Some teammates had to change majors because their course schedules conflicted with practices. Time commitment is huge, especially around holidays. I've missed family gatherings during the season. Due to the time commitment that goes into this, you end up making a lot of personal sacrifices.

Choosing Football and Staying Motivated

Thea: Did you always know football would be your main sport?

Will: No, actually! I played more basketball and baseball growing up. I thought I’d play basketball in college. But football started becoming more fun and came more naturally to me. I had a strong group of friends in football, and the team aspect pulled me in.

Thea: What was your training routine like in high school?

Will: During the season, we practiced after school, and I’d head home for dinner and homework. In my senior year, I started lifting with my dad and brother before school, and on Sundays we’d run routes and watch film together. Summers were for skill development and technical work.

Thea: Did your high school offer special academic support for athletes?

Will: Not really. We used the same tutoring resources as everyone else—math labs, staying after class, asking teachers for help. The extra academic support becomes more available in college.

Health, Nutrition & Burnout

Thea: Did you follow a nutrition plan in high school?

Will: Not really! My brother and I tried to eat healthy, but we still went to In-N-Out and Chick-fil-A. In college, I’ve had to become more intentional. My strength coach encourages healthy eating, but at the end of the day, it’s up to you. You're the one putting the food in your body. I wish I had taken it more seriously in high school, but now that I'm older, I'm kind of on track, and I can really tell the difference in how I feel in my performance.

Thea: How do you manage recovery: sleep, stretching, rest days?

Will: Rest days were tough in high school because I just wanted to keep going. Now, I prioritize them. I do a lot of ice baths and daily stretching, and I use our training facilities in college more, as well we have access to more resources in college. My high school trainer was really supportive during my high school years.

Thea: Have you ever experienced burnout?

Will: Yes, after playing at De Anza Junior College, I felt unsure about my future. My coaches helped keep me focused. In high school, I burned out on basketball, which is why I shifted to football. Playing multiple sports helped me mentally reset and kept things fun.

Recruitment & Getting Noticed

Thea: How did you get recruited? Did your school help?

Will: My coach definitely helped—he had connections with programs like San Jose State. I also posted highlights on Twitter, which is huge for football. I went to summer camps at San Jose State, Sacramento State, and Stanford. That exposure really helped.

Thea: What platforms or tools do you recommend for sharing highlights?

Will: I’d use YouTube or iMovie to create your highlight reels. Post them on whatever platform is big for your sport: football is big on Twitter. Talk to people at tournaments, reach out to coaches, and use local recruiting organizations for extra exposure.

Advice for Aspiring Student-Athletes

Thea: Looking back, what helped you the most in getting recruited?

Will: My physical build helped for my position, but grades matter too; mine could’ve been higher. And of course, performance on the field is key.

Thea: What qualities does someone need to succeed as a student-athlete?

Will: You need commitment, dedication, and motivation. Those three things kept me focused on my goals.

Thea: What’s your biggest piece of advice for high school athletes?

Will: Enjoy high school. Be present. I was always stressed about where I’d end up instead of appreciating the moment. Stay focused, but don’t forget to have fun and make memories.

Thea: And lastly, what’s one thing you wish you had known earlier?

Will: I wish I had known how much COVID would affect everything. Also, how quickly high school goes by. You'll never get to play sports with your childhood friends again. College is amazing, but it’s different, it’s more of a business. High school sports are special.

Find Your Balance

Will’s story shows what it really takes to succeed as a student-athlete: commitment, honesty, and a strong support system. From shifting sports to navigating burnout and recruiting, his journey is a reminder that no two paths are the same. As well, staying focused on what makes the journey fun is just as important as the outcome.