Day in the Life: Marissa Topolski

Sport: Women’s soccer
Hometown: Mount Laurel, N.J.
College: McMurtry
Major: Cognitive sciences with a business minor
Coach: Nicky Adams 

Whether she’s traveling with the soccer team, training for a track meet or prepping for a job as an investment banker, Marissa Topolski ’19 channels drive and discipline into the student–athlete balance, achieving honors such as earning a Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Medal and being on the C-USA Academic Honor Roll since 2015. “It definitely is a full-time job being an athlete, and then having school on top of it. But looking back, I wouldn’t have done anything differently,” said Topolski.

TUESDAYS / FALL 2018

5:25 a.m.
Wake up and give roommate a ride to campus

“It wouldn’t be that hard without a 5:25 a.m. wake-up time. If we have an early practice, I’m napping at some point.”

6 a.m.
Hourlong session in the training room, getting ankles taped or other treatment

7 a.m.
Practice with the team and coach Nicky Adams

8:30 a.m.
Weights, followed by a quick shower

10 a.m.
Study and do homework at Fondren or the locker room

I have an awesome schedule this year — I don’t have class until noon.”

Noon
Class: Shamans, Saints and Sages

“I’d never taken a religion class at Rice, but it’s honestly my favorite class.”

2:30 p.m.
Class: Philosophy of Psychology

6:30 p.m.
Dinner at home — meal prep is key

8 p.m.
Homework

Midnight
Bedtime

“If I get to bed by midnight, that was a job well done. I won’t stay up any later than 1 a.m. if I have practice.”

Photo by Maria Lysaker