During the academic school year, student-athletes at the University of Washington juggle hours of practice and a full class load. Summer training is less rigorous, but athletes are still pressured to keep up a workout regimen.

Athletes are not permitted to formally practice in the summer but may voluntarily work out, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Summer practices allow student athletes more flexibility, as there is no formal training schedule. Workouts may be labeled as voluntary, but some student athletes feel obligated to attend practices during their off-season.

“They call it voluntary, but if we’re not there the coaches will know,” said Sara Mosiman, a guard on the Washington women’s basketball team. “We call it ‘volandatory.’ We’re not forced to go, but it will definitely affect us.”

Although coaches cannot mandate summer workouts, they can reserve facilities so that athletes have a place to practice, as well as arrange for strength and conditioning coaches to supervise weight lifting sessions.

Coaches are not allowed to reward or penalize student athletes during the summer or take official attendance, according to NCAA regulations.

“The rules provide for a lot of freedom during the summer, but the whole phenomenon is tough,” said John Morris, senior associate athletic director for compliance and student development. “Some [student-athletes] want to practice for the love of the game. Some are compelled to do it to stay in shape. Some don’t feel like they have a choice, but they do.”

Optional summer practices are considerably lighter than during the year but vary between sports. It is common for the football team to be limited to about eight hours a week of conducted practices, held from 7 to 9 a.m. After a break of a few hours, the team can choose to continue training or play pickup games.

In other sports such as tennis or golf, the athlete can request to be watched by the coach.

The more relaxed summer schedule gives student-athletes increased time for activities that are otherwise not allowed during the school year, such as a job or an internship.

“I personally think summer is 100 times easier than it is during the season,” Mosiman said. “Summer is the only time we can have a job and be like a normal person.”

Many student-athletes are able to participate in more community activities because of the extra time afforded by a more relaxed practice schedule.

Matt Mosley, cornerback for the Husky football team, takes advantage of the summer training schedule by interning at John L. Scott, a real estate firm, and coaching at Christian youth football camps in addition to attending voluntary practice.

“We’re always working out and on an intense schedule,” Mosley said. “It definitely takes a toll on you. But only in the summertime can you have jobs or flexible hours. I just want to show that college football players don’t just play football. We also try to help our community.”