High school is a time filled with growth, opportunities, and occasionally, stress. For many student-athletes, managing academics and sports can be overwhelming. Dealing with homework, games, practices, studying for tests; finding a balance is necessary but can be challenging. Any student-athlete can agree that after a long day of school and sports, the last thing you want to do is face a mountain of homework; this is when time management becomes key. Planning out each day and creating a schedule can turn never ending assignments into manageable tasks.
“Students can get their work done during the day so that way they can focus on sports after school and not stress as much about homework,” said Mr. CJ Zimmerman, Fine Arts Teacher. The new Lion Period gives students extra time to catch up on homework or get ahead on upcoming assignments.
Lilly Longmeyer, a student-athlete, shared how being involved in both sports and school helped her grow, “Being a student-athlete has taught me how to balance important things in my life which is school and dance. Learning to prioritize both has made me more disciplined.”
Juliette Sheldon agreed, adding that her experience helped her develop valuable life skills, “Playing sports while keeping up with school taught me how to manage my time wisely. I’ve learned how to stay organized so I don’t feel as stressed when things get busy.”
Having support from teachers, coaches, and teammates can make a complete difference. Coaches are always reminding their players that academic success is just as significant as athletic success. Teachers can be understanding when you get home from a game at 11 p.m. and need an extension on a project. Teammates are always there to help motivate and cheer on your wins, both on the field and in the classroom. Student-athletes also learn that prioritizing is another big piece in the puzzle. Having a few hours of focused studying can be more effective than hours of distracted effort. By using downtime on the bus to review flashcards or studying between games, busy days become more manageable and less stressful. Balancing school with sports isn’t easy, but it teaches skills you can’t get in a classroom alone. With some discipline and consistent effort, student-athletes can achieve success in the classroom and not just on the scoreboard. By planning ahead and leaning on support from teachers or teammates, student-athletes can transform the ongoing challenge of balancing academics and athletics into a rewarding experience. Over time, these experiences help them prepare for challenges beyond high school, giving them habits and skills that will last a lifetime.
