Some student-athletes have a hard time trying to balance their athletics and academics at the same time, showing their dedication and strategies for success.
With winter coming around, many student-athletes are participating in upcoming sports such as soccer, basketball, snowboarding, skiing and wrestling.
This can be a hard time for some athletes because they might not be capable of being successful academically and in athletics at the same time. It can also be hard for students that play multiple sports and can’t keep up with social schedules.
Joey Wilkie, a student-athlete understands how hard it is to be juggling around school sports, school work and social life.
“It can be hard but just stay on top of your schoolwork and stay on task,” said Wilkie.
There are many benefits of being a student-athlete such as developing leadership skills and a successful mindset, gaining responsibility, and meeting new people.
Although there are students that have a difficult time juggling their multiping responsibilities it is possible for students to make it work.
“I’ve learned to delegate responsibilities and make priorities. I have also learned retention of listening to information, soaking it in and applying it to the task I’m doing,” said sophomore Gavin Otis.
“I learned how to put my personal stuff aside and do what’s best for the whole group and not just for myself,” added Owen Alcala.
Having a coach who understands that students have a busy school schedule can help students be successful. Coaches can help balance practice times and school; this helps student-athletes not feel overwhelmed.
CC Maxwell knows firsthand on having a supportive coach who knows how hard it can be to be a student-athlete.
“Our coach lets the girls who are academically struggling get their work done during practice, she prioritizes our school work over her team,” stated Maxwell.
Playing a sport can keep a student athlete’s mind off of daily problems, it can give students a chance to focus on something positive other than stressing and worrying about things. It’s a way to be in their own mindset while doing something they love.
“The joy of sports distracts me from everything else like school and home,” said Mareli Gomez.
“Sports keep me busy well taking my mind off all the negative things going on around me,” said Owen Alcala
Mental health can have a heavy affect on student athletes leaving them drained and not being able to do their schoolwork. Mental health can put athletes in anxiety making them feel like they are under intense pressure.
“Mental health can definitely affect a student athlete, sports can be draining and can leave us no time for family time and hanging out with friends,” stated Hudson Swain
Some student athletes have strict eating habits that lead them to having an eating disorder. This can be caused by feeling dissatisfied about their physical appearance or athletic pressure.
“Eating disorders leave many student athletes to fuel themselves less, which can make them too weak to play their sport mentally and physically. It also affects things outside of sports, such as less energy for social interactions and can make them think negatively about themselves,” said Mia D’Aquila.