Being a student-athlete can be stressful and daunting. While in season, athletes are expected to maintain a strong performance both in the classroom and in their sport. Being a student-athlete can be comparable to living two lives at once. The drive to play a sport, especially a high school sport, can be intriguing, but also very stressful. In general, high school sports at any level can be very demanding and a big commitment. Athletes are expected to either practice or compete in games six days a week. Athletics are both a big physical and time commitment, which can lead to stress. In fact, according to the National Library of Medicine, about 91% of student-athletes in high school feel stressed and overwhelmed. However, with the correct approach, it can be possible to excel in both aspects.
The key to managing sports and school is a sustainable schedule. Many athletes rely on planners or digital calendars to navigate their busy schedules and know when they will study, practice and rest. By breaking assignments into smaller pieces, athletes are able to gradually finish their work without getting overwhelmed by a big task to complete in one time block. By sticking to a clear and specific schedule, student-athletes are able to stay organized, reduce stress and succeed.
Teachers and coaches also play a major part in helping student-athletes stay steady and afloat. Clear communication is an essential skill for being a student-athlete. Letting teachers know about early dismissals in advance, asking for make-up work and planning ahead for game day by getting all your work done before, are essential. Communication is often what separates those who fall behind and those who excel when it comes to managing sports and academics. Coaches encourage athletes to speak up when academics need priority and schools often promote academics first, athletics second. However, the responsibility falls on the student to advocate for themselves. During the season, athletes are expected to maintain passing grades; if a student is not successful in the classroom they are not allowed to participate in athletics. If an athlete is struggling with time management and maintaining their grades, it is their responsibility to communicate to both their teachers and coaches and receive help.
One of the most important factors to success is to prioritize yourself. Sleep and nutrition are some of the most important things in both athletics and school. Your body cannot survive without proper self care. According to Mayo Clinic, male and female athletes aged 15-23+ years old need 8–10 hours of quality sleep per night. Without proper sleep, your body won’t be able to recover and regenerate for the next day. Sufficient sleep has also been proven to improve reaction time and endurance and prevent injuries. Along with sleep, nutrition is just as important. Athletes should focus on nutrient dense foods such as carbohydrates, lean proteins and healthy fats. Fueling your body with the proper nutrition it needs will also help you sustain your best performances in both aspects. In sports, what you eat helps you fuel for high intensity training, optimize your athletic performance and ensure healthy growth. In the classroom, consistent nutrition intake will help improve focus and concentration in the classroom.
Being a student-athlete can be difficult and challenging; however, it builds resilience, discipline and responsibility. By sticking to a schedule, communicating with teachers and coaches and prioritizing proper sleep and nutrition, student-athletes can succeed inside and outside the classroom. While balancing both roles can feel stressful and overwhelming, it ultimately prepares a student for their future lives by teaching young athletes how to manage time, have leadership skills and have responsibility.
