Managing Balance as a Student-Athlete

How do you juggle extracurriculars, sports, and homework all at once? Many students often struggle with deciding what is most pressing. If this is you, here are some different perspectives from high school student athletes on how to manage all the things that are important to you!

Time Management

Between all of the interviews, most students brought up a key factor of managing your work: time management. Time management is someone's ability to productively use their time. Varsity field hockey player Olivia Sisson described the start of her freshman year as “hectic,” as she was still trying to figure out high school while playing varsity field hockey at the same time as high level club field hockey. “At first it was hard to deal with all that practice plus my homework,” she said. Another field hockey team member, Brennan Keneller, similarly said, “It was a lot at the start.” But the two students quickly developed strategies to manage their time such as using free periods. Keneller said, “I like to make sure to sit by myself when I arrive at school so I can finish my work before my classes.” They have both begun to see results from these strategies, allowing for a smooth adjustment into high school.

Life as a student-athlete. Village Pipol

Dealing With Distractions

Although it is necessary to socialize and relax, sometimes you want to focus. Most students described technology as a main distraction, as it is often seen as more “fun” than doing work. But when needing to focus, most students recommend putting away their phone. Student Amna Shah also recommended setting timers for yourself: “I think scheduling breaks really helps so that you don't get tired of working too quickly.”

Dealing With Stress

Dealing with so many things at once can often lead to stress. This stress can lead to later issues such as headaches and anxiety, so it's crucial to find ways to manage it. Multi-sport athlete Natallie McIntosh said her stress levels vary depending on what is happening in her life. Sometimes she described herself as being “stressless” while other times she felt “as if the stress came from nowhere.” When this stress occurs, she partakes in calming activities such as breathing exercises, meditation, and stretching. She described her strategy as a “personal game changer,” as it allows her to feel more relieved and gain a clear mind. The CDC also recommends meditation and breathing as a way to alleviate stress and improve your emotional well-being. Varsity lacrosse player Pilar Lynch also said, “I personally enjoy reading books or listening to podcasts in order to give myself breaks. It's always good to take breaks by doing something you really enjoy.”

Girls studying together. Freerange Stock

Utilizing All of Your Tools

Lastly, it is important to use all the tools you can in order to assure success in both academics and athletics. Throughout all my interviews, most students highlighted the importance of turning to coaches and teachers for assistance. One student had to miss school for a tournament, and when they returned made sure to find a time to review what they had missed and stay on track. Shah explained the importance of having friends in your classes, as you can always look at a friend's notes and have them help with some of the content. “Your teacher isn’t always available, so I never forget to ask for help from other classmates,” she said.

If you are a student-athlete looking for guidance to manage your commitments, turn to these other student perspectives for some personal strategies towards success.