Academics and fall sports seasons are officially in full swing, and as exciting as that is, it can definitely get challenging for our Senator athletes. With our eight fall sports teams at Freshmen, Junior Varsity, and Varsity levels, it’s safe to say that a large number of us may be feeling the stress, pressure, and difficulty that comes with this balance. I mean, how could we not? Going from a 7-hour school day and then usually a two-hour practice, we are forced to completely switch our mindsets. Oh, and let’s not forget about the packets of homework and studying we have when we get home.
However, we are known for being successful student athletes, and aside from these hardships, the other side of these two lives is feeling motivated, accomplished, and determined. We have gathered input from our previous scholar athletes on how they achieve amazing grades in the classroom while showcasing their athletic abilities.
Cate Hahn, who is a Senior on the Girls’ Cross Country team, shared with me some strategies that help her stay on top of her work while balancing varsity cross country. She said, “Google Keep has helped me immensely in staying organized and keeping track of my work, as well as personal life.” Having a calendar may seem so simple, however, it allows you to have a visual of everything you need to do, keeping track of games, practices, and time with friends and family. Cate also made sure to highlight that every person works differently, so it is always important to try a variety of approaches to see what works best for you and your schedule.
The next person I talked to is Holden LeGette, a 2-year Senior Captain on the Boys’ Cross Country team, who also runs indoor track and is on the Baseball team. Holden specifically focuses on devoting 1-2 hours after practice or a game with no distractions to have a clear mind and focus on what he has to get done. Lagette says to have “a clear understanding of the goals of each section, each week, and in every unit in each class makes your work the most efficient.” Holden appreciates the relaxation that exercise brings to the mind and body.
Lastly, Rowan Tanner is a captain of the Girls Cross Country team and has been a Captain for the Varsity Lacrosse team since her Junior year! Being in the IB Diploma program, she says, “Balancing athletics and academics has certainly been a challenge; however, I feel it has strengthened my study habits and made me a better student in general.” Rowan prioritizes being organized, which motivates her to want to get all of her work done.
Balancing school and sports is never simple, but as Cate, Holden, and Rowan show us, it is 100% possible with the right mindset and tools. Whether it’s physical things we do, such as having calendars and lists, having clear study habits, or creating a stronger mindset through discipline, any strategy can prove that being a student athlete comes with opportunities for growth. It’s important to recognize that balancing these two worlds isn’t just about being able to survive your busy schedule, but it’s about learning what allows you to thrive on and off the field, court, track, or rink, and carrying those methods with you throughout your High School seasons.
