Academics and Athletics Can Mix

Handling academics and athletics at the same time, how hard can it be? Many students join after school sports and explain the difficulties and benefits they reap from being a student athlete.

Senior, Emma Sauerbrei is apart of both varsity soccer and softball. She shares some ways she handles this. She says ” I am able to manage being a student athlete by honestly keeping track of both my school work and athletics in a planner or on my phone calendar.  It helps having both things written down so I can see where things overlap and where I, for example, might have a game, but also an assignment due at midnight.

It also helps that coaches most of the time work at our school, so most of the time they are flexible and willing to help us balance the student athlete responsibilities that we have.” being organized will help you lots. She explains the academic and life benefits you gain. “I would highly recommend joining a sport, especially your freshman year, because it helps you become a part of Greenway’s community. You can make friends you never thought you would, which makes your transition into high school ten times better. Also being in sports can positively affect your grades. Every sport makes sure that you are passing your classes in order to play, so most athletes have good grades and high GPAs.” being in sports gives you both physical and academic advantages.

Junior, Dylan Marquez is in cross country, he explains what he has learned and gained from this. “As a student athlete, I’ve learned that strong time management and discipline are essential. Since my goal is to compete at the collegiate level, I hold myself to a high standard both academically and athletically. I make it a priority to stay ahead on assignments, and I seek help whenever needed by asking questions or attending office hours. Maintaining strong grades is just as important to me as performing well in my sport. The benefits of these sports go far beyond physical fitness. They require a high level of commitment, consistency, and mental toughness.

Whether it’s training in extreme heat or pushing through difficult workouts, I’ve learned how to stay focused and disciplined even when it’s challenging. These experiences have helped me build a strong work ethic and mental resilience that I carry into every aspect of my life. ” Dylan highly recommends you join a sport because ” it helps develop not only athletic ability, but also character. Being part of a team has surrounded me with motivated individuals who share similar goals and mindsets. That environment pushes me to improve every day, both as an athlete and as a person. Through cross country and track, I’ve also had the opportunity to travel and compete across the state, as well as in California and Oregon, which has been a valuable and rewarding experience.” lastly he says “Overall, being involved in cross country and track has had a major impact on how I view myself and my goals. It has pushed me to overcome mental barriers and strive for continuous improvement. More importantly, it has helped shape me into a dedicated, goal-oriented student athlete who is always looking to grow.” Sports push you to be the best version of yourself.

Senior, Chelsea Brand is a, well accomplished, Badmiton and tennis player. She explains how she balances this with school. “It’s definitely not easy, especially on game days. I do my best on weekends to keep up with homework, but sometimes I just have to stay up late to get all of my work done. If work can get done at school, I try to finish it as soon as possible because after a practice/game, it’s harder to begin” This depicts the hardships of partaking in sports and how you can manage both by using your time wisely.

Chelsea recommends joining a sport because “It’s one of the best ways to stay in shape and make friends, and it benefits mental health as well. I’ve made some amazing friendships through sports that otherwise wouldn’t have happened. When I’m not in season, it feels so much harder to convince myself to exercise, even if I was easily practicing for two hours just a month before. I’ve also noticed that I have better focus when doing homework during the season, when compared to out of season.  Joining sports has helped boost my confidence. When I started freshman year, I didn’t think I would ever get good (I was one of the absolute worst in badminton at the time), but I’ve grown since then. It’s helped show me that no matter where I start, if I do my best, I will eventually succeed. ” Chelsea is an example of trying your hardest helps you succeed.

Senior, Maddie Banister plays both varsity basketball and s oftball. She has a slightly different view on being a student athlete.  She says ” I make sure to prioritize my academics over my sports. In my eyes “student” comes before “athlete” for a reason. This is not only because you need to have good grades to even play, but also because for most people (including me) sports won’t last forever.

It is important to keep your grades up to keep yourself on the right track for your future goals. One way I manage being a student athlete is making sure to communicate with my teachers. Whenever there is a game, tournament, or if I have any question about my grades I make sure to talk to them about it. In my experience, teachers are very understanding and are willing to help you if you just ask.” For her school sports are just additional ways to help with academics and your future.

All of these athletes are organized, have great grades, stay fit, and have great life skills, all because of school sports. They are a motivation to keep up grades, it is an easy way to make friends and gives you basic life skills you will need, and you get to experience moments you will never forget. So after all things considered, don’t retort and play a school sport.