Being a student athlete means balancing the demands of both academics and sports. Every day starts early, with waking up for school and going to practice right after school or even on the weekends waking up early to go to practice. Time management becomes essential, as a student athlete having to keep up with school work, making it to practice on time, eat a good meal, shower, do homework and go to bed at a reasonable time. 

The life of a student athlete involves discipline and commitment. We learn valuable skills like teamwork, leadership, and perseverance that extend beyond the field or court. Despite the busy schedule, many student athletes find support through coaches, teammates, and school resources, helping us stay motivated and succeed both academically and athletically. Although to get playing time you still have to be passing all of your classes or you’ll get academic probation. Which will not allow you to play the sport till you get your grades up. 

Although it can be difficult to juggle everything, the experience builds character and perseverance. It helps student athletes be prepared for future challenges. The friendships formed and lost, lessons learned, and the achievements earned make the life of a student athlete unique and fulfilling. A junior volleyball player, Kacie Tanner, states “Trying to stay on top of everything and having all my work in on time. But once you get used to it becomes a new normal”. A senior cheerleader, Addyson Pendock explains “It’s not too bad with balancing between sports and school it’s really when people work like I do. I don’t really have time for anything else but I manage and I adjust quickly.”

Even though student athletes require time management they adjust quickly to continue the activities they love to do.