Being a student athlete may sound fun and exciting but it definitely is not at all that easy. Here at Lake Mary there are a ton of student athletes that are successful academically. It is no easy task to juggle the demands of tough schoolwork with the dedication of intense training and competitive sports. On the other hand, being a student athlete presents a special chance for skill development, personal growth, and life changing experiences both on and off the field for those who take on the challenge.
To begin, it is important to balance academics and athletics. Make academics and athletics your top priorities if you want to succeed at both. Time management is also a very important skill. Make a schedule that accommodates study and training/practice times. Stay organized. Personally for me time management is my biggest struggle but once you get a hold of a good routine that works. Maintain keeping track of your training sessions, games, and assignments to prevent conflicts and make sure you’re prepared for anything. It is important to communicate. Maintain open lines of communication to handle tasks and expectations with your teammates, coaches, and teachers. Junior Lindsay Sheets says, “For me, staying organized and making sure I have time for schoolwork helps me get through it the best.”
Make sure to take care of your body. For peak performance and injury prevention, proper diet, hydration, and rest are crucial. For me, I like to bring a 40 oz cup of water to school everyday and make sure I drink it before the school day ends. I also like to go to sleep around 9:30 whenever I can. Set goals. To keep motivated and engaged, set both short and long term goals for your academic and athletics. Seek support. If you’re having difficulties in your academic or athletic careers, don’t be afraid to ask for help from coaches, teachers, or counselors. It is important to have support to get through any hardships you face. Just enjoy the experience. Remember to enjoy yourself and the experience of being a student athlete, it’s a special and fulfilling chance. Senior Mia Neal says, “For anyone who is having a hard time getting through this, I would suggest asking for help from coaches, teachers, parents, and even friends.”
Being a student athlete is a rewarding and challenging adventure. Student athletes may succeed in the classroom and on the field by setting priorities for their academics and athletics, using their time wisely, and asking for help when they need it. They can handle the pressures of their multiple jobs and come out stronger, more resilient, and better equipped for the chances that lie ahead if they have commitment, tenacity, and a positive mentality.
