Student-Athlete Emphasis
Student athletes at high school balanced demanding sports schedules with academic responsibilities and personal commitments throughout the season. They attended classes during the day and participated in practices or games after school, and then completed homework during night, according to interviews with students, parents and teachers.
One student athlete said long practices often made it difficult to keep up with the classes and rest. The athlete said that some nights he continued with homework and studying until late because practices lasted several hours. The athlete added that sports also created pressure to perform well in both fields; sport and classes.
A Different Routine
Regular students also notice the difference in their daily routine compared to a student athlete. One student s
aid athletes often seem tired at class, especially when they are going to have a game. The student said balancing schoolwork and sport seemed difficult and not for everybody because athletes had less free and personal time than regular students.
Teachers said they tried to support student athletes whenever they had the opportunity. One teacher said flexibility with deadlines sometimes helped athletes who missed the lesson for too much pressure and fatigue because of competitions. The teacher also said participation in sports could build discipline in the students and time management skills that will benefit academically and in their future.
Parents of student athletes shared their experience and concerns about stress and sleep during the sports season. One parent said families often helped by encouraging to not give up and providing transportation to practices and games. The parent added that despite the obstacles and the consequences of being a student athlete, sports helped their kids to develop confidence and responsibility that builds with time.
Finally many student athletes said they continued participating because of responsibility, motivation and personal growth. As the season continues everyone around students athletes work with them to manage the balance between academics and athletics responsibilities while maintaining performance in both areas.
