Finding Balance
Photo Credit: Blake Patton
Being a student at a rigorous school is already hard, but finding the balance between sports and school can be an even harder challenge. Students who participate in sports are required to not only maintain academic excellence but also must shoulder the weight of advanced classes and sports as well.
Student-athletes are required to maintain a C average in all classes and must stay above a 2.0 GPA to be eligible for sports. Being able to manage eight rigorous classes while also playing sports for one of the best high schools requires more than just determination. Many skills such as time management, patience, and critical thinking are essential for these athletes to succeed in finding the balance between school and sports.
“I considered it a constant battle of trying to find a way to balance everything within my schedule,” JV basketball player Jameon Williams said. “Once I was able to find out how to stay on top of work while also managing time for sports, I was set.”
Photo Credit: Nalba West-Ramirez
Many times athletes can’t keep up with the expectations that come with being a student-athlete.
“It was definitely a challenging experience for me,” ex-baseball player Adam Lawson said. “In the end, it came down to being able to find time to study, which was hard while having practice on a daily basis”.
Coaches, however, believe that the pressure put on these student-athletes is necessary, not only to prepare them for the next level of sports, but also for college workloads.
“What’s the point of being a good athlete if you don’t have a good education,” gym coach Carver stated. “I’ve seen too many athletes who had the talent needed to take them to the next level, but lack the fundamental education needed to succeed at that level.”
Photo Credit: Michael Belcher
Being a student-athlete is not for the undetermined, but the payoff that comes with being a star athlete in the game, and a successful student in school is worth it.
“Being a student-athlete has its challenges, but it’s very rewarding in the long run,” said track athlete Isaiah Watts. “Knowing that if sports doesn’t work out, I could always rely on my grades to help me find the college I want.”
Related Reading: