Balancing academics and athletics is one of the biggest challenges many students face today. Between early morning classes, afternoon practices, and nights filled with homework, student-athletes must learn to manage their time wisely. Success in both areas doesn’t come from talent alone; it requires organization and a strong sense of responsibility. For many, mastering time management becomes the key to maintaining good grades while continuing to do good in their sport. 

For some student-athletes balance comes more naturally. “Honestly, I have a lot of time on my hands, so it’s really not that difficult for me to ‘balance’ sports and things like that,” said Gabby Madison. This perspective highlights an important truth: while athletic seasons can be intense, finding balance often depends on personal organization and the ability to adapt when schedules change. Still, balance isn’t just about managing time; it’s also about mindset. “Do it for yourself. At the end of the day sports is something you chose to do so you’re gonna have to come up with a way to still focus on your future by putting the work in even when you don’t want to” said Lily Roth, Another student, Ngoc Lee, said “I always try my best to maintain a positive mindset, reminding myself to focus on the process of learning and growing rather than just “winning”. This attitude reflects the dedication required to excel both academically and athletically. Motivation plays a huge role in ensuring that neither schoolwork nor athletic performance suffers.

When asked about the biggest challenges they face when balancing schoolwork with their sports commitments, many student-athletes admitted that time and motivation are often their greatest struggles. “Finding the time and motivation when I am tired to still set aside time to do work and study at night,” said Lily Roth, expressing the exhaustion that often comes after long practices and games. Similarly, Adriana Rich shared, “My biggest challenge is maintaining a good grade in all my classes so I’d be able to play in games.” These responses highlight how difficult it can be for student-athletes to manage their academic responsibilities while staying committed to their sports, especially when fatigue and academic pressures collide.

When asked how they manage stress and anxiety related to the pressure of excelling in both sports and academics, student-athletes shared a variety of strategies and personal insights. Ngoc Lee explained, “A strategy I use to overcome the pressure and anxiety of being a student-athlete is that I try my best to get LOTS of sleep, organize my schedule, and eat lots of food. This allows you to have a balanced life where you have enough time for both sports and school. Even though it is easier said than done, remember that your value as a person does not change whenever you fail a test or mess up during practice.” Her words emphasize the importance of self-care and maintaining a healthy mindset despite the challenges of a busy schedule.

On the other hand, Gabby Madison shared a more personal perspective, saying, “I feel like I’m a person that’s not usually that stressed, especially when it comes to sports. When it comes to academics, though, I do worry because when it comes to school, I’m not very goal-oriented, so that leads to me slipping in a lot of my classes. That affects me during the season because bad grades = not playing. So I would have to say that is one of the rare things I do stress about.” Gabby’s response highlights how academic pressure can have a direct impact on athletic participation, showing that maintaining balance requires awareness, discipline, and honest self-reflection.

When asked what motivates students to pursue both their sport and academics at a high level, Katie Ho shared this. “I feel like I have a lot of passion for volleyball, and that alone motivates me. My teammates also motivate me a lot and help me push forward. And for academics, I think that doing well in school will allow me to go to a good college and a good job. This really motivates me,” she said. Katie’s response reflects the strong connection between teamwork, personal ambition, and long-term success. Her dedication shows that true motivation often comes from both love for the sport and the desire to build a bright future beyond the court.

In the end, balancing academics and athletics requires far more than just skill or effort; it requires dedication and the ability to adapt under pressure. Each student-athlete faces unique challenges, from maintaining good grades and managing time to staying mentally and physically healthy. Yet, what truly defines their success is not just how well they perform in the classroom or on the court, but how they grow through the process. Their stories show that balance is possible when passion, discipline, and self-awareness come together.

What do you do to manage your time when you have a packed schedule?