Athletes discuss balancing school and sports

By Zyon Floyd

Sports Editor

At CMHS, many student-athletes face the challenge of balancing homework, practices, games, and personal responsibilities every day. With practices lasting hours after school and assignments still due the next morning, athletes must learn strong time-management skills to succeed both in the classroom and in their sport.

Senior boys volleyball player Savian Haddon goes up to spike the ball. Photo courtesy of Ms. Belin.

 “I have a set schedule with everything. I try to complete all my work during the day while at school, and before I go to practice. While I'm at practice, I switch to a different mode. When it's time for practice, I'm locked,¨ Jayden Marshall said.

  By following a schedule and separating school time from practice time, he stays productive in both areas. His comment about switching into a different mode during practice highlights how athletes often need strong mental discipline. 

Jayden also admits that balancing everything can be stressful, especially when laziness causes him to fall behind. However, he pushes himself to finish his work so that his grades do not drop and affect his ability to run track. This reflects the reality for many athletes: their academic performance directly affects whether they can continue playing their sport. 

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), more than 7.9 million students participate in high school sports across the United States. The organization reports that student-athletes often develop skills such as discipline, time management, and teamwork through balancing academics and athletics.

Other student-athletes share similar strategies. Dorian Patterson uses a calendar and reminders to stay on top of assignments, emphasizing that students should come before athletes. Savaian Haddon also uses a planner to track due dates and prepare for tests, while making sure he eats enough to have the energy needed for volleyball. Their approaches show that organization and preparation are key to success.

“I personally think students come first, then athletes. If I'm doing badly in school, I can't play sports,” Patterson said.

Together, these perspectives show that while balancing school and sports can be challenging, staying organized, focused, and motivated helps student-athletes succeed in both areas.

Volleyball player Savian Haddon uses a planner to keep track of homework and exams while also preparing mentally for practices and games. 

“I write down my assignments and test dates so I don’t forget anything,” Haddon said. “I also make sure I eat enough and rest, so I have energy for volleyball.”