From Classrooms to Competitions

Balancing school and sports is a challenge faced by many student athletes. From afterschool practices to late-night study sessions, a student athlete’s life requires careful time management, not to mention the stress that they endure everyday. All of this raises questions of why students even play sports. How can they balance school and sports? Should high school and college athletes be paid for their hard work?

One evident benefit of participating in sports is physical activity. Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health, promote better sleep, and control weight. Additionally, exercising causes the body to release endorphins, which are chemicals that relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve a student’s well-being.

Sports can also offer students a supportive space for students to grow and learn. They teach discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience. These life skills not only help athletes in the field, but also contribute to their success in academics and their future development. Many students also play sports to pursue dreams of reaching a professional level or just for an extracurricular they can write on their college application. Furthermore, sports provide a crucial opportunity for scholarships and chances to play for collegiate teams.

Nevertheless, balancing sports with schoolwork is not easy. Practices and games take up a good chunk of time in a student athlete’s schedule. One way to handle this is to create a detailed plan that includes what times are available for study sessions, meals, and rest. Setting priorities is also important. Students may need to sacrifice social activities and focus on school work first. Communication is critical as well. Informing teachers or coaches early will prevent conflicts and allow for any accommodations.

Finally, many people argue that student athletes should be paid. Despite this, the idea of compensation has been prohibited by the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) throughout its history. According to George Mason University, “The classification of student-athletes as being amateurs and the ban on paying student-athletes a salary has always been what distinguishes college sports from professional sports.” (https://cehd.gmu.edu/features/2024/05/28/should-student-athletes-be-paid-the-answer-is-not-so-simple/)

Instead, athletes are able to receive scholarships that cover room, books, tuition, and other costs. However, due to a policy adopted in June 2021, the NCAA has begun to allow athletes to earn money through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. While other compensation ideas are still being debated, the sports community is taking important steps to acknowledge the contributions of student athletes.

In conclusion, staying disciplined, avoiding procrastination, and sticking to routines can help student athletes maintain both their academic performance and athletic commitments. With the right mindset and motivation, a close-to-perfect balance is totally within reach!