MIDVALE, UT-Being a student athlete is all about balancing sports and academics, and is a challenge all student athletes face. Practices, games, and traveling can take up a student’s day, leaving less time for homework, studying, and even rest. Many student-athletes find themselves trying to keep up with homework after long practices or late games, which can lead to stress or lack of sleep.
Some students say the pressure makes them struggle, but others find it motivating. Xaiden Medina, a member of the football team, talked about how busy sports schedules affect him. “My grades are a little bit better because I have something to work towards.”
Medina mentioned his grades were actually better during the season. Xaiden said that football gives him motivation. “They were getting better,” he said, “ I feel like I just want to do good in both.”
Even though his grades improved, he said it’s not easy. “Yeah, I do find it challenging. I don’t have a lot of time to myself. It’s usually just school and then football.” He said he usually has to finish his homework at school because there isn’t much time at home.
Not only does football take time, it takes energy. “There have been times when I’ve been hurt or just feeling exhausted, and it’ll sometimes hold me back from schoolwork.” That shows how football can be tiring and sometimes make it harder to focus.
Many athletes experience that same problem, especially in the middle of their season when games are most intense. One thing that helps him is support from classmates and the football team. “Sometimes other classmates help me a lot,” he said. “Study hall and yeah, a lot of the people around.” Every Friday, the football team has a study hall where they work together on missing work or challenging subjects. Medina said it’s helped his grades.
The schedule can be challenging, but sports can also give students motivation and structure. Sports can teach time management, teamwork, and responsibility. These are skills that carry over into the classroom. Heavy sports schedules make life busy for student athletes, but they don’t always have to hurt grades.
For some, like Medina, the commitment and support system actually makes them stronger students. It just takes effort, balance, and the right attitude to succeed both on the field
and in school.