Best Of Both Worlds: Balancing Life As A Student-Athlete

Waking up at 6 A.M. Practice. School. Practice. Homework. Sleep. This is the daily routine of a Christian Brothers athlete.

As most people know being a student is tough; however, student-athletes put their mind and bodies to the test while juggling school with sports.

Football is a tough gridiron sport that takes a lot of practice, which is why the Falcons take extra time in the mornings to ensure that their football team is always one step ahead of their next opponent, physically and strategically.

When asked about the work load, Matt Palé (’15) states, “trying to balance school and play — it’s tough. I have done it for three years and it is exhausting, but I love it”.

“Of course everyone would like to leave a little earlier but it all works out”

Although he may have a ways to go before becoming a junior, freshman Patrick Barnes (’17) also knows the struggles of being a busy student athlete.

 “Between homework, studying, football, and family commitments, there is not much time for leisure,” Patrick says. “Once I get home from practice I begin my homework then study for tests, and then start over the next day”.

As a freshman, he luckily has a lot of time to learn about time management.

As students balance their work load with their sports activities, it is important to them they get all the help they can.  Coaches take into consideration that the homework load of a student may be difficult at times and do everything they can to assist them.

Varsity volleyball coach Ms. Diane Heine ’71 says, “you have a commitment to your team so it is important for students to manage their time”.

“To accommodate students I move my practice to 4 P.M. so they have time to start homework and visit teachers”.

Student athletes are constantly busy. Some students embrace their routines and excel while others fall behind and break under pressure. But after awhile it becomes second nature to these athletes, allowing them to find success in the classroom and on the field.