The time management, effort and consistency it takes to be a student athlete is truly remarkable and deserves to be recognized especially when relating to our Coppell High School athletes.
The overwhelming lifestyle of CHS athletes takes a major toll on not only their athletic performance, but also their academic abilities.
Athletes take on the challenge of balancing the both physical and mental setbacks coming with being a student athlete, which has challenging effects.
The countless nights of staying up, submitting assignments on time, while also preparing for practices and games that interfere with schoolwork is a daily thought process for athletes.
Coppell High School junior girls soccer player Katie Kroft has both school and club practice sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, resulting in limited time to complete schoolwork.
“Normally I practice every weekday during fourth period for school soccer, and then I’ll have practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from around 7:30-9:30 p.m. for club,” Kroft said.
Kroft finds herself not having enough time to complete necessary school work as club practice is in The Colony.
Despite the challenges these athletes face each day, a lot of athletes learn how to effectively manage their lifestyle, while also leaving room for much-needed relaxation and rest.
CHS9 football player Sashwath Suryia expands on the consistency and determination it takes to be a student athlete.
“Managing sports with school can be difficult at times with studying for a test the next day” Suriya said. “As a student, you have to push through it.”
When the season rolls around for these athletes, the workload and time management required tends to be stressful and overwhelming. Many students use certain study habits to ensure their success.
Coppell junior girls track and field runner Ryan Elmer takes steps to achieve a quick, but rewarding study session.
“I try to do short term memory, just remembering stuff the night before and I’ll wake up in the morning because I think it’s important not to stay up past 10 p.m.,” Elmer said. “If you wake up a little bit earlier you’ll be able to remember the information you learned the night before.”
It is also vital to prepare for athletic events after dedicating yourself to schoolwork. Sophomore girls track and field thrower Leigh Kinnan follows a routine that sets her up for success as a high-level athlete.
“I make sure to drink a lot of water during the day because we are outside running a lot and doing bleachers and since it’s so hot, it’s very dangerous not to be hydrated,” Kinnan said.
Athletes typically find themselves leaving things out of their normal routine due to a practice or games such as not having time to socialize, house chores or taking care of siblings.
The balance aspect of these lifestyle patterns student athletes go through is difficult to keep up, but therefore builds strong character and grit later on in life. It is important to share the strategies these athletes practice, not only in sports, but academics aswell.
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