Student Athletes Learn to Balance School and Academics

Middle School students share how they are learning to balance sports and school.

Balancing school and sports can be especially challenging for middle school student-athletes. At this age, students are learning how to manage more homework, harder classes, and growing responsibilities—while also committing to practices, games, and team events.

 For many middle school athletes, the key to success is time management. Eighth grade student, Cean Cruz shared, “You really have to be committed to the sport, but also need to make time to get work done.” Some students schedule a specific time to get their work done while others use calendars or reminders.  Bella Merino, a 7th grade student periodically goes through her backpack and assignments to see if she is missing anything.

Support from coaches, parents, and teammates also plays an important role. Coaches may remind players that ‘grades come first’, and teammates often encourage each other to stay focused in class. Even though balancing both can be tiring, students say it teaches them responsibility and discipline.

Being a middle school student-athlete isn’t always easy, but it helps students build strong habits, confidence, and teamwork skills that will benefit them in high school and beyond.

Written by Emma D. (7th grade softball player) & Liam S. (8th grade baseball player)