It was the state championship softball game. The Monarchs were winning 10 to 3. It was freezing cold and Junior pitcher Amanda Gibilisco could barely grip the ball. She threw the ball on the inside corner of the plate and Macey Jarose swung. She hit the ball to deep right center. Kaylee Tanius jumped up and caught the ball for the last out of her senior year. The last out of the state championship game.
Being a student athlete can be very rewarding. It can help increase your chance to get scholarships for sports and academics. Being a student athlete can help you in the future so you are able to respond to stressful situations and overcome adversity.
A lot of student athletes have been playing sports for most of their lives. Others start their career later in life.
“I’ve been an athlete for a long time,” Sophomore Varsity Softball player Aurelia Grams said. “I have been twirling batons since I was two and I started playing softball when I was five.”
What is your favorite sport is a hard question for athletes to answer because of the team they make in high school sports. Some like to work alone and others like to play with a team.
“Softball is my favorite sport,” Sophomore Varsity Softball player Stella Manning said. “I get to work with my team constantly.”
36% or four out of ten student athletes are failing at least one class but for the most part the students put school first. If it ever happens your coach will not be happy with you and you might get kicked off the team
“My coach has not ever gotten on me because of grades,” Grams said. “I am able to keep up with everything and keep my grades looking good.”
Sometimes parents force kids to play sports but the ones who decide to play normally love the sport and are very passionate about it.
“I am passionate about sports because it teaches you useful skills like leadership,” Manning said. “They can be applied outside of the sport.”
Student athletes spend 21 hours a week on athletic activities, leaving very little time for homework and other activities.
“I set a regular study time to complete homework and assignments,” Manning said.
A lot of student athletes have reported that they have a hard time finding time to get all their homework done before the next school day.
“I utilize my study halls, advisory, and time before school to complete tests and assignments,” Manning said. “I also plan ahead for next week.”
Student athletes face challenges of individual nature including their time constraints, class attendance, and physical and emotional fatigue.
“The greatest challenge for student athletes is not falling behind in school because we miss so much school,” Grams said.
Younger students look up to the older students so being an example for how to manage their time is very helpful if they learn how to do it when they’re young.
“I recommend that younger students plan ahead for make-up work,” Manning said. “If you’re going to miss school, get the work before, not after.”
Being a student athlete is very demanding, but in the long run it can be a significant help when getting into college. It gives more opportunities to get a scholarship.