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As a student-athlete passionate about both basketball and health sciences, I’m interested in pursuing a career in sports medicine but also want to keep my options open for playing at the next level. What advice do you have for balancing both paths—academics and athletics—so I stay prepared for whatever opportunities come my way #Spring25?
As a student-athlete at George Ranch High School, I’m passionate about both basketball and health sciences, and I’m working to keep both doors open. I play varsity basketball, maintain A Honor Roll status, and have experience volunteering as a youth coach and classroom helper. I’m interested in pursuing a career in sports medicine or even neurosurgery, and I want to make sure I’m taking the right steps now to prepare. What’s the best way to balance academics and athletics while gaining experience and building connections in the medical field
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Jane’s Answer
Hi Suraj,
I was a student athlete in my college days. The attributes that made me a strong athlete and empowered me to excel academically are discipline and determination. Your journey is unique, what works best for you may require some trial and error, so allow yourself the space to learn and grow through experience. Balancing academics and athletics as a student athlete are both challenging and rewarding. It calls for proactive planning, effective time management, and self-compassion. The following strategies may help you manage both priorities successfully:
1. Plan, prioritize and rank your task by using planning apps {Todoist, Trello, Asana, Microsoft To Do, Google Calendar, Notion, Clockify, RescueTime, Forest, Plaky etc.). Manage your time by creating a daily, weekly and monthly schedule. Learn to Multitask Wisely.
2. Freely communicate openly as you engage with your coaches and professors surround yourself with family and friends to build a support network
3. Leverage campus resources by availing yourself with academic support programs like study groups or writing centers if you need help keeping up with classwork.
4. Athletic Support Services: Many institutions offer recovery programs, nutrition counseling, and mental health services specifically catered to athletes—ensuring you maintain peak physical and mental performance.
5. Self-Care is essential, rest and recovery is important, prioritize sleep and recovery days. Athletic performance and academic concentration both require a well-rested mind and body. Manage stress well, by taking a walk and finding time to relax and meditate.
6. Reflect and adjust as you regularly assess what strategies are working or where you might need to adjust. Small tweaks can make a big difference over time.
I hope this helps
Wishing you the best
I was a student athlete in my college days. The attributes that made me a strong athlete and empowered me to excel academically are discipline and determination. Your journey is unique, what works best for you may require some trial and error, so allow yourself the space to learn and grow through experience. Balancing academics and athletics as a student athlete are both challenging and rewarding. It calls for proactive planning, effective time management, and self-compassion. The following strategies may help you manage both priorities successfully:
1. Plan, prioritize and rank your task by using planning apps {Todoist, Trello, Asana, Microsoft To Do, Google Calendar, Notion, Clockify, RescueTime, Forest, Plaky etc.). Manage your time by creating a daily, weekly and monthly schedule. Learn to Multitask Wisely.
2. Freely communicate openly as you engage with your coaches and professors surround yourself with family and friends to build a support network
3. Leverage campus resources by availing yourself with academic support programs like study groups or writing centers if you need help keeping up with classwork.
4. Athletic Support Services: Many institutions offer recovery programs, nutrition counseling, and mental health services specifically catered to athletes—ensuring you maintain peak physical and mental performance.
5. Self-Care is essential, rest and recovery is important, prioritize sleep and recovery days. Athletic performance and academic concentration both require a well-rested mind and body. Manage stress well, by taking a walk and finding time to relax and meditate.
6. Reflect and adjust as you regularly assess what strategies are working or where you might need to adjust. Small tweaks can make a big difference over time.
I hope this helps
Wishing you the best
Updated
Adaobi Maryann’s Answer
Hello Suraj!
Balancing both academics and athletics can be challenging. From your description, it appears that the passion is high. A strong will can indeed prevail.
This is achievable, but you will not be doing it alone. To achieve a balance, your coaches, teachers, and parents must work together. There are certain guidelines you must follow in order to excel in both academics and athletics.
1) Open communication: Encouraging open lines of communication ensures that every member of the team (teachers, coaches, and parents) understands your commitments and can collaborate to support your success.
2) Time Management: With a busy schedule of classes, homework, practices, and competitions, learning to manage your time effectively is essential for success. Your coach will work with your class timetable to adjust trainings, etc.
3) Priority: While athletic success is important, academic achievement should always come first. Your coach can assist you with this by scheduling dedicated study periods before or after practice.
4) Self Discipline: Balancing academics and athletics requires strong self-discipline so that you do not focus too much on one and let the other suffer.
5) Provide Academic Support: Providing tutoring or forming study groups with your peers (student athletics) can significantly improve your academic performance.
Please keep in mind that excelling in both areas can lead to opportunities in the future. Only be determined to achieve your desired goal. Thank You.
Balancing both academics and athletics can be challenging. From your description, it appears that the passion is high. A strong will can indeed prevail.
This is achievable, but you will not be doing it alone. To achieve a balance, your coaches, teachers, and parents must work together. There are certain guidelines you must follow in order to excel in both academics and athletics.
1) Open communication: Encouraging open lines of communication ensures that every member of the team (teachers, coaches, and parents) understands your commitments and can collaborate to support your success.
2) Time Management: With a busy schedule of classes, homework, practices, and competitions, learning to manage your time effectively is essential for success. Your coach will work with your class timetable to adjust trainings, etc.
3) Priority: While athletic success is important, academic achievement should always come first. Your coach can assist you with this by scheduling dedicated study periods before or after practice.
4) Self Discipline: Balancing academics and athletics requires strong self-discipline so that you do not focus too much on one and let the other suffer.
5) Provide Academic Support: Providing tutoring or forming study groups with your peers (student athletics) can significantly improve your academic performance.
Please keep in mind that excelling in both areas can lead to opportunities in the future. Only be determined to achieve your desired goal. Thank You.
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hi Suraj,
Interestingly, I was a student athlete in my college days. The attributes that made me a strong athlete and empowered me to excel academically are discipline and determination. Your journey is unique, what works best for you may require some trial and error, so allow yourself the space to learn and grow through experience. Balancing academics and athletics as a student athlete are both challenging and rewarding. It calls for proactive planning, effective time management, and self-compassion. The following strategies may help you manage both priorities successfully:
1. Plan, prioritize and rank your task by using planning apps {Todoist, Trello, Asana, Microsoft To Do, Google Calendar, Notion, Clockify, RescueTime, Forest, Plaky etc.). Manage your time by creating a daily, weekly and monthly schedule. Learn to Multitask Wisely.
2. Freely communicate openly as you engage with your coaches and professors surround yourself with family and friends to build a support network
3. Leverage campus resources by availing yourself with academic support programs like study groups or writing centers if you need help keeping up with classwork.
4. Athletic Support Services: Many institutions offer recovery programs, nutrition counseling, and mental health services specifically catered to athletes—ensuring you maintain peak physical and mental performance.
5. Self-Care is essential, rest and recovery is important, prioritize sleep and recovery days. Athletic performance and academic concentration both require a well-rested mind and body. Manage stress well, by taking a walk and finding time to relax and meditate.
6. Reflect and adjust as you regularly assess what strategies are working or where you might need to adjust. Small tweaks can make a big difference over time.
I hope this will help.
Wishing you all the best in your endeavors.
Interestingly, I was a student athlete in my college days. The attributes that made me a strong athlete and empowered me to excel academically are discipline and determination. Your journey is unique, what works best for you may require some trial and error, so allow yourself the space to learn and grow through experience. Balancing academics and athletics as a student athlete are both challenging and rewarding. It calls for proactive planning, effective time management, and self-compassion. The following strategies may help you manage both priorities successfully:
1. Plan, prioritize and rank your task by using planning apps {Todoist, Trello, Asana, Microsoft To Do, Google Calendar, Notion, Clockify, RescueTime, Forest, Plaky etc.). Manage your time by creating a daily, weekly and monthly schedule. Learn to Multitask Wisely.
2. Freely communicate openly as you engage with your coaches and professors surround yourself with family and friends to build a support network
3. Leverage campus resources by availing yourself with academic support programs like study groups or writing centers if you need help keeping up with classwork.
4. Athletic Support Services: Many institutions offer recovery programs, nutrition counseling, and mental health services specifically catered to athletes—ensuring you maintain peak physical and mental performance.
5. Self-Care is essential, rest and recovery is important, prioritize sleep and recovery days. Athletic performance and academic concentration both require a well-rested mind and body. Manage stress well, by taking a walk and finding time to relax and meditate.
6. Reflect and adjust as you regularly assess what strategies are working or where you might need to adjust. Small tweaks can make a big difference over time.
I hope this will help.
Wishing you all the best in your endeavors.