3 answers
Gavin
Student
Paris, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best strategy for a student athlete for balancing school, sports, and work without feeling overwhelmed?
I will be a student-athlete in the fall and I also plan to work on campus. What is the best strategy for a student athlete for balancing school, sports, and work without feeling overwhelmed?
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3 answers
Adaobi Maryann Ezeogidi
Medical Assistant
33
Answers
Abia, AB
Updated
Adaobi Maryann’s Answer
Hello Gavin,
Balancing both academics, athletics and work can be challenging. Please, I must emphasize, find a job that will not put you under unnecessary stress. In addition to balancing these three, you must get adequate rest in order to stay fit and active.
This is achievable, but you will not be doing it alone. To achieve a balance, your coaches, teachers, employer 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, employer and parents) understands your commitments and can collaborate to support your success.
2) Time Management: With a busy schedule of classes, homework, practices, tasks and competitions, learning to manage your time effectively is essential for success. Your coach will work with your class timetable to adjust trainings. Select an appropriate schedule; perhaps work a few hours, but if at all possible, take a few days off to allow for balance, 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. Here, work is considered secondary.
4) Self Discipline: Balancing academics, athletics and work 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 all areas can lead to opportunities in the future. Only be determined to achieve your desired goal. Once more, make the most of any chance you have to get adequate sleep. Thank You.
Balancing both academics, athletics and work can be challenging. Please, I must emphasize, find a job that will not put you under unnecessary stress. In addition to balancing these three, you must get adequate rest in order to stay fit and active.
This is achievable, but you will not be doing it alone. To achieve a balance, your coaches, teachers, employer 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, employer and parents) understands your commitments and can collaborate to support your success.
2) Time Management: With a busy schedule of classes, homework, practices, tasks and competitions, learning to manage your time effectively is essential for success. Your coach will work with your class timetable to adjust trainings. Select an appropriate schedule; perhaps work a few hours, but if at all possible, take a few days off to allow for balance, 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. Here, work is considered secondary.
4) Self Discipline: Balancing academics, athletics and work 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 all areas can lead to opportunities in the future. Only be determined to achieve your desired goal. Once more, make the most of any chance you have to get adequate sleep. Thank You.
Abbey Solem
Sales Development Manager
4
Answers
Litchfield, Minnesota
Updated
Abbey’s Answer
The best strategy for a student athlete to balance school, sports, and work without feeling overwhelmed involves a combination of time management, prioritization, and self-care. Here are some practical tips:
1. Create a Structured Schedule
-Use a planner or digital calendar to map out classes, practices, games, work shifts, study sessions, and downtime.
-Block out time for each responsibility and stick to your routine as much as possible
2. Prioritize Tasks
-Identify your most important tasks each day (e.g., upcoming exams, big games, work deadlines).
-Break large assignments into smaller, manageable steps and set mini-deadlines
3. Communicate Early and Often
-Keep open communication with coaches, professors, and employers about your commitments.
-Don’t hesitate to ask for extensions or flexibility when conflicts arise.
4. Practice Self-Care
-Schedule regular breaks and downtime to recharge.
-Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and hydration to maintain energy and focus.
5. Use Support Resources
-Take advantage of academic support services, tutoring, and counseling offered by your school.
-Lean on teammates, friends, and family for encouragement and accountability.
6. Learn to Say No
-Be mindful of overcommitting to social events or extra responsibilities.
-Focus on your main priorities and give yourself permission to decline additional tasks when needed.
7. Stay Organized
-Keep your study materials, athletic gear, and work items organized to reduce stress and save time
8. Reflect and Adjust
-Regularly assess what’s working and what isn’t.
-Be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule or strategies as needed.
By planning ahead, staying organized, and taking care of your well-being, you can successfully balance your roles as a student, athlete, and employee without feeling overwhelmed.
1. Create a Structured Schedule
-Use a planner or digital calendar to map out classes, practices, games, work shifts, study sessions, and downtime.
-Block out time for each responsibility and stick to your routine as much as possible
2. Prioritize Tasks
-Identify your most important tasks each day (e.g., upcoming exams, big games, work deadlines).
-Break large assignments into smaller, manageable steps and set mini-deadlines
3. Communicate Early and Often
-Keep open communication with coaches, professors, and employers about your commitments.
-Don’t hesitate to ask for extensions or flexibility when conflicts arise.
4. Practice Self-Care
-Schedule regular breaks and downtime to recharge.
-Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and hydration to maintain energy and focus.
5. Use Support Resources
-Take advantage of academic support services, tutoring, and counseling offered by your school.
-Lean on teammates, friends, and family for encouragement and accountability.
6. Learn to Say No
-Be mindful of overcommitting to social events or extra responsibilities.
-Focus on your main priorities and give yourself permission to decline additional tasks when needed.
7. Stay Organized
-Keep your study materials, athletic gear, and work items organized to reduce stress and save time
8. Reflect and Adjust
-Regularly assess what’s working and what isn’t.
-Be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule or strategies as needed.
By planning ahead, staying organized, and taking care of your well-being, you can successfully balance your roles as a student, athlete, and employee without feeling overwhelmed.
Frank Therber
Consulting
5
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Hey Gavin - That's a great question, and even better you are thinking about how to stay balanced! Similar to you, I had numerous commitments beyond academics during college/university. Here is what typically works well for most:
1.) Seek Support - As a student-athlete, you will likely have academic advisors assigned to you. Often, these individuals can assist with support outside of just academics. Ask them questions and how they recommend establishing balanced structure. They will have strong perspective!
2.) Develop a Plan - Based on your obligations, try to plan out your week; maybe on a Sunday morning or Sunday evening. This way, you can begin to develop a routine and understand what does and does not work well for you. You can always adjust or modify your plan, as needed!
3.) Remain Collaborative - As a student-athlete, understand what works well for your friends/peers/teammates and serve as a resource for one another!
1.) Seek Support - As a student-athlete, you will likely have academic advisors assigned to you. Often, these individuals can assist with support outside of just academics. Ask them questions and how they recommend establishing balanced structure. They will have strong perspective!
2.) Develop a Plan - Based on your obligations, try to plan out your week; maybe on a Sunday morning or Sunday evening. This way, you can begin to develop a routine and understand what does and does not work well for you. You can always adjust or modify your plan, as needed!
3.) Remain Collaborative - As a student-athlete, understand what works well for your friends/peers/teammates and serve as a resource for one another!