At Minnechaug there are many diverse opportunities to get involved within the school. Whether it’s track, lacrosse, softball, basketball, football, swim, golf, etc. They all are huge commitments. Signing up to participate in exhausting activities that could potentially be physically and mentally draining is not simple. There is a huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes.
Minnechaug is strong in academics as well. The school offers many rigorous and challenging AP and honors courses, along with very structured CP classes. The homework loads can vary depending on the teacher and the class, but in high school, an average student will most likely face an hour or more each night.
I wanted to take a closer look at how students who choose to participate in both sports and rigorous courses manage their lives. I talked to Anna Taylor, a freshman who has taken five honors courses and earned a spot in both Varsity Field Hockey and Varsity Lacrosse.
I asked, “Was the switch between youth sports and middle school classes, to where you are now, challenging?”
“Yes, in middle school I had practice one to two days a week, and balancing homework was easy for me. Transitioning into high school, I now practice every day, and I have a lot more homework. As a freshman, trying to navigate this change was difficult, but I found ways to manage my time appropriately and efficiently.”
I followed up by asking about the strategies she has utilized to manage her time.
“What are some of the ways that you find are most successful in managing your time?”
“After practice, finding time to start homework and seeing if I can do it before practice, any chance I could. Utilizing free time within some of my classes once my work is done has helped me stay busy and get a head start on rough assignments.”
Ending the conversation, I asked, “How do you deal with feeling overwhelmed or struggling in either academics or athletics during the season?”
“I take one assignment at a time and focus on what I can do in my free time instead of procrastinating or letting it pile up until the night before it’s due. It’s important to prioritize the student in student-athlete because if your grades drop, it can affect you in the long run or even keep you athletically ineligible. I also would talk to your guidance counselor or coach if you’re feeling overwhelmed because they can help you, especially if you’re struggling with athlete mental health issues.”
In addition, many students at Minnechaug are now part of a club called Morgan’s Message. According to the organization’s website, “Morgan’s Message…strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics.” They also “aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone.” There are representatives in the club from each of Minnechaug’s sports programs.
If balancing school with sports becomes too much, don’t be afraid to reach out to a guidance counselor, administrator, or teacher for assistance. It is always important to remember that there is nothing wrong with asking for help!