There’s no question that high school is a balancing act. Time management becomes key as students learn to juggle family life, a social calendar, extracurricular activities and, of course, grades.
For student athletes, the struggle to maintain balance is even more challenging, with practices, games and team activities all vying for time. Several educators and coaches offer parents and teens tips for managing academics and athletics, while making sure students don’t fall behind in either area.
Learning Curve
While many student athletes fine-tuned an approach that worked for them in middle school, they may be surprised to find that high school is a much bigger challenge. This is because the number of options available for the student and the time commitment to participate in each activity increases dramatically, according to Dr. Patrick Ward, a high school principal in the Willoughby-Eastlake City School district.
“For example, in middle school, most sporting events and activities are held immediately after school. In high school this is not the case, as many of the events occur later in the evening,” Ward says. “In addition to this, students tend to get involved in a wide range of activities. If you add a part-time job into the mix, this becomes a very busy time in the life of a student.”
Grades should always come first, says Julie Hudec, dean of students and women’s lacrosse coach at Walsh Jesuit High School, located in Cuyahoga Falls. “You’re a student before you’re an athlete. If you don’t have the grades, you can’t participate in a sport anyway.”
“The key to success in high school is excelling in the classroom,” agrees Ward. “When students excel in the classroom and focus on academics, their hard work, dedication and focus often translate into success athletically. This also goes both ways; some students work hard in the classroom because athletics mean so much to them.”
The Role of Parents
It’s important for parents to be in tune to their student athletes’ needs, according to Patrick O’Rourke, director of admissions and head varsity hockey coach for Cleveland’s St. Ignatius High School.
He says each year, before the start of a new sports season, parents gather for a presentation on expectations for the upcoming season. “During that presentation, we share student reflections on what they need from their parents and the overwhelming response is love, understanding, support and, of course, a good meal,” O’Rourke explains. “These students are working hard to excel academically, spiritually and athletically and they want their parents to appreciate their hard work and help them regain focus in times of need.”
Throughout the school year, open communication is key.
Hudec urges parents to keep on top of topics like the amount of homework assigned and practice times. She also advises them to watch over their teens’ use of social media to make sure free time is being well-spent.
Learning time management strategies starts at home, according to Ward, who says parents should talk with their children about realistic expectations while in school.
“For example, if you want to take advanced course work and participate in extracurricular activities, it is important to completely understand the time commitment,” he explains.
Strategies for Success
When it comes to time management, student athletes must learn how to study effectively and efficiently, which O’Rourke says is a major focus of the college prep education at St. Ignatius.
“Students learn how to organize their assignments, their thoughts and their lives,” he says. “Some simple tips include creating a mock time budget for your studies, prioritizing homework over video games and so on, and getting a good night’s sleep.”
Hudec advises students to work with their teammates, teachers and coaches to figure out the best situation to suit their needs. This includes making the most of free time – like studying in the cafeteria or library before a late practice or between school and a game.
“Tutors can help in terms of learning how to study the correct way and making the most of your time,” she adds. “It’s important for students to be proactive and ask for help before they actually need the help.”
An organized calendar – paper or digital – is a must for successful time management, according to Ward, who recommends color-coding events.
“Keep school work green to remind that this is a must-do,” he notes.
“The entire team at the high school is always willing to help students learn about time management and balance while in high school,” Ward adds. “The ultimate goal is to create a ‘low risk’ environment where students can acquire the skill set to be successful citizens after high school.”
