The Issues With Being a Student-Athlete by Colin Kowalski

Being a student-athlete is one of the best things in high school. You get to be a part of a team, make new friends, and have the opportunity to do something that you love. However, it is very difficult to maintain good grades while also competing in athletics at a high level.
Student-athletes looking to maintain good grades and become a collegiate athlete have to deal with multiple hours a day of sports practice. Certain sports have practice for up to three hours a day! While it may seem like a lot, all of this practice is necessary just to keep up with the competition. This is compounded with multiple hours of weight lifting and stamina training expected to be done outside of designated practice times to maintain the athletic ability required for athletic activity. On top of all of this is school, homework, and studying. Student-athletes are expected to maintain good grades along with practicing for multiple hours a day. All of these put together leads to either a lack of focus in either the athletics or school, leading to a decline in one of the two areas or a lack of sleep due to late nights studying and practicing.
However, being a student-athlete is still a positive thing. Having the opportunity to participate in a sport in high school is an unparalleled experience, from the team bonding to the school spirit. Despite the adversity that comes with it, being a student-athlete is definitely worth it.