The soccer field at North Central is alive before the sun comes up. At six a.m., while most students are still asleep, players are already running drills and coaches are calling out instructions. This early-morning routine is just one example of the discipline and sacrifice required of student-athletes who juggle demanding schedules both on the field and in the classroom.
“Six a.m. practice has to be one of the hardest parts about soccer, but it also leaves me time after school when I don’t have games, so my afternoons are free to do homework,” Ahmed said.
Being a student athlete requires a lot, including having to put your all on the field and in the classroom, which can be a struggle. While this can feel overwhelming, some of these student athletes are thinking about what lies ahead for them after high school.
“I’d say the hardest part about managing school and sports is doing homework after a late night game,” Ahmed said.
Having pressure from both the classroom and the field is what many athletes struggle with, sometimes choosing sports over school. Wrestling with this is what is hard about being a student-athlete.
“I feel pressured as it is hard to balance both and feel as though you have to be perfect in both, so the pressure is definitely there and having to put your all into each can be very exhausting,” Harrison said.
The pressure of competition is only one piece of the challenge for North Central athletes. They’re expected to perform at a high level in the classroom and on the field, all while managing the physical demands of daily practices and intense game schedules. For many, this balancing act can feel like a full time job.
“I try my best everyday and strive to be my best and always have a backup plan and knowing God has me and that’s all I need,” Harrison said.
At North Central, there aren’t just coaches and athletes. Each team is like its own family. Every athlete has a person they look up to whether that be a coach or a peer, every person is in a safe space within their team. North Central athletic staff also provides support for any athlete in need if it’s either school or their sport, but coaches and other athletic staff provide that outlet.
“Whenever I am feeling stressed or anxious I find it helpful to talk to my coaches about it, because I know they will openly listen,” Klinzing said.
