For most athletes at Schreiber, practices are every day after school for two hours, along with Saturday practices.  In addition, there is also a rigorous game schedule that requires hours of time, dedication, and focus.  This commitment is therefore piled right on top of the hours of homework and studying students have to complete on a daily basis.  For student athletes at Schreiber, the most difficult yet most necessary key to success is learning to balance athletics along with academics.  

Sophomore Catherine O’Sullivan just recently completed her second season on the varsity volleyball team.  

“You have to plan your time wisely.  You can’t procrastinate.  Getting a lot of work done on the weekends is extremely important,” said Sullivan.  

For many incoming freshman and new players, the commitment that comes with being a student athlete can seem daunting and impossible.  The transition from middle to high school and the increased work that comes with it is difficult enough. However, compared to Weber sports, Schreiber sports are much more demanding, even beyond the added weekend practices. 

The competitive atmosphere increases considerably because there are Junior Varsity and Varsity teams for most sports, which means most teams will engage in more difficult matches.  There is also the added pressure created from the workload and the prospect of college, which is in the forefront of many student athletes’ minds. 

On the topic of balancing work and sports, sophomore and J.V. field hockey player Tara Bluni has some experience.

 “Take hard classes, but don’t take too many,” said Bluni.  “Learn to balance your time and social life with your sport.”  

Most Schreiber athletes would agree with her: moderation is the key to succeeding in both athletics and academics. 

These skills in moderation even help a lot of students with their studies during the off season.  Athletics teach important discipline that is useful throughout life, and students who are involved in athletics are more likely to be hard-working and successful. 

Senior Kailey Gallagher is a seasoned Schreiber athlete.  Having played varsity softball since middle school and varsity volleyball since sophomore year, Gallagher has learned much about life as a student athlete and the struggles that come along with it. 

Although these struggles are difficult, Gallagher actually argues that athletics lead her to better her academics.

 “I actually manage my time better during sports seasons because I know I’ll get home later and will have less time than usual to do homework.  This leads me to try to start everything right away instead of procrastinating,” said Gallagher. 

However, there are other ways to balance the two. Many athletes who were interviewed emphasized the importance and helpfulness of supportive team members. A team is like a family, and all the players want to see each other succeed, whether this be within the scope of their sport or extending beyond into schoolwork and studying.

 “We help each other with school since we are together often while doing work. Plus, there’s an age range, so older kids can help younger kids with courses they have already taken,” said sophomore tennis player Zachary Hay.

This camaraderie and team environment allows athletes to take bonds that have been formed from playing a sport together into academics.  

“Being part of a team is special because all of your teammates understand this struggle and are able to relate to each other.  The underclassmen know they can always come to the seniors or anyone really for homework help or whatever they need because we all want each other to be successful on and off the court,” said Gallagher.

Schreiber athletes have a lot to balance.  They have to handle regular high school struggles, both socially and academically, and they also have to carry the extra burden of practices and games during their respective athletic seasons.  However, for them, it’s a burden worth carrying in favor of the camaraderie that comes from being on a team, as well as the helpful and supportive relationships that are fostered.  The experience is also worth it for them because it teaches dedication and healthy work habits. Overall, it creates some of the hardest-working, most success-driven students that Schreiber has to offer.