By Alex Hufferdine ’27
Varsity athletes at The Frederick Gunn School face the constant pressure of two rigorous schedules: maintaining academic excellence, while pushing themselves athletically to perform at the highest level. With 15 varsity sports across 35 teams at the Frederick Gunn School, there is a place for everyone on a varsity team. Most athletes on a varsity team immediately face a time management challenge, as practices and games can take up to 12 hours each week. This commitment outside of school creates a question that all varsity student-athletes need to find the answer to. How do they keep up with their schoolwork?
This problem is not unique, as almost every varsity athlete encounters this problem at some point in their varsity season, each to a varying degree. Some have figured out how to stay on top of their work and realize that they will be sacrificing their sport, while others have figured out how to stay on top of both. For many varsity athletes, the process of ‘trial and error’ has to be quickly figured out; otherwise, they can fall behind in one, or both aspects of their life. Many students who are longtime varsity athletes know about this balance and have already found it and put it into practice. This balancing act between school and sports will be present not only for the rest of their high school lives but also in their adult life too. Many college recruiters speak about the importance of this time management, as they encourage students to have not only their head in the game athletically but academically as well. For longtime varsity athletes, it has been a long time for them to figure it out, and their process is as tried and true as any at this stage, providing them with a platform they can use to perform in college and later in their careers.
Max Hall, a member of the varsity basketball team, said “I would say that balancing school and basketball is a process of trial and error, and you just have to try and find what works for you”. It’s not only the players who know the implications of balancing school and sport. Ms. Lang, assistant coach of varsity girls lacrosse, said “I think as long as they have open and proactive communication with both their coaches and teachers and focus on time management they will be set up for success”. New athletes are also adapting to this challenge. Aariz Sahadulla, a new varsity tennis player, said “It feels manageable right now, but I know that it will only get more difficult. I’m prepared for that and I think I can stay on top of both”. Returning students know what is expected. Sean Randall, a returning lacrosse student, explained “I’m pretty confident about keeping up with my lacrosse ability, so I think the main thing for me is just putting academics at number 1 on my priority list. I think when I get that out the way it makes everything easier”. For all varsity athletes, the commitment to school and sport has to happen, and they have to step up when it does. As many people across sports agree, staying focused and determined is the main thing that will help to push through the challenging academic and athletic terms.
