Inside the Lives of Student Athletes: Balance, Discipline, and Spirit

They say you can tell whether someone’s a student athlete by the state of their room. The messy one, of course, belongs to the athlete. But we shouldn’t be too quick to judge — between early morning and late afternoon practices, long school days, and homework sessions, there’s hardly any time to fold laundry.

For many student athletes, life moves in fast, overlapping rhythms, with alarm clocks ringing before sunrise, practices that blur into classes, and homework squeezed into the spaces between. The schedule is demanding, but it teaches something that can’t be learned in a classroom: how to show up for yourself and others, no matter how busy things get. That discipline and sense of purpose become the quiet foundation for success, both on and off the field, track, or pool. 

Being a student athlete is often described as a balancing act, but for many, it’s also a source of structure and motivation. “The discipline of putting energy into the sport every day while balancing school commitments with it [is the most difficult part of being a student athlete],” senior Matthew Lee, a member of the cross country team, says. “Cross Country has been one of the toughest yet most rewarding sports because of this reason, and I do well in school because of how I show up at XC.”

Matthew Lee and his teammates

It’s a kind of paradox: the sport that drains you also gives you energy. Lee finds that running early in the morning helps him ground himself before the school day begins: “I usually feel better after runs in the early mornings to start my day off on the right foot.” For him, running is both a physical and mental reset — proof that discipline can feel freeing rather than restrictive. His advice for newcomers reflects that mindset of being open to challenges: “Be open to it. I joined XC because of the pure wonder of what XC is… and I can’t say I don’t like it. I love it. When you’re young, especially, try anything — any activity, sport, or what have you. Trying something new and unfamiliar is something I’ve never regretted.”

Senior field hockey player Mary Zewert shares a similar appreciation for the way athletics shape her approach to school and life. The challenge, she explains, comes down to time: “The most difficult part about being a student athlete is managing my time. I feel like I have to always stay on top of homework and know when I have away games coming up, so I can front-load work.” Like many athletes, Zewert has learned that communication is key. “I try to reach out to teachers when I am feeling overwhelmed and will communicate if I need an extension,” she says.

Zewert’s words reveal an important truth about student athletes: success isn’t just about athletic ability. It’s about knowing yourself, your limits, your priorities, and your people. Both she and Lee emphasize the importance of that last point: the team. “I love the company,” Lee says without hesitation, “The people whom I run with, swim with, and hang out with are some of the closest friends I have.” Zewert echoes that sentiment: “I love the team camaraderie and bonding that happens with practices and going to get food after games. I have made some of the best friendships through sports.”

So yes, their rooms might be messy. But behind every pile of laundry is an athlete who’s learning discipline, time management, and teamwork — skills that go far beyond the classroom or the field. As Zewert puts it best: “Have fun and enjoy it, but also balance their time well so they can get the most out of everything.” The reward isn’t just victory; it’s becoming someone stronger and more connected along the way.