How Freshmen Athletes Excel in Balancing Sports and Studies

For many freshmen, the transition from middle school to high school can feel like a whole new game. For student-athletes, that is especially true. After long practices and late road games, homework is the last thing on y ur mind. But upperclassmen who have already faced this challenge say it’s all about time, effort, and finding motivation.

Mount Saint Joseph junior Anthony Girolami, a varsity football and track athlete, remembers what that transition was like. Freshman year was a challenge because the coursework was more difficult than middle school,” Girolami said. “But I’ve adjusted and just learned to sacrifice time to studying and practice.”

A close-up of a white football helmet with 'GAELS' written in purple, resting on a grassy field, with blurred teammates in the background.

Anthony Girolami challenges himself with honors and AP-level classes. He says that sometimes it can be tough to keep up with the workload from these classes, but he pushes himself to get the work done instead of giving up. Anthony is able to stay on top of his grades. He provides several tips, including using the notes app to create a homework schedule and taking breaks throughout the day to make the work more manageable.

Another athlete I asked who participates in athletics year-round is Charles Gochar. Charles runs cross country in the Fall, and Indoor and outdoor track in the winter and spring, respectively.

Charles challenges himself with numerous AP and honors classes. He has a heavy workload from multiple classes and challenges himself in the classroom. He manages to maintain his high GPA while juggling a year-round running schedule. The biggest tip he gave was “Don’t ever waste time at school, that could be used to work and complete school work.” Whenever Charles has a free period or completes his work early, he works on his assigned tasks to reduce the amount he has to do at home after practice.

An illustration depicting a balance scale between sports equipment (like a basketball, baseball, tennis racket, and football) and academic items (such as books, a graduation cap, and a microscope) with the title 'SPORTS & ACADEMICS' at the top.

Upperclassmen agree that balancing school and sports isn’t about doing everything perfectly; it’s about building good habits early. One of the most common tips I heard was to plan ahead. Whether it’s using the notes app, a physical planner, or a whiteboard at home, having a clear schedule can help us see when assignments and practices overlap. Another key piece of advice is to use every bit of free time wisely. Finishing homework during study hall or before practice can make everything less stressful.

Many also emphasize the importance of communication. Letting teachers know when you need help is crucial. Just as important as telling your coaches when you’re going to be late to practice is talking to a teacher or taking a test. Upperclassmen also mentioned prioritizing rest. Speed and recovery are just as important as studying.

Balancing academics and athletics isn’t easy, especially for a freshman just starting high school. But upperclassmen like Anthony Girolami show it’s possible with discipline and planning. Staying organized, managing time wisely, and remembering to rest can make a huge difference. Every student’s routine looks a little different, but what matters most is consistency. With the right balance, student-athletes can succeed both in the classroom and on the field.