The Journey of MSJ Student-Athletes: Balancing Sports and Studies

Being an athlete at Mount Saint Joseph High School means more than showing up for practices and playing on game day. For many student-athletes, it means balancing academics, a tight schedule, and high expectations that come with being an MSJ student-athlete. But for athletes today, that experience looks different than it did years ago.

A group of football players from Mt. St. Joseph celebrating on the field at night, with some players standing and others sitting. One player is hoisted above the group holding a trophy. — Photo courtesy of Grayson Lafon ’29

One of the biggest challenges for student-athletes today is balancing everything they do. Between homework, practice, games, and other activities, athletes have to learn how to manage their time. Varsity soccer goalkeeper Jace Milnes said that being a student-athlete has helped him become a better planner.

“It’s made me try to plan ahead more,” he said. “Kind of just plan my life and become a better planner.”

Athletics itself has also changed over the years. According to MSJ athletic director Kraig Loovis, about 20 years ago, many students played multiple sports. Today, athletes tend to specialize in a single sport and play year-round on club and AAU teams. This gives athletes more opportunities, but it can also mean spending too much time playing their sport.

A football player kneeling on the field, bowing his head and clasping his hands in prayer, wearing a purple and white uniform. — Photo courtesy of Grayson Lafon ’29

Despite these changes, MSJ athletics continues to focus on more than just winning. Mr. Loovis explains that sports are part of the school’s education mission. Athletes are expected to learn from the challenges, overcome obstacles, work with their teammates, and develop as people.

MSJ also has high expectations for how its student-athletes represent themselves and the school. Student-athletes are expected to succeed academically, treat teammates and coaches well, behave accordingly, and compete at their best. Balancing these expectations can be difficult, especially when students have club teams, jobs, family commitments, and other activities.

Four football players in black uniforms with purple accents walking on the field, with a stadium and fans in the background at Mount Saint Joseph University. — Photo courtesy of Grayson Lafon ’29

Still, being an MSJ athlete can create some of the best memories of high school. Jace described a playoff game during his sophomore year as his favorite moment, when he made a last-minute save to help win the game

For incoming freshmen, his advice is simple: “Have fun.” He also emphasizes the importance of staying on top of schoolwork and relying on the support of teammates, coaches, and teachers.

While being an MSJ athlete may be more difficult and demanding than it was many years ago, the purpose remains the same. Challenge students, build character, and develop good men.