Being a student-athlete at a school as rigorous as the Academy of the Holy Cross implies juggling academics with demanding athletic commitments. The idea of being a high school student-athlete often seems incredibly intimidating. The Academy is home to girls who play sports in the fall, winter, spring, and even year-round, and they learn to handle the schedule and stress.
LOTAs who play sports at the Academy have to integrate sports into their daily lives. Sophomore Sophie Esphteyn is a dancer on the Adrenaline Dance Team at Holy Cross and dances outside of school. Her daily school routine consists of challenging classes, such as Algebra 2 and Spanish 2, and then hours of dance at the end of the day. Due to her packed schedule, she has had to find ways to manage her academics while still being prepared for dance.
“I have study hall today and I try to be productive in study hall if I know I don’t have a lot of time after school to do any homework,” Esphteyn expressed. “I try to get it all done during study hall or Tartan Time.”
Student-athletes often may feel unprepared for games, meets, rehearsals, and performances during the school day. In such situations, athletes must utilize their free time to prepare in any way possible. At Holy Cross, free periods, study halls, and Tartan Time, the school-wide free period from 9:15 to 10:15 am, are commonly used for athletes to decompress and address anything they need to do before their after-school commitments.
“During my study hall, I use my iPad to watch videos from dance, and today I’m going down to the dance studio during Tartan Time to make sure I’m ready,” Esphteyn shared.
Managing school and everyday obstacles in addition to athletics can lead students to neglect their physical and mental health, even without intending to. Time management and sleep are vital.
“A lot of student-athletes find themselves studying and staying up late because they are coming home from games and then have to do homework,” Cheryl King, coach of the varsity field hockey team, explained. “For their stress management and mental health, they must ensure they’re getting adequate rest.”
While there is value in the challenges that student-athletes at Holy Cross overcome, it is clear that the sense of community and personal development is just as cherished. Senior Adore Bryant is on Holy Cross’ track and field team, and can attest to these benefits.
“I would tell them to join the track for its community. It’s like a family. Allow any unexpected friendships,” Bryant advised. “It will bring challenges like every other sport, but you will develop your character and personal confidence.”
