In order to become successful in both the classroom and on the playing field, student athletes must deal with the stress and pressure that accompany both roles.
“The pressure of being a student-athlete is juggling academics and athletics,” said Winston-Salem State junior forward Jamal Durham. “Knowing that you have to keep up your grades is a lot of pressure.”
Experts say prioritizing and time management are key factors in making college life more manageable and enjoyable. Dr. Jaime Robbins, Human Performance and Sports Science Professor and Sports Psychology consultant, explained how to juggle both academics and athletics. Robbins said that athletes must first manage their time and decide what is important to them.
“Create a ranking system that allows you to decide what is important, whether it’s athletics, academics or other extracurricular activities,” she said.
Robbins suggests making “to-do” lists of tasks that must be completed before going to bed and tasks that one wants to do.
“Don’t let things happen by chance, plan your day. Make time by planning using times and details, and check off the items you have completed,” she said.
Robbins also suggested that student athletes use stresses as excuses.
“Check yourself daily and do frequent self-evaluations,” Robbins said. “Excuses just waste more time.”