s crushing it from the court to the classroom 

The end of the school year is exciting. It is warm again and the sun is shining, but student athletes are still in the midst of one of their most stressful times of the year. 

“Seeing as I have only had my freshman year of experience, finals during tennis last year were not hard. Looking to this upcoming season, knowing I have already had a rough year managing time, I do not think I will enjoy not getting as much sleep, but I am sure I will survive,” sophomore Moriah Ellington said. 

Not only do coaches play a significant role in their sports but also motivate their athletes in the classroom. 

“The coaches provide us time during finals, and that helps. They acknowledge the fact that we have finals and that it is important. They do not think that the sport should be prioritized over finals by any means. They know how important it is,” sophomore Isabella Blythe, softball player, said.

Senior Meagan McCauley, track runner, has not always lived in the United States. She has had different struggles than most when it comes to second-semester stress. 

“It was very shocking because before coming here during sophomore year I did not know English very well and I was so confused about what I needed to do. I am much better now, so I think that experience helped and motivated me to become better,” McCauley said. 

Sports are a good experience for a lot of people, and they create great memories throughout, so most athletes do not let the stress of finals affect their seasons. 

“I think I enjoy the season just the same even when finals are happening. Baseball is a great experience, and I want to remember it that way with or without the stress of finals. It was a little bit of a shock my freshman year. I was kind of prepared for it because I knew people in the grades above me,” senior Spencer Fay said. 

McCauley is in the same boat as Fay.

“The season stays pretty normal for me during finals because I focus on having fun and creating memories with my teammates. The coaches motivate us during finals to just give it our all. They do not need perfection, they just want our best, so that makes it easier for us,” McCauley said. 

For some, sports have always been part of their lives, so it was never a huge shock for them. 

“At the beginning of softball season, it can be really cold which can affect my mood and my motivation to do school work. When finals come along, it does not affect the season, though. I have always been used to not having a lot of free time between sports, but it does take up a lot of time because practices are every day and even on weekends. I realized how much time I was putting into the sport, but it was all worth it in the end,” Blythe said. 

Junior Cruse Glidden has had time to reflect on his freshman season, and there are things he would do differently. 

“I would tell my freshman self that I have to work hard and have fun during practice but also work hard in school to get my grades up. The season is just as enjoyable as usual. I just have to be prepared for the upcoming season,” Glidden said. 

Athletes are just people. It can be difficult to remember when there are so many responsibilities.

“I would say to just continue what you want to do and continue to be what you are. Never stop being good at both academics and athletics. Use your time to get faster or better at your sport while still taking that time to study when needed,” McCauley said.