It is 7:45 in the morning and the hallways of West Potomac are already crowded. By the time the bell rings, some students have already been up for hours, whether that be for dance practice, cheer practice, or squeezing in some lifting before a full day of classes. For West Po’s fall athletes the season brings excitement, exhaustion and one big question, how do you balance it all? The fall season for many means packed schedules. Between late night homework, long bus rides home from away games and the pressure to keep grades up student athletes often find themselves overwhelmed. Still, many say sports are not just another responsibility, they can also be a break for some, a place to see all your friends and take a break from school stress.
Norah Kelly, a junior and member of the school’s dance team, admits that juggling practice and homework isn’t easy, “Some days feel never ending. Practices can run late, and I am not usually able to get homework started until after nine.”
Most athletes agree the payoff is worth the pressure. The lessons learned on the field often translate back into the classroom, teaching lessons such as discipline, focus and resilience.
Lally Mikulski, a junior on the Field Hockey team said, “Even though the schedule is intense, being part of a team gives me motivation to push through when school feels stressful.”
Whether it’s a Friday night football game, and early sports practice, or a late night cram session for a big test, Wolverines are proving that with enough passion and discipline, it is possible to succeed in both worlds.
Diego Sandovol Fuentes, a junior on the Soccer team said, “I always try and get my work done a week before it is due so I don’t have to worry about it after practice.”
Overall, balancing homework and sports takes more than effort on the field or in the classroom, it takes strategy and good habits. Many athletes at West Potomac rely on simple habits that make a huge difference.
- Use a planner or calendar- Writing down deadlines, practice times, and game schedules prevents surprises and keeps priorities visible.
- Take advantage of small breaks- Bus rides, advisory, or waiting before practice can turn into opportunities to review notes or finish assignments.
- Prioritize sleep- A consistent bedtime and healthy rest routine lead to better focus during both practices and classes.
- Communicate with teachers and coaches- Clear communication about game days and big assignments helps avoid last minute stress.
- Stay organized- Keeping sports gear and school materials ready to go reduces wasted time and lowers stress.
At the end of the day, balancing school and sports isn’t about being perfect, it is about learning what works, being a good teammate, and keeping the bigger picture in mind. For West Potomac’s fall athletes that means always pushing yourself on the field while making sure the grades don’t slip away and fall down on your priorities list.