Travel sports is more than just a game. Athletes make a choice to live a lifestyle that requires dedication and passion. It provides an environment to learn discipline, mental toughness, and accountability. It also increases potential for college scholarships, along with establishing lifelong friendships.
Between early morning practices and late-night homework, student travel athletes live in a world that rarely slows down. Their weeks are measured not just in classes and assignments, but in miles traveled, hotel stays and tournament brackets. While their peers head home after school to catch up on work or sleep, these athletes head to training sessions, strength workouts, or the airport, to chase goals that stretch far beyond the classroom. This can cause stress and overwhelming emotions.
One of the greatest challenges student travel athletes face is learning how to balance their academic responsibilities with the demanding schedules of competitive sports.
Brynna Garvin is a junior who participates in travel volleyball. She also plays varsity volleyball at Carolina Forest High School. Garvin does feel that school and travel sports do not commingle well and can cause academic stress from falling behind.
“Traveling affects me academically because if I’m going far I have to sometimes miss school which doesn’t count as an excused absence. I miss class work and end up having to make it up on my own time,” Garvin explained.
From a coach’s perspective, things can seem different. Justin Stack, who also is a teacher at Atlantic Collegiate Academy.
“As a teacher who teaches at a school full of athletes, I am understanding of athletes that come to class after just a few hours of sleep due to big tournaments. I do notice that some student athletes do need extra time on some things because due dates can be conflicting,” Coach Stack commented.
Athletes can often face pressure to perform and balance academics. Although some are good at managing both school and travel.
Senior travel basketball player, Erick Morales stated, “I have make-up work when I miss class, but I schedule time to do the work I am absent for which is time consuming.”
Kassi Javetski, a junior, added, “Academically, travel soccer does not interfere because I have great work ethic.”
I, too, fall victim to being a travel athlete myself. The academic stress can be difficult, but I would not give up all my hardwork and love for the game. However, Travel sports are not just about trophies or college recruitment. Being mentally tough and focused are two main priorities of being a traveling student athlete. The ups and downs build character, create memories, and prepare student athletes for life beyond sports!
