For many athletes, balancing just one sport amid school, family, and other activities is a demanding regimen. But some athletes decide to take on two sports – at the same time.
Splitting time between two teams is perhaps the greatest challenge for dual-sport athletes.
“It’s hard because you’re not always at everything for your sports,” junior Keira Wells said. Well’s is on the golf and pom team this fall.
When athletes are crammed with activities, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.
“It’s hard to make time for yourself, but you have to realize that you are a human and you need time for yourself,” Wells said.
She recommends giving time to hobbies outside of sports.
“Focus on things you enjoy, outside of sports, especially doing a hobby,” Wells said. “It’s a good thing to just take your mind off of your activities.”
Balance is something that junior Riley Swart, varsity cross country runner and soccer player, tries to maintain as well.
“I try to balance it by going to practices for cross country in the morning and then soccer in the evenings, which is the best I can do,” Swart said.
In addition to practices, Swart must consider competition schedules.
“Meets are on weekends for cross country, and games are Tuesdays and Thursdays for soccer, so it ends up laying out pretty well,” Swart said.
While being involved with two sports at the same time can feel like a hassle, athletes also find it rewarding.
“I like meeting new people and in both sports you’re getting involved with other people you probably wouldn’t normally hang out with or see on a daily basis,” Wells said.
Swart enjoys the social benefit of being on two teams.
“I get to connect with a lot of people who also enjoy doing the things that I do, and I get to feel the culture of both teams,” he said.
In order to succeed throughout practices, meets, matches, and games, dual-sport athletes require consistent support from friends and family members. Sophomore Hadley Ornes, a pom team member and volleyball player, is grateful for her family’s support.
“My mom keeps saying that she’s proud of me and excited for me, because she just likes coming and watching me do stuff,” Ornes said.
Swart agreed.
“They come to my meets and soccer games, and my mom’s always trying to help me recover after practices,” Swart said.
Wells said her pom coaches are supportive of her athletic pursuits.
“They like it because they want you to be involved in other things, that’s the whole goal of high school,” Wells said. They’ll work with you, for you.”
