Federal Way Public Academy student athletes who play sports for district schools have trouble finding time for school work and focusing on the sport. Yet these student athletes find ways to balance both with the help of teammates promoting motivation.
Sports sometimes comes with the price of being tired all the time and having no motivation. However, making new connections at district schools and the enjoyment of playing sports help these athletes strive in both. “I try to not focus too much on soccer and make consideration for homework and school,” Najam Hassan states.
Maintaining school work and doing sports becomes difficult at times when needing to prioritize both just as equally, always trying to make time for both. Students go from leaving school, to practices, to games, and ending with homework.
In the long run, these student athletes seem to think both are worth all the time and effort. “One challenge for me is getting everything finished. On the way to volleyball games I would do some of my homework on the bus, so I had less to do when I got home. I still stayed up late though,” Harper Sorenson described. Keeping up with homework and wanting to perform well in sports is something very challenging for these student athletes.
The challenges also come with support. “Playing sports also comes with a good side because you get to meet new people and become part of your home schools community. It feels good because I get to branch out of just FWPA. It keeps me motivated to continue doing good in school and sports,” Malania Hill shares. Bonding with other people who share the same love for a sport helps student athletes to stay motivated with the excitement of getting to see friends from district schools at the end of the day.
Having good support and strong dedication for the sport comes with success in many different ways. Ethan Wolf won first place in districts for cross country, running for Illahee Middle School. “It felt very good when I won,” Ethan described.
The hard work and dedication ultimately leads to new experiences, friendships, and the joy of playing the sport.
