By: Emily Iannotta, an intern of the spring of 2025
Time is something that everyone wants to have more. It seems that there are not enough hours a day to do everything that should be done. For any level of athlete, the task of managing time for a season may seem even more intimidating and stressful.
Secondary athlete students are obliged to very quickly learn time management skills as adolescents, which often defines the basics of their university career. Time management is a key life skill, but there are many ways to be effective, including the use of technology as recall applications on your smartphone for DUE dates and events. Also, write your weekly schedule and make sure you plan time to avoid stress and fatigue.
Hazel Roberts, member of the Consultative Committee of the Student Athlete (SAAAC) of the Student Association of the State of the State of New York State (NYSPHSAA), is a senior multi-sport athlete of the Rochester City school district in section V and had to quickly understand what was best for her.
“My advice for any student-athlete trying to create a healthy balance while maintaining their GPA is to remain organized. Use a planner – whether digital or physical (I use both). If you can do your homework in class, do it; And if you need help, ask it!
It seems simple for Roberts but it works. She is a multi-sport athlete who was captain of outdoor volleyball and university volleyball for her first three years of high school. She also plays golf and bowling while being regent, honors and AP students.
Douglas Annicelli, a senior from Comsewogue secondary school in section XI, has a slightly different approach that works for him.
“I don’t let anything disturb; I always keep a positive state of mind. There is always a way to do something,” said Ancicelli, a multi-sport athlete, including the captain of the football and butt teams while retaining a GPA 4.0. “It just spent time around good people, people who are also motivated to do better.”
Hazel Roberts (R) is represented with his compatriot Nysphsaa Saac Leader, Jack Johnson (L).
Nysphsaa has a way to recognize this type of athlete student who can succeed in juggling school and sports. They have administered the Scholar athlete program since the 1990s, which recognizes individual athletes to have an average of 90% or more, and teams that have 75% of their athletes with an average equal to or greater than 90%. Obviously, these teams and athletes successfully balanced their school and their academics, proving that even if it may seem impossible sometimes, it is possible.
However, it is normal to fight a little. When this happens, use all the available resources to help you get back on the right track.
Meanwhile, coaches and school administrators try to give students-athletes resources and support to ensure their success as an adult juggling with courses.
“If an athlete has difficulties, our district does a great job to ensure that we were busy by admitting them in our compulsory athletic study room. It is a dedicated moment when he is required to focus on his academics, completing the missions and organizing after school before practicing Ryan Pingitore daily, the head coach of the Broadalbin Perth High School basic team.
The Pingitore coach was also a student in a high school athlete and the Southern Vermont College, so he also experienced the challenges that accompany an athlete student.
“My experience as a high school athlete was crucial to develop the skills I needed for university athletics. This taught me the importance of the discipline, time management and the balance of multiple responsibilities, ”said Pingitore. “In high school, I learned to juggle academics, extracurricular activities and sports, which gave me a solid base for the more demanding university environment. I was also able to develop the mental tenacity necessary to stay focused, even when things have become difficult. As a coach now, I help my athletes apply these lessons, especially when it comes to balance their academic and sports programs. ”
Pingitore is one of the many coaches who knows what to do and how to help an athlete. Whether in college or the workplace, time management is one of the most important skills you may develop.