I spoke to sophomore Payton B. to find out what a typical day in the life of a student-athlete looks like. She shared an example of her daily schedule as an opposite hitter on the JV volleyball team. Payton wakes up at around 6 am, packs everything she needs for school and volleyball practice, and gets on the bus at around 6:45. After school, athletes get 10 minutes to get ready for practice, which lasts 2 and a half hours. After practice, Payton heads home and gets ready for club volleyball practice, which is about another 2 hours. Following her club training, she returns home and starts her homework at about 8:30. As a sophomore, this means somewhere between 2-5 hours of work, depending on the day and the classes she takes.
According to Payton, the most challenging part of being a student-athlete at Marymount is balancing her sports and schoolwork, especially since she can get really tired after practice. This fatigue sometimes makes it hard for her to focus on her academic responsibilities. However, she loves volleyball, and some of her favorite parts of being a student-athlete are practicing with friends, staying fit, having an outlet for her energy, and an overall sense of reward. The camaraderie she has with her teammates provides her with essential support, particularly when the schedule gets overwhelming.
When I asked if the pros outweighed the cons, she said absolutely. Payton finds that playing volleyball helps her develop not only her physical skills but also her mental resilience. The discipline required to maintain her athletic performance has positively influenced her approach to studying. For instance, she has learned to manage her time more effectively, prioritizing tasks and setting specific goals for her homework sessions.
Here is an example of what Payton’s schedule might look like on a given day:
6:00 – Wake up, get ready for volleyball and school
6:45 – Go to school (8 am-2:50 pm)
3:00 – Volleyball practice (2 hours)
5:30 – Take the late bus
6:30 – Get home, get ready for club volleyball practice (about 2 hours)
8:00 – Get home 8:30 – 12:00 – Homework
By the time she finishes her day, she often feels a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction. It’s a demanding lifestyle, but Payton wouldn’t have it any other way. The lessons learned on the court about teamwork and perseverance translate to her academic life, helping her navigate challenges with a positive mindset. Balancing both academics and athletics might be a complex puzzle, but for Payton, each piece plays an essential role in shaping her as a student and an athlete.
