In recent years at Hidden Valley High School many student athletes have had to balance the weight of athletics and academics. Balancing academics and athletics can be a significant challenge for students at Hidden Valley High School. With demanding practice schedules, travel for games, and the constant pressure to perform on the field and in the classroom, student-athletes often find themselves very stressed out, looking for help in any way. They have to manage their time effectively to keep up with schoolwork while also doing their training and team responsibilities. The stress of meeting academic expectations while trying to excel in sports can make it difficult to achieve a healthy balance, leaving many students feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

To help balance academics and athletics, student-athletes can adopt several strategies that make managing both areas more manageable. Time management is crucial; creating a schedule that outlines study sessions, practice times, and rest periods can help athletes stay organized and focused. Prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and importance allows them to address academic work without sacrificing training commitments. Seeking support from teachers, coaches, and teammates can also make a significant difference, as they often provide flexibility and understanding for the challenges student-athletes face. Developing good study habits, such as finding a quiet space and minimizing distractions, can help maximize productivity in shorter periods. By staying disciplined and proactive, athletes can excel in both their academic and athletic pursuits.

In Hidden Valley’s class of 2025 there are two student-athletes that have successfully gone through high school balancing their academic and athletics careers. Caleigh Ponn (12), an outside hitter for the Lady Titans volleyball team, committed to Kansas State, and Avery Tanis (12), the Lady Titans basketball team’s star shooting guard, who recently committed to Roanoke college have shared some insight and advice on how the managed academics and athletics. When asked how Tanis (12) manages her time efficiently between practices, games, and studying. She states how she does this effectively by planning her weeks on Sundays and setting time aside to do schoolwork around her games and practices. Caleigh Ponn (12) began her freshman year on the varsity volleyball team. One could only imagine the stress and weight that was put on her shoulders, especially only just beginning high school. “At first, as a freshman it was hard managing school and volleyball, but I quickly learned throughout high school how to balance and exceed in both academics and athletics. Being able to prioritize certain things and plan accordingly to my training and academic schedule helped me exceed as not only a student but an athlete as well.” Ponn (12) explains.