Time Management as a Student-Athlete - A Student's Reflection

As I lace up my basketball sneakers for a fifth season on the Saint Mary’s Women’s varsity basketball team, I can’t help but reflect on the whirlwind journey I’ve had as a student-athlete. My name is Katelyn and I proudly graduated with an undergraduate degree in Commerce with a major in Management and a minor in Sociology last year and recently embarked on my MBA journey at Saint Mary's University . My life revolves around basketball, schoolwork, and the constant quest for harmony between the two. 

While composing this blog post during a plane ride from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Ottawa, Ontario for some pre-season basketball games in the midst of midterm season, I will take you through my journey as a student-athlete, offering guidance and tips to alleviate pressure and achieve success in school, extracurricular activities, and overall life in the most relatable way possible.

Exceptional time management skills have been the secret to conquering the chaos of the daily life of a student-athlete. Whether you're experiencing a demanding exam season or navigating the ups and downs of your regular routine, mastering the art of time management is your key to becoming a productivity powerhouse! It's not just about squeezing every task into your busy day; it's about creating a well-balanced life that encompasses not only your academic or work responsibilities but also leaves room for cherished hobbies, quality time with family and friends, self-care, and those precious moments of relaxation. 

The life of a student-athlete is a unique blend of rigorous demands and extraordinary opportunities. While I speak from the perspective of a basketball player, the time management principles I’ll discuss apply to students with other extracurricular commitments such as student council or part-time jobs. By effectively managing my time I’ve found success both on and off the court and even got accepted into a competitive MBA program while playing basketball. Please join me as I share my experiences, challenges, and the valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way.

The Student-Athlete Life

Being a university basketball player isn’t just about making the important shots. It is a lifestyle that entails countless hours of practice, games, and even extensive travel. The Atlantic provinces have become my second home during the season as we navigate through various cities for games, all while juggling the pressure of academic commitments, including assignments, midterms, and exams. 

Yet, the student-athlete is not without its perks. As a student-athlete, I’ve had the privilege of developing a unique set of skills and connections. The discipline instilled in us on the court naturally translates to better time management skills, which can significantly benefit our academic endeavours. In particular, sports and exercise in general, provide us with much-needed mental and physical breaks from studying, helping us to refresh and recharge our minds. Communication and teamwork are other essential skills that I have developed while playing competitive sports for the last 5 years.

However, being a student-athlete it is not all fireworks and celebrations. Student-athletes face challenges that extend beyond the court. Juggling academics and athletics can be very overwhelming, demanding a level of commitment that can be daunting; often feeling like there just isn’t enough time in the day. Our days are meticulously planned, from early-morning practices to late-night study sessions. On a typical Monday, my schedule is a whirlwind - 8 am practice, classes from 10 am to 3:45 pm, a meeting for this MyHomeworkRewards internship from 4:30-5 pm, a weightlifting session from 5 to 6 pm, and then to top it all off, an evening marathon study session. And let's not forget to squeeze in meals, finding time to spend with friends and family and time to just, well, chill out.

The Importance of Time Management

While the above schedule sounds intimidating, we thankfully have the ability to build on a skill that can solve a lot of our issues - time management. Time management is the linchpin that holds our dual lives together. It is the secret sauce that allows us to balance academics and athletics, excelling in both. Effective time management, in my experience, entails a consistent, organized schedule that outlines when to tackle each aspect of my life. For academic purposes, I specifically rely on the myHomework app and the Stickies on my Macbook to keep me on track. For my overall schedule, I use the Notes app for a day-to-day breakdown and the Calendar app to keep track of weekly practices, games, events, and even friends’ birthdays.  

With this, scheduling is only one piece of the puzzle for successful time management. Communication is another critical element. Being upfront with professors about our commitments and potential scheduling conflicts is vital. Professors often appreciate our dedication and are willing to make accommodations when possible. At the start of each semester, I make sure to give my professors early notice of any potential scheduling issues, like missing a midterm for a game. This simple early communication allows for practical solutions, such as rescheduled exams, and in turn, reduces stress and improves time management.

Additionally, I’d recommend checking out resources like this blog post for additional study tips and time management strategies. 

Overcoming Challenges

While the journey of a student-athlete has its share of highs, it also entails facing formidable challenges. In my case, getting injured during a game last season was a major setback. Dealing with this injury was not just physically taxing but also emotionally distressing. For example, to top off the above busy schedule, I had to fit in time for physio appointments to ensure my injury was healing. With this, I had to reach out to professors to explain my situation and request deadline extensions while battling frustration and managing stress. Additionally, I leaned on my classmates and teammates for school and social support as the additions to my schedule conflicted with class and study times.

However, it’s the moments like these that truly define a student-athlete’s character. In my case, I faced the challenges head-on, engaging with my professors, and prioritizing my health and recovery. The experience taught me the importance of perseverance and the strength that lies within. 

Our perseverance is demonstrated through our accomplishments. Whether that is just passing your courses while staying afloat financially, or in my own journey, I managed to win the Atlantic University Sport championship and go to nationals while maintaining a 4.18 cumulative GPA last year. My journey as a student-athlete has not only shaped me as a basketball player but as a person too. The sense of fulfillment and satisfaction derived from balancing both worlds is unparalleled. 

To my fellow student-athletes or anyone with extra-curricular commitments, I say this:

you can overcome any challenge that comes your way. The journey is challenging, but the sense of accomplishment is worth every hurdle. Don’t be afraid to lean on your support systems and utilize available resources to make your path easier.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my journey as a student-athlete has been a testament to the significance of effective time management and unwavering perseverance. Balancing academics and athletics is no small feat, but it is a path filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery that I am ever so grateful for.

I hope that my experiences and insights have inspired and motivated you, the reader, to tackle your own challenges, whether you’re a student-athlete or simply a student with a busy extracurricular life. Embrace time management, face your setbacks with resilience, and lean on your support systems - these are the keys to mine and your success.

As I take in my second last year playing university basketball, I am reflecting on the synergy that exists between my two worlds. The lessons learned in the gym and the classroom have shaped me into a stronger, more determined individual. The life of a student-athlete is demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. So, for my final words of wisdom from as a fellow student in our day and age, remember that no matter where your journey takes you, effective time management and unwavering perseverance will allow you to conquer all challenges that come your way, personally and professionally.

-Kate