“I really have to manage my time because, if I don’t, before I know it I'm behind and there's no catching up.”  Says Matthew Lerner, a student athlete at Arrowhead High School who has been a student-athlete for 10 years. For many it takes a lot of self discipline and  to have the ability to differentiate when it's more important to be a student or when it's more important to be an athlete- it always comes down to which one takes precedence over the other.

“I have to use a planner for myself and then also use a family calendar for my parents to know my schedule as well” Matthew states as he explains one of his tactics on keeping track of everything he has going on.  Creating a planner is one of the tactics Matthew says has worked the best for him throughout the years. When doing something like creating a planner it can help keep your activities in check and help you know what’s to come and what you need to get ready for. 

As a student athlete there is also the stress of being able to have a social life and being able to hang with friends and family.  “I have to be flexible and think more open minded when it comes to planning things with friends- sometimes I have to plan 1 to 2 weeks in advance with my friends to be able to create plans around school and practice” Matthew states as he talks about having to intertwine with his siblings schedule and his parents work schedule and even family events. . 

While keeping in mind time management, wanting a social life, studying, practice, games and tournaments all of those put together can lead to stress and fatigue and potentially burn out.