Playing multiple sports at the high school varsity level is no easy feat. Multi-sport student-athletes take on the unique challenges of balancing practices, games, schoolwork, and many mental demands. However, this can be just as rewarding as it is challenging.
One of the advantages of playing multiple sports is the ability to transfer skills from one sport to the other, as senior varsity lacrosse and field hockey player Bridget Lesch recognizes, she is “always improving in some way, even if it is something small.”
Success in athletics isn’t just about physical ability, it’s about mental toughness. Participation in multiple sports forces athletes to quickly adapt to different coaching styles, team dynamics, and leadership roles. Skills like these carry over beyond sports, the ability to switch mindsets depending on the task at hand is a crucial life skill.
“Swimming and football are very different sports and we do so many different things, so I have to mentally prepare myself for the difference which I think connects to real life, and being able to switch your mindset is really good,” said Micah Nelson, varsity football player and swimmer.
Balancing multiple sports while maintaining academic success can be overwhelming for student-athletes. However, both Lesch and Nelson emphasize the importance of prioritizing the sport of the current season. A well-planned schedule, along with strong support from teammates and coaches, helps athletes navigate challenging moments and stay on track.
Athletes, especially those enduring long periods of intense training, can often experience burnout. This is a common challenge for many who juggle demanding schedules. However, some athletes find that playing multiple sports can actually help mitigate this issue.
“I don’t see as much burnout in those guys [that play multiple sports], or overuse injuries,” said varsity men’s soccer coach Franz Calixte. “In terms of work and drive, those guys that are playing multiple sports oftentimes have more energy going into the season.”
Nelson had similar feelings when it came to the transition from football season into the swim season, especially because they are “such different sports.”
Playing multiple sports comes with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. For some athletes, the toughest part is managing the demanding practices and tight schedules that come with juggling different sports. For others, it’s about adapting to the mental and physical demands of each sport. But in the end, the satisfaction of achieving personal and team success across multiple sports makes the effort and sacrifices all the more rewarding.
