Many students tend to excel and focus their attention on a single sport, but this is not always the case. Many students at State High now play two, or even three, sports all year round. These multisport athletes don’t just go through the motions but tend to shine on and off the field. That doesn’t mean it isn’t difficult to compete on the North Turf in the fall, in the North Gym in the winter, and on the South Track in the spring.
Students don’t necessarily just play these sports to stay busy after school, but to build more versatile athletic abilities and social bonds. Sophomore Kate Gilmore plays for two different softball teams throughout the school year: one is a travel team, and the other is her school team. She shares the most appealing part of being a multisport athlete.
“The appeal of all of them [different sports], every sport is different in their unique way, and by participating in multiple sports, I got to meet multiple people and learn different styles of the game in a sport I wouldn’t have known from one team’s perspective,” Gilmore said.
Participating in more than one sport helps develop a broader understanding and a wider range of skills, and reduces the risk of burnout, which can often be associated with sport specialization. Focusing on one sport can cause someone to become exhausted and possibly lose interest over time, but by changing the schedule, athletes can look forward to what the next season may look like. Switching between these different sports helps students at State High stay engaged and motivated. Many athletes would feel refreshed by a change of pace rather than feeling worn down by the end of yet another anticipated season of the same sport.
While playing multiple sports has benefits, it also makes it difficult to manage time or balance academics. Balancing all of these sports takes so much effort and requires strong time management. State High students often face overlapping seasons and are constantly changing their mindsets. Because of this, students end up managing their time down to the hour. Student-athletes playing multiple sports face many obstacles balancing school and health, so sometimes they have to find ways to remain motivated.
Meredith Sobolewski, a sophomore at State High, shares her motivations for competing in soccer, horseback riding, and lacrosse, constantly in many sports at the same time.
“My friends and teammates are always there to help motivate me and get my work done even after a long week, and often we work together in groups on the long bus rides home. My parents also play a huge role in encouraging me to eat lots of healthy food, making sure I’m hydrated, and staying on top of my school work,” Sobolewski said.
These athletes at State High aren’t just competing for championship titles, but they are developing valuable skills and showing what it takes to be truly committed. Despite the longer hours and no off-season, they continue to push themselves and compete their best every season. In a time where you are constantly striving to be the best at something, they prove that versatility and hard work can be just as powerful for your image and well-being.
