Balancing Books and Ball: The Life of a Student-Athlete

For many young athletes, the dream of becoming a student-athlete is the first step toward a larger goal of making it to the professional stage, where their talent can shine in front of thousands, sometimes millions, of fans. But while the title of “student-athlete” comes with prestige, perks, and opportunities, it also carries a heavy load of responsibilities that often go unnoticed.

From early morning practices to late-night study sessions, student-athletes must constantly juggle their athletic commitments, academic responsibilities, and personal lives. The pressure to perform on the field and in the classroom can be relentless.

Harry Rouhliadeff, a forward on the University of Hawaiʻi men’s basketball team, offered insight into the reality behind the title. He spoke about the demands placed on student-athletes and how exhausting the schedule can be.

“We are just as busy as a student, and then we have to perform and really work on our craft in our sport,” said Rouhliadeff. “It takes a lot off of our day, and once we get home, we are all really tired.”

Rouhliadeff highlighted what many outside the sports world may overlook, that being a student athlete requires intense discipline, energy, and time. Balancing classes, games, practices, and recovery leaves little room for rest.

Krista Peterson, a player on the Hawaiʻi women’s soccer team, shared how she manages to keep up with both her academic and athletic responsibilities through careful planning.

“I try to set specific times throughout my day,” said Peterson. “I tell myself to dedicate certain times to studying and catching up on my work.”

Peterson’s approach represents a crucial skill for student-athletes: time management. Whether it’s scheduling study sessions between practices or carving out quiet hours to focus, organization is what sets the difference between falling behind and staying afloat.

In a world where every hour counts, staying organized is more than just helpful—it’s essential. For student-athletes, mastering time management isn’t just about surviving the demands of dual responsibilities; it’s the key to thriving both on the field and in the classroom.