As the winter sports season winds down and spring sports rise into full gear at Shadow Ridge High School, the mental health strain on student-athletes becomes increasingly apparent. With grueling playoff practices for both flag football and bowling, and demanding intramurals for baseball, softball, and volleyball, athletes are finding themselves drowning in their academics. The pressure to succeed on the field and court is translating to added stress and difficulty in the classroom. This is leaving many students struggling to find a balance between homework, practice, and rest.

When athletes find themselves in a rough spot or burnt out due to constant demanding conditions, it is crucial to dig deeper and recognize the reason that they started playing in the first place. Scholarships and achievements can help make the game fun but they aren’t everything.

Senior softball player, Josslin Law, agrees that a break is sometimes all an athlete needs. She stated, “I understand sports are important and can get you to college, but it’s also supposed to be fun. If it’s no longer fun then the original point of playing the sport has diminished. Taking a break can possibly refresh your mindset and allow you to really enjoy the sport again.”

Sometimes, athletes feel pressured by both coaches and themselves to prioritize their athletics over their academics and well-being. The flag football team at Shadow Ridge has been dominant in the last 3 years posting a 43-5 record after their first state championship in 2022.

Aaliyah Jaime, a two sport athlete on the flag and volleyball team at Shadow, feels as if athletics actually helps her get through her rough patches.

Jaime states, “Sometimes there are moments where I feel pressured to prioritize my athletics over my mental health, however I think that for the most part my athletics are what helps my mental health and helps me go through my difficult hurdles that life throws my way.”

Shadow Ridge coaches are definitely a bright spot when it comes to student-athletes mental health. They are helping to become and escape for the athletes rather than a burden.

Being in a successful program can often take a toll on the athletes participating. They feel as though they are going to let down and disappoint their school if they do not bring a championship home each year.

Senior tennis and baseball player Brock Morrow said, “After winning state in 2022 I definitely felt the pressure last year, and this year to do it again.” He adds, “Last year, when we lost in the championship, I was scared of what people would say to me when I got back to school. People ended up being kind and congratulating me anyway.”