Student Athletes Balance School & Sports

Nick (a Grade 9 student and new boy this year) and Jeff (a Grade 11 student and a Georgian since Grade 3) are heavily involved in athletics outside of school, with Nick recently being named to the provincial U15 soccer team and Jeff making it all the way to the top 23 for the Ontario basketball U17 team. Nick, who plays goal for the North Toronto Nitros outside school, also had the opportunity to play in a U15 national showcase in February. The provincial tryouts have been a grueling process, according to Jeff, who found himself up against other talented players who pushed him to remain competitive.

 

Both boys have had to work hard at balancing their workloads, as well, but the commitment pays off. According to Jeff, although it’s been challenging, the opportunity to play elite athletics has resulted in an improvement in his time management skills. “I never used to do my homework before dinner, but I found I am much more productive when I do,” he said. “I also manage my time by staying after school, working with my teachers and getting extra help.”

 

Nick stressed that character is just as important as athletic skill, “At the national level, they don’t just look for great athletes. They also look for players who commit to school life and show good character.” According to Nick, using his lunch hours to work on assignments and study for assessments helps him stay productive. “From a young age, I’ve always loved playing sports. Having two parents who are university professors, I didn’t really have the option of not doing my homework. If I was going to play, I had to do the work. It’s a matter of [asking yourself], do you really want this?” The big lesson Nick learned by his experience at the provincial and national level is the importance of “staying committed and not forgetting who you really are.”