School, practice, homework, sleep, repeat. This is an average day in the life of a typical high school student-athlete.

Senior Anthony Wohlfeil, senior, runs varsity cross country and track. He is also in three AP classes at school. He said between balancing running and homework, his life is very stressful.

“I think being a varsity athlete and having advanced classes really takes a toll on some students,” Wohlfeil said.

Junior Hope Stanford, junior, agreed that juggling school and sports can be very stressful. She is involved in junior varsity swimming and one AP class.

“I think any student-athlete can have a stressful life. I don’t think it matters if you’re varsity or not,” Stanford said.

Senior Fred Shipp Jr., senior, plays varsity football and does not participate in any AP classes. He said that his schedule often makes him very tired.

“It gets kind of difficult when we have games, because they take a long time and then you still have to do homework when you get home,” Shipp said.

Many student-athletes end up stressed and exhausted at the end of each day. Most athletic practices don’t end until around 5 p.m., and when students get home they have to shower, eat, do homework – which for some may last a few hours – and prepare for the next day. Students often don’t go to bed until 11 p.m. or later, then wake up the following day between 5 and 6 a.m.

Student-athletes have to be even more dedicated and motivated to get through each day than your typical athlete.