Life as a high school student can be incredibly stressful and difficult between academics, social life, clubs, jobs, community service and, of course, sports. 

With only so many hours in a day — who decided on this 24 hours in a day nonsense, anyways? — schedules can turn hectic and lengthy to-do lists overwhelming.  

In an effort to assist student-athletes throughout the Midcoast, penbaypilot.com solicited advice from local high school graduates now playing collegiate athletics to provide advice on how to balance sports and life outside sports. 

Joe Berger, University of New England: “My advice would be to prioritize the things in your life, try to come up with a balanced schedule that keeps you happy and in good mental and physical health.” 

Lucas Boetsch, Colby Sawyer College: “At first it may seem difficult to manage schoolwork, soccer, friends, relationships, clubs, etc. However, my best advice would be to not procrastinate. During the soccer season there is little time between classes and soccer, so it is crucial to use the little spare time you have for schoolwork so you don’t get behind. After a while, you will settle into a rhythm, and it will get more manageable to juggle everything.”

Kersey Boulay, University of New England: “Time management is key! Make sure you plan out everything and stay on top of your school work. So hopefully if you get caught up with school and not practicing or playing games you have free time for yourself! Because that is so important!”

Reanna Boulay, University of New England: “Academics always come first. I know that they may not be as fun as playing the sport that you love, but you won’t be able to play forever (unless you become a professional or something). I would say to try and stay on top of studying as much as you can, and don’t procrastinate! There will be time for you to join clubs and hang out with friends so don’t think that it’s impossible. A lot of times when I need a break from homework or studying I will see what my friends are doing and we’ll go do something to take our minds off of school for a little bit, even if it’s for a short period of time. Most of all, enjoy the chances you are given and don’t take them for granted! You only get to experience something like this once, so make the best of it and just try your hardest!”

Lilah Chaar, Maine Maritime Academy: “Playing a sport can help you out in all other commitments you have in your life. It can give you a break from academics to de-stress and not feel like that’s all you do. It also teaches you life lessons that will help improve your professional and personal life.”

Brooke Dugan, University of Southern Maine: “I think the biggest thing that helps me stay organized is my planner, I will write down everything, my class schedule with homework and assignments, my game and practice schedule, as well as my work schedule and I make a lot reminders on my phone. It’s hard but very possible to juggle everything and still have a social life.”

Josiah Krul, Bates College: “The best advice I could give would be to effectively manage your time and understand what needs to be prioritized. I am a big planner guy, so I’ll write everything down to make sure I can see what needs to get done first, then factor in time for the things that are less of a priority to me personally.”

Kaitlyn Shute, Maine Maritime Academy: “Time management is extremely important. Make sure you’re constantly communicating with your professors, coach/coaches, boss, etc. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.”

Brad Spear, University of New England: “Sit down, make a detailed plan and stick to it.”

Reach George Harvey and the sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com.