By: Emily Iannotta, Spring 2025 Intern

Time is something that everyone wishes they had more of. It seems like there aren’t enough hours in a day to do everything that needs to get done. For any level of athlete, the task of managing time during a season may seem even more daunting and stressful.

High school student athletes are forced to learn time management skills very quickly as teenagers which often sets the foundation for their college careers.  Time management is a key life skill but there are many ways to be effective including using technology like reminder apps on your smartphone for due dates and events. Also, writing out your weekly schedule and making sure you schedule time for yourself to avoid stress and fatigue.

Hazel Roberts, a member of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), is a senior multi-sport athlete at Rochester City School District in Section V and had to figure out quickly what worked best for her.

“My advice for any student-athlete trying to create a healthy balance while maintaining their GPA is to stay organized. Use a planner—whether digital or physical (I use both). If you can do your homework in class, do it; and if you need help, ask for it! No one can help you if they don’t know you need it,” said Roberts.

It sounds simple for Roberts but it works. She is a multi-sport athlete who has served as captain of outdoor track and field and varsity volleyball for her first three years of high school. She also plays golf and bowling while also being a regents, honors, and AP student. 

Douglas Annicelli, a senior at Comsewogue High School in Section XI, has a little different approach that works for him.

“I don’t let anything bother me; I always keep a positive mindset. There’s always a way to get something done,” said Annicelli, a multi-sport athlete including being a captain of the football and lacrosse teams while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. “That comes along with hanging out around the right people, people that are also motivated to do better.”
NYSPHSAA has a way of recognizing these kind of student athletes who can successfully juggle school and sports. They have administered the Scholar Athlete program since the 1990’s, which recognizes individual athletes for having a 90% or above grade average, and teams who have 75% of their athletes with an average equal or above 90%. Clearly, these teams and athletes have successfully balanced their school and academics, proving that even though it may seem impossible at times, it is possible.
 
However, it is normal to struggle a bit. When that happens, use every resource available to help you get back on track.

Meanwhile, coaches and administrators at schools try to give student-athletes resources and support to ensure their success as an athlete juggling classes.

“If an athlete is having difficulty, our district does a tremendous job making sure we address it quickly by admitting them into our mandated athletic study hall. This is a dedicated time where they are required to focus on their academics, complete assignments, and get organized after school before practice daily,” said Ryan Pingitore, the Head Coach of the Broadalbin Perth High School varsity baseball team.

Coach Pingitore was also a student athlete in high school and at Southern Vermont College, therefore he has also experienced the challenges that come with being a student athlete.

“My experience as a high school athlete was crucial in developing the skills I needed for college athletics. It taught me the importance of discipline, time management, and balancing multiple responsibilities,” said Pingitore. “In high school, I learned how to juggle academics, extracurricular activities and sports, which gave me a solid foundation for the more demanding college environment. I was also able to develop the mental toughness required to stay focused, even when things got tough. As a coach now, I help my athletes apply these lessons, particularly when it comes to balancing their academic and athletic schedules.”

Pingitore is one of many coaches who knows what it takes and how to help an athlete. Whether it’s in college or in the workplace, time management is one of the most important skills you could develop.