Balancing athletics, social life and academics can be tough, especially with only 24 hours within the day. A 2023 survey by the National Library of Medicine asked 200 high school athletes, aged 16-17, about their stress levels as student athletes. It found that 91% felt stress from sports, mainly due to fear of failure and self-pressure. Additionally, 34% reported that the stress made it hard for them to perform well. To manage stress and pre-game anxiety, some Heritage athletes shared the routines they follow and self-improvements they work on to feel confident on game day.
Schedule
Although summer can be a perfect time to take a break, some athletes use this time to improve their skills and build self-confidence, following personalized schedules.
Eighth grader Lyric Rodriguez, pitcher and outfielder for the varsity girls softball team, prepares for the season during the summer by working out and practicing with her travel softball team, as well as attending tournaments. “I want to watch pitching and improve mine before going into the school season,” she said.
Senior Jordan Louis, who plays for varsity boys football team, focuses on consistently building strength and endurance and redefining his skills with sessions running from Monday through Sunday. “As the season approaches my training will become more sport-specific, with an emphasis on strategy and teamwork,” he said.
Diet
Teenage athletes should prioritize eating a balanced diet. According to a 2023 article by the National Library, nutrition “exert[s] a profound impact on [athletes’] performance and overall well-being.” Medical University of South Carolina emphasizes the importance protein plays for an athlete’s performance and their body’s recovery after working out.
Recognizing the key role food plays in her life and the importance of protein for athletic performance, Rodriguez prefers to eat protein-focused food items such as chicken breasts and power bars before her workouts. Along with being time-efficient, these foods provide her with quick bursts of energy. “They taste good and contain most of the nutrients I need as an athlete,” she said.
Mindset
Whether it’s to become a better leader, develop a stronger mindset, or improve certain skills, Heritage athletes have different goals they wish to achieve. “I hope to improve my number of goals and continue winning lots of draws,” sophomore Lauren Williams, a midfielder and attacker for the varsity girls lacrosse team, said.
“My goals for the next high school season as an athlete are to lead my team not only in points but also as a team captain,” Jack Switter, the team captain for varsity boys lacrosse, said. Switter sets his standards high as he hopes to lead his team to the best season they’ve had while he has attended Heritage.
Performing in tournaments and games as an athlete can be a path full of ups and downs, mentally and physically. Prioritizing creating a set schedule can strengthen the mindset of an athlete and their ability to perform better despite the challenges they might face.
Throughout her journey in lacrosse, sophomore Lauren Williams has gained a lot of insights and lessons she wishes she knew when she first started. Williams wishes she could have advised herself to “learn to love the process and the hard work,” when she first began playing lacrosse. (Photo/Lauren Williams)
