Tips for Student-Athletes Heading Back to School

Written By: Riedell | August 18, 2011

It’s hard to believe, but it’s the back-to-school season. For many skaters, it can be hard to find a balance between student and athletic life, but Riedell skaters like Rachael Flatt (who heads to Stanford this fall), Kiri Baga, Kate Charbonneau and Sean Rabbitt are wonderful examples of effective student athletes. They show skaters of every level that it’s possible to balance heavy course loads while training.

Being a student and an athlete both requires a lot of time and preparation for success, so for skaters and skating parents alike, we’ve compiled the top tips for balancing school (& work) and skating.

  1. Be a true student-athlete
    As you kick off this school year, remember that you are a student first and an athlete second. Don’t compromise your academic performance due to skating
  2.  Organize
    When you have many events to juggle, utilizing a calendar is essential! Use a family or personal calendar to track your ice time, school events & assignments to ensure that nothing is overlooked
  3.  Plan ahead for tests & assignment
    This tip directly relates to tip #2, being organized. When you are aware of what tests and assignments are ahead, you can plan to accomplish these tasks in advance to avoid late-night cram sessions. Establishing a set time each day to complete assignments will help you stay on top of work and avoid procrastinating.
  4. Pack your skate bag and backpack ahead of time
    This is especially helpful when your ice time is very early in the morning. Having the essentials (including a snack and water bottle) ready to go in the morning will make for a stress-free morning at the rink and a better day at school.
  5. Communicate
    With coaches, teachers your parents and other skaters at your rink. They all are there to help you with your athletics (and really, life in general). They are a great sounding board if you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to balance your obligations. Listen to what they have to say, and learn from their experiences.
  6. Use the time traveling to and from the rink wisely
    Assuming you aren’t the one driving, the time you spend in the car can be used to review notes, study for an exam or to plan for the week ahead.
  7. Eat breakfast every morning and get enough sleep
    Sometimes easier said than done, these two basics will help keep you healthy, energized and productive throughout the day.
  8. Set goals
    Write down your goals for the week, month or semester to help you hold yourself accountable for your actions and highlight areas you can improve moving forward.

For many students (athlete or not!), late nights of studying for exams or finishing papers are inevitable, but putting these tips in action will help you transition seamlessly from a care-free summer to a productive school year.

How do you balance skating with other obligations? Share your tips in the comments!