Double the Teams, Double the Time

By Allison Bunch

Published February 26, 2026

Playing both club and high school sports can be challenging for student athletes, especially when it comes to time management. Students who compete on multiple teams must balance practices, games, schoolwork, and personal life, which can be stressful and tiring.

Many athletes say that managing their schedules is one of the hardest parts of playing on two teams. Long practices and late games usually leave little time for homework, rest, or free time.

Sophomore Ava Cruz from Arbor View said balancing club and high school sports has greatly affected her daily routine.

“It’s harder juggling the practices and it lessens my free time by a lot,” Ava said. “I think one struggle most athletes who play both club and high school sports have in common is stress because it’s a lot to go back and forth between clubs and school along with schoolwork, and it leaves very little personal time.”

Another sophomore, Yelena Magana, said playing two sports at the same time has made it harder to keep up with schoolwork and sleep. She explained that practices and games often end late, which makes it difficult to finish homework.

“When playing two sports, it’s a lot harder because you have less time to do things,” Yelena said. “The benefit for athletes is getting more practice. Being on two teams means double practices and games, which helps us improve.”

Sophomore Zoey Gella said balancing both club and high school sports affects her physical and mental health. She explained that the physical needs of her sport can be tiring and overwhelming at times.

“Balancing school and sports is difficult, but it teaches you time management and responsibility,” Zoey said. “The part of my daily life that is affected the most is my sleep and mental health.”

Although playing both club and high school sports can be challenging, many student athletes believe the experience helps them grow, improve their skills, and learn important life skills.