Nyack High School is full of bright and talented young athletes who participate in the wide variety of sports teams that we have to offer. Whether it’s track and field, basketball, or even bowling, there’s something for everyone. And while these teams come with fun games and practices with friends, there also comes responsibility and pressure. As the winter athletic season progresses here at Nyack, there are many different perspectives and experiences that should be shared, and our student-athletes tell all.
The freshman class president, Justin Villanueva, talked about the effect that sports have on a student’s social life: “Sports don’t affect my schoolwork that much, but [they] definitely affect my social life because practice takes up a lot of my time on the weekends and after school,” he said.
Ella Gould, a three-sport Varsity athlete, added, “There’s been many times when I can’t hang out because of sports and school, but if I’m able to get that stuff done, then I may actually have free time.”
Despite the time commitment, both students agree that Nyack creates a family-like environment for its student-athletes. “Sports introduce a team full of new friends and open up a lot of social opportunities,” said Villanueva. “I mean, I love track here at Nyack, there’s lots of good energy and good people!”
Gould agreed: “The best part about being a student-athlete is definitely the family it creates for you. I think it’s really important to spend time with people from all different grades and people who share the same passions as you do.”
Although teammates and coaches support students with positivity and encouragement, it is often easy to still let one’s inner critic affect one’s mentality. Girls Swimming state qualifier Alex Fox stated, “I try not to let sports affect my schoolwork, but sometimes if I don’t perform as well as I wanted to during a swim meet, then it may affect my mentality during the school day.”
Caroline Pierre added, “If I perform poorly, then it is likely to take over my head into the school day.” Gould gave advice to athletes with this dilemma: “Let's say I do badly on a test, I try to use that to motivate myself to do well in a game, and that can work vice versa.”
When watching a sports game, people usually focus on the stars on the field. But it’s equally important to acknowledge the stars on the sidelines, like coaches. Nyack’s Varsity football and lacrosse coach, William Arnhold, said, “As much as my students learn from me, I take every opportunity to learn from them as well… I’ve been coaching at Nyack for ten years and I don’t think I’ve ever had a negative moment.” He chuckled and added, “I may be biased since I’m an alumnus, but Nyack is the best place to be, whether you’re a coach or a player!”
The social, educational, and emotional well-being of student-athletes is certainly affected during the sports season, no matter what sport you play. Practices and games cut into homework time, time with friends, and even affect students' mental state throughout the day. Yet, sports also act as an outlet for some teens and a safe place where they can make new friends and bond with others who share similar interests. Nyack High School is prepared to support every student in their athletic and academic careers, and our parents and staff can’t wait to see what the upcoming winter athletic season has to come!