Signs My Student-Athlete is Struggling

Parenting is a challenge in itself, but raising a student-athlete brings an added layer of complexity. As parents, you strive to be attentive to every aspect of our child’s life—always wanting the best for them, always hoping to see them succeed. As pressure builds for you as a parent, it often builds for your child as well—whether they express it or not. While some athletes go through their entire careers loving their sport without a care in the world, many quietly carry the weight of expectations. Many children silently struggle to balance life as a student-athlete. Here are a few signs to be aware of:

• Sudden changes in behavior

• Increased irritability

• Withdrawal from social activities

• Decreased motivation

• Changes in eating habits/sleep patterns

• Consistent decline in athletic performance

• Negative self-talk

• Difficulty concentrating

Many young athletes experience performance anxiety before games, matches, or competitions. A single mistake can heighten this anxiety, reinforcing a fear of failure and creating a cycle of worry and self-doubt. When coaches and parents place too much emphasis on specific outcomes, it can intensify this fear, further perpetuating the cycle and increasing the athlete’s stress. Research shows that burnout, depression, and anxiety are among the most commonly reported concerns for student-athletes. Additionally, the pressure to be perfect remains a significant issue. Many young athletes set unrealistic standards for themselves, often tying their self-worth to their athletic performance. Signs your student-athlete is striving for unhealthy perfection:

• Avoid taking risks and resist change for fear of failure

• Be overly sensitive to criticism

• Get frustrated over small mistakes

• Procrastinate or give up on difficult tasks

• Downplay accomplishments– attribute them to luck instead of skill

In today’s high-pressure environment, society often associates burnout with adults juggling careers, families, and responsibilities. But what often goes overlooked is the toll that similar stress can take on student athletes—young individuals who are balancing academics, athletics, social expectations, and personal growth at the same time. Burnout among student athletes is real, and it's more common than many realize. It’s crucial that parents, coaches, educators, and even the athletes themselves learn to recognize the early warning signs.

• Feeling on edge or overwhelmed

• Being “checked out” and apathetic

• Panic attacks

• Agitation

• Avoidance

• Voicing reluctance or dread about practice or competitions

• Change in sleep patterns

• Stomach problems (e.g., upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea)

• Headaches

• Risk-taking behaviors

• Going to practice without the usual enthusiasm

• Choosing to spend more time away from the sport

• Feeling overly defeated/discouraged after a loss or setbacks

• Appearing fatigued or disinterested

• Expressing a desire to quit the sport

How to Balance Life as a Student Athlete

There’s a common stigma that athletes “get everything done for them,” but in reality, student-athletes often face intense pressure on multiple fronts. They’re expected to perform at their best on the field (or court), stay on top of their academics, and still find time to maintain a social life. Balancing all of these responsibilities isn’t easy, and for many, the constant expectations can become overwhelming. The truth is, success as a student-athlete requires far more than talent or discipline—it demands a strong sense of balance. Balance starts with effective and efficient time management.

Everyone talks about time management, but what does it really mean? For a student-athlete, effectively managing your time is crucial for balancing academics, athletics, and personal well-being. While certain commitments—like class schedules, practice times, and competitions—are fixed, you do have control over how you allocate your study sessions, rest, and free time. Planning and prioritizing your day not only helps you stay on top of your academics and athletic goals but also ensures you remain connected to yourself and maintain balance in your life.

The responsibilities of a student-athlete can feel endless and overwhelming. Often, the advice adults give boils down to “time management,” but what does that look like in real life? It starts with identifying your priorities– this looks different for every individual. Is maintaining a certain GPA more important than having a social life? Are self-care afternoons more valuable than grabbing lunch with friends? Your priorities can only be determined by you, and only you can determine what matters most.

Once your priorities are clear, planning becomes key. Start by looking at the week ahead: which days have more free time, which days are heavy with classes, and which are dominated by sports. Understanding your schedule in advance allows you to allocate your time efficiently. Knowing your week lets you utilize your time smarter, not just harder.

In addition to weekly planning, using a daily schedule can be extremely helpful. Whether it’s a planner, a phone calendar, or even sticky notes, find a system that works for you and plan your days around both academic and athletic commitments. This will allow you to prioritize your time to the best of your ability without feeling overwhelmed.

While planning is important, flexibility is just as crucial. Athletic schedules can change unexpectedly—practice times move, games get cancelled, or locations may shift. Being adaptable allows you to manage these changes without unnecessary stress. By setting priorities, planning thoughtfully, and staying flexible, student-athletes can navigate their demanding schedules more effectively and maintain balance in both school and sports.

by Hedi Docking, M.Ed, APC, NCC