Being a student athlete can be challenging at times. The stress of having to going to practice, then getting home late, being tired, but still have homework to do can be exhausting.

John Ruiz, a senior at Gunderson, has been boxing for 5 years.

“Boxing was a way to stay in shape and also channel my anger,” said Ruiz. He prioritized school and boxing by “going to the library at lunch to do all my work so then by the time I got home I can go straight to the gym.”

Willow Boetter is a sophomore and a first-year track and field, and cheer athlete at Gunderson.

“I barely handle it but I just pray and hope for the best,” said Boetter. “I started cheer because I thought the uniforms looked cute; with track my friends pressured me into it.”

Senior, Marcos Amaral,  has a very big passion for soccer. His way of managing school while playing a sport is by “setting aside time after practice just to sit down and do my work,” said Amaral.

Being a athlete with a full school load can be difficult but making sure you manage your time wisely will ensure your success.