As high school sports and club sports seasons continue to be in full swing, many students find themselves caught between two demanding schedules. With overlapping seasons, students are forced to make tough decisions about where to dedicate their time or where their loyalties lie. Practices, games, and tournaments constantly conflict with each other, causing stress and exhaustion for student-athletes. 

Logan Kiser, senior, said, “I play both travel lacrosse and school football at the same time. I often have to drive up after football games on Friday to Maryland, which is over six hours away. Playing both is very demanding on my body, and it is tiring to give my all for both teams. I usually get back Sunday night, and am too exhausted to finish my school work.”

To add to the chaos, coaches’ expectations come into play, all having different expectations for their players. Expectations can be hard for athletes to meet if they are balancing multiple sets of goals from multiple coaches at once; they can’t be in two places at the same time. 

Lily Myers, senior, said, “I play soccer both for my club team and for the Leesville team. It can be challenging to pick between what I have to miss because I am expected to be fully committed to both teams. For the most part, my coaches understand that I am in multiple seasons at once, but sometimes it can cause a lot of stress and also impact the team.”

Many athletes’ loyalties tend to lie with their club teams rather than their school teams because club sports often provide greater opportunities for exposure and growth. For those aspiring to play on the collegiate level, club sports are often where college recruiters and scouts are more likely to notice athletes.

Money can also play a big role in deciding which option to pick. Club sports often are expensive, with team fees, travel expenses, gear, and uniforms. This adds extra pressure to commit more to club teams, because not only are you dedicating your time, but you are also spending money. However, it can also be the opposite: families who aren’t able to afford club sports focus on the high school team as the more affordable and accessible choice.

Another challenge student-athletes can face is the difficulty of constantly performing at a high level while already being stretched thin. Limited rest can cause athletes to underperform in one sport, or sometimes both. Some show up to school practices or games drained from a long and intense club weekend, which can take a toll on an athlete’s confidence, and as they struggle to keep up with expectations placed on them. The pressure of not wanting to disappoint coaches and simultaneously not having enough energy or motivation to deliver their best effort is internally conflicting. 

Ultimately, the overlap between club sports and school sports places students in extremely difficult situations. Finding solutions that protect athletes’ mental and physical health is becoming increasingly important.

Siena Trainor, senior editor 2025-26

It makes my day better when I cook meals for family and friends.