Brayden Starmer, a senior football player, has spent three years juggling academics and athletics. In an interview, he shared his biggest challenges, the support from his coaches, and how he manages stress while striving for excellence in both areas. 

“The toughest part is balancing a healthy schedule,” Starmer said. “Between practices, games, and schoolwork, it takes a lot of discipline and time management. It’s easy to fall behind if you’re not organized, so I’ve learned to plan ahead and set priorities. Sometimes, you have to make sacrifices, like not hanging out with my friends or staying up late to finish assignments, but it’s all worth it in the end.” 

The long snapper’s coaches play a key role in keeping academics a priority. 

“They’re flexible and preach that school comes first,” he said. “They adjust practice times and provide support to make sure we are great in both areas. If we have an exam or an important class, they’re willing to work around our schedules. They check in with us frequently to make sure we’re staying on track, which really helps keep the balance between sports and schoolwork.” 

To manage stress, Starmer stays proactive by staying on top of everything. 

“I like to keep stress far away,” he explained. “Planning ahead, staying organized, and having a strong support system help me stay focused. I also make sure to take care of my physical and mental health by getting enough rest, eating well and finding time to relax when possible.” 

Starmer leans on his teammates and coaches for advice and is open with his communication. As he nears graduation, Starmer’s experience highlights the dedication required to excel in both academics and athletics.