Balancing Bells and Balls: A Student-Athlete’s Holiday Hustle

The holidays are a time for family, festive feasts, and catching up on sleep—unless, of course, you’re a student-athlete. While the rest of the world is diving headfirst into mashed potatoes and holiday movie marathons, student-athletes are juggling a delicate balancing act between enjoying the season and keeping their athletic and academic commitments on track. It’s a mix of cheer, challenges, and some serious time management skills.

Home for the Holidays… Sort Of

For many student-athletes, the holidays mean a brief but welcome return home. It’s a chance to reconnect with family, catch up with hometown friends, and savor the simple joys of being back in a familiar place. But unlike their non-athlete peers, student-athletes can’t fully press pause on their responsibilities.

Take Madison, a junior basketball player at a Division I school. She spends the holidays at home, but her routine is anything but leisurely. “I’m up early for workouts, even on Christmas Eve,” she says. “I try to spend as much time as I can with my family, but I also have to make sure I’m ready when practice starts again.” For Madison, the holiday break isn’t just a chance to relax—it’s also an opportunity to stay sharp and maintain her competitive edge.

The Family Factor

Family time during the holidays is precious, and student-athletes cherish it as much as anyone. But it’s not always easy to explain to Aunt Linda why they can’t stay up late playing cards or join in for the third helping of dessert.

“My family is super supportive, but they don’t always understand why I can’t skip a workout or take a full day off,” says Devin, a track and field athlete. “They’re like, ‘You’re home! Just relax!’ And I’m like, ‘Relaxing for me is a light run and some stretching.’”

Still, many student-athletes find that their families become their biggest cheerleaders during this busy season. Whether it’s their dad waking up early to spot them during a garage gym session or their little siblings timing their sprints on the driveway, the holidays often bring out a team spirit that extends beyond the court or field.

Holiday Training: Making It Work

Staying on top of training during the holidays requires creativity, especially when gyms and training facilities might be closed. Student-athletes often get resourceful, turning living rooms into stretching zones or using resistance bands in their childhood bedrooms. Snow-covered driveways become running tracks, and local parks transform into makeshift training grounds.

“One year, I couldn’t find a gym that was open, so I ended up doing my weightlifting routine with bags of flour and canned goods,” laughs Sarah, a volleyball player. “It wasn’t ideal, but it got the job done.”

Coaches often provide training plans for student-athletes to follow over the break, but it’s up to the athletes to stick to them. And let’s be honest—that takes some serious discipline when the smell of freshly baked cookies is wafting through the house.

Academic Juggling Act

For student-athletes, the “student” part doesn’t take a vacation. The end of the semester often coincides with the holiday season, meaning finals, papers, and group projects can spill into the break. Throw in the pressure of preparing for the upcoming sports season, and you’ve got a recipe for a jam-packed schedule.

“I remember one Christmas Eve, I was sitting at the kitchen table with my laptop, finishing a term paper while everyone else was watching a holiday movie,” says Jake, a swimmer. “It’s tough, but you just have to remind yourself why you’re doing it.”

Many student-athletes use the holiday break as a chance to catch up on coursework or get ahead before the next semester. It’s not glamorous, but it’s all part of the balancing act.

Finding Moments of Joy

Despite the challenges, student-athletes find ways to embrace the holiday spirit. For some, it’s as simple as decorating the tree with their family or indulging in a holiday treat (in moderation, of course). For others, it’s about making memories that don’t involve competition or performance metrics.

“Last year, my whole family had a gingerbread house decorating contest,” says Emma, a soccer player. “It got way more competitive than I expected, but it was so much fun. It reminded me that it’s okay to just enjoy the moment.”

Student-athletes also use the holidays as a time to reflect and recharge. The season offers a rare chance to step back, appreciate their journey, and set goals for the year ahead. It’s a time to remind themselves why they work so hard—on and off the field.

The Takeaway

The holidays might look a little different for student-athletes, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less meaningful. Between family time, training sessions, and academic responsibilities, they’re mastering the art of balance—a skill that will serve them well long after their playing days are over.

So the next time you see a student-athlete at a holiday gathering, give them a high-five (or maybe an extra slice of pie). They’re not just athletes; they’re multi-tasking pros who know how to make the most of the season while keeping their eyes firmly on the prize.