Club athletes balance school and sports

Many athletes at Peninsula participate in club sports which not only takes time, but also skill.

Club athletes can spend anywhere between 8 and 12 hours a week practicing, playing games, and traveling. The time commitment club teams require can prove to be difficult for these athletes making it harder to finish homework and sleep. These athletes believe time management is the key to balancing their team and school.

“You have to be prepared. Time management is really important. You can’t procrastinate,” Beach Football Club soccer player Lindsey Britt said.

While time may be an issue, athletes find that club teams help strengthen their skills. Many club athletes are on the same team with other Peninsula athletes, so the extra hours put in at their club practices shows up on the field during school games.

“You keep up and train for the upcoming season, you continue to bond with your team, and you sharpen your game,” water polo player Conner Negrinelli said.

Athletes believe the time commitment needed to be on a club team is worth it because the team can help with their chosen career path.

“I get to play a lot and I get better every day I play so  I can go somewhere with the skills I have,” Dynasty softball player Natalia Rodriguez said.

In the end, most athletes at Peninsula value their academics over their chosen sport.

“I get my school work done first and then I worry about sports. Grades come first,” Negrinelli said.