Posted on September 30, 2024

October can be an overwhelming month. By now, your school and work routines are in full swing. For student-athletes, grading periods have begun. Whether you're off to a strong start or struggling to catch up, managing your time effectively will be crucial. On the athletic side, fall sports are in mid-season, and you're juggling the responsibilities of being both a good player and teammate. Socially, events like homecoming and spirit weeks can easily pull your focus away from academics and sports. This is where time management becomes your greatest ally.

Below is a general outline of how Division I student-athletes manage their time. While you may not be in college yet, this framework can help you as you refine your own time management skills.

How Division I Student-Athletes Spend Their Time

Academic-Related Activities (ARA): Average: 40 hours per week

• 12-15 hours/week of class time
• 10-15 hours/week of individual study or homework
• 5-10 hours/week of team academic activities (study halls, tutoring, etc.)

Sports-Related Activities (SRA): Average: 40 hours per week

• 15-20 hours/week of practice
• 5-10 hours/week of individual training
• 5-10 hours/week of team sports activities

As a Division I student-athlete, nearly 50% of your week is committed to academics and athletics. Now, let’s look at how the rest of your time is typically spent.

General Activities (GRA): Average: 85 hours per week

• 50-60 hours/week of sleep (7-9 hours per night)
• 5-10 hours/week for meals
• 5-10 hours/week for entertainment
• 3-5 hours/week for unallocated time

Suggested Weekly Schedule for High School Student-Athletes

Here’s a recommended time management guide to help high school student-athletes balance their responsibilities. While everyone is different, following these principles can lead to better academic and athletic performance:

• Sleep: 50-60 hours/week (7-9 hours/night)
• Class Time: 30-35 hours/week
• Homework: 5-10 hours/week
• Studying: 5-10 hours/week
• Practice: 10-15 hours/week
• Team Sports Activities: 5-10 hours/week
• Individual Training: 5-10 hours/week
• Meals: 3-5 hours/week
• Recruiting Research: 3-5 hours/week
• Entertainment: 3-5 hours/week
• Unallocated Time: 2-3 hours/week

Maximizing Your Time

There are 168 hours in a week, and the key to success is using them wisely. Here are some tips to help you manage your time more effectively:

• Set clear goals. What do you want to achieve academically and athletically?
• Evaluate how you spend your time. Identify any distractions or inefficiencies.
• Tailor your preparation. Different classes and activities require different approaches. Adjust your time management accordingly.
• Use a planner or scheduling tool. Write down all your assignments and deadlines.
• Know when you’re most productive. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Use your peak hours to tackle the most demanding tasks.

Final Thoughts

Time management and organization are essential for success in both academics and athletics. In my book, Finding the Balance: My Personal Journey to Academic and Athletic Success, I discuss time management strategies in greater detail. I encourage you to pick up a copy for your personal growth.

Remember, the CKA SAVE Project is here to support you. If you need help with academics or athletics, don’t hesitate to reach out. Best of luck as you navigate your academic and athletic journey!