High school athletics are extremely beneficial for students, regardless of the sport they decide to play. They help students build collaborative skills, develop coordination and strengthen their mental state. As long as sports have been incorporated into high schools, beginning in the 19th century, these displays of athleticism and teamwork have also proven to unite students, staff and every other member of a school. Athletes risk their physical health and grades in order to play the sport that brings them and their entire school entertainment or joy.

The school year for the typical student athlete at MCHS consists of practicing for and playing in games for their respective sport, with offseason weight lifting and training sessions taking place for the remainder of the year. While many students participate in just one of these activities, what about the students who participate in multiple? What benefits could a student experience as a result of participating in multiple sports throughout a school year?

“I just love being able to be a part of a team and stay active after school,” junior track, basketball and flag football athlete Olivia Meyer says. “I also feel like playing multiple sports teaches me a lot about myself and my work ethic outside of sports.”

Playing multiple sports gives student athletes the ability to sharpen multiple physical aspects of themselves, such as strength and stamina, while also prioritizing the development of mental strength and focus. Playing in different roles in different sports teaches athletes to always be ready for their opportunity and to always put the success of their team over their individual success.

Multiple sport athletes are also given the opportunity to create new bonds or relationships more so than almost any other club/activity. Practicing and with people you may have not been familiar with prior to the season of that sport forces the players to collaborate and engage with one another under a common goal, which are perfect conditions for these athletes to branch out socially.

Although multiple sport athletes are given opportunities to better themselves outside of school, they face some academic obstacles inside the classroom as a result of their participation.

“I mean obviously, it takes time that I would spend on getting my homework done away and that kind of sucks,” senior football, basketball and lacrosse athlete Owen Hobson states. “But, if you’re able to get your work done ahead of time and balance that schedule, you should definitely consider joining more than one sport. The benefits outweigh the downsides ten-fold.”

While many high school athletes may continue to pursue success in one sport, more and more athletes every year are noticing the benefits that come with participating in more than one sport.