What it's like being a student-athlete

Hi, my name is Ryan Finn. I am a student-athlete at Century High School and an intern
at the Community Media Center. Athletics have always been something I have been
passionate about.

The idea of sports is great. They help you stay in shape, work together as a team, and help you build relationships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Could you remember where you made your first basket? Or hit your first home run? Looking back at these memories can always make you reminisce and smile of how great an athletic moment can really be.

Academics

With being a student-athlete however, there is a lot that comes with it. For starters, you are a student first, athlete second. No matter what, school will always come first.

Keeping a steady routine with my athletics and academics have really helped me succeed on the court and in the classroom. Not taking your academics seriously can affect your eligibility to practice or play in an event.

However, staying on top of your academics creates a tight routine that you can follow to help manage your life between sports and academics.

Reputation

Being a senior in high school, everyone looks up to you. You are the consensus “leader of the school.” With this, being a student athlete brings a lot of attention to your name, especially if you play for a sport in our program.

For me, I play basketball for Century under Coach George Wunder. Playing under such an amazing program has exemplified for me that it’s not about what you do on the court, it’s how you are off the court. With being a student athlete, reputation is the biggest thing.

You’re not just playing basketball for yourself, you’re playing for the name on the front of the jersey.

Being a student athlete has taught me leadership and responsibility no matter the circumstance.

Working hard

A quote that has always stuck with me during my athletic career has been, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."

With how great our program is, I have never been someone who really has played a lot. Although not playing, this has never stopped me from working hard everyday in practice, because I know from time to time there will be a chance for me waiting. Not only can this be a quote for athletics, but a quote for everyday life.

I have found that since I have been playing basketball at Century, I have found myself more accountable at things such as school and work.

As you can see, there are many definitions of being a student-athlete. Focusing on your academics, having a good reputation, and working hard are all qualities that all student-athletes should have in high school.

Whether you want to continue athletics into college, or focus on a specific career, these qualities will be with you for a lifetime.