How student athletes can balance sports and schoolwork – and avoid burnout

For students who choose to pursue competitive sport during their secondary school years, careful attention needs to be paid by parents, teachers and coaches to help them weigh the two commitments of schoolwork and sport effectively. Get the balance right and student athletes can follow their passion without sacrificing academic responsibilities and other facets of their lives.

“The single most important point is intentional prioritisation,” says Jake Carey, the athletic director at American School Hong Kong (ASHK). “The school calendar is the non-negotiable framework. Families and athletes must view training and competition schedules through the lens of academic deadlines. This requires advanced planning and proactive communication with both teachers and coaches. Success is not choosing one over the other but learning to manage both.”

Being a student athlete is a special experience that teaches determination, perseverance and resilience in ways that are different from their peers. However, students and parents need to manage with intent and not lose sight of the big picture – the students’ growth as individuals, and their personal and academic lives.

“For the student athlete, it’s about embracing the journey with a focus on personal growth, not just outcomes. We encourage them to find joy in the daily grind of practice and to see setbacks as essential learning moments,” advises Carey.

A Year 6 student at Heep Yunn School in Ma Tau Wai, Shih received the HKOSA honour for her success in competitive skipping, including claiming the Female 16+ Team All-around award at the World Jump Rope Championships 2025 in Kawasaki, Japan. She highlights self-discipline and good time management as crucial for a student athlete.