Being a student-athlete is a big commitment. Between practices, games, and camps, sports can take up a huge chunk of time. But what happens when your coach tries to dictate what you do outside of your sport?
Lately, I’ve noticed a growing issue that some coaches believe they should have a say in what activities their athletes should participate in outside of their said sport. Whether it’s telling players to quit certain clubs, avoid other commitments, or just prioritize sports over everything else can be unfair.
Don’t get me wrong– sports teach discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, but so do other extracurriculars and clubs like DECA, band, student council, or theater. Being a well rounded student is a major strength when it comes to high school. When coaches pressure their athletes to give up other hobbies and passions, they’re not just limiting opportunities– they’re sending the message that only sports should matter.
High school is a time to explore your interests and develop skills that we can benefit from in the future. Not every athlete will pursue their sport post high school, but the things we learn from our other clubs should be just as important. A coaches role should be to develop athletes within their sports, not control their lives beyond it.
What’s ironic is that many schools encourage all students to be “well-rounded” especially for college applications. But how can students be well rounded if their coaches are forcing them to a singular activity. Colleges love to see leadership, community engagement, and diverse experiences. So why do some coaches treat other extracurriculars like a distraction instead of an opportunity?
The truth is, high school sports should not be end all be all. Commitment does not mean giving up everything else you enjoy doing. It doesn’t mean sacrificing all your other passions just to keep your spot on the team. A student should have the right to pursue multiple interests. Coaches should respect their athletes’ passions and help them grow.
At the end of the day, sports are a huge part of high school– but not the whole experience. Coaches should focus on coaching their athletes, not controlling them. Let the student athletes be students first, then athletes, but individuals always.