Article Text

High school sports can shape far more than a student’s performance on the field. At McLean, athletes and staff say participation can strengthen mental and emotional health, improve academic habits, build confidence and create a lasting sense of belonging.

Marly Jerome-Featherson, a licensed clinical therapist and McLean’s social worker, encourages students to organize their lives around activities that give them purpose.

“The first thing I usually do is encourage students to learn how to structure their lives and to provide their passion,” Jerome-Featherson said. “I always push sports, and I always push other creative activities like karate, swimming, whatever it may be.”

Athletes must learn to communicate, cooperate with teammates and respond to setbacks. A difficult performance, conflict with a coach or packed schedule can become practice for handling adversity later in life.

“One of the biggest things an athlete can gain from playing sports is just learning to deal with rough times and coming through on the other side better for it,” Director of Student Activities Greg Miller said. “I think that’s such a good life lesson, because for the rest of your life you’re going to have to deal with tough times. But knowing that you’ve come through on the other end is going to really help prepare you for the real world one day.”

Those lessons can carry into the classroom as students face demanding assignments and other challenges. Junior lacrosse player Lila Sabio said the sport has helped her develop persistence and confidence.

“Playing lacrosse helps me academically by teaching me hard work ethic and how to push through difficult times mentally,” Sabio said. “It makes me stronger by telling myself I can do the hard things and balance hard stuff.”

A sports season can also impose a routine that forces students to use their limited free time carefully. Coaches frequently reinforce expectations about attendance, conduct and schoolwork as conditions for joining practices and games.

Miller said many McLean athletes appear to do better academically while their seasons are underway.

“Personally, in high school, and anecdotally talking to our athletes at McLean, I think a lot of kids actually perform better in the classroom in the season that they’re playing a sport,” Miller said. “When outside of the season, you don’t have a coach pushing you, and you go home, take a nap and waste your free time and aren’t able to get your studies done. I think a lot of kids would say that they get better grades during their seasons.”

McLean’s sports are team-based, giving athletes an immediate community of peers. Those relationships can extend well beyond graduation.

“Almost all of my best friends are people that I played sports with in high school or college,” Miller said. “You guys will meet up 10-15 years from now, and it will seem like you just pick up right where you left off.”

Senior softball player Maddie Shean said spending time with teammates improves her mood and makes school more enjoyable.

“I look forward to going to practice with my friends, and I think it helps me academically, just because I’m in a better mood,” Shean said. “It makes me excited to be at school because I see my teammates in the hallways, and it’s nice to know that I have supportive friends during school.”

For younger athletes, a team can also provide older role models who understand both the sport and the demands of high school. Sabio said older teammates have continued supporting her after the season ended.

“I definitely got close with girls on my team during the season, and we keep that friendship throughout,” Sabio said. “The older girls help me out with class selection and college stuff, which is nice.”

Coaches and assistants can add another layer to that support network. Although they may hold athletes to demanding standards, Miller said they often become trusted adults whom students can approach during difficult periods.

“If you’ve played sports competitively in high school and beyond you have a coach who’s had a big impact on your life,” Miller said. “You have a coach and even some assistant coaches who, if you’re going through some hard times, are a trusted adult.”

Through competition, structure and shared experience, school sports can give students practical skills and people to lean on when challenges arise.

“When you’re on a team, you’re surrounded by your friends who are there to support you and help you,” Miller said. “You have an outlet, you have people to talk to, and you know ‘I can do this.’ Sports help you get through it.”