Photo by Nyah Ruff.
The sophomore slump, according to Owen Yurk and Bronx Katzberg, is when the excitement of freshman year wears off and left behind is academic standards, responsibilities, and the struggle of balancing education with extracurricular activities.
With the start of second semester at Hastings High School, many sophomore athletes say they are already feeling it.
While freshman year frequently consists of close supervision and organized support, sophomore year primarily consists of students managing their own schedules and other commitments they may have.
“The change from freshman to sophomore year was quick,” sophomore Owen Yurk said. “You’re expected to be more independent.”
For student athletes, they spend time at practice, games, and other events, which shifts their concentration and discipline away from academic work.
“Football keeps me motivated, but it definitely adds pressure,” Bronx Katzberg said. “After practice, you still have to go home, do homework, and prepare for tests. You have to learn how to manage your time better to be able to fit it all into your schedule.”
Despite the stress, both students said being involved in football helps them stay connected to the school. According to school counselor Nicole Adams, participating in sports and extracurricular activities provides structure, accountability, and almost a kinship with the school and the people in it, which can help counter those feelings of being burnt-out and disengagement associated with the sophomore slump.
“When students feel like they belong, they are more likely to care about showing up mentally and physically,” Adams said. “We have so much to offer at HHS that all students should be able to find their ‘thing’ here that they can be a part of beyond the classroom.”
Involvement in sports and other extracurricular activities is also associated with a range of positive outcomes for students, such as leadership skills, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. Learning how to prioritize responsibilities early in your high school career can also help prepare students for the rising expectations of junior and senior year.
“It’s stressful at times, but it teaches you discipline and how to push through no matter how tough you think it is,” Yurk said.
As Hastings High School students navigate the challenges of sophomore year, experiences like those of Yurk and Katzberg emphasize how involvement and time management can help shape the way students tackle the sophomore slump.
“Even though it’s been a challenge trying to finish this year, I’m ready to say I’ve accomplished it, and I’m ready for the next year to begin,” Katzberg said.
