Everyone has a unique way of dealing with stress, but how do athletes, who have upcoming games and lots of school work, handle their stress? The BOYCP girls’ basketball team started off great this season! Along with their athletic successes, the girls have been able to manage their academic life successfully. Like everyone else, the basketball players have their personal lives outside of school. Whenever any of the basketball players become overwhelmed with her academic, social, and athletic life, she turns towards the basketball team for support. They all help each other overcome any obstacles their teammates are managing.

According to the head coach, Ms. Maxwell, trying to manage both academics and basketball can cause great amounts of stress; therefore, support needs to be present. Ms. Maxwell stated, “if I find something wrong with the girls, I pull them to the side and see what’s going on to see if it has to do with home life or school. If it has to do with their personal life, we just talk to them and give them advice.” This statement demonstrates how the coaches are very attentive to their players. Being a good role model and support system ensures that the basketball players are performing to the best of their abilities on the court as well mentally and emotionally stable.

When the senior captain, Dayanna Garcia, was asked how the team deals with stress management, she answered, “usually, when we have after-school practice, [the team] help us since we have this whole time to study. Then [we] work on our homework, so we don’t have to worry about it after practice or stay up late.” These words from the dedicated captain show that the basketball team is supportive on the court and in relation to the team members’ academic standings.

This season, the girls have proven that they can perform splendidly despite any challenges they face. Besides the multiple obstacles that the girls overcome, they manage to pull through with the help of their family, friends, and of course, teammates. The girls have supportive team members who care and offer guidance towards one another. Their acts of kindness not only help the girls be academically successful, but also they help players become more successful as a team.

– Abigail Duarte