Balancing Burdens

Spring sports are upon us at Harborfields High School and many sports are offered, such as softball. Preparation has already started with open gym practices held since September and there was a meeting on January 16, 2020 to discuss the goals of this year's team. Coach Canino is determined to create a softball culture where the girls support one another and work hard to the best of their abilities. Hard work and dedication benefited the girls last year. Both teams won a few of their games and worked hard at practice after school and on early Saturday mornings, sacrificing time and sleep for their teammates. 

However, school sports can be stressful for students, especially when taking high level courses. Sophomore and first basemen, Kayla Hibbert said, “I had to balance 4 honors classes, helping out at home and playing softball. Games and practices ran late, putting stress on me mentally and physically. My homework took hours to complete after games and I wouldn’t go to bed until midnight or even later!” Due to this and other reasons she will not be trying out this year. 

 Katie Casano, a catcher for the varsity team says, “Joining varsity freshmen year was a huge step up for me. I had always played first base and playing as catcher was scary at first but I got the hang of it eventually. I had trouble balancing school work and softball, especially since varsity expectations are very high. Most of my friends that I had been playing with for years were on JV and we had different experiences because of our different coaches.” Casano described how supportive Coach Canino was of the varsity girls whereas Hibbert, complained of Coach Salo being too harsh on the girls, creating a hostile environment. Casano will be trying out for the team this year, “I couldn’t imagine leaving those wonderful people who I feel are sisters.” 

Playing on a Team sport is great for building character and developing school spirit but exacts too much of a toll. A healthy life is a balanced life.