Alright, welcome back to Youth Volleyball - Empower the Future! I'm Ethan Brooks, and as always, I'm joined by the brilliant Emily Thompson. Today, we're diving into something every student-athlete faces—balancing books and balls. Emily, you ready for this one?Oh, absolutely, Ethan! This is, like, the big question everyone asks, right? How do you actually keep up with school and still make it to practice, tournaments, all that? I mean, sometimes it feels like there just aren't enough hours in the day.Yeah, totally. And, you know, I always say, having a structured schedule is, well, it's not just helpful—it's kind of essential. Back when I was at Manchester College, I was juggling classes, training, and, uh, trying to have a social life, which, honestly, didn't always work out. But what really saved me was this color-coded planner. I know it sounds a bit nerdy, but it made a massive difference.No, that's not nerdy at all! I actually love that. I use, like, sticky notes and highlighters everywhere. But, yeah, having a plan just makes everything less overwhelming. I find if I set clear goals for the week—like, "Okay, finish my English essay by Wednesday so I can focus on volleyball Thursday"—it just, I dunno, it takes the stress down a notch.Exactly. And prioritizing, too. Like, sometimes you have to make tough calls. Maybe you can't go out with friends because you've got a big match and a test coming up. But if you know your priorities, it's easier to say no without feeling guilty. And, honestly, it boosts your productivity. You get more done in less time, and you don't feel like you're constantly behind.Yeah, and I think, like, the more you practice this, the better you get at it. It's not perfect at first. I used to forget stuff all the time, but now, I kinda have a rhythm. And, I mean, as we talked about in our last episode, building habits—like bringing your own volleyball—it's the same with time management. It just becomes part of your routine.That's a great point, Emily. And, you know, another thing that really helps is just talking to people. Like, actually communicating with your coaches and teachers. I think a lot of student-athletes are afraid to ask for help or flexibility, but most of the time, people are more understanding than you think.Oh, for sure. I remember this one time—I had a big tournament in Toronto, and my math test was scheduled for the Monday after. I was, like, totally stressed out. But I just went to my teacher and explained the situation. We worked out a plan so I could take the test a day later. It wasn't a big deal, but if I hadn't said anything, I would've just, you know, panicked and probably done worse on both the test and the tournament.Yeah, that's such a good example. I think sometimes we assume teachers or coaches won't budge, but if you show them you're committed to both school and sport, they're usually willing to help. And coaches, too—they can adjust training if they know you've got a big assignment or exam. It's all about that open dialogue.And, like, sometimes you can even get a tailored plan. I had a coach who would let me do some workouts at home if I had a late-night study session. It wasn't about skipping practice, it was about finding a way to make it all work. I think that's something a lot of people don't realize—you don't have to do it all alone.Absolutely. And, you know, building those support systems—whether it's family, friends, teachers, or teammates—it just makes the whole balancing act a bit less stressful. You don't have to be a superhero. You just have to be honest about what you need.So, we've talked about schedules and support, but I think the other piece is just, like, taking care of yourself. Nutrition, sleep, all that stuff. If you're running on empty, it doesn't matter how good your planner is, right?Yeah, that's spot on. I mean, you can't pour from an empty cup, as they say. And it's not just about eating well or getting enough sleep—it's about discipline. Like, making those choices every day, even when it's not easy. I remember reading about the University of Alberta's volleyball program—they actually do weekly progress check-ins with their student-athletes. It's not just about volleyball skills, but also how they're doing in school, how they're feeling, if they're getting enough rest. It's a whole package.That's so cool. I wish more programs did that. I think sometimes we forget that, like, your brain needs fuel just as much as your body does. And, honestly, self-motivation is huge. No one's gonna force you to go to bed early or eat a proper meal before a game. You have to want it for yourself.Yeah, and it's not about being perfect, either. You're gonna mess up sometimes—miss a workout, stay up too late, whatever. But if you keep checking in with yourself, and maybe with your coaches or teammates, you can get back on track. It's all about progress, not perfection.Exactly. And, like, if you can balance all this—school, volleyball, health—you end up not just a better athlete, but a better person. I think that's what makes the journey worth it.Couldn't agree more, Emily. Well, that's all we've got for today on balancing books and balls. Thanks for tuning in, everyone. We'll be back soon with more tips and stories from the world of youth volleyball. Emily, always a pleasure.Thanks, Ethan! And thanks to everyone listening. Keep working hard, and remember—it's all about progress. See you next time!

Episodes

Balancing Books and Balls