Having a job as a high school student can add to already existing stress and burnout, but can also be rewarding, especially when the job has to do with the student’s sport. There’s a variety of ways that having a job impacts some of Amador’s working student athletes who work in their sport.
“A lot of swimmers or water polo players also happen to work as lifeguards,” said Elena Eichler (‘28.)
Eichler spends much of her time at the pool, as she works as a lifeguard at Del Prado Cabana Club during the summer and swims for Amador during the school season. Eichler has opted out of working during the school year.
“Everyone who swims is always really tired so I would say you prioritize more like your school and your sport during the school year,” said Eichler.
Samantha Nissen (‘26) and Summer Brown (‘27), who coach their sports to younger athletes, discuss the rewarding nature of coaching. Not only are they able to find passion in their sport, but spread their passion with others. They play and coach lacrosse and flag football respectively.
“Being able to teach people has helped me a lot more to realize what I can do [better],” said Nissen.
Managing Mental Health
While managing schedules can be a source of stress for many student athletes, especially those with jobs, Brown has managed to change her perspective. Seeing the product of her hard work makes having a busy schedule worth it to Brown, even when certain days are packed with work.
“My job is very rewarding for my mental health. I feel like I’m making a difference for these girls,” said Brown.
Still, when work gets overwhelming, it can lead to severe burnout. Burnout is common among students, especially student athletes, and even more so when the student athlete works a job.
“I think that having a job and having school and sports when I don’t necessarily need to would just lead to me kind of burning out,” said Eichler.
Nissen tries her best to avoid this, balancing her mental health and keeping up with her busy schedule. While difficult, she finds ways to prioritize the different aspects of her life.
“I try to find a little time to spend with my friends or family, just time to take a break. And sometimes it’s very hard, but I try to find little things,” said Nissen, “My schoolwork hasn’t really changed. It’s just been like a little added thing.”
Summer Brown acknowledges her role in shaping who her players become, both as athletes and as people. She believes that her job transcends the playing field.
“As I’m coaching, I’m trying to teach them how to not only be good flag football players, but also be good people and prep them to take leadership, to have leadership skills, and to overall be good human beings,” said Brown.
