THE ECHO

Lauren Klein // Managing Editor · Illustration // Lauren Klein

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), over 8 million high school students play a sport. In Indiana, 161,759 high schoolers took part in sports.

There are many benefits to sports. The University of Missouri Health care has found that adolescents competing in team sports do better academically, teach teamwork and problem-solving skills, and have increased physical health and self-esteem.

Yet with benefits, stressors still come. The National Library of Medicine found that 91 percent of high school athletes struggle with their mental health.

Sophomore Lillian Harvey has been dancing for 10 years and competes multiples times a year. Harvey does feel stressed out by her sport.

“Competitions do stress me out,” Harvey said. “You have to go through a mental checklist: you have to check your makeup and your hair then you have to start running your dance in your head and every critique that your teacher or coach has given you the year and you have to make sure that is applied.”

For junior Riley Ervin, she understands that she does not have a great mindset going into her tennis matches. Even after playing for five years, Ervin still is trying to improve her mindset when it comes to her matches.

“The only thing that really goes through my mind is that I have to win; I have to show that I’m better,” Ervin said. “My only priority is winning. I know that sounds bad.”

Improving is particularly important for Ervin. But, making sure she is always improving is a big cause of her stress through her sport.

“Moving down the ladder is a big fear of mine because I want to know that I’m growing and improving and going down or losing just ruins the whole mindset,” Ervin said.

Ervin knows that she does not have a good mindset and tries to fix herself on the court. Ervin takes time and relaxes to help keep both her body and mind well.

“Before a match, I always take it easy. I just think the outcome does not define who I am as a person and that there are more things that I could be worrying about,” Ervin said. “I try not to overwork my body before a match either. I make sure I eat healthy and stretch well to make sure I’m feeling good before I get out on the court.”

Ervin has come to terms with her sport. Her advice about overcoming anxiety and pressure with a sport was to not let it define you.

“Don’t let your sport define you as a person. You know who you are and even if you are trying to go D1, it is not actually the end of the world if you win or lose. It should give you motivation to keep working and do better at what you are trying to achieve,” Ervin said.

For Harvey, prioritizing oneself is the best way to overcome any pressure behind your sport.

“I would advocate taking care of yourself before someone else,” Harvey said. “Talk to your coaches, talk to your parents, talk to your teachers and be honest with them. Tell them what you are struggling with and take a step back if needed. Ask if there is anything you can still do to help the team but also take time for yourself because it’s really important.”

For junior Chloe Nowling, her lacrosse team helps her in preparation for games.

“I think whenever we’re warming up together before the game, I think that’s when my nerves get calmed. Because I’m just around my team and just us all being together really helps.” Nowling said.

The night and day before a game are the most nerve-wracking for Nowling. It all builds up for Nowling as the game gets closer.

“One time I was really stressed out before the game. We were warming up and I was nervous and definitely cried before the game because I was so anxious,” Nowling said. “One of my teammates saw me and gave me a pep talk and told me that I was going to be okay and that it was going to be fine. I got my first goal that game.”

Building a positive community where you can be vocal about your mental health is especially important, and those people can really help you.

“I think that building a community with your teammates can really help, like you overcome your anxiety with the sport or comparing yourself to others.” Nowling said.