Being a student-athlete at Harvard-Westlake is one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences. Between interesting classes, homework, practices, and games, days are full, but it’s one of the most memorable experiences. Balancing school and sports takes effort, but it also teaches you skills and creates memories that stick with you for life. It teaches you time management, hard work, and how to balance your daily life. Every sprint, late-night homework session, and high-five after a win reminds me why I wouldn’t trade being a Harvard-Westlake student-athlete for anything.
Connecting with Teachers
One thing that really helps is talking with teachers. At Harvard-Westlake, teachers understand that sports are a big part of our lives, but they also want us to succeed academically. You can always use office hours to meet with teachers as a way to find support. Office hours is free time you have whether it’s a free block, WIN time, or after school where you and your teacher can meet. They are always there when you need them, even if it’s just to talk.
Talking with Coaches
Communicating with coaches is just as important. They know school comes first and appreciate when athletes are honest about stress, injuries, or scheduling conflicts. Luckily, coaches are also always understanding and there to assist.
The Fun and the Memories
Even with the work, being a student-athlete is a lot of fun. The practices, bus rides to away games, and cheering with teammates after a big win are moments I’ll never forget. Some of my favorite memories at HW have been celebrating victories, laughing at mistakes, or just hanging out after practice. The friendships I’ve made through sports are some of the strongest I’ve ever had, they support you through tough weeks and celebrate with you in the best moments.
My Experience
This year I played for our freshman volleyball team. I had the best time on and off the court. This year was my first year officially playing volleyball, and I was able to grow tremendously as a player and teammate. With the guidance of my coaches, I was able to improve my skills and mindset. I will never forget the memories and team traditions that I know I can always look back on. I am so excited to continue training during the off season, and in our weights program to get ready for the coming years.
Why It’s Worth It
Being a student-athlete at Harvard-Westlake isn’t just about sports—it’s about growing as a person. You learn responsibility, teamwork, resilience, and how to manage your time effectively. It’s challenging at times, sure, but the excitement of games, the joy of being part of a team, and the pride of representing HW make it all worth it. For anyone thinking about joining one of the many teams here, I’d say go for it. You’ll learn to balance school, sports, and life while making memories that last a lifetime. Being a student-athlete is busy, but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of life at Harvard-Westlake.
