Growth. A word that captures the never-ending drive to achieve greatness, fueling the determination of those ready to chase their dreams. For many young athletes, moving from middle school to high school sports is not just a change—it is a significant jump that throws them into an intense competition where only the strongest survive. This new “arena” tests their limits and demands everything they have in them, pushing them to become better, faster and stronger. It is a chance to prove themselves and fight for a spot among the best.
In high school sports, the competition intensifies, the time commitment increases and the expectations grow. For freshmen stepping onto varsity teams, the change can be both exciting and overwhelming. The shift from middle to high school sports is not just about increased skill level, it is also about adapting to a new team culture, dealing with the pressures of performance and managing the demands of student-athlete life. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), high school athletes spend an average of 10-12 hours per week on practices and games, which is significantly more than in middle school.
“High school athletics are a big change from middle school,” WCHS freshman and Girls Varsity Basketball player Ashley King said. “The girls are bigger, the stakes are higher and the competition is better. The varsity team is so supportive, and everyone is there to back you up and keep you going.”
While the change can be daunting, many freshmen find comfort in the camaraderie and encouragement they receive from their teammates. The transition is not just about competing at a higher level, it is about learning to trust one another and grow together as a team. The mentorship from older players plays a key role in making this adjustment smoother for younger athletes. Developing a bond with teammates helps ease the stress of high expectations and makes the overall experience more enjoyable.
“For middle school sports, we practiced three times a week for an hour,” King said. “Now in high school, we practice six days a week for two hours.”
The difference in time commitment is significant, requiring athletes to adjust their daily routines and make sacrifices to accommodate their sports schedules. This shift can be particularly difficult for freshmen who are also learning to navigate a more rigorous academic workload. Yet for many, the benefits of high school sports outweigh the struggles, as they develop discipline, perseverance and a strong work ethic that extends beyond athletics.
“The biggest challenge that I faced in adapting to high school athletics was time management,” WCHS freshman Girls Varsity Soccer player Mary Pilkington said. “High school sports took up a lot of time, but I had to find time to get my schoolwork done.”
Athletes quickly learn that organization and planning are key to staying on top of their responsibilities. Many develop strategies such as using planners, setting study schedules or seeking help from teachers and teammates to ensure they do not fall behind academically. This balancing act can be overwhelming, but it ultimately builds valuable skills that will benefit them in college and beyond. A study by the Journal of Adolescent Health found that student-athletes tend to have higher GPAs and graduation rates than non-athletes due to the discipline and time-management habits they develop.
“As a freshman, I could be playing against girls who are three or four years older than me, and their experience shows,” King said. “Playing with older girls can be intimidating at times, but I know that my teammates will back me up and keep pushing me to be my best. Support from teammates and coaches is much more apparent and important than it was in middle school. Although I am one of the youngest on the team, I feel that the team respects me and treats me just like any of the upperclassmen.”
For many athletes, high school sports are about more than just competition; they help forge lifelong friendships and create a strong sense of community. The bonds built on the field or court often extend beyond sports, creating meaningful relationships. The experiences shape their work ethic, determination, and mindset in all aspects of life. The challenges they face on the court or field prepare them to handle setbacks and strive for excellence in everything they do.
“I think that my sport helps build friendships and community because we all have to work together to win games, and we spend so much time together at practices and games,” Pilkington said. “It is easy to get overly stressed and forget that sports are supposed to be fun. Enjoy the experience and make the most of it.”
