From the classroom to the field, the lives of spring athletes at Seven Hills are filled with an impressive combination of academics, training, and competing. Between doing homework, maintaining friendships, and practicing for perfection, these students push themselves to their limits every day. Whether it’s a runner rushing to the track after class went long, a pitcher squeezing in extra reps before practice, or a lacrosse player fighting the heat of the turf, the grind never stops.
This article follows “a day in the life” of various Seven Hills spring athletes, exposing the hard work that defines their busy schedules and daily routines.
Senior Sammy Willard – Lacrosse
Position: Attacker
Before and during school: I wake up at 6:30 and drive with my sisters to school around 7:20. It’s nice that I usually have one free bell every day, but recently I have had a lot of field trips for some classes that I now need to plan around.
After school: I try to beat the traffic and book it straight to practice, which goes until 5. On some days, I go straight from practice to the restaurant that I work at. I will usually be at work until 11. Depending on how busy we are, I am sometimes able to do homework there, but when I can’t, it makes for some very late nights.
Favorite aspect of spring sports: “The warmer weather has to be the best part— it’s like a reward as the season goes on. Lacrosse is also my favorite sport, and I really love the team this year.”
Sophomore Stephen Gerhardt – Baseball
Position: Center field
Before and during school: I wake up around 6-6:30, eat breakfast, shower, and then get to school a little early because I like to talk to friends. After that, I go to my classes, and depending on what day it is, I usually have three or four academics, so it can be pretty tiring.
Typical Practice Day: I do some stretches before practice officially starts, and then we’ll do our team stretches. After practice, we’ll clean up, put the tarps on, and I’ll head home and immediately eat some dinner. It varies because of tests, but usually I have about an hour and a half of homework every night. When I’m done with that, I might go hit with my dad or go work out. You can never get too many reps.
Game Day: I like to get to game days a little early to flip the ball around, talk to people, stretch, and get extra loose in my warmup. I like to evaluate the opposing team and see if they look good or not, and I sometimes look up their stats during the school day, too. I then talk to Coach about the game plan for that day. After the game, usually I’ll just go home and do my homework.
Favorite aspect of spring sports: “I just like being outside and the nice, sunny weather. I love the lead up to the summer.”
Senior William Huguenin – Tennis
Position: First Doubles
Before and during school: I wake up pretty late, usually around 7:00. I make sure to eat breakfast and always get some coffee. Once I’m at school, I either have three or four classes depending on the day.
After school: Before practice, I will eat a Clif bar or snack from the cafeteria and keep drinking water as I do throughout the day. I then head over to the courts and start stretching and getting warm with the team as soon as possible. Tennis is an inconsistent sport when it comes to timing, so it is hard to plan around, especially when it comes to school work. But, generally matches end around 6.
After tennis: I go home and shower, and then get started on my homework. This is definitely a busy time of year for me with my classes, but I try my best to be in bed by 11 every night.
Favorite aspect of spring sports: “I mean warm weather just makes playing sports so much nicer. I love playing tennis— I’ve been playing since I was three, so there’s definitely a lifetime aspect to it.”
Junior Amelia Schnirring – Track and Field
Events: 100 meters, 200 meters
After school: I’ll usually eat my peanut butter and jelly, listen to my music, try to get in the zone, and prepare myself for what’s to come. And then I’ll run my races.
After track: I rarely can do homework on the days of track meets. I’ll either have to plan ahead or just pull an all-nighter sometimes. I also make sure the night before I pack my backpack and a good meal for my lunch because it has to be better than on my regular practice days. I’ll usually eat chicken nuggets, and I won’t pack as many unhealthy snacks. I’ll also bring a Body Armor to school.
Favorite thing about spring sports: “I like the good weather and how it progressively gets better, unlike in the fall. I also like having spring break and then being close to summertime because everyone is in a good mood.”
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With final exams and graduation looming, spring is arguably the busiest time of year for Seven Hills students. On top of that, there are social commitments and the anticipation of summer. The typical student may feel overwhelmed, but the stakes are even higher for a spring athlete. They are constantly trying to balance the pressures of school with the grind of their sport.
As the last play is made, the final lap is run, or the sun sets over the field, spring athletes push through exhaustion to finish homework, ice sore muscles, and do it all again the next day. It’s a cycle of early mornings, late nights, and sacrifices that most don’t see. But through the chaos, the season brings friendships, memories, and lessons that will stick with them even after the season ends— proof that every sprint, swing, and sacrifice is worth it.