For many student-athletes, success often comes at a hidden cost. Between demanding classes, daily training, and the constant expectation to excel, balance becomes nearly impossible. Across schools like The Columbus School, students who chase excellence in both sports and academics are burning out under the weight of their own ambition. “It’s not that I don’t love what I do,” said Amalia Hiestroza, a 10th-grade student and competitive equestrian. “It’s just that sometimes, I feel like there isn’t enough time to be good at everything.”

Schools need to recognize that the drive for achievement is pushing student-athletes beyond healthy limits. Academic excellence shouldn’t come at the expense of mental health. Balance, flexibility, and emotional support must be treated as priorities—not as signs of weakness or excuses for underperformance.

The culture of overachievement has intensified in recent years, especially among athletes. Many students feel like one missed assignment or one lost competition defines their worth. “I’ve seen classmates stay up until 2 a.m. just to keep their grades up after training,” explained Alicia Baquero, a 10th-grade volleyball player. “It’s exhausting—there’s no space to fail or even rest.” Research from the American Psychological Association shows that student-athletes report 31% higher stress levels than their non-athlete peers. This pressure blurs the line between motivation and anxiety, creating a cycle that’s hard to escape.

While awareness around mental health is growing, student-athletes still face stigma when admitting they feel overwhelmed. “If you say you’re tired or stressed, people assume you’re weak,” Hiestroza said. “But being mentally exhausted is just as real as being injured.” The idea that discipline should come before well-being sends the wrong message. Studies from The Journal of Adolescent Health reveal that nearly 40% of high-performing athletes report symptoms of depression during competitive seasons. Schools often celebrate medals and grades but rarely acknowledge the emotional toll behind them. That silence reinforces burnout rather than resilience.

Support systems can make the difference between thriving and breaking down. Teachers, coaches, and administrators must collaborate to make academics and athletics coexist without constant stress. “Some teachers really try to help by giving us time or checking in,” Baquero explained. “Those small gestures matter more than they realize.” Encouraging open communication and flexible scheduling helps students stay grounded. Research from The New York Times Education Desk (2024) found that schools implementing mental health programs for athletes saw a 22% drop in burnout rates within a single year.

Some argue that pressure is part of growth—that success requires sacrifice and that stress builds discipline. While there’s truth in that idea, unchecked pressure leads to exhaustion, not excellence. “I’ve learned to push myself, but there’s a limit,” Hiestroza said. “When you’re running on empty, you can’t give your best anymore.” Discipline should include knowing when to rest and reset. Without that balance, the qualities schools and coaches aim to develop—resilience, determination, and focus—begin to fade.

It’s time to redefine what success means for student-athletes. Achievements should include well-being, not come at its expense. Schools like The Columbus School can lead the way by encouraging self-care, creating flexible academic plans, and valuing mental health as part of performance. True excellence isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about lasting longer, mentally and physically strong enough to keep going.