Artist-athletes balance passionate pursuits

By Maeve Martinelli ‘27

In today’s world, most high school students are forced to choose between doing athletics or arts: two significant commitments that don’t seem mutually exclusive. With games, concerts, and practices occupying weekends and free time, the prospect of pursuing both passions concurrently can feel overwhelming. However, it is indeed achievable! Countless student athletes and artists successfully balance these pursuits, demonstrating that with dedication and determination, one can excel in both realms.

Nikolai Nawrocki ’26 exemplifies the possibility of balancing these diverse endeavors. As a dedicated squash and soccer player, Nawrocki has demonstrated excellence in both sports while actively participating in the Choir and Spring Musicals. Notably, he portrayed “Lurch” in last year’s production of Addams Family and is set to grace the stage once again in this year’s Pippin. Reflecting on his ability to juggle these commitments, Nawrocki comments, “Well I think, personally, the work always comes first.” He continues, “Depending on the season, I’ll switch what I’m focusing on; right now, the musical season works during school hours. So I’ll kick a ball around, just for fun sometimes [during the musical season].” 

Emily Rieck ’27, a freshman involved in both softball and Pippin, shares her approach to balancing her activities, explaining, “I definitely utilize my free blocks. I’ll take Flex or 2nd Lunch and do work, especially if there’s an art project I can take home and then work on it. There’ll also be some days I go to softball practice, and some days I go to musical practice.”

Utilizing free periods proves vital for success in both arts and athletics. Neglecting this time often leads to a backlog of work that becomes challenging to manage. Engaging in both athletic and artistic activities can actually enhance academic performance by providing students with an outlet to release daily frustrations after school, as well as provoking creativity. Consequently, students can return to their work with a refreshed mindset, allowing them to tackle tasks with enhanced focus and clarity.

“[Squash and violin are] things I love doing. I use them to unwind after a long day; I can just go play and not think about school for a minute” explains Gabriella Burke ’27, who excels in both violin and squash. Similarly, Ethan Zhou ’25, a gifted saxophonist in the Jazz Ensemble and Cross-Country runner, shares a similar sentiment: “On the art side I can be creative, but I still like being able to compete. I can also play saxophone and train for cross country at the same time; they’re both (usually) during the school day.” 

Students benefit from taking breaks from their academic pursuits to prevent burnout. It’s crucial for them to explore diverse interests and activities, not just to relax, but also to discover potential passions. Above all, high school should be a time for students to have fun and embrace the different aspects of learning and growth.

For individuals currently engaged in athletics with an interest in pursuing the arts, or vice versa, it is highly encouraged to pursue both passions. While juggling both activities can be daunting, particularly during off-season practices, the experience is undoubtedly rewarding. All the activities EA provides, whether it be artistic or athletic, help teach students how to work well with others, develop self-confidence, and work hard.. The integration of athletics and arts not only enriches one’s life but also contributes to the development of a well-rounded and balanced individual. Gardner Huston ‘25 reflects, “As someone who does two sports, the musical, and choir, it means that I have a pretty busy schedule. While it sometimes causes stress, it is ultimately worth it because of the people I get to be with, who all have various interests similar to mine. I also am learning different life skills in both sports and the arts that I wouldn’t learn if I made myself stick to one hobby. In the end, I love my busy schedule and want to continue both!”