Disclaimer: The reporter, Mia Carper, is the sister of Gabi Carper, the featured athlete. 

For student-athletes at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts (LVA), balancing academics and extracurriculars is a delicate act. One such athlete, Gabi Carper, a Media Arts major, offers insight into the demands that come with managing a busy schedule that includes sports outside of LVA.

Gabi notes that her involvement in sports has significantly impacted both her academic performance and personal growth. “It’s been challenging,” said Carper, often returning home late and struggling with fatigue the next day. The lack of sleep has affected her focus and energy, making it difficult to keep up with school work. 

Athletes often encounter physical challenges as well. For Carper , one of the toughest moments came when she sprained her shoulder, forcing her to take a month off. “I rested and did rehab, so I could bounce back and get back to playing with my team.” said Carper, following her determination to overcome setbacks.

Balancing sports with academics is a common struggle. “I make schedules for my week so I know what I’m doing each day,” Carper said. By using her weekly schedule to better organize her life as a student-athlete, Carper can keep up with schoolwork while continuing to commit time to practice. Yet, the challenges don’t stop there. She identifies the toughest part of being a student-athlete: the transition between school and practice with little time to rest. “My biggest challenge is probably rushing to the next practice right after school without much rest,” Carper said. She has adapted by taking power naps on the bus or simply pushing through exhaustion, allowing her to be more energized during games or practices. 

Through Carper’s experiences, it’s clear that student-athletes at LVA face unique challenges. However, their dedication, resilience, and careful time management enable them to succeed both on the field and in the classroom.