Balancing schoolwork and participating in one sport can be challenging for many students; however, balancing a sport in each of the three seasons of the school year (cross-country in the fall, indoor track in the winter and outdoor track in the spring) is an additional burden on junior AFS student Emma Hacker ‘27. Despite her busy schedule of constant practices and competitions, Emma has also assumed a leadership position within the school community.
Hacker, along with fellow student Yassmine Wardigee ‘27, co-manages Morgan’s Message Club, whose focus is mental health in sports. This club provides a forum where student-athletes can share openly about the stressors experienced both on and off the playing field. According to Hacker, this club is vital as it reminds athletes that their mental health is as important as their performance.
Managing school, athletics and a club requires a high level of organization and commitment. Like many student-athletes, Hacker has had to develop strategies to remain organized and meet her obligations. During an interview, Hacker discussed how she manages her schedule, the challenges she faces, and what motivates her to continue.
How do you balance practice, school work and the club?
Club meetings never conflict with school work. I usually complete all of my work at home, but I normally end up staying up past midnight most of the time.
What do you think is the hardest thing about balancing your time?
Most likely getting homework finished on time since homework takes a lot of time and I have a late start compared to everyone else.
How do you envision your club affecting the school?
Since it is centered around mental health in sports, I would like for student-athletes to have a safe place to discuss any challenges they may face in sports or even outside of sports.
What leadership skills do you believe you have gained through sports?
Now being an upperclassman, I need to be a good example for the underclassmen and help make them feel welcome into the sport, similar to how I felt when I was an underclassman.
What achievements are you most proud of in your sport and club?
In sports, just sticking with it and not giving up, even though there are times when I don’t want to run. And with my club, just knowing that we consistently have students attending our club and that we participate in fun group activities together.
Regardless of how difficult things become for her, Hacker continues to demonstrate her commitment to both her teammates and the broader school community through her contributions to her sport and to Morgan’s Message.
Looking forward to the upcoming track season and the continued growth of the club, Hacker expects to continue to make a positive impact. By raising awareness about mental health in sports, Hacker is helping to ensure that AFS student-athletes feel supported both on and off the track.