Paige Bortner

Hastings College has seen an increasing number of dual-sport athletes, but balancing academics and athletics year-round can lead to burnout, according to Track and Field Coach Luke Mahoney and Head Volleyball Coach Casey Krolikowski.

Mahoney explained that managing two sports alongside coursework requires balance and rest. “Athletes have to find time for themselves and get away from sports a little bit,” Mahoney said. “You have to have a life outside of sports, or you’re going to get burnt out.” He added that even within track and field, athletes can feel pressure from competing in both indoor and outdoor seasons. “Doing another sport on top of that means you need to take at least a week off between seasons,” he said.

Mahoney emphasized the importance of mental breaks and recognizing early signs of stress. “When someone becomes really quiet, starts showing up late, or stops interacting with others, that’s when we reach out to help them get through sports and academics,” he said. He also discussed the importance of support systems on campus. “School therapists, coaches, and trainers play multiple roles helping athletes. Even though we don’t have degrees in counseling, we’re often the first point of contact to lead them in the right direction,” Mahoney stated.

He encouraged student-athletes to use available resources and maintain perspective. “Being away from home and taking on new challenges can be tough, but realizing everyone here wants to help you is important,” Mahoney said. “Sports are just a small piece of your college life. Being involved academically, athletically, and socially helps students get through and enjoy their time here.”

Krolikowski echoed the importance of mental health and balance. “I can definitely see when an athlete isn’t in that ideal performance state,” she said. “They start overanalyzing and second-guessing their performance, and that often stems from confidence.” She also encouraged athletes not to define themselves solely by their athletic performance. “Coaches are always welcoming with an open-door policy, and teammates are great supporters as well,” Krolikowski said.

For those balancing multiple sports, Krolikowski emphasized focus and time management. “Compartmentalization is huge knowing when to turn it on and off, especially when you’re competing ten months out of the year,” she said.