For many student-athletes, middle school sports are a natural stepping stone to high school athletics. Yet, the harsh reality is that participating in middle school sports does little to prepare students for the increased level of competition, additional stress and time management thrown at high schoolers. The jump can be bigger than students are prepared for, and many freshmen find themselves overwhelmed in their first season.
One of the biggest shocks for new high school athletes is balancing sports with academics. In middle school, practice schedules are lighter, and teachers are more flexible with student-athletes. Michael DeSiena, current WJ JV boys basketball coach and former Tilden girls’ soccer and boys’ basketball coach, explains a key difference between middle and high school athletics.
“Most students are focused on just sports, which impacts their grades significantly. Most kids’ grades decline [after joining a high school sport]. If their coach is good and on top of it, grades tend to stay in check. But, for example, if I go 2 weeks without saying something, I remind them that they need to lock in. Being an athlete comes with being a student,” DeSiena said.
High school coursework is demanding, with heavier homework loads, difficult tests and stricter deadlines. Student-athletes are expected to manage their time efficiently, often squeezing homework between practices, games and travel bus rides. Without strong time management skills, time is ticking and grades may suffer.
Additionally, students must maintain a minimum 2.0 unweighted GPA with no more than one failing grade in a marking period to participate in any athletic contests. This sets a strict standard that middle school students have yet to follow.
“Middle school athletics is designed to align with high school academic requirements; however, the final decision regarding the eligibility of middle school students rests with the middle school principal,” Operations Coordinator Brian Walker said. “MCPS understands that the middle school athletic experience can be used to motivate students to achieve their best in the academic setting. Parents/guardians are made aware of student athletes’ grades during the season by scheduled check-ins done by the coach or athletic coordinators.”
Middle school sports are offered in every middle school around the county; however, only seventh and eighth graders can participate. This diminishes participation in middle school sports, as sixth graders are not allowed to participate.
“In many cases, rising freshmen may struggle to keep up with sports and academics in their first semester, especially at WJ where players are expected to maintain a high level of dedication to soccer and the classroom,” girls’ soccer head coach Neil Gottlieb said.
In MCPS, only four sports are offered in middle school: cross country and softball in the fall, basketball in the winter and soccer in the spring. And although all four of these sports include girls and boys teams, this adds to the lack of participation as most students do not play these sports.
“I don’t feel prepared for high school sports. ” Tilden Middle School eighth grader Addie Brush said.
High school sports come with increased pressure. Coaches expect full commitment, and teammates rely on each other to perform at a high level for the success of the team.
“Middle school sports were more of just playing around. The intensity of high school sports is nothing like middle school sports,” sophomore soccer player Hunter Parler said.
Mistakes overlooked in middle school can alter a game in high school, or affect a team’s overall record or playoff seeding.
“During a playoff game against RM, I let the ball go into the goal, almost costing us the game. It was a bad feeling,” sophomore field hockey defensemen Julia Zucconi said.
Tryouts become a gauntlet, where not everyone is guaranteed a spot on the roster – a problem most freshmen face.
“It’s a common challenge,” Gottlieb said. “Returning players often have a different level of experience, confidence and understanding of the WJ girls soccer system and culture compared to incoming freshmen.”
Transitioning from participation trophy to hanging a state championship banner on the wall is a wake-up call for all student-athletes.
