Wisdom Wednesday: Balancing School and Sports with Coach Veronica

This week’s Wisdom Wednesday highlights Coach Veronica, Head Coach of 12 Purple, who believes that balancing academics and athletics isn’t just possible—it’s essential for growth.

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Work Hard, Play Hard

For Coach Veronica, school has always come first—but that never stopped her from excelling in volleyball.

“In general, I’ve always had the mindset of work hard, play hard,” she shares. “After a long day, volleyball is a great outlet and reward, but only after schoolwork is done.”

She encourages her athletes to develop the same mindset—prioritizing their academic responsibilities while still enjoying the game they love.

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Time Management for Student-Athletes

One of the biggest challenges young athletes face is learning how to manage their time effectively. Coach Veronica’s top strategy? Planning ahead.

“The best thing an athlete can do is create an organized schedule week by week,” she explains. “This gives them a clear plan on how to balance schoolwork, practices, and games without feeling overwhelmed.”

By setting aside specific times for studying, homework, and training, student-athletes can stay on top of their responsibilities without sacrificing one for the other.

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How Sports Build Academic & Life Skills

Coach Veronica sees volleyball as more than just a game—it’s a way to develop life skills that also benefit academics.

• Teamwork & Communication: Just like in school projects, volleyball teaches players how to work with others, communicate effectively, and problem-solve as a group.
• Multitasking & Organization: Juggling school and sports requires time management, planning, and the ability to handle multiple responsibilities at once.
• Resilience & Learning from Losses: “Life isn’t always about winning,” Coach Veronica emphasizes. “Sports teach players the art of losing and how to manage setbacks—an important lesson for school, careers, and life.”

These skills don’t just help on the court—they shape well-rounded individuals who are prepared for challenges in all areas of life.

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Finding the Right Balance

Coach Veronica reminds her players that balance comes from discipline, organization, and perspective.

“When you learn how to manage both school and sports effectively, you grow as an athlete, a student, and a person,” she says.

By setting priorities, creating schedules, and embracing the lessons sports teach, student-athletes can achieve success in both academics and volleyball.

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Join us in celebrating Coach Veronica and her commitment to helping young athletes succeed in school, sports, and beyond!