Balancing School and Sport

As Year 13 student Anya readies herself to embark on a hockey scholarship at Northeastern University in Boston this August, alongside studying Psychology, she shares her tips for balancing playing sport at a high level while at school. 

I started playing hockey when I was around 8 and, honestly, I really didn’t like it! I first played it at my junior school on a concrete playground, and all I can remember is losing the feeling in my fingers due to the cold and the constant back ache. My friends from netball were joining a hockey club so I did the same. Over time I began to enjoy it more and grew to absolutely love it!  

I now do coaching and umpiring as well as playing. I play for London Wayfarers Hockey Club, where I currently play for the Ladies first team (National League), Girls U18 and train with the Boys U18. I also play for the Alleyn’s 1^st XI and am part of England Hockey’s Talent Academy (regional representation). I typically play forward or midfield depending on the team, and I particularly like playing on the right. 

In Year 9, I did a hockey camp in the US during the summer and was told that playing hockey at a Division 1 University in America was the closest thing to being a professional athlete (without the pay), and it’s something that I’ve set my sights on ever since. The investment in hockey there means great facilities, infrastructure, coaching and support, and a hockey programme of about 35 hours a week.  

I visited quite a few hockey-playing universities in the US last year and am lucky to have been offered a hockey scholarship at Northeastern University in Boston starting this August. I am planning to do Psychology as my major and maybe specialise in forensic or criminal Psychology further down the line. I am really excited about what the next few years hold. 

In all honesty, it took a while to get the balance of schoolwork and sport right especially as I got closer to my GCSEs and A levels. But here are a few of the things I’ve learnt: 

1. Time management  

Time management is so important. I plan out when work is due and when to do it in order to fit it in around hockey.  

2. Selective training 

i.e. don’t overdo it! I prioritise more intense/higher quality training sessions over quantity as over training will mean you can’t perform at your best when you want to due to being exhausted. When playing for several different teams, it’s important to prioritise specific hockey sessions and ensure you’re doing the ones improving your ability. If I attended all my hockey/fitness sessions every week I would be too physically tired and not able to complete a lot of my homework.   

3. Good Communication 

Maybe the most important thing I’ve learnt has been ensuring good communication with teachers to give them advanced warning if I am going to struggle to meet a deadline and to politely request an extension. My teachers and tutors have been very supportive, but I obviously need to make sure I get my schoolwork done. 

I am sure I will want hockey to continue be a big part of my life after university, playing at a high standard and getting higher qualifications in umpiring and coaching. After four years at Northeastern University, I want to return to London before looking to study for a PhD. 

Congratulations Anya for gaining such a fantastic hockey scholarship to Northeastern University in Boston. Everyone at Alleyn's wishes you the best of luck.