MINI-DOC: How Do Sports Affect Academics, Mental Health?

Carson Buck, Christian Swanson, and Dylan Chung

Nonnewaug+baseball+player+Ben+Conti%2C+left%2C+and+tennis+player+Alexa+Burke+are+just+two+of+the+many+student-athletes+who+juggle+sports%2C+academics%2C+and+their+mental+health.

Nonnewaug Tribe/Instagram

Nonnewaug baseball player Ben Conti, left, and tennis player Alexa Burke are just two of the many student-athletes who juggle sports, academics, and their mental health.

WOODBURY — Nonnewaug High School is home to strong academics and championship-winning sports programs. Many times, top students are also among the Chiefs’ most recognized athletes. But is there between high school sports and students’ mental health?

Nonnewaug student-athletes Ben Conti, Ben Stewart, and Alexa Burke — all of whom play multiple sports — discussed the pros and cons of juggling sports with academics, as well as the way the balance impacts their stress and mental health.

Nonnewaug principal Pam Sordi, social worker/swim coach Sharon Gomes, and wellness teacher/golf coach Ryan Campanario also weighed in on the many issues involved.