Kayden Brown
In Texas, student athletes wear more than just jerseys- they carry the weight of big expectations. Whether it’s basketball, tennis, soccer, volleyball, or football, the push to be faster, stronger, and better never really stops. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) sets the rules for school sports, but the grind often goes far beyond what’s written on paper. Beneath the hype of game days and championship banners is a growing problem: student athletes are being stretched to their limits, and the system keeps pushing.
From before-school weightlifting to after-dark practices, many athletes are on the clock nearly every hour of the day. Off-seasons are rare, and even when one sport ends, another begins. What was once about fun and passion is now a nonstop cycle of performance. In sports like tennis and soccer, players are expected to compete year-round, juggling school, training, and often club teams that add even more pressure to perform at a high level, all the time.
UIL rules technically set limits to protect students, capping practice hours and requiring rest days. But in reality, athletes often find themselves at “optional” workouts that aren’t so optional, or training with club teams during breaks. The schedule is packed, the pressure is silent, and slowing down feels like falling behind. For those dreaming of college scholarships, every practice becomes a tryout. Every mistake feels like a setback.
Mental burnout is hitting just as hard as physical exhaustion. With stacked calendars and little time to breathe, many student athletes are running on fumes. Stress, anxiety, and fear of failure have become regular parts of the experience, and there’s little room for balance. For too long, pushing through the pain has been seen as part of the game, not a red flag. And while some schools are starting to pay attention, the changes aren’t happening fast enough for the students living it every day.
Texas takes pride in its athletes, and rightfully so. But when the cost of competing means sacrificing health, sleep, and sanity, something has to give. It’s time to ask whether the UIL system is building champions or burning them out. Because for many athletes, the game they love is starting to become a pressure they can’t escape.