This qualitative study explored the navigational strategies employed by student-athletes in managing the dual demands of academics and athletics. Using a phenomenological approach, the research aimed to understand the essence of student-athletes’ lived experiences, uncover the significant challenges they face, and identify the strategies they adopt to maintain balance. Ten purposely selected junior and senior high school student-athletes from Corazon C. Aquino High School, representing diverse sports such as basketball, volleyball, athletics, and arnis, participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method, revealing recurring themes clustered under five overarching categories: Time Management and Prioritization, Academic Sacrifices and Resilience, Support Systems and Flexibility, Stress and Emotional Challenges, and Social Influence and Peer Motivation. Findings indicate that student-athletes employ strategic planning, personal sacrifice, and reliance on social support to navigate overlapping academic and athletic responsibilities. Their experiences highlight the development of resilience, discipline, leadership, and a strong sense of identity, emphasizing that success in both domains requires sustained effort and adaptability. The study concludes that holistic support from teachers, coaches, families, and institutions is critical to fostering both academic achievement and athletic growth. Recommendations focus on practical interventions, including flexible academic policies, structured training schedules, wellness initiatives, and time-management strategies, aimed at enhancing the overall well-being and performance of student-athletes. This research contributes valuable insights into the lived realities of student-athletes, offering guidance for educational and athletic programs to support balanced development.
Paragas et al. (Tue,) studied this question.