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PASSION AND PRECISION: HOW ONE BARNEY STUDENT BALANCES CRICKETING DREAMS WITH ACADEMIC DEMANDS

An interview with 1st XI Girls Captain, Amelie B

Balancing excellence in the classroom and on the cricket field is no easy feat – what strategies help you manage your time and maintain focus across such demanding commitments? 

For me and my schedule, time management is obviously essential. Throughout this year with starting A levels and perusing my commitments in cricket I have had to learn and adapt my routine to fit. Whether it’s revision, training or co-curricular I aim to make use of every part of my day and making sure the valuable time I have dedicated to schoolwork is both focused and productive. I have a clear routine before and after school that helps me to not only stay organised but also switched on.

How do you stay grounded and look after your mental wellbeing while pursuing such high levels of ambition?

I am currently playing cricket at Academy level, which is very new for me. With this new opportunity it’s obviously exciting but also brings its own pressures and expectations. For me, staying grounded is about keeping perspective. I remind myself why I started, because I love the game and use it as my escape from my busy day to day. I make sure I don’t focus on one single result (easier said than done sometimes!) , whether it’s a match or an exam but try to remember what I can learn from it and that at the end of the day I play the sport because I love it. I’ve also found that being honest with not just my coaches and teachers when things feel overwhelming makes a big difference but also honest and realistic with myself and what expectations I can take on.

Who in the Barnard Castle School community has supported you most on your journey, and how important is that sense of belonging to your success?

I think for me so many people have helped support me on this journey. It makes such a difference having people in your corner for whatever you need. My coaches and teachers obviously play a huge role in both school and cricket life. Similarly my friends and family make up a huge part of my support system and it’s great to know i’m surrounded by so many people that push me to do my best and offer advice when I need it. The sense of belonging is essential as it makes juggling everything so much easier knowing there are people who genuinely care. It is clear that feeling both happy and supported plays through to how I perform.

How do you make space in your week for rest and connection with friends and family, and why is that balance so important to you?

It’s so easy to look at my calendar at get overwhelmed so I try to build in time where I can rest. For me, I love to be busy and take on as much as I can and use cricket as my ‘rest’ as that is the time I have away from everything. Although, I do usually keep one evening free where I don’t do any schoolwork or training. I think it’s important to make time for friends and family when I can and whilst I can’t go to everything when I can I do. Ensuring I keep that balance is crucial when I’m well-rested and connected to the people who matter to me, I perform better on the pitch and stay more focused in class. It’s about avoiding burnout and keeping the enjoyment in everything I do.

What advice would you give to younger students who want to achieve big goals but are worried about pressure and expectations?

I’d say it’s completely normal to feel that pressure but that shouldn’t stop you. For me I kind of love the pressure as it drives me to perform but I understand that is not the same for everyone. It’s important to focus on smaller more consistent actions rather than the end goal all the time. Set short-term goals that you can achieve and back yourself to get there rather than focusing on the long term goal. At the same time, ensure you don’t loose sight of that and keep it in the back of your mind but don’t solely focus on it, look at the steps to get there. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from a teacher, a coach, or a friend. Finally it’s great to have those ambitions but remember why you started and why you love it. That is the most important thing.