As the sports season progressed, student-athletes at California Baptist University faced the challenge of maintaining their motivation and energy while balancing intense training schedules, academic responsibilities and personal commitments.
To better understand how they navigated these pressures, Dr. Ed Garrett, professor of sport and performance psychology and director of the center for sport and performance psychology program, spoke about the causes of burnout and the strategies athletes used to stay motivated throughout the season.
“Recognition is 90% of the battle. You have to acknowledge what you’re experiencing—whether it’s feeling drained, unmotivated or overwhelmed. Many athletes don’t realize how much time and sacrifice their sport requires until they’re deep into their first season,” Garrett said.
To combat burnout, experts recommended incorporating variety into routines, taking breaks and remembering the love for the sport.
“Something as simple as taking a walk, journaling or stepping outside of the athletic environment can help athletes reset. I encourage athletes to find ways to enjoy their sport, like remembering why they started in the first place and embracing a childlike curiosity to keep it fresh,” Garrett said.
Student-athletes at CBU implemented various strategies to keep their motivation levels high. Madison Montgomery, sophomore pre-nursing major and cheerleader, attributed her drive to faith and encouragement from her support system.
“Trusting in God’s plan for me helps remind me of the bigger picture. I think about my future and the goals I want to accomplish, which keeps me focused. My teammates and loved ones also provide encouragement when I need it most,” Montgomery said.
Similarly, Dani Monarrez, sophomore communication sciences and disorders major and dancer, found motivation in working hard to glorify God.
“The thing that keeps me motivated is wanting to work so hard so that people might see God’s glory through my accomplishments,” Monarrez said.
For many athletes, team camaraderie played a significant role in keeping energy levels up.
“Our routines in cheerleading are intense, but my team encourages each other throughout practice. Knowing that my teammates are pushing through with me keeps me going,” Montgomery added.
Balancing sports, school and life could be overwhelming, and failing to manage it effectively could lead to burnout.
“Athletes need to recognize when they’re out of balance. If you ignore the signs—just like a car needing realignment—you’ll eventually burn out. Prioritization and intentional breaks are key,” Garrett said.
Finding ways to decompress and step away from stress was crucial. CBU offered resources such as sports psychologists, counseling services and faculty mentorship to help student-athletes maintain their well-being.
While the demands of college athletics could be intense, CBU athletes found strength in their faith, teammates and a strong support system. By recognizing burnout, implementing effective coping strategies and embracing the joy of their sport, they continued to push forward through the grind of the season.
