As junior David Salamzadeh felt an increase in swimming pressures, he realized he could no longer balance multiple sports.

“I used to play soccer but I did quit to continue swimming,” Salamzadeh said. “I would have to get up and swim in the morning and then some days I would have to play soccer midday and then go swim at night.”

According to strength and conditioning coach and IB sports teacher Jessica Gust, many athletes begin specializing in high school.

“I would say that for a lot of kids that by the time they get to high school many (students) have chosen to specialize in one sport,” Gust said.

Gust said the heavier academic workload associated with high school impacts students’ decisions in terms of sports.

“I see the pressures of academics playing into that quite a bit in terms of kids feeling like they have to make a choice between their primary sport, the off season of their primary sport and balancing academics and their choices to take higher level courses,” Gust said.

Gust said the decision to specialize in one sport, however, comes with multiple drawbacks.

“The earlier you specialize, the earlier you tend to burn out,” Gust said. “From being in multiple sports you actually become more athletic.”

Sophomore volleyball, gymnastics and softball player Savannah Romero said she notices benefits from playing multiple sports.

“You are exercising all year long and staying in shape,” Romero said.

Gust said playing a variety of sports prevents health problems.

“(Athletes who play multiple sports) are able to sustain participation in sports for longer and they are better prepared for the movements that are required,” Gust said.

Salamzadeh said the year round training for swimming allows the most growth.

“You are able to continuously progress whereas if you only were to swim high school you have to go back to that starting point every season,” Salamzadeh said.

Gust said she urges athletes to take precautions to stay healthy.

“If you are going to specialize it is really critical that you have a well-rounded training routine, strength training, agility, condition, mobility — that is the only way you can fight against the imbalances you develop by playing one sport all of the time,” Gust said.