Get Inspired by HS Three-Sport Athlete Ilona Przyszczykowski

GET INSPIRED BY

HIGH SCHOOL 3-SPORT ATHLETE

ILONA

PRZYSZCZYKOWSKI

Can you tell us something about yourself?

I'm Ilona Przyszczykowski, a half Belgian, half French senior at ISB. I spent most of my life in Flanders, with three years in Hong Kong, learning English and attending international schools.

Currently, I'm pursuing the IB program with higher levels in mathematics, economics, and biology. I lead a club I created, offering advice on maintaining balance as a student-athlete, focusing on academics. My main sports at ISB are volleyball, basketball, and track and field.

How did you start being interested in sports?

From childhood, I explored judo, sailing, and gymnastics, enjoying the new skills and diverse experiences they offered. Discovering the positive impact of sports on academics and energy levels, I found that engaging in sports improved my focus in class. It also provided a mental break from school, and as I changed schools frequently, sports became a means to connect with new people.

What can you tell us about the learning experience of a three-sport athlete at ISB? Being a three-sport athlete at ISB offers an enriching and supportive learning experience. The sports community feels like a second family, fostering strong bonds with teammates who share common goals. This environment has honed diverse skills applicable to academic pursuits.

Throughout my ISB years, sports facilitated personal growth and leadership opportunities. As a team captain, I improved communication and leadership skills while fostering teamwork.

Teachers and coaches show understanding and flexibility, benefiting both academic and athletic progress. This support creates a pleasant atmosphere for learning.

Balancing academics, social life, and sports prepares me well for university life, emphasising time management. Grateful for the opportunities, being a three-sport athlete at ISB provides a strong foundation for managing diverse responsibilities and challenges.

How do you balance practising three sports with keeping great academic performance?

To stay on top of my workload, I've formed a habit of completing homework on the day it's assigned, avoiding last-minute rushes. I leverage pressure and stress to my advantage, tackling tasks even when fatigued after practice or games. For busy weeks, I proactively advance in classes by watching videos and taking notes ahead of upcoming tests. This minimises stress during game-packed days. Utilising to-do lists, I set specific deadlines for tasks, motivating myself to stay organised. My effective time-management skills, honed through balancing three sports with academics, have become second nature. The key lesson is taking each day as it comes.

What is challenging about being a threesport athlete at ISB? How do you overcome these challenges and what motivates you the most?

Balancing sports and academics, especially as a senior in the IBDP, can be overwhelming, leading to a lack of motivation after practice or games. Despite having high expectations and ambitious goals, I sometimes feel frustrated and lost. To regain motivation, I turn to my family and focus on my personal/academic goals. Discussing my feelings with my family helps me create a plan for a fresh perspective. Breaking down assignments into smaller tasks boosts motivation as I cross items off my to-do list. Utilising flextime to meet with teachers keeps me accountable. My older brother's work ethic and achievements inspire me to persevere and give my best effort.

During tough times, I remind myself of the importance of taking breaks and clearing my mind.