By Kayla Phan
Staff Writer
Over the last few months, daily temperatures have fluctuated wildly, skyrocketing as high as 110 degrees, and plunging to the 50s. It’s a significant concern for many students, particularly for ones participating in sports programs. Coaches should consider the wellbeing of their athlete by ensuring that they’re taking the necessary breaks to avoid overexertion. Beyond this immediate concern, we should also be mindful of our role in slowing down climate change and our impacts on the environment.
As a student athlete myself, I’ve felt the effects of this unpredictable weather. My team’s practice and game schedule has been very inconsistent due to extreme temperatures. As a tennis player, I’ve experienced firsthand how hard it is to practice in the heat. The sweltering temperatures not only impact our performances but also pose serious health risks.
For young athletes, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can have deadly consequences. These conditions can lead to long term health issues and rank among the leading causes of death for high school athletes.
In August, 15-year-old Jayvion Taylor collapsed during football practice in Virginia. After taking a water break in nearly 90 degree heat, he became unresponsive. Coaches rushed to help, but he died shortly after being transported to a hospital. This tragedy is one of several heat-related deaths among young athletes this year, highlighting the dangers of extreme heat for sports. Without better safeguards, there will only be more tragedies to come.
According to tennisguide.org, temperatures on a court can feel up to 20 degrees hotter. This season, heatwaves have become something we can no longer ignore. I can feel the scorching sun above me and the fatigue creeping in. It’s not just about playing well—it’s about staying safe.
These extreme weather changes are happening more and more often lately, due to global warming. We’ve grown so accustomed to these shifts that most of us have become desensitized to it. We have to remember that this weather is far from normal, and represents a critical problem that will only continue to escalate. Back in 2020, the average nationwide temperatures in September were only 1.1 degrees above normal. Three years later, those averages have risen up to 2.9 degrees above normal. Temperatures will continue to rise gradually and we can already feel its effects.
Consider the long-term effects of climate change on our sports. Right now, many students face disrupted schedules and must adapt constantly. Rising temperatures can mean fewer days of outdoor practice and unsafe playing conditions.
As students, we have a voice and a responsibility to take action. More people should advocate for sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient facilities and recycling practices. Making sustainable choices also remains simple. We can walk, bike, or use public transportation whenever possible and minimizing single-use plastics.
By taking these actions, we can collectively make a difference. Schools, coaches and parents must realize how significant the impact of climate change on our health and sports really is.
Climate change and global warming are reshaping the landscape of high school sports. As temperatures rise, we must prioritize health and safety in our practices and competitions. Let’s encourage our athletes to focus not only on competition, but also on protecting their health.