Varsity Versatility: Benefits of Playing Multiple Sports

Balancing athletics and academics is a challenge. Now imagine being a multi-sport student athlete? Kamden Kramer did that and more. He was a 1,000 point scorer in his high school basketball career, a district champion in cross country, and hit his stride on the track too! Read our full Q&A with Kamden below.

What do you think has aided you most from playing sports in your academic career?
Playing sports has helped me grow not only as an athlete but as a student and person overall. It’s taught me discipline, time management, accountability, and how to push through adversity—all of which have directly helped me in the classroom. I think this really helps to handle both the emotional and mental side of pressure. I’ve always been really competitive—and honestly, very emotional when it comes to losing. Those experiences have helped me mature and stay more level-headed both mentally and emotionally when facing challenges in school or life.

That daily rhythm of going to school, heading to practice, then coming home to study or finish homework has been my routine for as long as I can remember. It can definitely be draining at times, but it’s taught me responsibility, how to manage stress, and the importance of following through. I honestly believe I perform better academically during sports seasons because the routine keeps me focused and motivated.

What is the biggest way running aided you in playing basketball?
Distance running taught me how to keep pushing when your legs are burning and your body wants to stop. That same mentality has helped me stay focused and energetic during long stretches on the basketball court, even when others are slowing down. When there are timeouts or stoppages in the game, I’m still full of energy and ready to go. And when it comes down to those final few minutes, when everyone’s tired, I feel like I still have another gear left in me.

Mentally, running has helped me just as much. In cross country and track, it’s just you out there, and it becomes a battle with your own mind. That mental toughness and the ability to stay locked in has carried over into high-pressure basketball moments. I’ve learned to stay calm, focused, and driven—no matter how intense the game gets.

What is the biggest way basketball aided you in running?
I’ve always had a strong desire to win, and that energy I bring to the basketball court carries over into every race I run. A lot of people think running is just about putting one foot in front of the other, but I’ve come to really appreciate how much thought and planning goes into it, just like basketball.
In basketball, I love watching film, breaking down plays, and game-planning for opponents. I’ve brought that same mindset into my running. I study courses, learn how my competitors run and pace themselves, and I go into each race with a game plan. I don’t just plan to run hard—I plan to run smart. That strategic approach has helped me become a better, more focused, and more consistent runner. I’ve learned that when I combine that winning mindset with preparation, it makes a huge difference in my performance.

Are there any tips you have for students who are struggling to manage both sports and school?
The biggest tip I’d give is to stay organized and communicate early and often. Balancing sports and school isn’t easy, but it’s possible if you manage your time well. Another huge thing I would stress is building good relationships with your teachers. If you’re respectful and honest with them about your schedule, most are very understanding and willing to help if you need an extension or extra support. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s a teacher, coach, or teammate, there are people around you who want to see you succeed. It’s okay (and needed) to carve out time to do fun things with your family and friends! Don’t make your life all about sports, or just one thing. Find a balance that keeps you happy!

Is there anything specific you do so you can focus solely on running or getting ready for a game? (I.E., How do you remove distractions that come from outside of sports?)
For me, getting locked in before a game or race starts with mentally shutting everything else out. I usually stay off social media, don’t talk to many people, and just get into my own headspace. Even my parents know not to text or call me on game day—I just like to be left alone to get focused.
I stick to the same warm-up and stretch sequence every time. That consistency helps me flip the mental switch. I also always listen to music before I compete, and without fail, the last song I play is “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins. I visualize what I want to accomplish—whether it’s how I’m going to attack a race or how I’ll impact the game. If I can see it, I believe I can make it happen. It’s all about being present, trusting my preparation, and locking in on what I need to do to compete at my best.

What is the one thing you have learned from being such a successful multisport athlete?
The biggest thing I’ve learned from being a multisport athlete is how to adapt and compete in different environments while staying committed to a high standard. Each sport challenges me in unique ways, running pushes my endurance and mental toughness, basketball demands quick decision-making and intensity, and balancing them all with school teaches me discipline and resilience. But more than anything, I’ve learned that if you’re going to be a successful multisport athlete, you have to fully commit to the sport that’s in season. I think being a multi-sport athlete has also prevented me from getting injured by not overusing certain muscles, and maintained my level of excitement about each sport by preventing burnout, which many kids who only play one sport deal with.

Is there anything you wish you could change, looking back on your high school career?
Looking back on my high school career, I honestly wouldn’t change much because I’ve had some incredible experiences and learned a lot—but if I could go back, I do think I would’ve tried to play baseball and run track at the same time. Another thing I wish I had done a little more of is lift weights more consistently. It’s always a tough balance—trying to stay lean for running while also having the strength and size needed for basketball—but I think I could’ve found a better balance with that. That said, every decision I made taught me something, and I’m proud of how I committed fully to whatever I was doing at the time and the success that came from it.

What was the biggest reason for all of your success through high school?
There are many reasons I feel I’ve been successful, but a big one is that I started playing sports at a competitive level from a very young age. From when I was 4 or 5, my parents exposed my siblings and me to a wide variety of sports—everything from hockey and soccer to swimming, baseball, basketball, wrestling, football, and cross country. As I got older, I especially loved football, baseball, and basketball, and I played on travel teams for baseball and basketball from the age of 7.
Another major reason for my success is the internal drive I’ve always had to compete and get better. I’ve always been someone who hates losing more than I love winning, and that’s pushed me to work hard, set goals, and never settle.
Most importantly, the support I’ve had from my family, friends, coaches, and teammates has been what truly pushed me. Hands down, my dad was the best coach I ever had, and my mom was the biggest supporter I’ve ever had. Knowing I had people in my corner during both tough times and great moments kept me motivated to keep going. It also made me want to be that same source of support for others, whether it was pushing my teammates, cheering on other school teams, or being there to support our youth runners. I love my school, McDowell, and representing it proudly has been a huge motivator. I wanted to bring recognition not just for me, but for my teammates, coaches, and the whole school community.