Ask any high school athlete or performer what their season costs, and the answers come easily: time, energy, focus, sacrifice. Ask what they gain, and the answer may take longer to surface.
Extracurricular sports and performing arts are demanding, requiring long practices, weekend and holiday tournaments, year-round preparation, and the constant balancing act between activities and academics.
With so much invested, many might ask: Is it worth it?
Dripping Springs High School students and coaches share that, over time, the hours and effort begin to compound into stronger habits, deeper friendships, and a growing sense of confidence. Like any long-term investment, the payoff often emerges gradually, but the returns can be life-changing.
THE COST
The excitement of high school competition is built upon countless hours of work and preparation from athletes and performers. Lacrosse player John Ault explains, “People usually don’t see the hours you put in on the field and during film, or the early mornings and late nights you sacrifice.”
Across programs, this investment stretches year-round, from off-season training and pre-season camps to months of intense competition. Kayla Roper, who coaches the DSHS Hi-Steppers, notes, “From the start of our summer camps through football, contests, and spring show, we are constantly gearing up for next season.”
The mental demands are intense, too. “People see the games, but they don’t see the pressure,” says basketball player Isaac Terry. “It’s not just physical skill,” adds lacrosse player Kennedy Miller. “It’s about staying sharp and connected with your teammates the whole game.”
From basketball to band, students must be in control of both their bodies and their minds. “You have to be 100-percent focused at all times … posture, playing, timing, energy, and choreography,” says band member JJ Reneau.
Baseball is equally taxing, says Nixon Padilla, noting the challenges of mentally navigating the “constant ups and downs of the sport.” Teammate Cody McDaniel emphasizes, “The determination to go seven- to nine-inning games and stay locked in the full time is only for real baseball players.”
For dancers, performance also means making difficult work look polished and easy. Hi-Stepper Haleigh Darlington explains, “Most people don’t realize that dance is physically demanding, but we also have to look effortless as we do it.” And marching band presents a unique scale of responsibility, as each performer’s execution must align perfectly within a huge team of roughly 200 musicians.
The discipline required for these activities also carries into academics. Tournaments and games make schoolwork a constant balancing act; students often spend extra time before or after school making up missed lessons and exams, then head straight into practice before returning home to finish assignments. “It takes a ton of effort to be a student who thrives,” states basketball coach Thomas Acker.
COMPOUNDING GROWTH
Over time, this sustained effort produces gains that reach well beyond skills or statistics.
Coaches witness that progression firsthand. Softball coach Paige Sandahl shares, “When athletes fully commit, they become more confident, accountable, and resilient, and they develop leadership skills, better communication, and a stronger sense of self.” Band director Derek Woods observes similar changes: “Beyond skill development, they manage their time better, respond to challenges with greater resilience, and take ownership of their commitments.”
Sometimes this growth emerges in surprising ways. Hi-Stepper Haley Harrison says, “Something unexpected that I’ve gained in dance is people skills. Navigating so many personalities on the team is a skill that you learn with time.”
Senior drum major Grace Bertram adds that band has reshaped her understanding of leadership, showing that small, everyday gestures, such as friendly greetings, conversation, and encouragement, can be powerful. “I thought leaders were the people who yelled directions at you,” she says. “Instead, I learned we can lead by showing our fellow band members that they matter.”
Season after season, these experiences form lasting habits—teaching students how to prepare, persevere, and support others—and guiding them into whatever comes next.
SHARED INVESTMENT
No student achieves this growth alone. Behind every practice, performance, and competition is a network of parents, coaches, teachers, and teammates whose investment shapes how seriously students take their role.
For Harrison, family support is a powerful motivator. “My family shows up to every game and every event,” she says. “I want to work hard and give them something to be proud of.”
With support comes responsibility, and students quickly see that their dedication impacts more than just their own performance. Lacrosse player Coyt Packer says: “Knowing that people are counting on you changes how you show up.” Teammate Gage De Los Santos adds, “If one person isn’t doing their job, it usually ends up hurting the team.”
Supportive coaches and teachers reinforce that sense of responsibility. “I know my coaches truly care about me,” says softball player Elianna Amato. “This makes me want to go the extra mile when I play for them.”
Basketball player David Allsbrook adds, “The time my teachers have invested will be forever appreciated.”
As they grow, students begin to pass that investment forward. Lacrosse player Jake Stockton shares the impact of his parents’ tireless dedication: “Their sacrifice has shown me what it means to be selfless, which is something I’ve learned to value on the field.” Similarly, Bertram says that her supportive family has shaped how she now leads others, choosing to encourage fellow band members because she cares about their success.
THE RETURN
For some students, the return may include scholarships or future competitive opportunities; for most, though, the payoff is more personal.
Lacrosse coach Jessica McCarty hopes her teams gain camaraderie, a sense of family, and joy from playing together. “In every sport, you want to win, make playoffs, etcetera,” she says, “but years down the road it isn’t the wins or losses you remember; it’s the interactions.”
Students echo that sentiment. Softball player Lorelei Gamble says, “I love the competition and the opportunity to play the sport I love with my best friends.” Allsbrook adds, “My years on the court will forever be some of the best memories of my life.”
Through challenges, setbacks, and high-pressure moments, students begin to see how the experience builds character and shapes their mindset in ways that carry into everyday life. Avery Ames reflects, “Playing basketball is so much more than just how many points I score.”
Teammate Lily Aleshire adds, “Because of basketball, I’m proud of the person I am and have learned to be confident and powerful in everything I do.”
LONG-TERM DIVIDENDS
In simple terms, return on investment measures what you gain compared to what you put in. In high school activities, though, the payoff is more complex. Beyond wins or losses, the real payout is learning to overcome challenges, build lasting friendships, and grow into resilient, positive contributors to the community.
Terry shares how a particularly disappointing basketball experience reshaped how he sees the game—and himself. “This season showed me that basketball isn’t all I have in my life. It’s important, but it’s not who I am,” he says. “I’ve learned that I have other gifts, other strengths, and other paths. Basketball is still worth it because of the growth, the relationships, and the lessons it gives me. I’ve realized that my value isn’t based on stats, wins, or how the season goes; it’s based on the process.”
Measured this way—by who students become rather than what they accomplish—the return is clear. And it’s worth it.
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Tiger Excellence
Dripping Springs High School students continue to make their mark in athletics and performing arts, with several programs celebrating milestone seasons and standout individual honors.
Marching Band made program history in 2025 with its fourth consecutive UIL 6A State qualification, advancing to the State Finals for the first time and placing 11th out of 256 bands. The Tigers reached the finals at the Bands of America San Antonio Super Regional and, at the 2025 BOA Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, advanced to the finals for the first time, finishing 9th overall. DSHS also received the prestigious Sudler Shield Award, one of the highest honors in marching band.
Softball secured its seventh consecutive district title and powered its way to the UIL State Semifinals for the fifth time in program history. Catcher Lorelei Gamble emerged as one of the top players in the country, earning NFCA High School Catcher of the Year honors, First Team All-American recognition, and a spot on the U-18 USA Women’s National Team.
Baseball delivered a historic season, securing its first trip to the UIL State Tournament in 27 years to reestablish the Tigers among the state’s elite. Pitcher Taylor Tracey was named to the Austin Sports Journal 2024 All-Metro first team and earned a Gold Glove Award, while Cash Nelson received 1st Team All-Conference and 2nd Team All-State honors.
In addition, Girls Lacrosse reached the 2025 Super Regional round, with 14 of 19 varsity players earning academic scholar awards. Boys Basketball advanced to the UIL 6A playoffs for the first time, while Rushton Budge surpassed the 1,000 career points mark, currently ranking 9th on DSHS’s all-time scoring list. The Hi-Steppers were named Select Small Grand Champion Team and Overall Grand Champion Team at Crowd Pleasers, with officers recognized as Select Small Officer Champions and Overall Officer Champions. Boys Lacrosse earned a Class A playoff berth and a first-round win over St. John’s, with goalkeeper John Ault named a 2025 USA Lacrosse All-American.