Sitting down w Bella Williams

Bella Williams: Engine Athlete, student, and worker - she makes it look easy. But what's the reality?

We sat down with Bella to uncover how she balances it all, from intense training to full-time studies and work. 

 

What's a typical day (or week) look like for you during a busy period, say, competition season or exam time? Walk us through it.

A typical week for me would look like 14-16 sessions per week, 1-3 days of full-time university studies depending on the time of the year, and around 20 hours of work (4 shifts per week). This is particularly challenging when I am in peak season racing and training!

What's the biggest challenge you face in balancing your sport and studies, and how do you usually overcome it?

I think the biggest challenge is always being tired! I sometimes struggle emotionally to cope with the training load as a semi-professional athlete alongside my full-time studies as this is mentally and physically exhausting. Work seems to be the easiest activity in my week where I can relax and go with the flow a bit more. However, consistently applying a growth mindset, being organised with thorough scheduling and keeping on top of my meal prep are some things I do to stay on track and overcome some difficulties I may face during the week.

Do you have any specific time management techniques or tools that you swear by? (e.g., planners, apps, color-coding).

Calendars and diaries are essential tools for managing my busy life. They allow me to stay on top of assessments, study sessions, specific training, and recovery time, while also helping me plan my work schedule. Balancing work with my other commitments can be tricky from week to week, so having everything mapped out helps me stay organised and ahead of the game.

How do you prioritise when you have competing deadlines or training sessions? What factors do you consider?

I try to prioritise my sport and studies equally as much, however when I have major assessments due and Nursing placements in my year, these take priority over training, as I know I won’t be at university for very long. For me to prioritise both training/racing and studies, I must prioritise things such as what I eat, my recovery and my sleep each night. These things enable me to successfully get through my busy days prioritising both.

How important is having a support system (coaches, family, friends, tutors) in helping you manage everything? How do they help?

Having a support system is crucial when balancing different aspects of life, such as sport, university, and work. Since I live on the Gold Coast away from my family, I rely a lot on my coaches, teammates, and friends for guidance and support. Each person plays a unique role in my journey, and their support looks different depending on the individual. They provide valuable feedback and advice, offer emotional encouragement, help me stay focused, assist in managing the pressures of training and competition, and contribute to my mental and social well-being. When I start to lose focus, it’s these people who help me regain perspective and ground myself.

Have you ever experienced burnout from trying to do too much? If so, how did you recognise it, and what steps did you take to recover?

There have been moments I have been burnt out, and I’ve learned to recognise the signs, especially when my body starts signaling that it’s time to take a step back. I usually take a few days off from training, allowing my body to recover. During this time, I focus on relaxing and recharging, making sure to prioritise my mental well-being as much as my physical health. This means spending time doing things that calm my mind, like reading, meditating, or simply disconnecting from the usual pressures. I’ve realised that taking this time to rest and reset helps me come back stronger, both physically and mentally, and prevents further burnout down the line. It’s a reminder that balance is key, and that sometimes, rest is just as important as pushing through.

What advice would you give to other student-athletes who are struggling to find a balance? What's the one thing you wish you'd known starting out?

For student-athletes struggling to find a balance, my advice would be to prioritise time management and learn to set realistic expectations. Balancing academics, training, and personal life can feel overwhelming, but breaking everything down into manageable tasks makes it easier to stay on track. Use tools like calendars or planners to stay organised and set clear boundaries—like designating specific times for studying, training, and recovery. It's also crucial to communicate openly with your coaches, professors, and teammates. They’ll understand your situation and can offer flexibility, advice or support when needed. The one thing I wish I’d known starting out is that it’s okay to ask for help and lean on your support system. They can help you navigate the challenges and remind you that you don’t have to do it all by yourself.

How do you stay motivated when things get tough, and you feel like giving up on either your sport or your studies?

I remind myself of my WHY. Why I do it, why I love it, why am I passionate about it, why I go through the trouble to commit to everything! It’s during these moments that I turn to journaling. Writing down my thoughts helps me reflect on the journey so far, reconnect with my goals, and gain perspective. It’s a powerful tool for reminding myself of what I’m working towards and why it matters, which helps realign my motivation when things feel overwhelming.

What are the benefits you've experienced from being involved in sport that have actually helped you in your studies (and vice versa)?

Being involved in sport has provided me with many benefits that has directly helped with my studies. Self-regulation and time management are crucial in both areas. In sport, you learn to structure your day around training, recovery, and competition, which helps you manage time more effectively. This skill has been a game-changer in my studies because it allows me to break down my academic tasks into manageable chunks, stay on schedule, and avoid procrastination.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in how you managed your time and commitments?

Honestly, looking back at the past couple of years, I have no regrets about how I’ve managed my time and commitments. However, one thing I wish I had done more of was to remind myself to stay in the present. There were times when I got caught up in the pressure of managing everything and was too focused on what was coming next, instead of appreciating where I was in the moment. It all sounds very cliché however, taking time to fully experience and enjoy the present would have helped me maintain a better balance and reduce stress majorly!

To keep up to date with Bella's upcoming competitions and studies, be sure to follow her across Instagram @bellarosewilliams.