From Overweight Teen to National League Athlete: Balancing Basketball and the IB

Bio

Hi, I’m Rostam. I am a teenager trying to balance 10 p.m. basketball practices with 8 a.m. IB classes. I play for Chêne’s U18 national team and write about the highs, lows, and lessons of chasing big goals on and off the court. This blog is where I share what I’m learning along the way.

The Starting Point: A Need for Change

At 14, I was overweight and far from the level needed to achieve my dream of playing basketball at the highest level. I wasn’t just behind physically. I didn’t yet have the mindset, habits, or discipline it would take to get there. But deep down, I knew something had to change.

Over the next few months, I dropped 20 kilograms through consistent training, better nutrition, and a level of determination that honestly surprised even me. That transformation changed far more than just my body. It reshaped my life and showed me what it really means to commit to a goal. Eventually, it helped me earn a spot on the team I had always dreamed of joining. And every season since, I’ve kept pushing to improve.

The Reality: IB Life Meets Basketball Grind

Fast forward to today, and I’m balancing that dream with one of the toughest academic challenges out there: the IB Diploma Programme. Being a student-athlete at this level is not just physically demanding. It is mentally exhausting too.

I train four times a week, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., then wake up early for school the next morning. Sleep becomes a priority, not a luxury. It is essential for both recovery and staying sharp in class. Some days, it feels like there simply aren’t enough hours.

What I’ve Had to Sacrifice

To make this work, I’ve had to give up a lot of what most teenagers take for granted. I can’t afford late-night scrolling or aimless downtime. I plan my days with intention, because I have to. That said, I still make time for friends and a social life. Balance is important. I just have to be smarter about how I use my time.

Weekends on the Road

On top of everything, I travel most weekends to play for Chêne’s U18 national team. Some trips, like those to Lugano, start at 6:20 a.m. and finish after midnight. Then it's back to school on Monday, no excuses. That schedule has forced me to master time management in a way I never expected. I revise on train rides, plan homework around practices, and stay ahead wherever I can.

What Basketball Has Taught Me

Basketball has given me lessons that go far beyond the court. I’ve learned that hard work always pays off, though not always immediately. I’ve learned about loyalty, not just to teammates, but to the people in my life who support me. Trust and respect are everything.

Most of all, I’ve learned to hold myself accountable. Whether I’m running drills at training or writing an essay for school, the attitude is the same. Show up. Focus. Put in the effort, even when you don’t feel like it.

This is Just the Start

This lifestyle is tough. It demands discipline, sacrifice, and relentless focus. Every early morning, every late-night practice, every missed party is part of something bigger.

I’m not just training to win games or pass exams. I’m training to build a mindset grounded in consistency, grit, and ambition.

This isn’t only about basketball or the IB. It’s about becoming the kind of person who shows up, puts in the work, and keeps moving forward, no matter what.