When my youngest two were swimming and playing water polo at the same time from Sept-July, it was an endless marathon of doubles most every day, tournaments or swim meets on the weekends. The real growth accelerator was going to CA every July to play the best competition in Junior Olympics, which was usually three brutally exhausting games every day sometimes at different venues depending on winning or losing. Wouldn't trade it for anything, though. My kids got a lot of personal growth out of the commitment. Goes the same for an sport or other activity like band, choir or debate that requires continuous commitment and focus.