Coaches often say that being a student athlete means putting the student part first. Finding balance between the two is important but can be challenging. The girls JV Basketball team is a good example. This year’s team only has eight girls, so it is important that athletes must be able to stay on the team. 

Lexene Arriola (c/o 2028) said her mom has a schedule for her to keep her on track with school work while playing sports. This way, she is able to easily ensure that Arriola finishes all her work. “She puts times and then I have to do things at the right time. I do my work after practice,” Arriola said. 

She doesn’t have a definite schedule but she goes to study hall a lot in order to stay on track and finish all of her work before practices, Siulolovao Matangi (c/o 2028) said. “I just do the work,” Matangi said.  

In order to be able to maintain good grades in school while playing sports, student athletes must have the motivation to continue participating in their sport. When asked what was their motivation to continue being a student athlete, many mentioned that they are motivated by their family members who also have played sports. Through sports athletes are able to have a connection with family that also play or played that sport. The common interest can spark up conversation.  

Matangi said she is also motivated to continue improving herself so that she can be the best player she can possibly be. She said that she strives, “To be the best of the best.”