To understand the SHA athlete experience, the Griffiner interviewed a few members of sports teams. Athletics are a significant part of the school, with 33 percent of students participating in sports teams. Here’s how they cope with challenges of balancing homework and athletics at a school where athletes are held to the same academic standards as every other student.

How do you deal with balancing sports and schoolwork mentally? And what do you do to make sure you thrive in both? 

“I take advantage of time. When we have free time in class, instead of being on my phone, play music and get work done. I’ve learned when to separate school, fun, and sports”. – Anessyah Love, a sophomore on the girl’s basketball team

“It can be a challenge at times, but you have to just mentally push yourself. When you fall, or slip up, you have to be ready to immediately pick yourself back up. – Leala Samuel, a senior on the girl’s soccer team  

“Who’s going to do schoolwork after 9 p.m.  Nobody is. So, if I have to, I’ll do it on the weekends. It’s sad, but you gotta do what you got to do.” – Alianiz Bonilla, a junior on the girl’s volleyball team

Is playing a sport worth it when Commerce and SHA athletes are more likely not to continue the sport in college? 

“A lot of the time people play sports as a way to separate school and home life. I play because I love the game”. – Anessyah Love 

 “I’ve made a name for myself in Commerce and I’m different, so I’m going to find a way to get where I want to be Leala Samuel 

“Even if Commerce and SHA students don’t continue to play a sport in college, it’s something fun to do, and it’s nice to have something to be passionate about, and to look forward to”. – Justin Rozon, a freshmen on the boy’s basketball team

What’s one of your favorite memories from one of the seasons you’ve played in? 

“My favorite memory from my basketball season was watching the Commerce varsity team’s first win in two years”. – Justin Rozon 

“My last tournament, I got four receives and one rally, that was good”. – Alexander Montaque, a sophomore on the boy’s volleyball team

“When we blew Duggan out of the gym by 47 points and I made a half court shot”. – Anessyah Love 

What’s something you’ve learned from playing sports? 

“I’ve learned that it is very easy for your body and brain to tell you to give up, it’s a battle with yourself not to”. – Alianiz Bonilla 

“Respect your opponent because at the end of the day it’s a game and you need to have fun”. – Anessyah Love

“Work and try hard. Even if you feel like you’re teaching yourself, you can always be the best”. – Alexander Montaque

This is encouragement for the 19 percent of SHA students who say they do want to play sports but don’t know, according to a recent student survey run by the journalism class, as well as  the 33 percent who say they might be interested in playing. These words might lead you to participate in something you could potentially love doing.