CJHS students share their balance of sports and studies

Emily Duhaime’s volleyball picture

Between early morning practices, demanding game schedules, and late-night study sessions, student-athletes at CJHS are mastering the art of the ‘dual-life’ juggling act. Three athletic Freshmen at CJHS share their perspectives on the balance between the competitive and academic aspects. Starting strong with CJHS freshman Audrey Rzepka, who is a leader not only in school, but also a leader on the soccer field. Rzepka balances her academics and her competitive travel soccer team by getting things done with much precision. 

“First, I make a plan of when my things are due, and then I make sure I finish them. Sometimes that involves doing it in the car on the way to sports or early in the morning before school,” Rzepka said. 

Rzepka’s ability to get her sports and academics finished quickly has been shown through her high GPA.

Now, let’s jump into our next student athlete, CJHS freshman Sloane Tillander. Tillander works very hard every day of the week just to focus on being prepared for any upcoming games and to also focus on preparation for upcoming tests. Tillander plays for the Girls JV Clarkston basketball as a forward and center. Tillander was also a former middle blocker on the JV Clarkston Volleyball team. She proactively uses her Saturdays and Sundays to recharge her battery and prepare herself for the following weekdays. 

 “I try to catch up on sleep, especially recovery on the weekends, and I try to stretch every day after practice,” Tillander said. 

Tillander’s well-spent time in her stretching and recovery days has positively impacted her performance in her basketball games.

Last but not least is CJHS freshman Emily Duhaime. Duhaime consistently thrives on academics and on her travel volleyball team as well. Duhaime is an all-around player on her travel Volleyball team, in which she can be used all throughout the court because of her athletic skills. Duhaime balances her work in the classroom and her work on the court persistently.

“My friends always make Quizlets for me and we share it between all of us, which is amazing when studying for tests,” Duhaime said.

Not only does Emily Duhaime work hard out on the court, but she also works hard when studying for her important tests. The final whistle doesn’t mean the work stops; it just means the training continues in the books.