Hudson Vellinga is a two-sport varsity athlete. He plays Varsity tennis and Varsity basketball for West Ottawa. Being a two-sport athlete can be tough; while Hudson is in season for one sport the other sport is having off-season workouts, and the responsibilities as a student do not let up. 

   During tennis season, Vellinga’s schedule was very busy. “Wake up at 5:15, get a basketball workout in from 5:30 to 7:00. Then go home, shower, eat breakfast, get ready for school. Then leave for school; after school go to tennis from 4:00 to 6:00 or play a match depending on the day, and then go to open gym for basketball after that from 6:30 to 8:15. Go home, do homework, read my Bible, and then go to bed to do it all over again,” Vellinga said. 

   Athletes like Vellinga don’t really have an off-season.  “No, with AAU basketball in the spring, summer ball in June, and then in July AAU picks up again, then when AAU ends in late July tennis tryouts start right after and then basketball after tennis.” Vellinga’s off season remains busy. “Morning and night workouts for basketball and lift during the day, realistically in the off season there is not much I do for tennis.”

   When someone is involved with sports as much as Vellinga, it can be hard to make time for a social life outside of sports and basketball. “I have time to hang out with friends outside of school or sports, but I’m more likely to hang out with friends involved in sports with me because it’s harder to make time for friends that aren’t involved.”

   Vellinga is an example of a very dedicated athlete. He puts in a lot of work, waking up early in the morning for basketball and sacrificing some of his free time so that he can become a better athlete. This is why Vellinga is one of the most skilled basketball players on the team and a great tennis player as well.