“I got into soccer through rec leagues at a young age and simply never quit. In eighth grade when I moved to Holland, I joined cross country to make new friends at my new school. I got talented through hard work and all the time I have put into both sports. Now, I do cross country and club soccer in the fall, and then track and field during the winter and spring, and soccer in the spring. Recently I was nominated for the MHSAA scholar-athlete award, which I think can be attributed to my ability to not just balance everything but also to excel at the sports I am involved in, all while maintaining a good GPA in the classroom.

“I really struggled with having enough time for my homework and time to relax and unwind. Several days a week I would have two practices in one day, leaving me one hour of time at home to eat and complete any homework I had. Weekends were similar, and I would have to balance my social life, academics, and sports, which was challenging. I would often have a meet and sometimes two games as well as multiple pages of homework. Throughout the years, I have learned what works for me and it is normal for me now. I have found ways to manage two school spring sports at the same time. Often I’d have a game right after school, and then rush back the school in my soccer uniform to run a relay or event in track. My teams and the friendships I’ve made through sports have helped my motivation and help me to show up each day,” Sr. Julia Frampton said.