Student-athletes are just that, students who are also athletes. Student-athletes should use the same focus and determination for their sport as their education. CNG’s Athlete of the Week proves that commitment to education and sports is a balancing act, but nonetheless, she excels in the battle.
Shaina Boal, 16, is a GTHS Junior on the varsity volleyball team. Boal not only dedicates time and effort to both education and volleyball, but she also goes above and beyond in both. Boal maintains a 4.1 GPA in the classroom and has been awarded the Most Valuable Player for the past two years in her sport.
“[The] biggest challenge is maintaining a life while being a student-athlete with high grades,” Boal said.
Despite the challenge to balance her life while maintaining high standards, Boal uses her motivation, “to prove that [she is] good enough,” to push through any conflict.
Boal also pulls strength from her family, “[My] inspiration is all the support from my family always helping me to become a stronger player with any resource they can provide.”
Boal plans to attend college and after graduation, she wants to travel and experience different cultures.