From the Court to the Classroom
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| Photo By: Rowan Budlong During practice for a game later in the week, Madison Berry a high school volleyball player, serves a ball cross court. |
Volleyball, softball, basketball, tennis, soccer, and more. Madison Berry has done them all. From gymnastics and dance, to baseball and football, Berry loves to be on the field, court, and floor. Five years of volleyball has proven her dedication to the court. Even though her heart is in the game, Berry has to focus on school as well.
“I really have to take advantage of flex time,” she says, when considering whether or not sports help or hinder her academics. Getting home between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. can be a struggle for Berry because it leaves little time for homework and studying.
However athletics, volleyball and softball more specifically, also help her academics.. Being on a team and having the team bond has given Berry the ability to advocate for herself, become more outgoing, ask questions, and interact with people.
She believes sports can have both negative and positive qualities that rub off on her personality.
“Negative probably because I’ve become popular, and so that can get you into a lot of drama. Which also gets you focused on drama and social life instead of academics and sports, but it also is very positive. It keeps me physically and mentally healthy,” she said.
“Finding out you made the varsity softball [team], that’s always a big proud moment,” Berry said. Another major moment for Berry happened when she was younger. “When I was little I out hit the boys in my brothers baseball tryouts, so that’s also a big point, showing that girls can do the thing boys can do.”
Just like in school, Berry sets goals for her sports whether it be in softball or volleyball.
“Making varsity [volleyball] would be a really really big moment!” states Berry about one of her goals.
A more major goal for her future is going professional.
“I’d want to go pro [in volleyball] just because it’s really competitive. It’s not about the money, it’s more about the audience, and the team, the bond, the coach bond, the community. Sports and athletics community is really strong. Eventful, I guess, is another way to put it.”
Berry thrives in the sports community, having support from friends, family, and coaches.
“For football, if you walk into the college stadium, or the NFL stadium, you see all the fans. Fans are just a big, heartwarming part of it.” Berry loves to have friends and teammates cheer her on at games and even at practice. She sees it as a motivation to keep going. As for the future Berry says that there would be, “Nothing to make me quit, I don’t ever want to quit.”
“I really have to take advantage of flex time,” she says, when considering whether or not sports help or hinder her academics. Getting home between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. can be a struggle for Berry because it leaves little time for homework and studying.
However athletics, volleyball and softball more specifically, also help her academics.. Being on a team and having the team bond has given Berry the ability to advocate for herself, become more outgoing, ask questions, and interact with people.
She believes sports can have both negative and positive qualities that rub off on her personality.
“Negative probably because I’ve become popular, and so that can get you into a lot of drama. Which also gets you focused on drama and social life instead of academics and sports, but it also is very positive. It keeps me physically and mentally healthy,” she said.
“Finding out you made the varsity softball [team], that’s always a big proud moment,” Berry said. Another major moment for Berry happened when she was younger. “When I was little I out hit the boys in my brothers baseball tryouts, so that’s also a big point, showing that girls can do the thing boys can do.”
Just like in school, Berry sets goals for her sports whether it be in softball or volleyball.
“Making varsity [volleyball] would be a really really big moment!” states Berry about one of her goals.
A more major goal for her future is going professional.
“I’d want to go pro [in volleyball] just because it’s really competitive. It’s not about the money, it’s more about the audience, and the team, the bond, the coach bond, the community. Sports and athletics community is really strong. Eventful, I guess, is another way to put it.”
Berry thrives in the sports community, having support from friends, family, and coaches.
“For football, if you walk into the college stadium, or the NFL stadium, you see all the fans. Fans are just a big, heartwarming part of it.” Berry loves to have friends and teammates cheer her on at games and even at practice. She sees it as a motivation to keep going. As for the future Berry says that there would be, “Nothing to make me quit, I don’t ever want to quit.”
Great end quote!
ReplyDeleteYour intro really pulled me in and made me want to read the rest of your piece. The quote about her brother's baseball tryouts also provided more information about her background and dedication.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the ending quote it brings the whole aesthetic together. I like how you put your passion into writing the profile of Madison.
ReplyDeleteLove the end quote. Great structure. I really enjoyed reading this!
ReplyDelete