In the 8th century BC, the Greeks founded the Olympics, a multi-day festivity featuring the strongest, fastest, and best athletes in a tribute to the gods. These athletes competed in ancient sporting events much like our Miami High teams do against other schools.

What is an Athlete?

“To me, an athlete is someone who puts her time and hard work into a sport. They’re completely dedicated to constantly getting better and are never satisfied with their best,” says junior volleyball player Bianca Torres. Sophomore Tommy Collins, a basketball player, says, “An athlete is a person who develops a passion for a sport in which said individual receives great satisfaction and joy. Athletes are guided by the belief of success through hard work and the unlocking of their performance. An athlete is anyone striving in any activity, fighting to leave a mark in this world.”

Advantages

There are many benefits to being involved in athletics in high school. A lot of our Sting athletes love the fact that being in a sport can get you out of class early for games, stay in shape from all the exercise, and build friendships with new people. You can also be recognized by colleges and universities. It gives you an extra boost when looking for scholarships.

   Junior football player Wildny Presents says, “Getting to collaborate with the team brings us closer and makes us better. Playing helps me find myself.”

   “You’re able to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Also it encourages you to be academically good in school since you can’t participate if your performances in your classes are bad. Being an athlete also helps avoid unhealthy activities such as spending too much time watching TV or constantly consuming junk food,” said Idalia Quintero, a basketball and volleyball player.

Disadvantages

No free time, getting home late, aches and pains from practice, no time with friends—it’s not all fun. Trying to keep up with all the schoolwork and performing at their highest potential produces lots of stress on student athletes. “Sometime it’s overwhelming. It takes a toll on everything: your body, school, sleep,” says Bianca Torres. “There are days that I get late and can’t focus on school work or assignments.”

“It does affect me,” says junior Guervens Jean, a wrestler. “Sometimes you have to sacrifice friends, and you may not have time to do anything else but homework but I stay dedicated, focused, and never give up,”

What the Non-Athletes Say

Do you have to be an athlete to appreciate an athlete’s performance? Sophomore Felipe Flores, who says he can’t join a sport because he has a lot of advanced classes to attend to, states, “I admire athletes because it is something I can’t do. To do the stuff that they are doing is amazing.”

Sophomore Isabella Mendieta says, “I’d rather eat a burrito at Taco Bell than run laps. That’s why I admire them; they strive for better.”

Can anybody join?

Anybody can join a sport, as long as he/she has a 2.0-2.5 GPA. You also need a notarized physical from your doctor, and you need an insurance payment of 30 dollars.

This school has had students join a sport that didn’t even know how to play, but they became great athletes.   The coach of water polo and swimming Mr. Tornillo said, “The biggest swing was a former polo player named Roberto who couldn’t even swim and by his senior year he was first team All-Dade. He was a special type of kid. Another player would have to hold him up in the pool while they were doing shooting drills. By the end of Roberto’s sophomore year, he was already playing in the zone team.”

Coach Nick of our Lady Stings Basketball points out last year’s star player Beatrice Mompremier who led the team to states twice. “She was a big girl, she had skills, but she still needed work. She ended up being at a major division 1 school. Kids are different, and they respond differently. Tell them they can’t do something, and they will prove you wrong. There is a common goal to work hard and be dedicated. Some students are faster, harder, jump higher, but you don’t get where Beatrice is without working hard.”

Freshman Onalis Garcia, softball and soccer player, says,” When you encourage others, you might have helped them find something that they are actually very good at and have a newfound passion that will help them thrive and succeed. I’m thankful for my first softball coach George and everyone on the team that told me to try [softball].”

Miami High’s athletes are waiting for you guys to come and learn to play a new sport. Freshman Shekinah Rachel, a freshman on the girls basketball team, says, “They should join because it’s a very fun sport and the coaches make it fun.”

However, senior Desia Brooks from the girls’ basketball team warns, “They should join only if they are hard workers and dedicated and ready for the conditioning.”