Have you ever wondered what it’s like being a student athlete at Castle View High School? Sophomore Maddie Johnston not only plays volleyball here at Castle View, but also plays club which makes her season year-round. She knows all about being a student athlete and dealing with the stress and mental health aspect of it.

“It gets hard sometimes to keep up with homework while you have daily practices and tournaments on the weekends,” Johnston says.

Although it gets hard, Maddie always finds time to do her homework, even if that means staying up late and losing sleep.

“Sometimes the mental side of being a student athlete can be exhausting, but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Johnston says. “The good thing about being an athlete is the friendships I have made over the years. I have made some of my best friends through volleyball and I treasure them all.”

Although being a student athlete can be difficult and stressful at times, it’s all worth it in the long run. If you aren’t involved in an extracurricular activity at Castle View, Maddie definitely recommends doing it.

“It’s a great way to get involved and meet new people,” Johnston said.