Volleyball player and student, sophomore Julie Swenton struggles to manage school, friends, sports and relaxing.

Swenton started playing volleyball since eighth grade. As a freshman, she was part of the JV team as middle hitter. This year, she was able to make it to the volleyball varsity team.

“Varsity is not much harder, but the games are longer and later so it is harder to get homework done sometimes,” said Swenton.

Every day after school she would talk with her friends for approximately ten minutes then get ready for practice. Due to a sprained ankle, she has to go to the trainer before then have practice until 4:30. Since Swenton injured herself, she is unable to participate at games. She hopes that she will have a quick recovery.

Once practice is over, she would go home and either take a nap or watch television to help her relax. She would do her homework in the same room that her family is in, in order to continue to spend time with them.

“On game days, I go to the trainer and have an hour [at home] to rest and come back to school,” said Swenton.

During away games, Swenton would bring her homework with her. Doing a sport comes along with a few obstacles. On occasions, it becomes difficult for Swenton her homework which affects her grades. She rarely has time to be with friends so she waits until the weekend to spend time with them.

“I don’t have much time during the week to hang out with friends and I don’t get much sleep,” said Swenton.

With more managing, it will become easier to balance volleyball, school work and spending time with family and friends