To say being a student-athlete is hard is a huge understatement. Between schoolwork, practices, and everyday life, it takes serious discipline, grit, and motivation to keep up.

For Ashka Jodha, a Magnet Freshman, tennis is more than just a sport—it’s something she’s grown passionate about over time. “I was inspired by my dad and professional players I saw on TV,” she said. “I am motivated by getting stronger and overcoming challenges tennis brings to me.”

Balancing school and tennis isn’t always easy. “Sometimes the practices and matches take a bit of will power out of me,” Ashka admitted, “but having fun and enjoying my study time after a long practice helps me unwind.”

Like many student-athletes, she faces challenges when it comes to managing both academics and athletics. “My most challenging moment being a student athlete is leaving school early for matches and missing valuable class time,” she explained. “It makes my focus and awareness in school decrease due to frequent leavings.”

Tennis has also shaped her mindset outside of sports. “Tennis has helped me realize the importance of personal health and healthy habits as well as a calm mindset,” she said. “It’s helped me with my community and sportsmanship.”

One experience that had a lasting impact on her came during her early years in a tournament. “I struggled a bunch with regulating my emotions and thoughts,” she said. “What struck me at the time was my opponent’s attitude. She was very calm, smiled after losing the point, and wasn’t hot-headed like me at the time.” That moment helped her realize how important mindset is in tennis. “It made me realize how your mentality coming into the tennis courts truly impacted your performance.”

Through tennis, Ashka has grown both physically and mentally. “Tennis made me both physically stronger and mentally,” she said. “Some personal skill I have made from tennis is concentration and focus on a particular action or thing.”

For other students trying to balance academics and athletics, she keeps her advice simple: “It’s difficult to manage school and academic performance but it’s important to remember to work hard and enjoy both your academics and sports.”

Overall, Ashka’s dedication and growth make her a strong example of what it means to be a student-athlete.