by Lauren Mitchell, staff writer
Balancing year round sports, school, and a social life often seems like something that only someone with superpowers could accomplish in the intense academic and sport areas of River Hill High School, but sophomore Lexi Thielemann proves that not only can this be accomplished, but anything else she sets her mind to doing.
As a freshman, Lexi played JV field hockey and basketball, varsity lacrosse, and year round club team lacrosse while still earning a 4.12 weighted GPA. One might wonder, how she did it? Lexi is built on good character and with her incredible work ethic and drive, she is already going very far in life.
While playing varsity field hockey as a sophomore, she has been able to play under head coach Shelley Chamness. When asked about Lexi’s character, Chamness remarks, “When we ask Lexi what her favorite sport is, she says ‘my favorite sport is the sport i’m playing right now, ‘ proving she puts all of her effort into what she is currently doing which is very impressive.”
Sports are not something Lexi just does, it’s more of a lifestyle. She has been playing field hockey for six years, basketball for four, and lacrosse for 12, showing she has basically grown up on this hectic journey.
Natalie Nichols (sophomore), Lexi’s teammate on varsity field hockey, states, “Playing with Lexi is a blast, she’s my partner in crime and we are always pushing each other to become better players.” Lexi shows to be a great teammate, player, and friend. Natalie even mentions that “She has a positive attitude basically 100% of the time and is always working hard at practice and after practice.”
Most people might think balancing all of this would be quite stressful and strenuous, but Lexi loves it. When asked if this balancing act is hard, Lexi says, “I actually get a lot more work done. After playing year round sports my time management skills have greatly improved.” Lexi is not only focused on sports, but on academic success as well.
The lessons that she has learned through sports will resonate in her head forever. “I have learned to work hard, have confidence in yourself on and off the field and push through even when it gets hard.”
Outside of sports, Lexi still keeps her other priorities straight, like family and friends. When not working hard at school or on the field, lexi loves to “hang out with my friends and family, although I have a very busy life, they will always come first.”
So, how does she do it? The incredibly busy RHHS sophomore balances the sports, family, school, and friends with her extreme passion and love for what she makes a commitment to.