Photo Credit: Queen Photography

High school athletes invest a lot of time and effort into their sports. They work hard at team
practices and also put in extra time outside of regular team practices. But along with improving
as an athlete, they also have to focus on succeeding in the classroom. Isabella Toops says that
you need to know how to balance your school work and sports.
“Being a good student athlete takes doing work outside of the school building,” she said. “As
you get older, the amount of things on your plate stack up, whether it’s school, other sports, or
work, and there is not always enough time in the day to get it done when you have a game right
after school or a tournament that takes you out of the classroom.”
Toops is a senior at Catoosa High School and she plays volleyball for the Lady Indians. She
says that when she puts on her uniform, she knows she is playing for more than just herself.
“To me, representing my school means a lot,” she said. I want our school spirit to grow, and I
want people to see that Catoosa and its athletic programs are amazing, and it makes me
excited when I talk to people who believe in what Catoosa can do.”
There have been a number of people that have had an impact on Isabella’s life, but she has a
couple that have played a bigger role.
“My mom has been a big influence in my life,” Toops said. “She taught me to be independent as
well as confident, and she helped build who I am today. My teacher, Ms.Flud has been a great
influence in my life. She has helped my love for science grow and has been an amazing person
overall. I love the way she teaches.”
As a senior, Isabella reflects back on her career as a volleyball player and has a lot of fond
memories. But out of all of them, she has one that stands out.
“A moment that really sits with me is teaching the younger girls how to ref,” she said. “It made
me overjoyed when they felt they were able to ask me questions because I have always wanted
to be someone who younger ones can look up to and be comfortable with.”