For many students, juggling school and sports can feel overwhelming. For one Kearsley senior, Waasnodeh Davis-Hernandez, or Waas, athletics have become a defining part of her high school experience, shaping her character, friendships, and confidence both in and out of the classroom. Now in 12th grade, she has attended Kearsley since she was very young, proudly calling herself a part of the school’s “13-year-club.” Her long connection to the district began at the Pumpkin Patch and has continued through graduation, making Kearsley feel like more than just a school, and more like a home.
Davis-Hernandez’s athletic journey started early with soccer, a sport she first played when she was just five or six years old.
“I’ve been playing since I was five or six, and it has been my favorite sport since then,” Davis-Hernandez said.
Playing for the school has allowed her to combine her love for the game with something even more meaningful: team connection. She enjoys the bonds created through soccer, explaining that the shared love of the sport makes the experience more fun and memorable.
In addition to soccer, she also
participates in swim and cross country, making her a three-sport athlete. While soccer feeds her passion, swim has pushed her the most personally.
“Unlike her other sports, swimming challenges both your body and your mind in many unique ways that other sports do not.” Davis-Hernandez said.
One of her biggest accomplishments has been competing in the 500 freestyle, an event that requires endurance, focus, and mental strength. Knowing she must swim it every meet motivates her to push harder each time, building confidence that carries over into her other sports as well.
Though not her favorite, cross country taught her valuable lessons. She appreciated the supportive team and the personal accountability it demands. Success depended on her effort, not just the team’s, helping her grow as an athlete and person.
Managing three sports requires strong time management. With coaching support and planning, she balances practices, meets, and classes. Meets rarely overlap, and she splits time evenly. She stays on track by doing as much work as possible at school, with assignments finished promptly after practices or meets.
When asked about her favorite subjects, Davis-Hernandez pointed to science.
“I enjoy science courses the most because I plan on going into the health field,” she said.
During long or difficult seasons, especially in swimming, she stays motivated by thinking about how much she will miss the sport when it’s over.
I asked Davis-Hernandez why she believes sports are important in school, and she replied, “Sports are important in schools because they challenge students mentally and physically while giving them a positive outlet outside the classroom.”
Her main advice to students considering school sports is simple: “Try it,” she said. “Even if you don’t make varsity or doubt your abilities, the memories, friendships, and growth are worth it.”
Ultimately, being a student athlete has taught her discipline, resilience, and confidence. These are qualities she hopes people recognize when they hear her story. Being a part of school sports has meant more to her than just competing; it has taught her discipline, confidence, and how to push herself even when things feel difficult.
“I want to be seen as someone who is hardworking, supportive, and dedicated. I credit my coach for a lot of my growth,” Davis-Hernandez said.
She explained that they push her to be better, not only as an athlete but also as a student, by teaching her the importance of responsibility and commitment. After reading about her experience, Waas hopes people understand that school sports are not just about winning, but about growth, teamwork, and becoming the best version of yourself.
