by Leah Crisman, executive editor

The Roar talked to Freshman athlete Jadyn Jemaa about her dedication to cross country, soccer and track.

In addition to your regular schoolwork and membership in band, you participate in cross country, track and soccer. How do you manage to balance everything?

It’s really hard. I have [to] go back and forth from band every morning. The second semester I’ll probably do track in the morning, soccer during [its] period, and track after school.

Does this spill over into your weekends?

My weekends are football games on Friday, cross country meets on Saturday and soccer games on Sunday. This weekend I had time off so I just went to all my friends’ houses.

But it’s worth it to you?

Yeah, I’m with some of my friends when I’m in cross country, so it’s not like I’m out of the loop, so I still know what’s going on…it’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun.

What would you say is your favorite part of one of your sports?

[For soccer] I play defense, so when I get the ball and send it up and [my teammates] score, I know I was part of that.

How have the games been going this year?

Soccer season for school hasn’t started, but I’ve played three games with club soccer. Club is outside of school; it’s competitive.

Would you say you do it more for the friends or for the sport?

The athletic part. I quit soccer for a season last year and I ended up going right back because my life sucked without it. I’ve been playing soccer since I was three, so when I stopped, I just didn’t feel the same. It wasn’t as fun.

Which sport are you most passionate about?

Cross country because I’m really fast. I just really love to run and hang out with the people.

Do the coaches make a difference?

They’re really encouraging. Coach Schroeder always tells me how he’s proud of me and that makes me want to work harder.

Want to see Jemaa play? She will participate in a track meet this Saturday in Cedar Park, Texas as well as a soccer game on the same day in Houston, Texas.