For most students, summer is a time to unwind and take a break from their hectic daily lives. Students gladly trade homework and sports practices for plane tickets to warm, sandy shores. Despite this appeal, summer break for North Atlanta athletes didn’t align with this blissful picture. Instead of swimming through salty, blue ocean waves, athletes endured Atlanta’s constant heat waves. From late May to the final days of June, Dub athletes stayed resilient through sweat, tears, cramps, and injuries while opting out of other fun activities. Whether striving to get a starting spot on Varsity or make the JV team, these athletes knew that consistent practice was vital.
Sophomore Jarren Griffin, the #22 ranked tennis player in the state, knew exactly what it meant to be a committed athlete. With his skill set, it comes as no surprise that Griffin’s summer was filled with strenuous training and significant sacrifices. His days began at the gym, where he spent hours building strength through various workouts. After training, Griffin made sure to eat a nutritious, protein-filled lunch. This was crucial in preparing him for the 3-hour long tennis practices that consumed his afternoons Monday-Friday. Shockingly enough, Saturday and Sunday weren’t off days for this tennis prodigy. His weekends were reserved for competing in tournaments all around the state as opposed to relaxing at home. “I was invited to Hawaii, but I decided not to go because I have a goal,” said Griffin. “I want to play D1 tennis at a top school and to do this I can’t cheat my way out of practices.”
However, not all athletes had to forgo vacations entirely. North Atlanta runner, junior Scottie Brown, was able to bring her sport on vacation. While traveling all over the country, she always found a way to get in her daily run, ranging from 4 to 10 miles. Regardless of her location, she made sure to rise early to avoid running in the scorching heat. This rigorous training prepared her for the final race of July. Taking place in Leadville, Colorado, Brown competed in the highest-altitude run the country had to offer. She completed an astounding 15.7 miles at 11,000 feet with an elevation gain of almost 2,000 feet. “The way I look at it, summer can be a season of its own,” she said. “People overlook how important it is to train over the summer, but when you do, you will notice improvements in the fall.”
To some surprise, the 11-story North Atlanta building doesn’t remain completely vacant over the summer. Many sports teams take advantage of the facility to train and build chemistry for their upcoming seasons. 6’3” basketball player Sincere Shakur returns for his sophomore season with high hopes of making the Varsity squad. Over the summer, JV and Varsity basketball practiced Monday through Friday on the North Atlanta courts. Over the weekends, they had the opportunity to play in tournaments at colleges such as UGA and KSU. “Playing in the college arenas was a great opportunity for all of us,” said Shakur. “Everything we did this summer was for the greater good, even if we don’t see it now.”
Playing sports isn’t for the weak, especially at a highly competitive school like North Atlanta. Fortunately, Dub athletes understand this and know what they must do to achieve their goals. Sacrifices, such as altering your summer plans, are sometimes necessary. However, the challenges faced now will lead to fulfillment and success in the future.
