High school athletes have a number of things they have to do in order to be ready to compete.
Practice and preparation are important but keeping grades up are also important so you are not ineligible to complete.
Kat Osterberger says that it may not be the easiest to do, but she has found a way that has allowed her to be successful.
“Balancing school work and athletics can be rather difficult,” Osterberger said. “But having good time management and discipline allows me to persevere.”
Osterberger is a senior at Afton High School, where she competes on the track, basketball, cheer, and powerlifting teams.
She is involved in more than just athletics at Afton. She is also a member of the student council, the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America program, the Interact Club, and the National Honor Society, and she also serves as class president.
Throughout her life and career, Kat has had a number of people that have made an impact on her and helped her become the person that she is today.
“My parents are my biggest influence,” she stated. “They push me to be my best and never give up. A teacher that has had a big impact on my life is Mrs. Straub. She has taught me valuable lessons that exceed English.
“Chari Hawkins is my favorite person to follow on social media. She competes for Team USA in track and has great insight into running mechanics. She also focuses a lot on mental health and how crucial it is to perform well.”
Kat enjoys competing but it takes a lot to prepare herself physically and mentally.
“It has taken hard work, dedication, and discipline to get where I am,” Osterberger said. “Keeping myself on track is also important. My motivation stems from wanting to be my best and be better than my competition. If I’m going to participate in something, I’m going to give it my all and compete.”
The work that she has put in over the years has been tough but she has seen it all pay off.
“Making it to state in cross country my sophomore year has been the highlight of my career,” Osterberger said. “It made all those summer nights running around my neighborhood worth it.”
