Being a student-athlete requires effectively balancing the demands of academics and athletics daily. Student-athletes must dedicate time to conditioning, film study, traveling for matches or games, the competitions themselves, and recovery —all while meeting the academic requirements to remain eligible. Between team obligations, student-athletes must find time to study, complete homework, attend class, and ultimately pass their courses. Simply put, the schedule of a student-athlete equates to a full-time job. 

Some athletes at San Diego Mesa College take their commitments to an even higher level. Four exceptional softball players not only attend Mesa College but are also currently enrolled as students at San Diego State University, taking a full course load of 12 units at each institution. Head Coach Jaclyn Guidi remarks that these double-enrolled athletes demonstrate tremendous determination and work ethic, maintaining GPAs over 3.0 while fulfilling their dual academic and athletic responsibilities. 

Sophomore Carlotta Gonzalez has balanced the dual enrollment requirements for two years, majoring in Psychology with an emphasis on Neuroscience at SDSU. She aims to become a clinical neuropsychologist. Gonzalez attributes being part of the softball team with helping her feel a sense of belonging and allowing her to focus solely on the game, blocking out other concerns during competition.

Freshman Aribella Farrell is pursuing Sustainability at SDSU and values the friendships formed through softball in addition to her personal development in the sport over multiple seasons.

Freshman Janiece Blackman majors in kinesiology and plans on pursuing a career in physical therapy.

Also a freshman, Maura Evans majors in Speech and Language Pathology at SDSU with aspirations of becoming a pediatric speech therapist. A graduate of Patrick Henry High School, Evans enjoys the thrill of competition and finding a zone of focus during games, viewing softball as one of her greatest accomplishments thus far.