Many students at RAHS have shared that high school sports have impacted them deeply and positively. Sports can affect mental health, social skills and even academic performance. RAHS athletes Cameron Finney (11), Jenna Levine (12), Leah Biyadglign (10), Alise Barze (12) and Diego Alvarado (10) share their experiences with The Ville in this feature on the impact of athletics.
Starting Early
Barze, captain of the Roseville cheer team and Levine, captain of the gymnastics team at RAHS are both seniors who have dedicated their lives to their sports. They both started young with Barze always being a performer who joined the cheer team when she was six years old. She was inspired after watching other girls perform, and believing that she could do perform cheer routines at high levels too.
Levine has a passion for gymnastics. She looked forward to practicing every day, ready to give it her all. She loved all aspects of gymnastics like being creative, team bonding as well as her dedication.
Sophomore Biyadglign, and Junior Finney, both credit that their parental figures for playing a role in their participation in sports. Biyadglign watched her cousins and mom play, as well as having volleyball.
Finney asked his dad to sign him up for flag football, which he hated at first, after switching to tackle football, he fell in love with the sport.
Sophomore Alvarado started playing sports in kindergarten. He remembers being outside with his dad and picked up a basketball and realized that it was going to be his sport. He first started playing for teams as early as first grade in AAU.
LIFE LONG LESSONS
Many athletes shared important advice that had helped them progress in their sport, and their life choices they make with themselves and relationships.
Biyadglign explained one of the most important life lessons she learned while playing volleyball is that relationships matter. Being a part of a team helps one build connections and friendships.
Alvarado said he learned how to problem solve through tough situations and not be a sore loser in games and overall life. These challenges made him successful in his sport, and in the real world which overall made him stronger.
Finney mentioned the importance of learning how to traverse the ups and downs in sports and life. He said that he has had a lot of ups and downs regarding injury in life. He emphasized that he learned to take charge of his talents and make sure to push himself as far as possible, and not to get caught up in the wrong crowd. Lastly he said he learned to, “stay in your lane and keep your head held high”.
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
Finney and Levine highlighted the mental blocks they have had in their careers. Because they both started in football and gymnastics very young, learning how to overcome these hardships was one of the greatest strengths they have today.
They both emphasized the peace and sense of life It brings them when they compete.
Cameron explained his deep appreciation for football and the brotherhood It brings him, losing all the outside noise out in the field.
Levine experienced difficult mental blocks in gymnastics, but she learned not to give up, which translated to other areas of her life, including her academics.
Alvarado explained when his grandma passed away, basketball was his physical therapy and helped him overcome her passing, doing basketball to remember her and all the good memories he had of her.
HIGHLIGHTS
A highlight in Alvarado’s career was playing in a Blaine tournament where his team won all of their games and the tournament. He was very overwhelmed with happiness, after his entire team was so proud of themselves and he promised to never forget this day.
One of Barzes most memorable moments in cheerleading was when her team won first place in the WOW Factor Competition. She was worried because prior, the head and assistant coaches left the team and they were afraid they would miss out.
Biyadglign’s most memorable moment was beating Stillwater and a reverse suite to make it to the Minnesota State Tournament in 2024. She said, “being able to experience the state tournament with my team will be something I cherish.”
Lastly Levine’s proudest moment was earning her first 9.0 on beam this season. The accomplishment meant everything to her because it finally showed off all the hard work she’s been doing this entire season!
High school sports have many benefits. Never be afraid to try new things, build bonds with teammates as well as go through hardships.
