By day, the kids at North Atlanta High School are hardworking students that take on all four class periods with determination and righteousness. By night, many of these students transform into student-athletes, heading to practices filled with intense drills and workouts. Balancing this lifestyle is no picnic, for it means late nights of training, followed by even later nights of homework. Here at North Atlanta, the student-athletes are a different breed, challenged by rigorous courses. Junior Sophie Yano is a prime example of a stand-out individual. She excels in being an International Baccalaureate scholar and a Varsity softball team member.
Ever since she took her first step, Yano has put on her cleats, grabbed her bat, and hit the field. Playing pitcher and first base, she has been a vital component to her East Cobb Bullets team outside of school and the Varsity team at North Atlanta since her freshman year. Yano is following in her biggest supporter’s footsteps, her mother, as she once excelled in the game of softball long ago. As she continues her career, her love for the sport strengthens each year and serves as inspiration for all trainees. “Playing softball lifts my spirits and reminds me how blessed I am to be involved in such an opportunity,” said Yano.
Although Yano is passionate about the game, she is a student first and an athlete second. When it comes to a night full of homework clashing with a night of practice, she chooses to focus on academics. She is an IB student just beginning her junior year, so her eyes are set on finishing each semester strong and keeping an eye on her college of choice. As a dedicated and devoted individual, she advises those to prioritize school work over sports. “When I have a lot of work, I must miss softball because school comes first,” said Yano.
Laurel Touwsma, a junior, has been playing with Yano for years. From NYO, Sutton Middle School, and North Atlanta, the two have been uplifting teammates through it all. Touwsma’s experience playing with Yano on the field has been exceptional, due to Yano’s consistently motivating and positive attitude. “Sophie is a great teammate who is nothing short of remarkable,” said Touwsma.
Embracing the challenge, Yano serves as an outstanding example of the scholarly individuals North Atlanta fosters. Her determination, drive, and dedication are what make her stand out and succeed daily as a student-athlete, her achievements highlight the balance that student-athletes must navigate. Yano’s hard work should not be ignored, but instead recognized and celebrated as a reflection of the Dubs spirit.
