One thing that makes Sarah Trago (11th) and Jacob Bobet (12th) special is they both have grown up in the Lake Nona area. They have seen first-hand the growth of the Nonahood. Head coach Alex Bennett says, “It has been great to see how hard work has paid off for both Sarah and Jacob in and out of the classroom. They are both really great kids, and definitely a big asset to our team.” I sat down with each of them for the month of September. First, we are going to get to know Sarah and have her answer some questions about being a student-athlete and how it has impacted her life.

What sports do you play at Lake Nona HS?

Swimming.

How many years you have swam?

2 years at Lake Nona HS, 8 years club.

What do you enjoy most about participating in athletics at Lake Nona HS?

Being on a team with the same people you are in the classroom with is both fun and competitive.

What are some of the life skills you have learned from athletics?

Through athletics, I have learned many life skills such as self-discipline, teamwork and responsibility. I have also learned that good enough is neither.

What is your definition of a student athlete?

As student athlete says, student comes before athlete.  Being a student must always come before being an athlete.  School is the focus, and athletics are secondary.

What are some tips to balancing school and athletics?

Balancing school and athletics is a work of time management. You must use free time whenever you can get it to get things done that are, sometimes, weeks out.

You have grown up in Lake Nona and have attended elementary, middle and high school here. How do you feel about all of the growth taking place here?

It is exciting to see all of the growth in Lake Nona over the past nine years. I was fortunate to experience all of the growth, because both Moss Park Elem. and Lake Nona MS opened just in time for me to attend them the first year they opened.

How do your parents support your participation in athletics?

My parents and, really, my entire family have supported my participation in athletics by always pushing me to be the best I can be.  They continue to support me at every meet, traveling all around the state for only a couple of minutes worth of racing.

What are some things you like to do when you aren’t working on school or athletics?

I don’t have much time between school and athletics, but in that time I enjoy traveling and hanging out with my family and friends.

Do you have any words of wisdom to the future Lake Nona Lions?

Being a student-athlete takes a lot of discipline and hard work.  If you are willing to put in the time, the success is well worth the effort.