Aliyah Cantu, a sophomore at Santaluces High, is actively engaged in a variety of athletic pursuits. Her current commitments include weightlifting and participating in travel volleyball. Furthermore, she has indicated plans to engage in flag football. While she participated in track during the previous academic year, her current focus is on these specified activities.
How do you manage your time effectively to balance your sports commitments with your academic responsibilities?
“I stay organized by planning my week ahead of time and setting priorities. I use practice time as motivation to get my schoolwork done earlier, so I’m not stressing later. I also try to use free time wisely, like working on assignments during free periods or after practice, which helps me stay on track without falling behind.”
How do you handle the pressure of performing well in both individual and team sports?
“I remind myself to focus on what I can control and not overthink the outcome. In individual sports, I push myself to improve every day, while in team sports I rely on communication and trust in my teammates. Staying confident and keeping a positive mindset helps me manage pressure and perform my best.“
What have you learned from your experiences in volleyball, weightlifting, and track that you can apply to other areas of your life?
“These sports have taught me discipline, consistency, and resilience. Weightlifting has shown me that progress takes patience, volleyball has helped me become a better communicator and teammate, and track has taught me how important mental strength is. I use these lessons in school and everyday life by staying focused and not giving up when things get challenging.”
What are your long-term goals in weightlifting?
“My long-term goal is to continue improving my strength and technique while competing at a higher level. I want to push my limits, set personal records, and represent my team proudly. Most importantly, I want to grow both physically and mentally through the sport.”
What do you enjoy most about girls’ weightlifting?
“I really enjoy the supportive vibe and seeing girls show what’s possible as they get stronger. It’s incredibly empowering to watch everyone push themselves and celebrate each other’s victories . This sport has definitely built my confidence and made me proud of what my body can do.”
