As Emery Gonzales (10) walked into the Olive Garden for her first volleyball game as a freshman on varsity, the stands radiated with cheers, giving her a taste of the next few years of her athletic journey. As a varsity athlete for three different sports since her freshman year, Gonzales stays true to herself by reflecting on the beginning of her journey and looking ahead to the future — all while relishing in her love for sports.

Gonzales has 10 years of experience in soccer, six in volleyball and three in track and field, currently competing in volleyball for the school. As a setter for the school’s volleyball team, Gonzales enjoys the court the most out of her three sports.

“I’ve played volleyball for six years,” Gonzales said. “It’s such a fun environment to be in, and I’ve met some of my best friends doing it. I love to compete, and volleyball is a fun way to do that.”

Gonzales’ love for the world of sports is one that has built up throughout her decade-long athletic journey. Sports can often bring a type of community and belonging that is unmatched anywhere else. Gonzales has fulfilled her love for competition by breaking records and receiving awards at the school.

“I have been grateful to receive awards such as a state qualifier in track, second team all-conference for varsity volleyball, second team all-league for club soccer and first team all-league for track,” Gonzales said.

Some would say it was unusual to see a freshman with such talent before Gonzales came running down the track.

“I am still working on breaking a [whole] school record,” Gonzales said. “But, I am currently third all time [at TPHS] for the girls 200 [meter], seventh all time for the girls 100 [meter], and fourth all time for the girls 400 [meter].”

Such achievements can leave the track team — and Gonzales — feeling electric. Many athletes would love the feeling of walking down into Ed Burke stadium and seeing their name on the list of all time records. Simply observing her athletic successes, few truly understand the intensity of the life of a young student-athlete under the pressures that come with competing in multiple varsity sports.

“There are many conflicts when it comes to social life and sports life,” Gonzales said. “I do my best to manage them and make sure they’re equal, but I’m unfortunately busy a lot of the time and often have to miss birthday parties and family events, but I would never change it because I love playing and competing.”

Gonzales’ positive attitude carries her through the stress of sports and into the future. However, regardless of what is ahead of Gonzales, she recalls who introduced her to the world of athletics.

“My parents put me into both soccer and volleyball, but I chose to keep playing these sports because I love to compete and have fun while meeting new people,” Gonzales said.

As she recalls the start of her athletic journey, Gonzales anticipates the future.

“I want to play volleyball in college and have fun being on the team,” Gonzales said. “I would also like to become faster in track and field and beat my personal records.”

Between moments of glory and hardship, Gonzales always remains dedicated to herself, her sports and those around her, all with a smile on her face.

“My goals are to have fun and get myself to the next level,” Gonzales said.