Luna Mesrobian, a dedicated student-athlete at Las Vegas Academy  of the Arts (LVA), embodies the challenges and rewards of balancing sports and academics. Participating in athletics has shaped her high school experience, influencing her time management and personal growth. Through her journey, Mesrobian has encountered significant hurdles, but she continues to push forward demonstrating resilience and determination.

For Luna Mesrobian, the impact of sports on her academic performance has been mixed. While participating in athletics can push her academic responsibilities to the back burner she has learned to adapt. “Honestly academically, sports hasn’t really affected it that much,” said Mesrobian. 

However, managing homework alongside practice and games has required late nights and has taken a toll on her sleep schedule. With the support of her parents, who emphasize the importance of staying on top of her assignments, Mesrobian has developed strategies to maintain her grades despite the challenges she faced with academics and sports.

One of the most challenging moments in Mesrobian’s athletic career was when she tore her meniscus, a piece of cartilage on your knee between your tibia and femur, last year during a soccer event. This injury set her back physically but also took a mental toll. “I was really out of shape, and my team kind of forgot about me,” said Mesrobian. Feeling disconnected from her team and facing limited play time, Mesrobian made the tough decision to leave the team and focus on her recovery. Through hard work and dedication at the gym, she has committed herself to getting back into shape and reestablishing her presence in the sport she loves.

Balancing the demands of sports and academics has been a journey for Mesrobian. Initially challenging, she has learned to prioritize her studies. “I need to put academics before my sports,” said Mesrobian. This has led her to complete homework during classes or find time before practice. Weekends also provide an opportunity for her to catch up on assignments. By managing her time effectively, Mesrobian demonstrates that it is possible to succeed in both areas, even when the demands are high.

Despite the challenges she faces, Mesrobian finds support in her academic environment. While she feels that LVA lacks strong athletic support systems, she appreciates the quality of education and the dedication of her teachers. “Academically, I feel like they have really good teachers,” she said. This supportive academic environment allows her to thrive, even as she navigates the complexities of being a student-athlete. In the end, Mesrobian’s experience at LVA highlights the importance of resilience, time management, and the pursuit of balance in the life of a student-athlete.