Oak Park and River Forest High School junior Caroline Mann is a prime example of a multi-sport athlete. Mann runs cross country in the fall, does gymnastics in the winter and plays lacrosse in the spring, all while balancing her school work. She also competes in club lacrosse and gymnastics all year round, excluding the overlap of her club and high school season.
Many student-athletes know that playing a sport leaves less time for homework, sleep and other necessary activities, sometimes causing stress and burnout. However, for Mann, this demanding workload is ideal. “I like to have a busy schedule…I have to make time to get work done and it keeps me on track,” she said.
A rigorous schedule such as Mann’s does not come without great dedication and commitment, which is very difficult to maintain. Mann uses her love for sports to motivate herself and persevere through the stress. “While I like having a busy schedule because it helps me manage my time, it can get to be a lot sometimes,” she said. “But I love the sports that I do, so it’s easy to become more overwhelmed with excitement than exhaustion.” Mann added that she uses this excitement to set an example for all her teammates that anything is achievable if you work hard and stay focused.
Sophomore Alexis Henderson has been a gymnastics teammate of Mann’s for nine years, both in club and high school. Henderson is also a tri-sport athlete, competing in field hockey, gymnastics and track and field. Throughout her years being teammates with Mann, Henderson looked up to Mann for her spirit and work ethic. “Caroline has been doing gymnastics her whole life and over the years has done so much,” Henderson said. “She’s the most dedicated person I know. She’s an amazing student and friend, always dedicated to do good for others.”
Girls Lacrosse Head Coach James Borja has been coaching Mann on varsity for one season. Borja has recognized her talent and dedication previous to last year’s season at summer camp and other girl’s lacrosse events. He was unsure whether Mann could play at the varsity level as a sophomore but decided to take the risk. “In the beginning of the season, weren’t really sure where she was going to fit. So we put her on defense. And she took that role and ran with it.” Mann exceeded all expectations and managed to become a starter by the end of the season. Mann was also awarded the Most Improved Player of the Year Award and continues to aim even higher for this upcoming season.
