Mastering a sport can require years of practice and dedication, yet these teachers are aces in a plethora of different sports. With extensive athletic backgrounds, they have tested both their physical and mental capabilities to the limit. 

Stephanie Green

Assistant cheer coach and track and field coach Stephanie Green danced competitively for 16 years, and her dance experience served as a stepping stone to try other sports. She also plays golf in her free time and enjoys going to the gym to stay fit, according to Green. She has seen results of her persistence through positive changes to her cardiovascular health and stamina.

While spending time helping track and field students with their throws, Green said she noticed how her multifaceted skill set benefited her in certain sports.

“There is definitely overlap with track and with throws, specifically discus and shot,” Green said.” It’s a lot of balance. It’s a lot of footwork and coordination. So, there are some dance elements to being able to throw successfully.

Her motivation to continue staying active is not only due to the physical benefits of playing sports, but also the impact sports have on her mental health, according to Green.

“It is an outlet to escape the long school day, have something to do outside and experience fresh air,” Green said. “There are days when I don’t want to, and I’d rather sit on the couch. But I know that I’ll feel better once I actually do something physical, whether it’s just a walk outside, being at practice or working out. It helps me clear my head mentally.”

Desmond Hernandez

For physical education teacher and assistant football coach Desmond Hernandez, sports are second nature. Hernandez said he tried baseball in his elementary years, played football since he was seven years old and recalled fond memories of dribbling basketballs with his middle school friends.

After being a part of numerous sports teams, Hernandez said his extensive athletic experience taught him skills about teamwork that he continues to apply today.

“For basketball, you definitely have to hustle a lot more and realize you are only on a team of five, so you make up a big majority of what happens on the court,” Hernandez said. “For football, it is the same thing, even though you’re one of 11. Your one role, even though it might seem minimal, can actually be the difference between winning and losing a game.”

Sports are a large part of both Hernandez’s career and pastime, which helped him realize how much being an athlete has shaped his identity.

“Without sports, I definitely wouldn’t be who I am today,” Hernandez said. “A big revelation I had was during COVID when sports were on the backburner, and life was just pretty boring. There wasn’t anybody to coach or anybody to hang out with at the park playing basketball. So I would say sports are a huge part of my life, whether it’s professionally or even just recreationally with friends and family just hanging out on the weekend.”