Balancing academics, athletics, and social life is no easy task. Still, Kevin Soto embraces this daily challenge with discipline and determination. As a dedicated student-athlete, Kevin’s days begin before sunrise and end only after all his responsibilities are met. His unwavering commitment to his education and sport sets him apart as an outstanding Jimmy Carter Early College student.
Kevin’s mornings start early with soccer practice, followed by a demanding school day filled with assignments and coursework. After school, it’s back to the field for more training before finally unwinding by socializing with friends and finishing homework.
“I wake up early to practice, then travel from my conference high school to Jimmy Carter. Then, I go through my day, my daily school life, and do my work. After school, I go to practice, and then afterward, I socialize with my friends, play video games with them, and before I go to bed, I do my homework,” Kevin explained.
So, his primary motivation for maintaining such a demanding schedule?His future. “I want to set myself up for the future,” he explains.This focus drives him to push through the pressures of school and sports, a balancing act requiring immense discipline. Kevin believes that the structure and commitment required in athletics translate directly into academic success.
“The discipline you get from playing your sport, like waking up early or going to practice all day, really helps,” he says.
Despite his disciplined approach, the challenges of being a student-athlete are inevitable. Conflicting schedules often force him to sacrifice social outings, and the pressure to excel in both areas can be overwhelming.
“They clash together sometimes, like my social life. Whenever I want to hang out with my friends, I have practice, so I can’t go. And then whenever I have schoolwork, I also have practice. Soccer takes a lot of time, which means I have less time to do everything else,”
However, these challenges have also shaped Kevin into a more resilient and confident individual. “It’s a big part of my life. It’s helped with my confidence and how I handle challenges—like if I mess up in a game, it’s very similar to messing up in school or just in life,” he shared. His ability to recover from setbacks on and off the field has made him a stronger athlete and person.
For Kevin, the most rewarding aspect of being an athlete is representing high school.” I think mainly representing that team or that school, and whenever you bring on that badge as a team for the school, it’s a great feeling,” he says with pride.His dedication to his team and school fuels his desire to keep pushing forward, no matter how demanding the journey becomes.
So, how does he stay focused amid all these responsibilities? Kevin follows a simple yet very effective strategy: Focusing on the present moment. “I try to focus on the moment and what I’m doing currently and not get distracted by something else until I’m done,” he explains.Avoiding procrastination and handling tasks promptly have been key habits that help him stay ahead in academics and athletics.
On tough days,when the stress of school and sports feels overwhelming,Keving reminds himself of his long-term goals. “I don’t focus on the problem; I go through it thinking about the end—the future,” he says.This mindset keeps him motivated, pushing him past the challenges and staying on track.
Kevin plans to continue balancing his academic and athletic pursuits in college, advancing his life. His journey as a student-athlete is a testament to the power of perseverance and an unwavering commitment to personal growth.
Kevin Soto is more than just an athlete or an outstanding student; he inspires those around him. His relentless pursuit of excellence proves that anything is possible with the right mindset and dedication.
