Photo by Jason Duchow Photography
Cheyenne Nicholson:
“One of the most important lessons I have learned from sports is that success requires hard work. A big part of sports is setting goals and working hard to reach them,” said Sandpoint High School volleyball player, Cheyenne Nicholson. “I have seen this over and over again both in playing volleyball and in my everyday life.”
Cheyenne has been playing volleyball on both school and club teams since she was in the seventh grade. She loves the competition.
“My favorite feeling is when the game is close and the rally goes back and forth and then you finish with a win,” she said.
Cheyenne plans to attend either the College of Idaho or Portland State and study pre-med and eventually pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology. While she does not plan on playing volleyball at the collegiate level, Cheyenne shared that she would like to stay involved in the sport either by coaching or being a referee.
Like most teenagers, Cheyenne stays busy and said one of the biggest challenges has been learning to balance sports, school and a social life.
“Volleyball takes up a lot of my time and maintaining my grades and finding time to hang out with friends was not easy, but I was able to find a way by knowing my priorities and utilizing any free time,” she said.
Her coach, Erin Roos, describes Cheyenne as a hard working athlete who is always striving to improve. “She brings a ton of enthusiasm to the court,” said Roos. “She’s one of our senior tri-captains because she brings great confidence, leadership and energy to our team. I love having her in the program; she is passionate about everything she does, a gem!
Photo by Amy Peterson, Selkirk Ridge Photography
Clay Rasmussen:
As a cross-country and track athlete, Clay Rasmussen is an asset to his teammates at Sandpoint High School. According to his coaches, Matt and Angie Brass, Clay has a great work ethic, leads by example and is one of the team’s most prized hill climbers and story tellers. “He has helped to build the guys’ team into a regional powerhouse,” said Matt.
Clay recently beat his personal record and is now on the all-time 5K list for Sandpoint High School’s cross-country team. “Getting there took a lot of training and effort not to mention mentoring and leadership from my coaches,” said Clay.
In addition to track and cross-country, Clay is also on academic decathlon and enjoys playing the violin. To his surprise he was also crowned homecoming king. “I was not expecting to win, but it felt great knowing so many of my classmates voted for me,” he said.
Looking ahead to next year, Clay said it would be exhilarating to run for a college team, but does not have any concrete plans as of yet. “I have received a letter of interest from Linfield College for cross-country in Oregon, but I am looking into an in-state college, possibly Lewis-Clark,” shared Clay, who said he has in interest in joining the military.
Clay said he enjoys being part of a tem and the dedication it takes to be a cross-country runner. As he looks back on his years working with his coaches, Clay is grateful.
“Matt and Angie have taught me so many life lessons in perseverance and dedication. I think the biggest lesson I have taken away from sports is a positive attitude and the effect it has on you and the people around you,” said Clay.