Freshman Jessica Clemens takes on twice the commitment with two sports
By Dannielle Lowe
The life of a student athlete is not an easy one. There's a constant conflict between the two identities. The student should be studying and the athlete needs to be active. Most athletes struggle to find the balance while playing one sport.
But for two-sport freshman Jessica Clemens, being a student athlete comes naturally. The undeclared freshman plays both volleyball and basketball for UP.
As if adjusting to college life weren't difficult enough, Clemens is adjusting to the challenges of playing both volleyball and basketball.
"Doing two sports, I won't really get a break," she said. "I've gotta put in a lot of extra time so I can keep up with everybody."
So far, Clemens loves college life and UP. Long travel times have forced her to miss class and she confessed that it's been tough. She admits to enjoying class when she's there.
Free time is rare for the busy student. Clemens is always on the go, running from class to practice to games to the library. But she fully understands the situation she's placed herself in and welcomes the challenge of balancing her commitments to athletics and academics. Clemens said she knows it will aid her overall athletic performance in the long run.
"It's making me a better athlete," said Clemens, describing her feelings toward playing two sports. "Coming into the college experience is a tough transition. But I just have the mindset I have to work extra hard."
So far, the extra effort is paying off.
Clemens earned a starting spot on the volleyball team and thinks she's bonded well with her teammates. The understanding and flexibility of both sets of coaches and teammates helps take some of the pressure off, she said.
Although Clemens believes she will do well in both sports, she acknowledges the disadvantage she'll encounter when she transitions into basketball season because the rest of the women's team has already started working out and bonding.
"I've bonded really well with the volleyball team, but I don't get to hang out with the basketball team very much," Clemens said. "It will be tricky keeping up and adjusting, come basketball season."
Athleticism runs in Clemens' genes. Her father played football at Portland State. Her brother, who played football at Oregon, is currently playing for the New York Giants. Her older sister Maria is a sophomore volleyball player here at UP.
Clemens' father helped her develop a passion for being active at an early age. Her siblings aided in the deepening of her appreciation for athletics. She attributes her athletic versatility to her brother, who taught her how to be a good athlete.
"My brother's been my biggest influence," Clemens said. "I look up to him the most. And he always gives me really good advice because he's been through it all."
But it's her sister Maria teaching her now. The Clemens sisters have played together since they were young.
"We've played together forever and I thought I'd be, like, I had enough of you," Clemens said. "But I'm glad I came here. We play the same position and there's a healthy competitiveness. We always try to help each other."
According to Clemens, Maria is a source of knowledge about volleyball and offers quality big sister advice on how to successfully transition into college. Clemens is grateful to share the experiences with her sister.
"She's the best thing that's happened to me," Clemens said. "She's kinda like my mother."
As she paves her way and makes a name for herself here at UP, Clemens will face challenges just like every other athlete. But she's prepared to stick it out and learn as she goes. She doesn't see herself giving up anything, let alone either sport, anytime soon.
"I don't think I could choose one sport," Clemens said. "I mean I have to experience both college volleyball and basketball before I could tell you if I'd choose because right now they're both the same. I love both."
