Homeschool in Highschool Tennis Players at MPSH

For many athletes, playing sports is the most important part of their day. Those who take their sport extremely seriously may not match with the traditional eighthour school day due to the need to balance their education with their practice and competition schedule. Therefore, many athletes may take the homeschool route to manage their own athletic schedule while still obtaining a high school education.

“I actually was homeschooled from eighth grade to ninth grade, then went back to public school, and then [I] just went back to homeschool again for this half of the year. I picked to do that so I can spend more time focusing on my sport,” Florida Virtual School Junior and Miami Palmetto Senior High girls’ varsity tennis captain Brooke Revolta said.

MPSH athletics department accepts has accepted many homeschooled athletes, which allowsing students to still get the high school experience whileof being on a team. Countless athletes choose to play at MPSH because of its reputable name and highly-ranked sports teams. Some students, like Revolta, have attended parts of high school, while others, such as junior and tennis player Matteo Sama, have spent their whole high school careers homeschooling. Sama’s daily schedule revolves around tennis as he plays four to five hours a day.

“I wake up at 7 [a.m.] seveln and then do some school work. Then I will train from 10 [a.m.]-12 [p.m.] or 9 [a.m.]-12 [p.m.] , depending on the day…maybe do a little work, then go back to practice from 4-6 or 4-7 [p.m.],” Sama said.

Revolta and Sama share a similar schedule, as both have goals of attending college for tennis.

“On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I have practice in the morning from 10 [a.m.]-12 [p.m.], then practice in the afternoon from 4-7 [p.m.]. Then on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have one hour in the mornings and two hours in the afternoon,” Revolta said.

As most of the MPSH team goes to the same tennis academy to practice and prepare for matches, it is common that they have similar schedules. Even without the MPSH team, most of the players would still be good friends, as they see one another almost every day.

“Basically everyone on the team goes to the same [tennis] academy. I literally see them many, many hours a day, so I am good friends with them because we have similar interests,” Sama said. In order for a homeschooled student to play at MPSH, itthis must be their school zone and they must try out like every other athlete. Additionally, jJust like all in-school students, homeschool athletes are expected to complete the required MDCPS Athletic Physical Packet, four4 online National Federation of State High School Associations courses about athletic safety, and pay for insurance.

Along with Revolata and Sama, eight other homeschooled athletes also compete on the MPSH tennis team. All the athletes atheltes, homeschooledhomeschoooled or not, act as one team and go into matches ready to dominate.

“They have to earn their spot on the team regardless, so it doesn’t matter if they’re homeschooled or not. They still have to earn their spot by competing,” MPSH biology teacher and head tennis coach Kelly Gibson said.

Despite being homeschooled, the these athletes still experience almost the same high school sports experience as a non-homeschooled student due to their strong bonds with their teammates.

“I still have all my friends from the team, and the bond with them is really great,” Revolta said.

Homeschool is not without its challenges, as the students do not get constant daily socialization. But, participating in such an interconnected team makes this a nonissue for Sama and Revolta. Team dinners, fundraising events and traveling to competitions together gives way for friendship outside of the court.

“I probably would not do it [homeschool] if it were not for the team… I thought the team spirit was very nice and when you are competing at a high level, it is exciting,” Sama said.

Brooke Wilensky Copy Editor b.wilensky.thepanther@gmail.com

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