Trojan scholars have a lot going on in their lives: tests, homework and chores. However, they add a new level of responsibility by playing extracurricular sports.

Many scholars at JHop participate in a range of sports outside of what the school offers, including swimming, soccer, volleyball and baseball.

Sixth-grader Scarlett Keller participates in swimming. She said that she likes sports because it helps burn off excess energy from a long day at school.

“Most of the time in school I mostly sit so it builds up a lot of energy and swim lets the energy out,” Keller said.

And sixth-grader Clare Cunningham plays soccer. She said she likes to play soccer because it gives her more time to socialize.

“It gives me a chance to talk with friends and make new friends,” Cunningham said.

According to the non-profit organization Aspen Institute, kids should play sports because of the health benefits of exercise. It said that physical activity helps reduce long-term health risks.

Competing in sports also helps kids improve their mental health. And, according to changingthegameproject.com, kids love winning.

Keller said her winning all gold in a swim competition is one of her favorite memories.

Different kids and students have different reasons for playing sports.

Keller said she plays sports because like school it gives her an objective for which to aim.

“Outside of school (sports gives) you a goal to reach,” she said.

Cunningham said she plays sports because it gives her chance to be active.

“They give you a chance to go out and do stuff,” she said.

There are downsides to playing sports. One is that it takes up a lot of free time according to Cunningham.

“I just want to chill after school,” she said.

No matter what sports these JHop students are doing, extracurricular sports are beneficial, fun and meaningful to them.