The STUDENT – Athlete
Kyle Kershaw demonstrates the necessity of balancing work and play
Every high school and college athlete is a student-athlete. Often, more emphasis is put on the “athlete” aspect rather than the “student.” We’ve witnessed phenomenally athletic individuals who struggle to maintain a decent G.P.A for the sake of playing a sport; or in a worst case scenario, an extremely talented individual denied the opportunity to shine on the field because he or she fails to shine in the classroom. West Mecklenburg high school’s senior receiver, Kyle Kershaw, is proof that you can be both student and athlete, and excel.
West Meck's Kyle Kershaw
Kyle is an outstanding receiver- possessing more technical skill and physical aggression than player his short height typically would. Kershaw’s intensity on the field is certainly attractive to college scouts, but Kyle has something even more enticing: a 4.25 G.P.A. Kyle has taken an assortment of AP courses over the last two years which have placed him at 11th in his graduating class. He is an active member of the Key Club and helps his mom who is president of West Mecklenburg’s Booster Club.
Football is not the only Hawks’ jersey that Kershaw dons; he happens to be a year round athlete, swimming in the winter (where the team went as far as Regionals last year) and running track in the spring. His competitive nature and quick speed lend Kyle the ability to be a key instrument in the Hawks’ athletics success.
This time of year, most senior football players are narrowing down prospective schools that are offering football scholarship. Kershaw’s criteria for choosing an institution on the other hand, takes more into consideration.
“I would like to play football in college but I am putting my education first,” Kyle says. “I’m looking at N.C State for engineering. I would love to play football for State. Basically, I’ll play any place where I can get a good education.”
Kershaw’s focus on school is matched by an athletic prowess on the football field. He credits his personal aptitude this season to going hard in practice every day, but first and foremost, Kershaw credits his team.
“The team has given us this opportunity,” Kyle says. “You can’t do it all yourself, it starts with the linemen and everybody else.”
Kershaw not only commends his teammates, but also Coach White, who he says makes things happen.
“It’s great playing for Coach White, “says Kershaw.” He gets our team ready to play every week, and we just have to go out there and execute.”
This execution is not always a reality for the Hawks, as witnessed in last Friday’s loss to the Charlotte Catholic Cougars (35-15). But success on the field is always a goal, and Kershaw argues an attainable one. He sums up the Hawks’ offense in one word: “potential.”
“We are big, and we can play good when we want to,” Kyle says. “We’ve just got to keep our heads in it for the whole game.”
Kershaw’s personal role model is NFL player, Bob Sanders.
“Sanders is only 5’8”,” Kershaw says. “But he plays like he’s the biggest guy on the field and he plays hard every down.”
Sounds familiar! While the Hawk’s victories may not be consistent, Kershaw’s own work ethic and determination is uncompromising. His academic priorities distinguish him from a large pool of student-athletes.
