#student-athletes

#student-athletes

"Kids show up to school when they feel connected to adults, peers and are engaged in something meaningful," said Hedy Chang, chief executive of Attendance Works.

Ponder's mom, Catrina Hughes, stated, 'What matters most to me is who Dominiq was as a person. He was a determined student-athlete, a leader, and someone with a huge heart who fiercely loved his family, his teammates, and the game of football.'

It's a great way to start off the day. He played volleyball as a freshman, but he said of surfing, 'It's great to connect with other schools and through surfing.' Winning the surfer of the year award 'really meant a lot,' he said.

To put it simply, the Court has struggled with the correct outcome in this matter,

Jorge Gonzalez, a 6-foot-5, 315-pound offensive tackle from Santa Paula High, worked in wheat fields during summer to earn money for a car, showcasing his dedication and hard work.

"We've been really intentional about telling the stories of our student athletes and sharing their personal stories that extend far beyond the fields and courts of competition," said Lisa Campos, vice president for intercollegiate athletics and athletic director.

The settlement effectively ends the century-old model of student athletes as amateurs, allowing players to earn money through revenue-sharing agreements with their colleges.

A growing number of programs in higher education focus on student athletes' mental health, recognizing that the pressures of competing... can negatively impact student well-being.

"It's kind of like a stab in the back," said Morgan Kingsbury.

It's been a tough school year for every Palisades High student dealing with the temporary closure of their campus because of the Palisades fire and being forced to find alternative sites to practice their various sports.