By Derrick Smith
High school athletes invest a lot of time and effort preparing for their season. But along with that, they also spend an equal amount of time in the classroom and working on their education. So it is not a surprise that Cleveland athlete Mariah Stoneburner has a couple of teachers that have had a huge impact on her life.
“I have had two teachers that have had a big influence on my life,” Stoneburner said. “They are Mrs. Koster and Mr. Lehnus. Mrs. Koster is my softball coach. She has taught me that if you have hard work and determination, then great things will happen to you. She has also taught me to never give up even when things get tough. Mr. Lehnus is my soccer coach and he has taught me that you don’t have to be the best at everything. Showing that you are willing to work hard for something is what matters.”
As a sophomore at Cleveland High School, Mariah plays softball and soccer for the Tigers. She also plays softball with a travel team outside of the school. Outside of sports, she also is a member of the student council and the Family, Career, Community, Leaders of America organization.
While her teachers have have played a role in her education, Mariah says that there is someone that has been in her corner for all of her life and supported her.
“One of my biggest role models is my mother, Georgina Weldon,” she said. “Even though she has work and three other children to take care of, she always has time to be there for me. She supports me in everything that I do and always reminds me how proud she is of me. A big influencer for me is Joselyn Alo. She has shown me that anything is possible as long as you work hard enough for it.”
Stoneburner has put in a lot of hard work in order to become the athlete that she is and she says that you have to stay focused on the prize.
“Being your best is more than just showing up on game day,” she said. “It takes hard work, hustling in everything you do, and believing in yourself. I know that if I am always working hard then one day someone will take notice.”
