Balancing school, sports, and hobbies is difficult for the average high school athlete. For sophomore student-athlete Thaddius Egorerua, it is all a part of his daily routine. A three-sport athlete who also barbers in his free time, learns how to balance responsibility, passion, and drive with a good attitude.

Egorerua plays football, basketball, and track at his high school. Although juggling three sports can be impressive in itself, he also has time for school and family. Egorerua said, “I always keep school and family first.”The sports are second because they just fit into my schedule. I don’t allow things to get out of hand.” His dedication has allowed him to stay focused on his classes even though practices and games consume a lot of his schedule.

Although he does not have honors or advanced placement classes, Egorerua stated that his standard classes assist him in balancing everything much better. The greatest challenge that he has experienced this year was bouncing back from a shoulder surgery that kept him off the court and field. Although he could not play this year, he has had a positive attitude. Egorerua claimed, “It’s all a mental battle. If I let my mind get the best of me, that would put me somewhere I don’t want to be. So I just stay positive.”

One way Egorerua keeps his mind off things and is busy is by cutting hair. He has almost turned himself into a barber in his neighborhood, cutting hair for friends and others who stop by. He explained, “If I get stressed, I just go cut hair. It relaxes me and keeps me in check.” Working from home, he can earn a reputation as a skillful cutter and appreciates having something artistic to do besides athletics.

While football has been put on hold this season for him, Egorerua hopes to return to basketball as soon as he can. He aims to become part of the varsity team, something he managed to achieve with football when he was a sophomore. Egorerua elaborated, “Football just comes easy to me. Though I haven’t played it for too long, I feel like if I just keep at it, it’ll be the sport where I do best.” 

Motivation is also the driving factor for Egorerua. Ever since he lost his father in 2020, he has carried his father’s memory with him in all that he does. He said, “My dad inspires me. I just want to live through him and gain an understanding that he was proud of me. Everything I do is for him.”