For her entire time at CJ, Aubrey Kolton ‘26 simultaneously competed on the volleyball and golf teams for the Eagles. Having played both sports through Incarnation’s sports program while in grade school, Kolton had a hard time deciding which to play her freshman year. With the permission of both coaches, she has excelled at playing on both teams.
“I choose to play two sports in one season because they allow me to try different things and do something I truly enjoy,” said Kolton, who has been playing volleyball since sixth grade and golf since seventh grade. “It has opened so many doors for me. I love getting the opportunity to expand my knowledge and improve my skills – it has been a great experience.”
Andrea Ferguson coached Kolton in volleyball for the past two years, with Paul Kolton coaching golf for her entire time at CJ. “I’m so grateful for my coaches. Both are understanding and encourage me to play both sports,” said Kolton.
“Aubrey is the definition of commitment and balance,” said Anthony Turner, CJ director of athletics. “Playing two sports in one season is no easy task; it takes constant communication, organization, and mental focus just to keep up with practices, games, and uniforms.”
Being on a varsity team is a big commitment, with practices and games taking up a lot of free time after school. This commitment can be a lot for most student-athletes to handle. When asked how Kolton manages to play on two teams during the same season, she explained that her primary focus is volleyball.
“Since volleyball is a team sport, I make it my primary,” explained Kolton. “I go to most of the volleyball practices and matches so that I can play well with the team, and I work on my golf skills in my free time.”
It took balancing time with both sports as a full-time team player, in addition to accomplishing her schoolwork.
“Golf matches were right after school or during the school day, and the volleyball games were later in the evening, so it usually worked out. If needed, I made sure to check in with coaches, especially if I needed to make adjustments, or was going to be a little late to practice.”
Turner added, “What truly sets Aubrey apart, though, is not just her ability to compete at a high level in both sports but to do so while maintaining her status as an honor student. Her discipline, time management, and positive attitude make her a standout example of what it means to be a true student-athlete.”
As a senior playing two sports, Kolton had the honor of having two senior nights.
“I was fortunate that my schedule allowed me to attend both senior nights,” Kolton added. “It felt great to celebrate with fellow seniors from both of my teams.”
When asked if she had any advice for younger athletes, she replied, “Always play sports with pride and do your best. But also have fun, because playing sports for fun makes them so much better. I would also encourage others to try new things they may be interested in, because you never know what you may like or dislike.”
Kolton’s athletic career at CJ isn’t over yet. She will dedicate herself to her favorite sport, softball, during the spring season. After graduating from CJ, Kolton plans on attending a four-year college to study nursing. There, she would love the opportunity to play college softball, and if there is time while at college, she would like to play intramural volleyball or do a round of golf with friends.
Photo Credits: Angela Riley