By: Nathan Nunez

Vo shaking hands with opposing team captains. (NATHAN NUNEZ/RAIDER REVIEW)

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Daniel Vo, Mark Gonzalez 

SAN JOSE, CALIF.—Junior Daniel Vo speaks on hardships of being starting quarterback for varsity while also maintaining high grades.

Student athletes have lots on their plate not having lots of free time and other activities is something they deal with regularly ¨Coming home from practice, I’m not able to take a break because I still have stuff to get done,¨.  Vo said.

Vo is not just any player, as the captain Vo bears the responsibility of leadership on the field making quick decisions which could make or break any play. To perform well, Vo  must have discipline, focus and spend hours preparing physically and mentally. Teammates look to him for guidance and the coaches look at him to execute the game plan.

Yet behind the spotlight of Friday Night Lights, Vo’s  also a dedicated student. Balancing long practices with homework, projects and exams is difficult. Many Nights stretch late as he studies after long practices, determined to maintain strong grades.

 The dual responsibilities of being both an athlete and student comes with sacrifices. Social time is limited, weekends are often filled with film work and study sessions and the pressure to succeed never truly fades. “Football teaches me discipline and perseverance, but school challenges me in a different way. I know both will help me in the near future,” Vo said.

Vo reflects the dedication of countless student athletes across different schools who must balance academics with athletics. His journey is a reminder that success requires not only talent but also resilience, time management and a willingness to push through adversity. Vo proves that with both passion and hard work, it is possible to shine both on the field and in the classroom.