With a day consisting of running, riding and dancing on top of school, junior Emily Brightbill has a full schedule. An equestrian for 11 years, a dancer for 13 and a runner for four, Brightbill has spent most of her life balancing athletics and school.

“I do my homework during lunch and in other classes,” Brightbill said, “days I can’t ride, I do my homework and if I still can’t get it all done, after dance.”

Brightbill believes that despite the hefty workload the effort is worth it.

“It’s hard but it makes me unique and different and I like that. Not everyone can do three different sports, [and] there are people that do that and I want to be one of those people.”

Brightbill says she doesn’t have a favorite sport, but definitely feels the rush from all of them.

“When you’re going over these jumps, you feel like you’re flying,” Brightbill said about riding her horse. “You feel invincible, you feel so cool. It’s something that not everyone does, it’s really unique and I think that’s awesome.“

“[Dancing with friends is] so much fun, we have a blast,” Brightbill said. “Our teacher is amazing and understanding. When we work together to make this really amazing piece it feels incredible. Running, it’s hard but once you finish a race you just feel so good knowing that you were able to do it.”

Brightbill says that all the hard work she does applies to all of her sports.

“With dance I need balance and with riding I do too, so I’m able to find those positions that correspond and it helps me use them.”

While she has a good time doing all three sports, Brightbill knows that it is not an easy task to balance three sports and school. Still, she says it makes her a better person.

“It definitely does test you and you have to find the strength to keep going to make sure you work hard in all three of them.”