Micaela Lewis and Zoie Powell are softball players at San Jacinto College who are balancing athletics with their academic goals. Both are recipients of the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship, which has eased the financial burden on their families.

They recently spoke about their experiences at the college, their career goals, and the impact of the scholarship on their educational journeys.

Q: What brought you to San Jacinto College?

Lewis: I was offered an opportunity to play college softball. It was the perfect combination of continuing my athletic career while getting a quality education.
Powell: I didn't want to go far from home, and San Jac was close. This allowed me to go to school while staying near my family.
 

Q: What does the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship mean to you and your family?

Lewis: My parents were glad that after years of paying for travel softball, I could attend San Jac for free. It really lifted a financial burden off my family.
Powell: The Promise @ San Jac Scholarship allowed me to go to school without my family having to pay anything. Getting my associate degree debt-free will make my future schooling a lot easier.

Q: How would your educational journey be different without this scholarship?

Powell: The scholarship hasn't changed my plans to go to school, but it's allowed me to complete two years without student loans. Now I can focus on my education without worrying about debt.

Q: What is your major, and what influenced that choice?

Lewis: I'm majoring in natural science because I want to go to nursing school and become a CRNA. My mom, who's a nurse, inspired me to pursue that path.
Powell: I'm majoring in education. I've always loved working with kids, and helping them learn and grow is something I look forward to every day.

Q: What are your career goals after completing your education?

Lewis: I plan to attend nursing school and eventually become a CRNA.
Powell: After completing my education, I hope to teach at an elementary school. Even if I'm not leading my own class right away, I want to be involved and help wherever I can. I also plan to earn my real estate license after finishing school.

Q: Can you share some of your proudest accomplishments as athletes?

Lewis: Making varsity as a freshman, earning all-district honors, and playing at the collegiate level.
Powell: Being part of the varsity team in high school, making second team all-district, and getting to play college softball.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?

Lewis: The friendships. The connections you make through softball are special and long-lasting.
Powell: The bond with my teammates. The lifelong friendships formed through sports mean more than the game itself.

Q: How has your experience been with the San Jac team?

Lewis: It's been great. Everyone was welcoming from day one, which made the transition to college sports much easier.
Powell: My experience with the San Jac team has been amazing. Everyone is uplifting and gives 100% every day. The support and teamwork make it so much fun.

Q: How do you balance academics and athletics?

Lewis: I get as much work done as possible during class, and whatever I don't finish, I complete after practice. Study hall also helps me stay on track.
Powell: I manage my time the best I can. Some weeks are harder than others depending on the workload, but I set aside time after practice for homework and use team study hall on Fridays to stay caught up.

Q: Can you share a memorable moment from your time at San Jacinto College?

Lewis: Playing against my old travel team and seeing my former coaches. It was special to compete against people who helped shape me as a player.
Powell: Winning our first game. Seeing the whole team work together for that win was an exciting moment for all of us.

Q: What resources or support services at the college have been most helpful to you?

Lewis: My coaches, especially Coach Kelsey, who's also my advisor. Having someone who understands both the athletic and academic sides of my life has been invaluable.
Powell: Having an academic advisor who's also one of our coaches has been a huge help. I see her every day, so it's easy to ask questions and get support.

Q: What would you tell other students who are considering attending San Jac?

Lewis: It's a great environment with great people. Whether you're an athlete or not, you'll find support and opportunities to succeed.
Powell: I'd encourage them to attend. The community here is incredibly helpful and welcoming.
Lewis and Powell credit San Jacinto College with giving them the chance to grow both as students and athletes. Their experiences on and off the field continue to shape their goals and prepare them for success beyond college.