Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
Being a student athlete can be a tricky thing to navigate.
Excelling at one sometimes means sacrificing in another.
But for Ingrid Campbell, a competitive power tumbler from Morgan, Utah, the right educational environment has made it possible for her to do both like a champion. No compromise necessary.
Ingrid is a student at Utah Online School, a free public online school that allows all K-12 students living anywhere in the state to complete coursework on their own time and guided pacing.
The freedom and flexibility alone has allowed Ingrid to travel and compete at an elite level while staying fully engaged in her education.
Her story is proof that flexible learning options can open doors for students with all sorts of big goals — whether those are academic, athletic or both.
A life in motion
Ingrid's interest in power tumbling began when she was just six years old.
As she's worked, trained and improved through the years, her dedication has taken her far beyond Utah. She now travels across the country for competitions, even representing her sport on an international level in Great Britain, Portugal and Spain.
Aside from giving her the opportunity to visit new places, Ingrid is grateful for what her sport has done for her personally.
"I love power tumbling because it's an awesome community, my teammates are my best friends, and I feel so lucky to get to flip every day!" she says.
But that level of travel and competition also comes with a significant challenge: Staying on track in school. If she relied solely on a traditional classroom schedule, things might look a little more challenging for Ingrid.
Thankfully, Utah Online School has helped her to maintain her tumbling career and her coursework at the same time.
Flexibility that fits real-life needs
Through Utah Online, Ingrid has been able to learn from anywhere — whether she's home, on the road or overseas.
Since she can do her coursework any time, she's able to craft a schedule that fits with her training and competition calendar.
"I have been grateful for Utah Online School because it allows me to travel and not fall behind in school work," Ingrid says.
And if it's true for Ingrid, it can certainly work for other student athletes.
Utah Online understands that every family — every individual — has specific needs. That's why they offer a range of options to suit any child from elementary through high school age.
It's a great resource for families who may want a more customized approach to education than what the traditional model allows.
Opportunities to accelerate
Ingrid's situation is a great example of how Utah Online helps students maintain their course load while pursuing other extracurricular activities.
But you don't have to be an athlete to appreciate what this online school offers.
Sometimes children struggle in class not because they're feeling left behind — but because they want to move at a faster pace.
An eye-opening recent Gallup survey found that 25% to 54% of students are feeling unengaged at school and less than half of them (49%) say that their school work is positively challenging them.
Motivated students who want to get ahead in their courses can use Utah Online classes to advance their education without being limited to the traditional school calendar.
And yes, for student athletes like Ingrid, this can be a game-changer. When training demands are lighter, they can focus on getting ahead in their school work. When competition ramps up, they can adjust without falling behind.
It's a model where virtually everyone wins. Students build confidence, independence and time-management skills — and parents don't have to worry about staying on top of everything.
Finding balance
Of course, even with a flexible schedule, that doesn't mean things are easy for Ingrid. She admits that it's still a challenge to manage it all sometimes.
"Balancing school, training, and traveling is sometimes tricky," she says.
But with the support of her coaches, teachers, and family, she's found a rhythm that works for her. Utah Online's accessible teachers and structured courses provide the guidance she needs while still allowing her to take ownership of her education.
She's also learning skills that will prove to be valuable far beyond the classroom.
Enrollment opportunities ahead
For families interested in creating a more flexible, personalized learning experience, Utah Online School offers multiple entry points throughout the year.
Enrollment for summer school and fall semester opens April 1, giving students the opportunity to plan ahead and take advantage of available programs.
Full-time, part-time or accelerated coursework opportunities are all available, and Utah Online helps you tailor your options to your child's specific goals and lifestyle.
Ingrid Campbell's journey is a great example of what's possible when education adapts to the student — not the other way around.
With Utah Online, your student doesn't have to choose between their educational goals and their personal dreams. They can have both.
Find out more at utahonline.org today.
