Caroline Mercer is an eighth-grader at Blessed Sacrament School with a deep appreciation for the area’s charm and sunsets over the Isle of Hope Marina. At just 14, Caroline has already immersed herself in sports, developing a passion for volleyball and softball that she’s pursued for the past three years.

Caroline plays as a defensive specialist in volleyball and rotates through outfield positions in softball, enjoying the teamwork and challenge both sports bring. “I started playing sports when I came to Blessed Sacrament in fifth grade,” she recalls. Friends with good sportsmanship and supportive parents have been driving forces in her athletic journey. She even dabbled in dance and cheerleading before dedicating herself to volleyball and softball. Other school sports, like flag football, soccer, track, and basketball, have only fueled her love for competition.

One of her favorite memories is stepping onto the softball field for the first time without prior practice—just recess baseball with friends. Her coach, Amy Kellett, recognized her potential and helped her grow. By her second season, Caroline was competing alongside high schoolers.

Balancing school and sports requires dedication. Caroline manages by doing her schoolwork ahead of practice, sometimes even completing homework in the car. The life lessons she’s gained, especially from her coaches’ mantra “practice how you play,” have motivated her to always give 110 percent.

Caroline hopes to continue playing in high school, earn a college scholarship, and maybe even go pro. To young athletes, she offers simple but strong advice: “Always go to practice and never give up.”