Finding the Right Balance: How Washington Virtual Academies Supports Sawyer’s Racing Dream 

For many student-athletes, balancing academics and a demanding training schedule can feel nearly impossible. For 8^th grader Sawyer, that challenge became very real as his motorcycle racing career accelerated. Now thriving at Washington Virtual Academies (WAVA), Sawyer has found a way to pursue his professional racing goals while staying on track academically. 

From Missed School Days to a Better Fit 

Sawyer began attending WAVA in 8^th grade after his travel schedule made it difficult to keep up in a traditional classroom. With races scheduled across California, Texas, and throughout the Midwest, the ability to learn from anywhere while he travels has made all the difference. 

“We heard about WAVA through one of my coworkers at the elementary school I work at,” said his mom and Learning Coach, Brenda. “We decided to switch because last year he was missing too many days due to traveling to race and it was too difficult to keep up with his schoolwork. WAVA has turned out to be such a better fit for him, as he is able to balance his racing passion while still being able to keep up with his studies. We are so appreciative of this program that is available.” 

Racing Toward a Professional Future 

Sawyer’s passion for racing began early. He has been dirt biking and racing for nine years and transitioned to pavement racing about a year and a half ago. Today, he competes on a Ninja 400 and a Kramer APX 350, serious machines for a young athlete. As an NCAA student-athlete, Sawyer relies on WAVA to provide the academic structure and eligibility support that allows him to continue pursuing competition at a high level while staying on track in the classroom. 

Sawyer will compete in his first professional race in Austin, Texas in April. In his new category, a class win comes with a $3,000 prize, a major milestone in his journey from youth competitor to professional racer. He often travels long distances for competition, sometimes racing in Southern California before driving straight to Texas for the next event. That level of commitment requires discipline not just on the track, but in the classroom as well. 

Camaraderie, Competition, and Confidence 

One of Sawyer’s favorite parts of racing is the community he has found in the sport. Most competitors in his division are adults, making Sawyer one of the youngest racers on the track. Competing alongside seasoned riders has pushed him to mature quickly and sharpen his skills. Racing is also a family connection. His father used to ride, and the shared love of motorcycles has strengthened their bond as Sawyer advances in the sport. 

Academics That Keep Pace 

At WAVA, Sawyer appreciates the format and structure of online learning. The program allows him to complete coursework while traveling and training, eliminating the stress of missed classroom instruction. 

His interests extend beyond racing. He enjoys health-related subjects and is also interested in the trades, thinking ahead about long-term career possibilities. The ability to maintain strong academics while pursuing elite athletics keeps every path open. 

For his mom, the transition came with understandable nerves, especially as their daughter remains active in traditional school sports like soccer and volleyball. But watching Sawyer thrive has reinforced that this was the right decision for their family. 

A Program That Supports Big Dreams 

Sawyer’s story is a powerful example of how WAVA supports students whose goals extend beyond the traditional classroom walls. Whether competing at a professional level, pursuing artistic passions, or training at an elite level in athletics, WAVA provides the structure and accessibility students need to succeed. 

For Sawyer, the road ahead includes racetracks across the country, professional competition, and continued academic growth. With WAVA’s support, he does not have to choose between his education and his dream. He gets to pursue both, full throttle.

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