OHVA Student Spotlight: BMX, Books and Balance

Whether it’s in the classroom or on the racetrack, Teagan is always racing toward success. Teagan is a student at Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA) and a competitive BMX racer, going head-to-head with the top teenage riders in the world. She has excelled both academically and athletically since enrolling at the virtual school in 2021. 

Teagan and her sister had attended a private school, but the pair transitioned to OHVA when the pandemic disrupted the education landscape. A year later, the sisters were given the option to return to in-person classes, but both found OHVA and the online learning environment to be a better fit. 

OHVA Supports Student Competitors

On top of managing her coursework — where she receives excellent marks — Teagan also trains with the passion and frequency to keep pace with the best youth BMX racers in the world. 

“I’m a little busier with racing,” Teagan said. “I find myself at the BMX track up to six times per week to practice. But, it’s a lot easier to manage my schedule because I attend virtual school.”

There aren’t many BMX tracks in central Ohio which means Teagan regularly attends competitions several hours away, often in different states. This wouldn’t be possible with the scheduling demands of in-person schooling. OHVA’s online learning environment is so impactful for athletes competing in specialty sports that require frequent travel.

Racing Toward New Opportunities

BMX racing is teaching Teagan more than just commitment and competition – it’s connecting her with people and cultures that teenagers may only see on social media. While competing at the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Championships, Teagan raced alongside hundreds of athletes from 80 countries, forming friendships with several girls – connections that could last a lifetime.

Teagan’s journey to the top of the teenage BMX rankings wouldn’t be possible without the ability to set her own schedule, both for training and for her education.

OHVA and the online learning option allows students the chance to chase their passion while pursuing their education. For students who compete in a sport or activity that requires rigorous training and frequent travel, OHVA could be the perfect fit.

To learn more about how OHVA supports learners with the options they need to succeed in their education while pursuing their passion, visit our FAQs page.

Back to Blog