Team Herald
PANJIM: This Arts student of St Xavier’s High Secondary School struck the right balance between academics and sports to achieve what she aimed for. Rhea Noronha, with her parents and teachers expecting her to excel in academics and coaches encouraging her to rise above the ordinary on the playing field, is said to have topped the Arts stream in the State with 96 percent.
“I always wanted to pursue Arts. I wish to graduate in Psychology, it being my favourite subject, and take up teaching as my profession. Besides continuing with my further studies, I will continue playing football too,” she told Herald.
The soccer player has represented Goa as a goalkeeper in various tournaments in different states and won credits.
For her sports achievements, the Goa Board allotted her 42 marks under the sports merits marks category. She attributes her success in both fields to her father, also a football coach, mother, who has an Arts background, teachers, and her sports coaches.
“I never missed my classes expect during football tours outside Goa. But I had my teachers and classmates/friends, helping me out. I have also remained attentive during every class,” she added.
Asked whether she would pursue her studies out of Goa, as is the current trend, the Calangute-resident replied in the negative. “I might not get the benefit Goa government offers to a student who simultaneously pursues studies and extra-curricular activities. I don’t want to lose such an opportunity,” she said.
