CHICO, Calif. - Student-athletes across the country are facing impacts with coronavirus, social justice movements and so much more from this year alone.

One of them is living through these challenges at Pleasant Valley High School.

From basketball to volleyball, Amara Ihekwoeme made the switch early on in high school.

"I came in just wanting to try it out and like wanting to give my effort and see where it goes,"' said Ihekowoeme.

Which left her father, Felix, surprised.

"I was like 'wow, why?' and she said she wants to play volleyball and I said 'Okay, let's see if you can do it," said Felix.

Now a senior, Amara's a killer on the court with big plans on the way.

"I'm planning on going to college with volleyball. I want to play as long as I can," said Amara.

Schools are still closed because of coronavirus which means gates leading directly to Varley Gym, a gym Amara honed her volleyball schools in, are closed off until further notice.

That still isn't stopping Amara from putting in the work any day at any time. Even when the sun clocks out, Amara locks in.

"I just kind of work out at home. I do workouts with my dad and I just try to keep fit for the next season," said the oldest of four in the Ihekwoeme household.

A season she's hoping is still alive.

She added, "It can get you in that negative mood, but I just know it's going to happen and we have to make the best of what we have"

All coming in unprecedented times. From a pandemic, to social justice movements in sports.

"This year has been a tough one there's no way around it," said Felix.

"One thing we can leave out of 2020 remembering is that a lot fo things were spoken and changes are happening because of it so i think it's really important," said Amara.

Adversity coming in different forms, but Amara's bumping back.

Felix says, "This is really a god-given talent because I didn't play basketball. I didn't play volleyball and that's why it's good to pursue your passion and we fully support her.