W ILDCA T UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL
Volume LXXXIX Issue 1 Thursday, August 28, 2014
wildcatpaper.com @uniwildcatnews
NEWS MiSiS Crisis New program causes delays at Uni Page 2 OPINION Mission statement Meet the Wildcat staff Page 3 DOUBLE SPREAD Summer fun in the sun Pages 4 & 5
90 Celebrating
years of Wildcat pride
FEATURE ASB President Valerie Perez Meet your new president and her plans for the future Page 6 Teacher feature Meet the new University High staff members Page 7 SPORTS Football preview See what the Wildcat team has in store for this season Page 8 UNI THEATRE “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” 37 Shakespeare plays in 97 minutes Nov. 14, 15 and 22 Auditions are Sept. 9 and 10 Joshua Corpuz
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August 28, 2014
UNIVERSITY HIGH WILDCAT
NEWS
Summer school makes a comeback By Alissa Nardo Editor in Chief
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or the first time in four years, Uni hosted summer school exclusively for their students on campus from June 16 to July 18. Four hundred and seventyeight students enrolled in classes this summer. Due to high demand, students were only allowed to register in summer school if they either failed or earned a D in a class. Summer school gave students the opportunity to retake classes without the burden of their regular course load. Summer school ran from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. There were two class periods, each being 2.5 hours long with a 30 minute nutrition in between. This year’s summer school principals were assistant principals Dan Blank and Cynthia Headrick and former Uni assistant principal Rafael Gaeta. Engineering Small Learning Community counselor Daniel Bravo served as the summer school counselor. “Summer school was great this year,” Headrick said. “It went by so smoothly. The students were well-behaved and the teachers were great.” The school offered 15 different classes and 11 subjects. The courses offered were all core subjects, specifically Algebra, Algebra II, American Literature & Composition, Biology, Chemistry, English 9, English 10, Geometry, Integrated Coordinated Science, U.S. History and World History. Each class was a semester’s worth of school work, worth 5 credits. LAUSD allowed all schools to hold summer school this year using funding gained through Title 1 and the Common Core. LAUSD granted enrollment priority to freshman who failed classes the previous year as new rules require class of 2018 and later to get Cs or better in their classes to graduate. Enrollment preference was also given to seniors who had not passed all their classes, assisting them in gaining their diplomas. “Summer school was beneficial overall,” senior Graciella Irrazabal said. “Even though I had to spend part of my summer in school, I catched up on classes that I needed.” Summer school was successful in providing the opportunity for students to redeem their poor grades over break.
By Sania Syed News Editor
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iSiS, a new program mandated by LAUSD to be used by every school in the district, has caused delays and frustration for administrators, counselors, teachers and students. Many students have witnessed scheduling setbacks. Senior Joshua Corpuz experienced a three-day delay in changing his classes. “Some of my classes had to start the class a week after the first week of school,” Corpuz said. According to the LAUSD website, performance issues have been caused by unprecedented and large amounts of live activity. MiSiS, or My Integrated Student Information System, combines student data into one website. Any counselor or administrator will be able to open the program and
get an accurate picture of programs was $20 million, the student; this includes reported by the Los Angeenrollment, grades, sched- les Times. uling and attendance. MiSiS also is capable Problems in the overall of storing grades, replacrunning of the program ing Jupiter Grades, an have hindered the many online grading program functions of counselors that allowed teachers to and administrators. enter grades and stu“What I do dents to view is balance class“Some of my them. es to make sure However, that one class classes had to this aspect doesn’t have start the class of the pro10 kids and the gram is a week after not working other 40,” assistant prin- the first week and teachers cipal Cynthia are suffering of school.” from this lack Headrick said. “That process of accessibility. has slowed down for me Originally, the disbecause [during] the trict wanted all teachfirst couple weeks of ers to enter grades school, the system on MISIS at the beginning of was working really slowly.” the school year, but Previously, the school with the setbacks, the used three programs district issued a memo rewhich are now combined tracting that policy. into MiSiS: Welligent, Teachers have resorted Legacy and ISIS. LAUSD to using individualized changed from ISIS to and offline grade books, MiSiS as a goal to be which do not allow more updated in technol- students the access to see ogy; the cost to switch their grades.
Samantha Elms
“Teaching is already a difficult job and when your attendance system and the gradebook that the district hopes we will use does not work, that makes our job even more difficult,” Kristin Lyons, English teacher and Department Co-Chair said. With the school year in full motion and new students enrolling everyday, the program has also affected monitoring attendance in the Attendance Office. “I am trying to bring students over into our school and we can’t because the system freezes or it signs you out,” Ana Guillen, Senior Office Technician said. Many features of MiSiS are still in development, but the new switch allows the district to modify the system on their own. “It’s very promising,” principal Eric Davidson said. “I think it will be good.”
Freshmen transition at Summer Bridge By Shirin Enayati Feature Editor
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he Summer Bridge program focused on helping incoming ninth graders acclimate to Uni and the campus before school started. It lasted from July 21 to Aug. 1. The Bridge program is a free service; it lasts two weeks and consists of one and a half hour sessions of both math and English review lessons. An hour of workshops geared towards college prep, high school survival skills, extracurricular activities and tours of the school were also included. “The goal really is to get the students introduced to the high school atmosphere,” MaryAnn Szyskowski, head of the UCLA After School Program, said. “We hope that the kids will meet new people and make new friends so that
they are not as nervous when they first start school. They will also be familiar with some of the staff and the tutors at the UCLA After School Program.” Uni teachers Jaime Cabrera taught English and Francisco De La Cruz taught math. “I think it was a good impact on the new students because it makes them realize that they have to work to get their grades and that slacking off will not get them anywhere,” Cabrera said. Its purpose is to facilitate the transition from middle school to high school. “I liked the summer bridge program because it helped me through tough times and it helped me know the right and wrong things to do in order to succeed,” freshman Ashley Hunt said. “If I needed help with class work, I would stay after and the teachers
Photo Provided By MaryAnn Szyskowski
Freshmen participate in Summer Bridge program activities to get to know their school better. would really assist me in comprehending the material.” The program started in the summer of 2009. In previous years, Uni did not host summer school; this allowed for two different sessions of the bridge program, instead of one.
“I’m really happy I was able to attend the summer bridge,” freshman Henaya Phillips said. “It helped me get ready for high school. I made friends with a lot of new people that I still hang out with today. It also helped me get to know the campus well.”
August 28, 29,2014 2014 August
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UNIVERSITY HIGH HIGH WILDCAT WILDCAT UNIVERSITY
OPINION FEATURE
We are the Wildcat staff!
WELCOME NEW WILDCATS Education: UC San Diego UCLA
Education: Undergrad in Morocco
W
e, the Wildcat staff, are proud to bring to you the publications of the 2014-2015 Name: school year. Yousseff This year, Chliyeh the Wildcat’s top priority is to produce a newspaper that better Position: matches the interests of the French Teacher school’s population. We plan to cover more controversial topics, with bolder headlines and brighter graphics. We aspire to make the Wildcat a space to celebrate
T
Position: Comp Sci Teacher
Comment:
Samantha ElmS
Education: Currently attending West LA College
Geometry Teacher
Education: Harvey Mudd Challenge should Simon Frasier
cool down
not make much of a difference but when you have over two million people participating in this viral cause it makes a massive difference. These videos going around on Instagram, Facebook and other forms of social media do not necessarily address what ALS is and why this challenge is so important. Participants should at the very least explain what this disease is and why it is so important for us to understand it. Rather than getting soaked in ice-cold water, those interested in providing aid should donate money directly to the ALS Association. The money used to buy a bag of ice to dump on you or a friend could have been used to donate to the foundation, instead of being used to make a viral video. Giving to charity should be more than enough and we should not need any “likes” to determine whether we donate to a cause or not. It is inspiring to see so many people participating in such a worthy issue, but they have to remember to give into the cause and not into the trend. Donating money directly to the charity rather than getting soaked in water helps our land as well as the cause. To donate money, you can go to www.ALSA.org and help two causes that require attention from everyone.
Fun fact: I like playing cards and bicycling.
he Ice Bucket challenge, meant to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), achieved a major success, however it simultaneously set serious drawbacks for the state of California. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disorder that damages nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Pete Frates, a former Boston College baseball player with ALS, was one of the first to post the challenge in late July. Now, it has become ubiquitous throughout all social media. The Ice Bucket challenge requires participants to douse themselves with ice and post it on social media within twenty-four hours of being nominated. Although this is a great way to raise awareness for such a worthy cause, it does not help with the drought going on here in California. For over two years, California has been suffering from a severe drought and as of now, 97.5% of the state is in this situation. Adding to this already severe case, our reservoirs are at an all time low. It may seem like a bucket of water does
Name: Craig Weidert
Fun fact: I ran the LA Marathon.
The Wildcat newspaper is sending in letters to the student achievements and to in addition to school news, am proud be part editor to or just lettingof us know challenge injustices inflicted to keep our student body a public forum. As “I a high Comment: informed about public affairs. school public forum, all what you think. upon the student body. the UNI staff. I hope to “I loveto University Our staff will strive We promise cover issues High We are committed to writers published are protected Name: get to know my students School. I like that students produce the most that portray a greater diversity improving the overall quality under California Education to Linda Yaron and colleagues well and of our content by reporting on Code 48907. This grants valuable, accessible newspaper of interests and demographics are motivated to learn. The for our studentI body. In reflected across our campus. issues pertaining to the student our student body amany place more to come. staff is very supportive.” for uncensored expression, return, we ask that you set This includes more people, body. Position: hope to learn more about more grade levels and more Most importantly, we so long as our content is aside time to remain informed Teacher UNI to its truthful, appropriate and libel-andoncontribute your campus’ news by organizations. will always striveEnglish to provide delving into our print regularly. When possible, the Wildcat factually correct information. free. community.” Students are encouraged will also aim to localize It is imperative to our world news. We strive to journalistic integrity that we to let their voices be heard. Sincerely, educate the student body are dependable and unbiased This includes submitting The Wildcat staff pieces to the newspaper, about international events, in our news.
ALS Ice Bucket By Jacqueline cruz Guest Writer
Fun fact: My hobbies consist of surfing and playing the guitar.
Comment: “I am excited “...give into to teach computer science this the cause year.”
and not into the trend...”
World History Teacher Journalism Adviser Education: UC Berkeley UCLA
Fun fact: I like to play the guitar.
Wildcat Comment: “ I love the students and
By alissa nardo Editor in Chief
I like interacting with new their grades are. Not one people. teenager has any obligation to
sit in a chair. Because there is no legal lunking Uni students were blessed with the repercussion for dropping Comment: chance to redeem their grades summer classes, careless hope students to see should a highhaverate done at summer school on“I campus, themselves and their this peers and while most students were of students graduating Name: diligent workers, too many the favor of unenrolling as well as the years to Marsela Santiago and opening a slot for those wasted the finite year spots in willing to work. class by failing yet again. come.” The fact that unproductive This year’s summer Position: school succeeded greatly. students remained in classes Unfortunately, a noticeable is unfair to those students Office Technician portion of students enrolled who would have put forth the spent their class time texting effort to pass their class. If they continue to brush and napping instead of getting off their work, those flunking their work done. These students might students should be dropped not care whether or not they from their class and replaced graduate high school, but with the next student on the Education: by spending their summer wait list. Students who want Community a positive academic sleeping in classSouthwest instead to make of unenrolling, those seat- change should not be hinCollege filling students inhibited their dered by their careless peers. Summer school enborn-again studious peers from getting the graduation rollment is first come first Fun fact: serve. Just because someone requirements they need. registers does not mean Unlike during the school I love going tofirst amusement year, taking summer courses they want to be in the class, parksforas nor well water doesas it mean they deserve is not a legal requirement their spot. any student, no matter what parks.
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Editor-in-Chief ...............................................................Alissa Nardo Managing Editor...........................................Eduardo Cuellar-Aguilar News Editor........................................................................Sania Syed Opinion Editor............................................................Emma Nicoletta Feature Editor................................................................Shirin Enayati Sports Editor........................................................Brandon Berookhim Creative Director.........................................................Samantha Elms Online Manager............................................Matthew Goriachkovsky Business Manager........................................................Samantha Elms Copy Editor......................................................................Alissa Nardo Photo Editor.................................................................Stephanie Zeck Writing Coach...................................................................James Ward Journalism Adviser......................................................Alexandria Lau
Name: University High School 11800 Texas Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025 Alexandria Lau staff. They are all hardThe Wildcat student newspaper is published by the Jourworking and supportive. I nalism 2 class at University High School. Letters should be directed to room C-261, Wildcatpaper@gmail.com the Position: hope orjournalism strives to Journalism mailbox in the main office. Please include full name and grade. Letters are subject to editorial discretion. English Teacher succeed.” Call (310) 914-3551, ext. 504 or email Wildcatpaper@gmail. com to place an advertisement.
Summer school slackers snatch Fun fact:seats
Name: Lolita Lewis
Position: Office Technician
Comment: “I like this school. I hope to stay at this school for many ***************************************** years to come.”
Wildcat Staff: Zoe Adams, Jacqueline Cruz, Ashley Drew, Jesse Herrera, Erica Kopf, Robin Kopf, Julissa Lopez, Sha’terra Myles, Destiny Frazier, Ariana Kidd, Zoha Syed
The Wildcat is a student-run, student-operated student-produced newspaper, which does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration or the school at large. Staff editorials represent the collectively agreed upon opinions of the Wildcat editors. All writers published in the Wildcat are protected under Calfiornia Education Code 48907.
Interviews by Zoha Syed
Page 4
FUN IN
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Page 5
THE SUN WITH THE WILDCATS
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Photos provided by Uni students Layout by Samantha Elms
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UNIVERSITY HIGH WILDCAT
FEATURE
Uni’s summer internships
August 28, 2014
How to survive at Uni High By Shirin Enayati Feature Editor
Photo Provided By: Carlos Hernandez Photo Provided By: Sania Syed
Photo Provided By: Nathan Lopez
Photo Provided By: Brandon Berookhim
Students excel in various summer programs to gain specialized experience in different fields. By Eduardo Cuellar-Aguilar Managing Editor
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nstead of relaxing during their summer vacations, some students went out and pursued their interests, ranging from acquiring military training to participating in extensive research programs. There were no lazy summer days for senior Carlos Hernandez, a Marine “poolee” (a pre-recruit). Hernandez endured the rigors of military physical training while learning the lingo of Marine orders and protocol. “I have been having a good time and I look forward to improving until I start boot camp and ultimately my career in the Marines,” Hernandez said. He is determined to join the Marines full-time after graduating. At Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, the Samuel’s Family Latino and African American High School Internship Program (LAHIP) is a biomedical
By Emma Nicoletta Opinion Editor
research program open to new seniors with an interest in science. Anthony Santiago excelled in the six week period, immersing himself in the subject of neuroblastomas, a pediatric cancer. “It was all fascinating. I fell in love with the complexity,” Santiago said. “I learned that even if you don’t go into science you still have an obligation to better the world we live in.” Senior Davon Benton, aspiring film director, hitched up with the Pasadena Film Camp this summer. Working with nine other campers and staff, Benton learned hands-on film techniques for movie basics, like writing, acting, directing and editing. Guest visitors included actor Glynn Turman from Super 8 and screen writer Hilly Hicks Jr. from Chicago: Fire. Science programs are popular summer opportunities.
Senior Nathan Lopez interned at UCLA’s High School Summer Research Program (HSSR), working alongside professors and graduate students in a variety of lab experiments regarding 3D particle focusing. “It was a very interesting and exciting experience to be able to work with world class professors and graduate students who were as eager to teach me as I was to learn,” Lopez said. Senior Brandon Berookhim learned how to work like a NASA scientist and engineer as a paid intern for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) program with 25 other high school students and over 200 college students for five days a week for the entire summer. In the NASA environment, Berookhim learned extensive coding in different languages and had the opportunity to code a program for a NASA space mission.
“Ms. Van Norden told me about this program because it was a perfect match for me,” Berookhim said. The Princeton University Journalism Program aims to add diversity to future newsrooms across the country. Senior Sania Syed attended workshops and field trips to the New York Times headquarters and a Jets game to experience professional journalism firsthand. “My favorite part about the program was the friendships and connections I made with the students and counselors,” Syed said. “We came from all over the United States, and it was really enriching to get to know everyone and immerse myself in such a prestigious, academic environment.” Summer programs provide new experiences and help students pursue their goals. These programs helped students prepare for their futures.
Meet your ASB President: Valerie Perez
An increase in school spirit, campus beautification and engagement of more students are the recently elected Fall 2014 Associated Student Body President’s plans for this semester. After weeks of successful campaigning, Senior Valerie Perez finally began her term in office and she intends to make this year count for Uni’s students. Though the process was “nervewracking” but “exciting,” Perez managed to win the votes of her peers. “I made pins and handed them out to friends and classmates, but I think my most successful strategy was talking to random schoolmates and trying to convince them to vote for me,” Perez said. As ASB President, Perez has conducted a plan to make impacting changes for students at Uni. During her years as an underclassman, Perez felt as though she didn’t have a voice. Due to this, she aims to help her schoolmates become more involved in campus activities.
Sania Syed As ASB President, Valarie Perez plans to make herself accessible to the students.
“A personal goal as president is to make myself accessible as much as I can to each student and allow them to share their ideas and concerns so we can act on them together,” Perez said. A fraction of ASB’s funds are derived from snacks sold at the concession stands at home football games. Because Uni
will not be hosting any football games this year, ASB will suffer from a loss of finances. With the shortage of money for the student body, Perez plans to organize several fundraising events. Another issue Perez plans to tackle within the school is littering. To solve this longstanding problem at Uni, she intends to create projects that will encourage students to throw their trash away properly. School clubs and organizations will also be responsible for maintaining their assigned areas litter-free every week. “Our school represents who we are, therefore I would like for our campus to be treated with respect. To do so we have to encourage the student body to take pride of our school,” Perez said. Through events such as homecoming, Uni Gras and the multicultural food festival, Perez hopes to increase school spirit and bring students of all grades together in order to make Uni more enjoyable. “I look forward to seeing positive changes at Uni,” Perez said.
1. Avoid the stairs as much as possible. Plan your routes to class and use the available ramps to minimize physical activity. 2. Be up to date with school activities. Read the school newspaper and listen to the PA announcements to find out what is happening on campus. The school website, www. universitywildcats.com, lists events and daily schedules for your convenience. 3. Join clubs and extracurriculars. Leadership has created a list of clubs and organizations on campus. If you do not see anything that interests you, create a new one! Some of the clubs and organizations here at school include Environmental Club, Interact Club, UNICEF, Debate Club, Red Cross Club, Journalism, Leadership and Yearbook. 4. Interact with new people. Classes, clubs and extracurriculars are a great way to make new friends and learn new things about your peers. 5. Get to know your counselors, teachers and the administrators. These adults are here to help you if you ever have any issues in your classes. 6. Plan on using the bathroom before or after class. Most teachers will not allow students to leave during class, so use your passing periods wisely and avoid being late to class. 7. Walking up hills can tire you out and get you dehydrated. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle and snack so you can stay energized throughout the day. 8. If you forget your lunch or just don’t have time to make one, grab a bite from the cafeteria or the student store. Healthy meals are available for $1.50 from the cafeteria and delicious refreshments are sold on the second floor of the main building, right above Room 100. 9. Make sure to keep a sweater in your locker. Uni officially has AC and classes can sometimes be chilly so bring something warm in case you get cold. 10. Keep cool in case of an emergency. Although most fire alarms are false alarms or emergency drills, it is still important to keep calm, stay alert and follow procedure or the instructions of your teachers. 11. Remember to volunteer. Uni has many on-site volunteer opportunities for all students. Keep your eyes open for signs posted for events like canned food drives and used clothes drives, but also keep in mind that these opportunities are available off-campus as well.
August 28, 2014
Page 7
UNIVERSITY HIGH WILDCAT
FEATURE
WELCOME NEW WILDCATS Education: UC San Diego UCLA
Education: Undergrad in Morocco Fun fact: My hobbies consist of surfing and playing the guitar.
Name: Yousseff Chliyeh Position: French Teacher
Comment: “I love University High School. I like that students are motivated to learn. The staff is very supportive.”
Fun fact: I ran the LA Marathon.
Name: Linda Yaron Position: English Teacher
Education: Currently attending West LA College
Geometry Teacher Education: Harvey Mudd Simon Frasier
Fun fact: I like interacting with new people.
Fun fact: I like playing cards and bicycling. Name: Craig Weidert Position: Comp Sci Teacher
Comment: “I am excited to teach computer science this year.”
Name: Marsela Santiago Position: Office Technician
World History Teacher Journalism Adviser
Fun fact: I love going to amusement parks as well as water parks.
Fun fact: I like to play the guitar. Name: Alexandria Lau Position: English Teacher
Comment: “I hope to see a high rate of students graduating this year as well as the years to come.”
Education: Southwest Community College
Education: UC Berkeley UCLA
Comment: “ I love the students and staff. They are all hardworking and supportive. I hope journalism strives to succeed.”
Comment: “I am proud to be part of the UNI staff. I hope to get to know my students and colleagues well and many more to come. I hope to learn more about UNI and contribute to its community.”
Name: Lolita Lewis Position: Office Technician
Comment: “I like this school. I hope to stay at this school for many years to come.”
Interviews by Zoha Syed
Page 8
August 28, 2014
UNIVERSITY HIGH WILDCAT
SPORTS
Football tackles the new school year
Get to know your athlete Interview by Jesse Herrera
Erica Kopf
The Wildcat football team, smaller in number and now with a female athlete on the team, prepare to tackle fierce competition in the upcoming season against Venice and Palisades. By Brandon Berookhim Sports Editor
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ncertainty is the theme of this year’s Wildcat football team. Seven of the ten scheduled games, including Homecoming, will be on the road. The roster looks to be 20 percent smaller than last year’s. For the first time in Uni history there will be a female athlete on the squad. There will be games against the usual powerhouses, Venice and Palisades. The season starts with five nonleague games, all on the road. Two will be familiar faces: South Gate and San Pedro. League play starts with a challenge, against Venice, ranked 93rd in the state, on Friday, Oct. 10 at home at 7:00 p.m.
Renovations are set to begin on the field sometime in the late fall or early winter. For reasons believed to be related to this rehab, the Oct. 24 Homecoming game, against Pali, will be held at the dolphins’ home. Fortunately, long time head football coach, Lee Lowe, has a plan. Aiding him are the returning seniors with years of experience under their lifting belts. Team captains junior Eugene Ford (OLB, 6’ 2”, 180 lbs.), senior Rashley Castillo (OL, 5’11, 250 lbs.) and senior Paul Davis (QB, 6’2, 210 lbs.) are leading the squad alongside four more team captains. This year, Lowe is teaching the team better cooperation and communication in order to get the chemistry of the team bonding. Making the team a family is a big
part of Lowe’s plan to take the season by the horns. “The team has progressed better than the previous teams did at this time in the season,” football coach Lee Lowe said. “We’re further along than ever.” Hopefully, this will compensate for the smaller roster. Last year, according to MaxPreps, there were 54 athletes on team; this year there are only 42. To put that perspective, Pali will be fielding 69 players, Venice a more average 52. Castillo sees the silver lining. “We have a different kind of relationship than we had last year,” senior captain Castillo said. “We’re much closer now. Before we just thought of each other as teammates. I’m seeing good things for this family in the future.”
The team showed improvement last season. The team’s overall record was 5-6, a step up. “There’s a whole new focus this year,” QB Davis said. “Our defense is coming back and we have a couple offensive starters with experience. We seem more experienced.” One new experience will be the addition of senior Gabriela Rodriguez (Wide Receiver, Cornerback). Rodriguez, who will have her own locker room, appears to be the first female to suit up for Uni’s varsity football team. Check out the Meet Your Athlete column on this page for more on this trailblazer. One thing is for certain, the Wildcats open their season on Friday, September 5th at South Gate High School at 7:00 pm.
Girls’ Volleyball spikes into the fall season By Matthew Goriachkovsky & Erica Kopf Staff Writers
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irls’ varsity volleyball coach Allyson Randick hopes quantity produces quality. Last year’s squad’s chemistry was well noted. But what did they have to show for it? A two-win season. This year’s roster is bigger than ever with more than 40 players taking to the court during practices. There are 15 new members playing volleyball for the first time. In total, half of the girls are new to the team. “My goal as a coach is to really help the girls work together and gain experience this year,” volleyball coach Randick said. Coach Randick recruited special helpers during summer practices. Numerous alumni players returned to lend a hand. Alumni are often here after school as well. “We lost a really good group of seniors from last year and we lost some chemistry, too,” Randick said, hoping some of the alumni chemistry rubs off on the new players. With the additions to the team, Randick’s goal is to foster a bond between the new teammates. Last
Brandon Berookhim
Volleyball courts are full of female athletes training for the upcoming season. Many of them are first time players; most are new to the team. year’s team was very connected, but losses piled up. “The team is looking very good with the new players that we have on the team this year,” senior Jacqueline Casco, co-captain and defensive specialist said. The team captains are incorporating the beginners more to help improve the chemistry.
With only a couple weeks left before their first game of the season, the team is working hard to make sure everyone is prepared. “Winning is a plus, but the experience [of playing as a team] is an extremely important part of it as well,” co-captain and setter Samantha Yick said. “We are starting to play more cohesively.”
They do have other goals. The last two seasons ended on a high, making it to playoffs, but losing to Taft both times. Randick is still very optimistic for this season. Their goal is to make it to playoffs once again and finally beat Taft. The journey begins with the girls’ first non-league game on Sept. 9 at San Pedro at 4:30 p.m.
Name: Gabriela Rodriguez Age: 17 Height: 5’4” Weight: 145 lbs. Grade: 12 Sport: Football Q: Why did you choose this sport? A: It’s a sport that I look forward to. The feeling I get when I step on to the field is one of a kind. I love the tempo of the game. It is so fast paced and it’s something that I love experiencing. I went to the park one day and just played with some guys and I decided to join the team. Q: What is your favorite part of this sport? A: I love the effort that we have to put into the team because without effort, we won’t make it anywhere. The coaches are the ones that push me through the tough times and make me love this sport. I love seeing everyone’s combined efforts translating into successful plays. Q: What advice would you give to anyone wanting to join a sports team? A: Don’t give up. That is the best advice I could give. I can have struggles and be on the verge of crying because of how hard some days can be, but I never give up. Keep going because the team depends on every single player. Stopping means quitting and abandoning the team. Q: What is the most important thing you got out of this experience? A: More than all, I am very thankful for the opportunity to be on the team, having great coaches, and gaining amazing teammates. I earned an incredible family.