Athena & Al Blasing Awards

Athena Winner Sets High Standards

By Margaret Anderson ‘20

Following in the footsteps of her older sister Anna ‘17 and playing on a team for her dad, Sarah Luong made the BSM varsity volleyball team as a freshman. She went on to become a captain for both her junior and senior years and has been awarded the 2020 Athena Award.

“During my freshman varsity season, I had a really unique situation. My sister was on the team, and my dad was the coach. It was definitely weird at first.” Being on a team with two family members has its upsides and downsides, but Luong was grateful for the experience. “As any coach’s kid could tell you, it is so rewarding, but it also can present many challenges. Because of him, I work harder, and I have improved immensely, but I would be lying if I didn’t say that this

sometimes put a strain on our family dynamic. Over the years, we have certainly gotten better at keeping the gym at the gym and home at home. In the end, I’m very grateful to have had him as my coach; I wouldn’t be half of the player, or person, that I am without him,” Luong said. Luong’s father, and coach, Phong Luong, shared an opinion similar to Sarah. “Like many father/daughter coaching situations, it has probably been more difficult on Sarah just because I have definitely gone out of my way to be harder and place higher expectations on her more than the other players. The time I’ve gotten to spend with her over the years at BSM volleyball has been immeasurable, and I’ll always cherish the memories we’ve made on and off the court,” Mr. Luong said. If anyone has encountered Sarah Luong, they know that she is not only a killer athlete, but 2020 Athena Award she also works just as hard in the classroom honoree Sarah Luong was a as she does on the court. Despite playing four-year varsity volleyball player, Math league captain, volleyball year-round, being a Link Crew commissioner, captain of Math League, medical club member, Red

Red Knight volunteer, and Knight Volunteer Corps member, and valedictorian. She will a Caribou Coffee employee, Sarah attend Emory University managed to keep a 4.0 GPA throughout as a scholar-athlete. all four years of her high school career. “Time management has certainly been a struggle sometimes, especially during my junior and senior years. For me, the number one priority has always been school. I need to be on top of my schoolwork before trying to do anything else. It has also been very important to me to recognize that playing volleyball, or sports or activities in general, is a true privilege. If I keep this in mind, I find it easier to time manage because I’m more motivated to get my schoolwork done,” Sarah said.

Throughout it all, Luong has learned a lot through her BSM volleyball career, and she carries those lessons learned to her life outside of volleyball. “The biggest lesson I have learned through BSM volleyball has been accountability in many different regards.

This has meant always being on time, working hard at every practice, supporting my teammates, and taking responsibility for my decisions. Most simply, I’ve learned that choices have consequences, either good or bad, and I am responsible for each choice I make,” Luong said.

Next year, Luong will be taking on another ambitious adventure, both athletically and academically at college. She will be playing volleyball at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and she plans on majoring in mathematics or biophysics on the pre-medicine track.

Two-sport Athlete Lands on Top

By Morgan Anderson ‘20

Nick Peterson came to Benilde-St. Margaret’s his sophomore year because of the outstanding academics, and left as an honor graduate and an outstanding BSM athlete. As captain of both varsity basketball and football, Peterson’s leadership is evident. “Nick is a top character guy. He is a diligent worker and passionate about everything he does whether it’s about football or basketball. He is a natural leader,” football coach Jon Hanks said. It’s no surprise that Peterson was named this year’s Al Blasing Award recipient.

Pre-game rituals were an essential for Peterson. Whether it was spicy chips before a basketball game, or a 360° chest bump with his teammate, Joe Marinaro, before every football game, it did the trick for Peterson to come ready to play.

During his tenure on the football team, Peterson recalls the team’s section run during the 2018 season. Placed as the sixth seed, the Red Knights upset the second and third seeded teams, and came close to winning against SMB, the first seed. Beating Holy Angels at their home field in a close game and upsetting Providence in an overtime comeback win were unforgettable to Peterson. “We had a lot of hardship that season and the run was so fun. The memories that I made in that short couple of weeks will last me a long time,” Peterson said.

Peterson’s dedication to his coaches and teammates spoke volumes to his character. “When he broke his hand this past year, most kids would have hung it up because it would be very difficult to play QB. It was very difficult, and I’m sure it was very painful, but it just shows he had a lot of courage. He was the best guy we had and he wasn’t going to be on the shelf,” Hanks said. The courage to battle through a broken arm displays his selfmotivation. “It’s all about what you can do on your own without others telling you,” Peterson said.

With many people to look up to, there has always been a special bond between Peterson and his dad. “My role model is my dad. He’s always kept me accountable and pushed me to be the best version of me. He’s been a dad, coach, fan, and many other roles in my life and I’ve always looked up to him for that,” Peterson said.

Having so much to be proud of, from participating in NHS to being named captain of two varsity sports, Peterson is humbled by this award. “This award means a lot to me. It’s the biggest honor a Benilde-St. Margaret’s athlete could ever achieve. I’m always thankful for my coaches and teammates who have supported me the last three years. They have everything to do with this award, as well. Without Al Blasing Award winner Nick Peterson will take the leadership experience gained at BSM to Saint John’s University where he plans to continue his football career with the Johnnies.

them, I wouldn’t have had the success I had these past few years,” Peterson said.

Saint John’s University is gaining an outstanding teammate, player, leader, and friend next year, as Peterson continues his journey playing football for the Johnnies for the next four years.