Sports
All-Stars Boys’ Swimming & Water Polo: Noah Hernandez
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s they dove into the water for every game this season, the PPCHS boys’ water polo and swimming teams only had one goal in mind: success. This especially applies to senior Noah Hernandez. Hernandez has been on the water polo team since his freshman year, as well as the swim team, where he is co-captain. He has been swimming ever since he was in elementary school and simply hasn’t been able to quit. Hernandez has now finished his senior year of high school right where he left off: in the water. “My biggest hope for this season was to take the water polo team to states,” said Hernandez. “Unfortunately we were only able to make it to regionals but I’m still really proud of the team and the way we performed this year.” Hernandez was inspired to play by two people, 2014 PPCHS graduate Blake Kelley and his swim team coach Lewis Soler. They both saw the incredible ability that Hernandez had in the water, for both swimming races and water polo. Like Hernandez, Kelley was on both the water polo and swimming team, captaining both. “If I had to choose one, I would have to say that my favorite moment was winning states with the swim team this year and also winning regionals with the water polo team. It was also great to break a lot of personal records along the way,” added Hernandez. Noah Hernandez has certainly made a name for himself in the PPCHS aquatics hall of fame. His name will be there with Blake Kelley and many of his teammates with whom he was able to accomplish many of his goals.
Ashley Cristantiello
most exciting and jaw-dropping thing that can occur. elongs to the often unnoticed setting. At Pines Charlented setter the Lady Jags have on the girls’ varsity ue skill every time she does her job. Cristantiello has d because it’s a stress reliever, allows her to create de. tinually stressed the importance of team chemistry of that as well. She said, “Our team is truly like one e one of them. I don’t know if I’ve ever been around do. Our bond was and always will be unbreakable.” tes PPCHS has had to offer and her quiet confidence nior remained calm and believed in her talent. As a and effort to the volleyball program year in and year lete have never been overlooked and will surely not ting legacy.
Girls’ Track & Field and Cross Country: Leysha Caraballo
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rom cross country to track to swimming Leysha Caraballo is not only athletic but highly intelligent as well. Caraballo is ranked as one of the students in the top 5% of the whole senior class, as well as one of the best cross country runners on the county. Caraballo has been a part of the cross country and track team since her freshman year and has participated on the swim team as well, but she knew running was the sport best suited for her. “One of the most memorable moments of my running career at Charter had to have been running the Florida State course at States for Cross Country. It was a bonding experience for me and my team and something I will never forget,” stated Caraballo. Caraballo was the awarded the Levine Scholars Program for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, which is the most prestigious scholarship for the university. “The four-year scholarship includes full tuition, room and board, a grant to implement a service project of the Scholar’s own design, and four summers of experiences that will develop leadership skills, social awareness, and an international perspective,” (levinescholars.uncc.edu). Receiving the acceptance in the mail was a surreal experience for Caraballo and the happiest moment of her high school experience. At her new university Caraballo plans on studying communications and environmental science. She will continue her running career by joining the running club and racing to continue her passion for running at a higher level.
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