their journeys as players

Senior Kennedy Fayton-Guzman has played as a point guard on the Birmingham Community Charter High School girl’s basketball team since ninth grade. As her last season on the varsity team comes to an end, she reflects on her time as a student-athlete and tells her plans for the future.

“We won the championship last year,” Fayton-Guzman said. “The team was so happy because we hadn’t won one in years so that was a really memorable experience… But after high school, I’m putting the ball down.”

Fayton-Guzman recognizes how much the girl’s basketball team has added to her high school experience. Her favorite part of being on the team has been the relationships she’s formed with her teammates. While struggling to prioritize academics over sports, she overcame the hardships with motivation from her team. Even though it was hard at times, she’s really glad she was able to pull through and play with her team for as long as she could.

“I’ve created a bond with these people for the past four years and basically had another family,” Fayton-Guzman said, grateful for the memories she’s made with her basketball team.

By Donovan Ochoa

Senior Rosendo Rubalcava has been on several track and field teams throughout his time in high school. Now at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) for his last year, he plans to end his experience on a high note.

“Track and field involves a lot of working on yourself,” said Rubalcava, who joined the Birmingham Community Charter High School (BCCHS) track runners this January. “Track is about doing the best that you can.”

Rubalcava credits his uncles as his primary motivation for returning to the sport once restrictions were lifted.

“I (found) out that a lot (of them) were actually really, really successful track runners,” Rubalcava said. “That pushed me to keep going or at least try again (after school came back).”

While he doesn’t see himself continuing track and field as an immediate career plan, Rubalcava admits the sport has helped him understand his priorities for the future.

“(I’ve) definitely (learned to) be more disciplined,” Rubalcava said. “Now it’s trying to realize what’s more important and fun to do and focus on (that).”

By Elizabeth Rose