Viking Magazine Volume XX Issue 5

Celebrating

100 ISSUES

Viking magazine

Thieman Family

Wang Family

Schoebel Family

Cheung Family

Tung Family

Ginwalla Family

Telyaz Family

Weiner Family

Lee Family

Salvatierra Family

Wainwright Family

Bharat Family

Cho Family

Dogan Family

Scott Joachim

Steele Family

Liu Family

Pashalidis Family

Junowicz Family

Jonathan Levav

Kivett Family

Frick Family

on the cover:

STAFF

Editors-in-Chief

Arjun Bharat, Tyler Cheung, Scarlett Frick, Sarah Thieman

Creative Directors

Nathan Lee, Amanda Goody

Photo Editor Lucas Tung

Copy Editor

Juliet Frick

Head Columnists

Greg Goody, Mabel McCarter

Business Manager Dylan Robinson

Social Media Manager Elena Salvatierra

Online Editors-in-Chief

Max Merkel, Luke Joachim

Staff Writers

Adi Weiner, Emil Bothe, Claire Cho, Isaac Telyaz, Evin Steele, Jonathan Yuan, Sho Newman, Peter Revenaugh, Natalya Kaposhilin, Zoe Pashalidis, Malcolm Ginwalla, Roan Haney, Jake Liu, Elif Dogan, Carter Burnett, Ben Levav, Finn Schoebel, Ethan Wang

Adviser

Brian Wilson

To celebrate the 100th issue of Viking Magazine, this cover features both current Paly athletes and those from the early days of the Magazine. (Left to Right) Former athletes: Mathias Schmutz, Erin Chang, Kalen Gans, Keller Chryst, Maddie Kuppe, E.J Floreal, Kimmy Whitson. Current athletes: Milo Sabina, Anika Raffe, Clement Romanski, Gavin Haase, Cormac White, Kira Tzeng. Photos by Viking Staff.

Letter from the EDITORS

Hey Vikes! It’s been another fantastic year of Paly sports! We’ve seen some amazing moments and accomplishments; playoff runs, dramatic finales and incredible memories; all of which has contributed to an unforgettable year of athletics.

We’re especially thrilled to bring you the official 100th issue of Viking, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to carry on the Viking legacy. We are excited to announce our brand new leadership team — Arjun Bharat, Tyler Cheung, Scarlett Frick and Sarah Thieman — and we can’t wait to continue producing Viking issues in the coming fall.

For our fifth and final issue of the school year, we are continuing a Viking tradition: distributing awards to the teams and players that our staff would like to recognize for their achievements.

On page 18, Boys Upperclassman of

the Year is awarded to senior basketball player Jorell Clark, and Kinga Czajkowska is the recipient of Girls Upperclassman of the Year.

Dominating both the rink and the mat, hockey goalkeeper Miles Joing and 2025 CIF State Wrestling Champion Ella Cohen are the recipients of Boys and Girls Underclassman of the Year (page 22), respectively.

On page 28, basketball player Shreyas Sashi and multi-sport athlete Lucy Griffin are the recipients of the Alok Subarro Sportsmanship Award.

Non-profit sports organizations like PALL and Winter Lodge strengthen community and character while offering young athletes lasting memories and personal growth (page 30).

Heading into another summer, Paly athletes share about their off-season rituals and routines on page 32

STAFF OPINION

To celebrate the hundredth issue of Viking Magazine, the staff has assembled our top 20 most memorable issues of Viking. Check it out on page 34.

On page 40, learn how Paly alum and fitness influencer Brendan Ruh uses his social media presence to promote healthy living, encouraging young people to reject processed foods.

Gender discrimination remains a systemic issue in athletics, as seen in cases like former Stanford coach Troy Taylor and the Washington Commanders, where institutional inaction highlights the ongoing failure to protect and support women behind the scenes (page 42).

The Final Word (page 46) covers potential changes that could be made to improve the annual NBA All-Star game. Have an amazing summer — we can’t wait to see you again in the fall!

Tyler Cheung

Don’t Ban Torpedo Bats — Embrace Them

Prior to this MLB season, few fans had ever heard of the term “torpedo bat.” That changed when the Yankees hit a record nine home runs in a single game against the Brewers. After it was revealed that several players had used a new style of bat — commonly referred to as the torpedo bat — a debate quickly emerged about whether the equipment should be banned.

inches in length. As long as teams stay within these parameters, they’re in the

The torpedo bat is a modified bat that concentrates more of the bat’s weight on a batters hitting sweet spot, distributing more weight towards the middle of the barrel. This causes the ball to come off faster and more accurately when a batter hits the ball on the perfect part of the bat. However, it is less effective than a standard bat when the batter hits the ball more towards the toe or heel of the bat. The torpedo bats do not currently break any rules set by the MLB. The league only mandates that bats must not exceed 2.5 inches in diameter and 42

Torpedo bats are not a threat to the game — they’re an opportunity. Baseball has long been criticized for being slowpaced and lacking action. The league has already taken steps to address this perception, including banning defensive shifts and implementing pitch clocks. Yet even with those changes, elite pitching has continued to dominate, often leaving fans with fewer hits and less offense. Torpedo bats offer hitters a way to level the playing field and generate more base hits, home runs, and high-energy moments.

In order to stay relevant in the fast paced world of sport, baseball must adapt their equipment to the time and era. Tennis players in the 1970s were originally skeptical of changing from wooden to graphite rackets because they felt like it ruined the spirit of the game, prioritizing power

Sarah Thieman

over placement. But today, it’s clear that innovation elevated the sport, making it more dynamic and exciting. The MLB should take a similar approach, embracing innovation rather than fearing it.

The MLB needs to take on a similar mindset. They can’t be resistant to change within their equipment if they want the game of baseball to continue to be successful.

Some argue that torpedo bats give wealthier teams an unfair edge, since not every organization may be able to invest in the latest technology. While this concern is valid, it’s also not new. Wealthy franchises already enjoy superior training facilities, coaching staffs and analytical resources. Compared to those advantages, adopting a new type of bat seems like a relatively small and manageable adjustment.

Baseball doesn’t need to sacrifice tradition to stay relevant — it just needs to embrace smart evolution.

TAke Flight

Natalie Dymmel (‘26) leaps into the air on May 7 to score during a 16-2 win over Wilcox.

Photo by Lucas Tung

Thomas Li (‘27) smashes a powerful serve while competing in a 1-6 loss to Homestead on March 18.

Photo by Lucas Tung

Photo by Lucas Tung

On the Hunt

Milo Sabina (‘25) looks for a chance to attack with his team during a 5-3 senior night win against Hillsdale on May 6

Photo by Lucas Tung

signedsealed signedsealed & the Paly recruitment map

KingaCzajkowska

Cornell XC/TF

“I’m really excited to race other Ivys and to compete in different states.”

Caroline Gr0den

BRYN MAWR LACROSSE

“I’m excited to go to such a great school and play with so many talented players all over the country!”

NicoOgawa

TUFTS SWIM

“I’m excited to train in a super competitive and motivated environment and to help my school fight for conference championships and compete at NCAA’s.”

“I’m excited to ball out.”

Taishi Liu

HARVEY MUDD SOCCER

As the year comes to a close, Viking asked Paly’s recruited seniors what they are most looking foward to in their collegiate athletic careers.

“Growing up as a water polo player, I never really thought that swimming would be such a big part of my future, but I am super excited to take advantage of this new amazing opportunity that I have.”

RoanHaney

AMHERST SWIM

“I’m very excited for team dinners and road trips.”

JoeKessler

BlakeWang

NYU SWIM

“I’m stoked about meeting new teammates from all around the world and training under a much more specific program catered towards individual swimmers’ needs.”

Gunnar Grubbs STANFORD DIVE

“I’ve been diving with most of the Stanford University team while we were still club divers so I can’t wait to train with them once again and be in such a competitive but friendly environment. I believe they will push me to become the best diver I can be and I’m really looking forward to it.”

CLAREMONT-MCKENNA FOOTBALL

Llew

Ladomirak

NYU SWIM

“I am so excited for the opportunity to continue doing the sport I love at a school that I love and to join such an amazing community of swimmers and coaches!”

SophieMies

POMONA-PITZER VOLLEYBALL

“I’m super excited to have a group of girls to get closer with for the next four years and have a new experience.”

JeremiahStallworth

SACRAMENTO STATE FOOTBALL

“Im definitely looking forward to playing football against better athletes and building close relationships with my teammates and classmates.”

Lia Cardwell

EMORY XC/TF

“I’m looking forward to competing at the collegiate level and getting to know my new teammates and coaches.”

HenryHarding HOLY CROSS BASEBALL

“I’m excited to start this next chapter at Holy Cross and take on the challenge of D1 baseball. After working through a major knee surgery, I’m more motivated than ever to put in the work and see how far I can go.”

SophiePan CARNEIGE MELLON VOLLEYBALL

“I’m excited for my last nationals for club volleyball at the end of April and to experience college level competition in the fall!”

RyanChang

MCALLISTER GOLF

“I’m most excited to continue playing the sport I love at a higher level and representing my college while doing so.”

KaitlinLowryPEPPERDINE SOCCER

KangheeCho BROWN BASEBALL

“I’m excited for the opportunity to play baseball at the next level and get a great education.”

“I am excited to play at the next level against the best competition. Currently, I am playing with outstanding teams in club soccer but college will be a whole new level for me. I’m excited to be pushed out of my comfort zone and to figure out how to adapt to it. It’s comforting knowing that I’m surrounded by people who understand me and who are working for the same goals I am. We get to help each other through all the challenges and push each other even further. I’m looking forward to having those girls as a part of my life going forward.”

TristanKippes

PITT STATE XC/TF

“I am excited to train and compete with such a competitive team and work for national titles with my new team.”

Peter Fetter

BERKELEY CREW

“I’m really excited to be a part of a high level team and to be teammates with athletes much more experienced than I am. This will really help me develop and I’m looking forward to training with these people next fall.”

Otis Isben

LMU SOCCER

“I’m excited to push myself at the next level, grow with my team, and represent my school with pride. I can’t wait for the challenge and the opportunity to compete.”

Matias Bliss-Carrascosa

COLUMBIA CREW

LucyZhao MIT SWIM

“I’m really excited to get to know the team and hopefully defend their NCAA title!”

“I’m excited about being able to continue rowing at the next level and see where it takes me in the future.”

THROWBACK BACK

by AMANDA GOODY and ZOE PASHILIDIS & photos courtesy of COCO VONDERHAAR, ELLA HWANG and KAYLEY KO

SENIOR Coco Vonderhaar

Paly seniors look back on their favorite sports memories and what they’ll miss most as they head off to college.

• I have been playing baseball for 12 years

• I am mostly going to miss the friendships I have built throughout the years of playing

• My favorite baseball memory is a tournament in Vegas back in 7th grade

Ella

• I have been playing soccer for 13 years

Hwang

• I am going to miss the hard work I put into practicing and having it pay off during the games. I also liked the competitiveness, since I didn’t get in other aspects of my life

• My favorite soccer memory was all of the fun times I had during travel tournaments bonding with my teammates

Kayley Ko DANCE

• I have been dancing since I was three, and dancing competitively since seventh grade

• I am going to miss having dance as my creative outlet and as a place where I can get out all of my feelings and not be judged

• My favorite memory was my last regional dance competition because it was an end of an era and extremely bitter sweet

BOYS UPPERCLASSMAN OF THE YEAR

By CLAIRE CHO and BEN LEVAV

Photos courtesy of Jorell Clark and Jeremiah Fung

JORELL CLARK

Senior and varsity boys basketball captain Jorell Clark has made a name for himself, not only on the court at Paly but across the Bay.

Jorell Clark, Paly senior and captain of the Boys Varsity Basketball team, has been named Boys Upperclassmen of the year. Starting on JV as a freshman and working his way up through the varsity team, Clark has truly made a name for himself.

“This season and offseason, I worked a lot harder than I had in the past,” Clark said. “Waking up early before school to train and practicing after, I stayed consistent from summer

With the basketball season being in the winter, Clark spends much of his time in the offseason working to make sure he starts the season better than

“Everything that happened last year, I used as fuel to push myself and more than anything, my mindset changed,” Clark said. “The hard work helped me reach new heights as a player and person, understanding what it takes to be suc-

Helping lead the team through a season full of wins, Clark, among the seniors, has filled the shoes of the graduating seniors from last year’s

“Losing a lot of seniors from last year was tough,” Clark said. “But the guys who stepped into new roles this year did exactly what we needed and more. Once we built chemistry, we came together and became a great team.”

Named Sports Illustrated

NorCal Offensive Player of the Year, South Bay Player of the Year and 1st Team

All-Bay Area, Clark has been recognized not just at Paly but in the entire region.

“These awards mean a lot to me because they reflect the journey that I’ve been through,” Clark said. “All of it and that means a lot to me. And while everyone doesn’t know everything about the journey, they’re able to see where it has led for me.”

Although Clark’s last basketball season as a Viking has come to an end, his career as a basketball player hasn’t.

“Playing at Paly has been special,” Clark said. “I’m looking forward to what the future holds, playing college basketball, but I’ve been through a lot wearing this jersey and accomplished a lot too. What I’ll miss most are my teammates– those relationships will always stay with me.”

Both on and off the court, Clark’s teammates have continued to support and inspire him, but in his success as an athlete, Clark has felt most supported by his family.

“They’ve been with me through everything, good and bad,” Clark said. “They’ve always wanted the best for me and they understand what it takes to be successful as they both were in the Olympics. At the end of the day, they have and always will stick with me no matter what, and that’s not something that’s easy to find.”

His mother, who has watched his journey from the sidelines, highlighted the traits that set him apart: resilience and dedication.

“What stood out the most about this season was his resilience and dedication,” she said. “No matter the outcome of a game or practice, he never let setbacks define him. His ability to bounce back, stay focused and push through tough moments really set him apart.”

Clark’s growth as a player was just as evident as his growth as a person. “Over time, we’ve seen tremendous growth not just in his skills, but in his maturity and consistency. At the beginning

of the season, he was still finding his rhythm, but by the end, his confidence, decision-making and impact on both ends of the court had noticeably improved,” his mother reflected. “That development was a direct result of the extra work he put in—early morning sessions before school and maximum effort in practice.”

Through it all, Clark’s perseverance and work ethic were constant.

“We’re most proud of Jorell’s work ethic and persistence,” his mother continued. “Even when things didn’t go his way, he didn’t complain or give up—he just worked harder. That kind of mindset is what we value most.”

This work ethic was not just a reflection of Clark’s desire for personal success, but it also impacted his leadership role on the team.

“Jorell has shown true leadership through his actions,” his mother added. “His commitment, his early-morning workouts and his attitude in practice have inspired those around him. He leads by example and has proven to be a reliable teammate who pushes himself and others to be better.”

It was clear that Clark’s leadership and dedication were central to his team’s success throughout the season, making his recognition as Upperclassmen of the Year well-deserved.

One of the most important things that was emphasized throughout his career was the value of staying mentally strong, regardless of how difficult things became.

He’s faced challenges on the court, from tough losses to periods of uncertainty when the team was still trying to find it’s chemistry. But each time, he maintained an unwavering focus on what needed to be done.

ly, working to set the tone both for his teammates and for himself. Rather than relying solely on his past achievements, he focused on how he could elevate his game and the team’s performance as a whole.

“I’ve been through a lot wearing this jersey and accomplished a lot too.”

— Jorell Clark (‘25)

Clark’s growth throughout his high school basketball career was defined not just by his talent, but by his relentless drive to improve and lead. While his skills on the court were undeniable, it was his approach to challenges that truly set him apart. This season, more than ever, Clark took his role as team captain serious-

For Clark, leadership wasn’t just about scoring or making plays for the highlight-reels; it was about ensuring that his team stayed focused and united through adversity. He recognized that the strength of the team lay in the unity they built through shared hard work.

“I’ve always believed that basketball is a team sport, and the success of the team depends on everyone being committed and focused,” Clark said. “When we struggled early on, I knew I had to set an example for the younger players. I had to show them what it looked like to stay positive and work through the tough times.”

HONORABLE MENTION

JEREMIAH

FUNG

Multi-sport athlete Jeremiah Fung made his mark on the Palo Alto community with standout performances and unwavering resilience.

As honorable mention for Upperclassmen Boy of the Year, Jeremiah Fung’s senior year was one of notable achievements, overcoming obstacles along the way.

All-State defensive back, All-League wide receiver and All-League defensive back, he proved himself a standout both on the field and in his leadership role. Fung was also recognized as an All-Bay Area utility player and ranked among the top 10 pass defenders in Northern California.

However, his season wasn’t without its challenges.

“Separating my shoulder was the hardest thing for me to overcome,” Fung said. “It was my first serious injury, and it took a toll on my mental and physical health, but I stayed working and showing up to practices and ended up getting to play in the last playoff game.”

His resilience in the face of injury reflected the same perseverance that fueled his success on the field. Many athletes would have given up or lost their determination in the face of such a debilitating injury, but Fung’s dedication to overcoming that hurdle was a reflection of his strength and character.

Fung’s favorite moment of the season came in a game against Sacred Heart Prep.

“My catch against SHP was my favorite moment,” he recalled. “I had a lot of animosity towards them and was very prepared for this game. The game was back and forth, and we needed an impact play. When I made the catch, it was the most surreal feeling ever, securing the game and sharing the experience with my brother and the team made it even more enjoyable.”

That moment was not just about his

individual success—it was about his ability to perform under pres sure and his impact on the team, a moment that would go down as one of the defining plays of his high school career.

Fung’s football career has left its mark, with his determination to play through injury and make key plays being an inspiration to all who watched him.

He exemplifies what it means to lead by example, and both Clark and Fung represent the spirit of perseverance, teamwork and commitment to excellence that will continue to inspire others long after their high school careers have ended.

GIRLS UPPERCLASSMAN OF THE YEAR

KINGA CZAJKOWSKA

By NATALYA KAPOSHILIN and MAX MERKEL

Kinga Czajkowska, a Paly track and field runner, earned recognition as Girls Upperclassman of the Year for her strong performances.

Kinga Czajkowska is one of Paly High School’s best runners. She started running track when she was young, and over time, her dedication led her way to a Division 1 commitment to Cornell. She first started her “professional” career in her freshman year.

“In my track career, my biggest challenge has been the frequent injuries I’ve faced.”

—

Kinga Czajkowska ‘25

and junior years, she competed in the CIF State Track and Field Championship and the CCS Top 8 Invitationals. During the CIF race, she placed 10th out of 27 athletes in the 3200-meter final. The CCS invitational, however, was a defining moment for her and her career as a runner because of the adversity she had to overcome. “In my track career, my biggest challenge has been the frequent injuries I’ve faced,” Czajkowska said. “Specifically, I suffered a stress fracture in my junior year, which was hard to come back from.”

She closed out her comeback story by winning the mile event during the heart of her junior year, which for most athletes is the most important year for recruiting. Finally, in her senior year, she participated in the New Balance Nationals Indoor and the Stanford Invitational, where she ran a 4:52 mile and anchored her team to win the 1600 meter relay. In the fall of her senior year, she committed to Cornell University. Many people think that committed athletes can relax in their final high school years, but in reality, they need to train and work even harder because they are nowhere near the end of her running career. Czajokowska’s signing means she will commit to at

and Megan Lemione

least another four years of running track at an even higher level than before. Track as a sport is extremely competitive. Roughly 1.1 million high schoolers in the United States do track, and about 5,000 women compete in Division 1 track. This means that Czajkowska is in the top, top one percentile of track runners. This success doesn’t come from talent or luck, it comes from hours of training, consistent mental discipline, and much more. With every race that Czajokowska participated in, especially as she had become more and more accomplished, she had to live up to higher expectations. With the eyes of college coaches, peers, and most importantly, herself, the pressure to perform was growing exponentially. However,

sometimes having all that pressure can lead to unhealthy stress, but Czajokowska navigates it by choosing a specific state of mind that helps her adapt and keep looking on the bright side.

“There’s a huge amount of variability in distance running, and you have to be able to adjust and do the best you can given the circumstances.”

— Kinga Czajkowska ‘25

“There’s a huge amount of variability in distance running, and you have to be able to adjust and do the best you can given the circumstances,” Czajokowska said. No matter what problems come her way, Czajokowska will always be able to stay on her feet and keep run ning the race.

Like most student-athletes, balancing sports and school can be challenging, but for Czajokowska, that challenge feels even more intense. She set her academic

bar high, determined to achieve no less than her goals. Track opened up many opportunities for her future, and if she wanted to cease them, she would have to work really hard to not only keep up but improve her performance.

“There are some weeks where I’m basically drowning from tests/homework,” Czajokowska said. “But I’ve learned to prioritize and get good at finding time [to study and do homework.”

Kinga was able to not only keep up her grades without sacrificing her track career, but her ability to balance ultimately landed her spot at Cornell University. Kinga is excited about Cornell since they offers competitive D1 athletics and dedicated programs without having to sacrifice academics, which is very im-

HONORABLE MENTION MEGAN LEMOINE

Megan Lemoine is a biathlon racer with numerous international achievements. Her incredible abilities have earned her an honorable mention.

Megan Lemoine is one of the few Paly students who is a biathlon racer. A biathlon is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Her dedication and persistence to the sport have earned her spots in many honorable competitions, including the 2025 IBU Junior Open European Championships in Germany and the 2024 US Biathlon National Championships. Throughout Lemoine’s childhood, her family made frequent visits to Tahoe for skiing. However, when schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her family decided to temporarily relocate to Tahoe. Because of this, Megan spent much more time skiing. “I didn’t grow up racing or even know how to ski properly, but I picked it up during the pandemic, and it just stuck,” Lemoine said. “It’s weird and complicated—

skiing and then stopping to shoot—but I love it. It challenges every part of you—mentally and physically.”

One day, Megan noticed that her dad was watching Biathlon competitions, and was intrigued because it was a sport she hadn’t really seen before. Later, she found out that there was a biathlon track that was accepting racers, and decided to join. With the lockdown opening the door to ample free time, Lemoine was able to train hard and eventually lead her down a path of accomplishments and international competitions in places like Germany, Sweden, Poland and Europe.

Photos courtesy of Kinga Czajkowska

UNDERCLASSMAN

By ELIF DOGAN and CARTER BURNETT

ELLA COHEN

FOF THE YEAR

After winning the wrestling state and national championships, Ella Cohen has set an extraordinary new standard for girls wrestling.

inishing her first high school season as the 2025 CIF State Champion, Freshman Ella Cohen has marked her place among California’s most elite wrestlers. Cohen capped off her phenomenal 20242025 season with a 41-1 record and a state title, solidifying herself as one of Paly’s top rising stars. Her historic title win was no surprise, given the countless hours of dedication and hard work that she poured into the sport.

“I always knew I wanted to win state,” Cohen said. “It was one of the goals I was working towards, and I always believed I could make it happen.”

Cohen’s path to the top wasn’t without

well. Cohen’s strong mental resilience and commitment to enhancing her performance sets her apart from other athletes. Through countless hours of training, she developed the ability to stay focused, overcome challenges and refine her techniques, all of which ensured her confidence in the sport.

“The sky is the limit, and she’s only scratching the surface.”

— Coach Jonathan Kessler

“I think having the confidence to execute your moves to their full potential is a big part of the mental aspect, as it feeds into the physical part too,” Cohen said.

During her time at Paly, Cohen has consistently demonstrated her incredibly strong work ethic. She attends training sessions every day after school, stays after scheduled practices and on her own.

“She’s the hardest worker in the wrestling room,” Kessler said. “Not only does she put in work in the hours she has during practice, but hours before and after practice and on her own as well.”

Looking into the future, Cohen hopes to capture another state title as a sophomore and earn a spot on the U17 World Team.

“I have big goals for my future in wrestling,” Cohen said. “And I’m loving the process of getting there.”

Cohen recently attended the 2025 Girls National High School Showcase in Las Vegas, where she won first place and defeated the third-ranked girls wrestler in the country. With three more years ahead of her, Cohen’s success is expected to shape not only her personal legacy but also the future of the girls’ wrestling program. Her achievements have the potential to inspire future female athletes and raise the standard for what girl’s wrestling can become.

“The sky is the limit and she’s only scratching the surface,” Kessler said. “Us coaches have three more years with her, we’re excited to see her progress and be a part of it.”

If her freshman year was any indication, Cohen’s promising journey is far from over.

Photos courtesy of Miles Joing and Ella Cohen

Miles Joing, goalie for Paly’s ice hockey team and varsity lacrosse team, has made his mark as an impressive athlete.

Sophomore athlete Miles Joing, through his grit, dedication and years of experience, has distinguished himself as an elite goalie – both on the ice and the field. His achievements and impact in both ice hockey and lacrosse has rightfully earned him the title of Viking’s boy underclassman of the year. Joing has been playing ice hockey nearly his entire life, with ten years of experience in the sport.

Joing had an excellent year, leading the team to an undefeated season after their previous season where they only won three games. He played in thirteen games and only allowed nineteen goals, while having a 0.916 save percentage and two shutouts. Though the team fell in the first round of playoffs, Joing’s leadership and performance, especially as a sophomore, were key to the season’s success. “I would consider the season a success as we improved a lot from last year… but we still have more work to do in the playoffs,” Joing said. “I think that losing in the first Mihir round will definitely drive us next year, considering we were the best team in the league and we still lost. Now that we have playoff experience under our belt I think I think we can take next year more seriously.”

Aside from his impressive hockey season this past year, Joing’s rapid rise on the lacrosse field is what sets him apart, showing nothing short of true dedication and natural skill. He only began playing lacrosse last year and had to beat out two senior goalies to earn his spot on varsity. He knew it was going to be no easy task to reach his goal of becoming the starter.

sophomore over two seniors is no easy call. However, Ed Hattler, Paly lacrosse’s head coach, saw Joing’s potential from the start.

“Miles was a natural on JV last year and some of the other coaches and I thought he had a chance to become the starting goalie on varsity after last season,” Hattler said. “At the start of the season, there wasn’t much clear separation among the goalies. The three of them were very close and each game it was a hard decision about who would start. Miles emerged as the starter continues to get better. He has been fantastic the past few weeks!” Hattler also talks about where he has seen Joing grow the most since becoming a lacrosse goalie.

“It’s all about covering the most net… but you cover so little of the net in lacrosse that you have to react to shots more.”

— Miles Joing (‘27)

However, his previous experience as an ice hockey goalie provided him with the skills needed to quickly adapt to the role of a lacrosse goalie.

“The biggest part of being a hockey goalie that helped me transition to lacrosse is being comfortable having things shot at me at high speeds and being able to accept the shot rather than avoiding it like your instinct says to,” Joing said.

While having previous experience as a hockey goalie was helpful, that does not mean the transition to becoming a lacrosse goalie was an easy task.

“In hockey, it is all about covering the most net…but you cover so little of the net in lacrosse that you have to react to shots more and can’t just rely on your size,” Joing said. “This, in my opinion, is what makes lacrosse goalie so much harder and why these two sports can be so different.”

As a coach, making the decision to start a

“Miles was dropping down on shots like a hockey goalie, giving up goals on high shots, which he has largely corrected,” Hattler said.

Miles Joing’s hardwork and determination have helped him succeed in both ice hockey and lacrosse leading him to be boys underclassman of the year. His strong performances, and ability to rise to new challenges show just how bright his future is. Joing is just getting started, and both ice hockey and lacrosse will be relying on him to keep leading the way.

MILES JOING

BOYS TEAM OF THE YEAR BASKETBALL

By GREG GOODY and ROAN HANEY

A commanding 2024-25 campaign from the Boys Basketball team has led them to be the selection for team of the year.

It was quite the historic season for the Boys Basketball team. Despite narrowly losing in the Central Coast Section (CCS) finals, the Vikings’ season completed many other impressive feats, including winning five playoff games and placing second in their Santa Clara Valley Athletic League (SCVAL) - De Anza division. The Vikings dominated their opponents for much of the season, electrifying the gymnasium on a weekly basis.

After a tough 55-49 loss to the bitter rival Menlo-Atherton Bears in the 2024 CCS semifinals, the Vikings had a long road ahead of them in order to make a comeback.

team had numerous memorable moments that lead to their rising popularity and success. The gro finished the season with a 25-6 record, while making the CCS finals. The team started off on a productive early stretch, winning eight of their first 10 games in a confident fashion.

“We blew out a lot of the teams in our first few games,” junior Jake Wang said. “That was one of our goals at the start of the season, we wanted to get out to a hot start.”

“We got HUNGRY after a taste of WINNING.” — Shreyas Shashi ‘25

“It was a grind all off-season,” sophomore Justin Fung said. “I only played half the season on varsity, but I could really feel how much this team wanted that one [the Menlo Atherton game] back. We put in the work all offseason to get back to that spot.”

The offseason program must have worked wonders for the team, as it was a historic season for the Vikings. From outplaying rivals to making it to the CCS finals to going viral on social media, the

The successful start for the Vikings held throughout the season, as the team managed a 10-2 record within the SCVAL league. Their league included formi-

dable and sharp opponents such as Milpitas, Los Gatos and Wilcox. The Vikings were 4-2 against these opponents, with a loss against Milpitas and Los Gatos. This strong record within the league earned them the number one seed in the CCS playoffs.

Another milestone from the season was the team’s dominant wins against the cross-town rival Gunn Titans. Senior Jorell Clark led the team in scoring in

both of the matchups, tallying 32 points in the first matchup in January, where the final score was 63-50. In the second matchup between the rivals, Clark once again had 32 points with a final score of 77-39.

“We know that even though Gunn is typically pretty low in the league standings compared to us, they always bring their best when they play us, as they don’t have much else to play for,” Clark said. “The rivalry has become personal recently.”

Following the dominant and exciting regular season, the Vikings were set to take on the CCS playoffs, Division 1. After a first round bye due to being the first seed, the Vikings were set to take on the ninth seeded Evergreen Valley Cougars in the second round. Despite being eight seeds lower than the Vikings, the Cougars fought hard, but came up just short with a final score of 50-48. Senior Shreyas Shashi recalls how the first win propelled them for the rest of the playoffs.

“We got hungry after a taste of winning,” Shashi said.

Next up on the playoff run, the Leigh Longhorns. In a tough defensive matchup the Vikings emerged victorious once again, with the final being 40-35. Clark led the team with 19 points.

In order to achieve this playoff success, the Vikings had to bring together a number of factors. “I think the collective team

ROSTER

Justin Fung

Iverson Lee

Nicholas Feitzinger

Adam Maldonado

Jake Liu

Photo by LUCAS TUNG

Coaches: Jeff Lamere

effort and our off-court bonding really brought the team to another level,” sophomore Rocco Smith said.

Smith joined the varsity team for playoffs, after a good stint with the junior varsity team during the regular season. He also mentioned how grateful he was for the opportunity to practice with and learn from the upperclassmen during the team’s huge playoff push.

“It was really special to be a part of the playoff run,” Smith said. “I have a lot of respect for the upperclassmen after all they did for the team.”

After this win, the Vikings found themselves in the CCS finals, against the Carlmont Scots. The Vikings played hard, but came up just short. The final score was 6662, with Clark leading the team

with 34 points.

After the team’s memorable season, senior Jorell Clark won NorCal Offensive Player of the Year. Clark’s season involved a spectacular playoff run, in which he averaged 25 points and seven assists per game.

“He [Clark] is one of the special ones,” sophomore Adam Maldanado said. “While I was injured I really wanted to learn more about the game, and Jorell really helped me out.”

With such a successful ‘24-’25 season in the rearview mirror, the team can only begin to prepare for next year. With notable seniors including Clark and Gavin Hasse leaving, it is possible that the team may regress next season, which could show just how remarkable of a team this truly was.

SWIM AND DIVE Mention

The remarkable season of boys swimming and diving led to a historic run and a satisfactory finish.

Paly boys swim and dive returned this year motivated by a close second place performance at CCS during the 2024 season. Returning the majority of their swimmers, they hope to get another historic title to add to their already extensive record.

The Vikings won the CCS title in 2022 and 2023, getting second place only in 2024. For veteran swimmers such as senior Nico Ogawa, this only adds to the motivation to succeed.

“Last year we fell short in CCS to our rivals Gunn high school, so this year we have even more motivation to get that third CCS title in four years,” Ogawa said.

So far, Paly has dominated the season, going undefeated in league dual meets and winning the SCVAL championships by over 250 points. Paly had a final score of 553 points, while second place Gunn high school had only 299 points. Senior Blake Wang addresses some of the Vikings’ strengths.

“Our relays are quite strong, we have fast swimmers in each of the four spots for all of the relays,” Wang said. “They are all also super fun since you have that team adrenaline aspect involved.”

As the team heads into CCS championships and later CIF state championships, they maintain high expectations and goals.

“We aim to place first in CCS, as well as score top five in our relays at state championships,” Ogawa said.

In the end, the Vikings ended up making history, with Palo Alto being the first team in CCS history to win in both the boys and girls divisions. The astounding finish rounded off their commanding season.

The Vikings had a class full of talent and determination, as well as team camaraderie, setting them up for historical success both in league and section championships.

Gus Soedarmono

Jorell Clark (C)

Gavin Haase (C)

Hudson Mar

Jai Wadhani

Eric Woods

Kacey Washington

Jake Wang

Shreyas Shashi

Kevin O’Brien

Youssuf Fakhry

Jorell Clark finishes off a slam dunk agains Gunn.

Photo by CALEB WONG

Paly swimmers Blake Wang, Nico Ogawa, Roan Haney and Nolan Lemon celebrate after a big win. Photo by DYLAN FUJITA

By EMIL BOTHE and EVIN STEELE

The Girls Water Polo team had an incredible season, earning the title of the most successful girls’ team of the year with outstanding teamwork, dedication and an impressive record.

“Joyful.”

This is how Coach Roderick “Deke” Rowell describes his team’s most accomplished season during his eight year tenure as the varsity girls water polo coach. The season culminated in a 21-9 record, Paly girls water polo’s first league championship in 18 years, and a fifth seed finish in open division CCS.

However, Rowell doesn’t focus on the tangible outcomes of the season, instead choosing to measure the team through strength of team community and individual improvement.

“Ultimately I don’t care about winning and losing,” Rowell said. “My main objective is that the girls support each other, come together as a team and improve.”

Coach Rowell believed he first needed to establish team chemistry, which would then allow him to shift to the more technical aspects of coaching, easily implementing a game plan and strategies with a unit built around trust and positive communication.

“I’ve been around water polo for 40 years, I can coach forwards and backwards on some of the techniques and some of the things we’re trying to teach these girls,” Rowell said. “But none of that’s gonna matter if [the girls] don’t figure out how to come together as a team.

You talk about chemistry. In my mind that supersedes so much more of the other technical stuff.”

Rowell expected a similar attitude from his captains, challenging them throughout the season to excel in regards to

GIRLS TEAM OF THE YEAR WATER POLO ROSTER

leadership. He emphasizes how proud he was of their efforts, highlighting the league championship as an especially significant moment, where the girls pulled together a 12-4 defeat against Los Altos.

“Normally we have the girls arrive an hour before the game starts. I got there maybe 70 minutes before, and the girls were already there. They were sitting in a circle; their captains had pulled them together. They got there even earlier than requested, and had taken the initiative to come together as a group.”

“They prompted us to start more regular weight training, went through film with us and dedicated so much time to the team.”

Similar to any athletic team, the girls water polo team faced a variety of roadblocks throughout the season.

“I think the main challenge we had to overcome was bouncing back after tough losses and not letting them define the rest of our season,” Williams said.

“But none of that’s gonna matter if [the girls] don’t figure out how to come together as a team. You talk about chemistry. In my mind that supersedes so much more of the other technical stuff.”

Senior team captain Katie Spitzer echoes Rowell’s sentiments on the team chemistry, specifically emphasizing the coaching staff as a key component of success.

— Coach Deke Rowell ‘25

“[Assistant coach] Tim and Coach Deke [Rowell] pushed us the entire season with morning practices and lots of game strategy,” Spitzer said. “They really fostered a good team environment.”

Senior Gin Williams further discusses the preparation for each game and practice.

“[Our coaches] pushed us because they knew we had potential this year to meet our collective goals,” Williams said.

Coach Rowell emphasizes a pivotal two-game stretch that truly tested the willpower and resilience of each player.

“We had a challenging couple of games that we lost in overtime,” Rowell said. “It’s not easy, it’s a long season. Water polo is hard and demanding physically [and] mentally. Those two games were basically back to back overtime losses.”

Instead of faltering under the challenge, Rowell positioned the losses as an opportunity for growth.

“The beauty of sports [is that] it exposes you to all different kinds of situations,” Rowell said. “In today’s day and age it’s a little hard sometimes to fail, and we all are gonna fail at one juncture or another. I thought that the challenge in losing

Sophia Ahn

Maeva Herbert-Paz

Fallon Porter

Mila Bynum

Scarlett Frick

Lydia Mitz (C)

Sabrina Meyers

Katie Spitzer (C)

Photo by CELESTE BATES

those tough games ultimately gave [the players] the strength to pull together.”

Williams highlights other obstacles the girls tackled.

“We had to learn how to communicate effectively on defense and not let our emotions get to us,” Williams said. “This year we also focused on mentally training for games to maintain our composure in crucial plays.”

Each test further contributed to the championship mentality of the team, and as the season progressed, the tight-knit environment made even the toughest of challenges manageable.

“We were all such good friends,” Williams said. “Any problems we faced we worked through together as a team, and so not only were we playing well in the pool, but we were connecting outside of it.”

While the coach and players emphasize chemistry, the hardware speaks for itself, and is an exciting reward for the long season.

“Getting to put up 2024 on the banner on the pool deck for girls water polo team champs was so fulfilling,” Spitzer said. “Especially after losing in the championship last year, accomplishing that goal of winning [the] league was such an amazing experience.”

In regards to the future, Rowell believes the 2024 season will set a standard for years to come.

“Last year’s team went a long way to building a culture that puts the

Grace Henderson (‘26) fires a shot. Photo by DYLAN FUJITA

program in a place to succeed and be the best it can be year in year out,” Rowell said. “So that’s a step in the right direction. We’re trying to say these are the expectations to be a part of the program and this is the culture we’re trying to create.”

High school teams are ever evolving: seniors graduate, junior-varsity players move up to varsity and competition changes.

Nevertheless, Rowell hopes that an established culture will allow for new leadership to arise and future success.

“You don’t know who [leadership] is going to come from sometimes,” Rowell said. “It’s kind of one of those things that happens organically. We try to speak to what it means to be a leader, so the girls have some sense of what that should look and feel like.”

A coach plays an important role, but players also share responsibility in stepping into leadership roles.

“I always tell the girls it’s their program, their team,” Rowell said. “I’m just guiding it the best I can but ultimately I want them to feel that they are advocating for themselves and their program.”

For the moment however, these questions don’t need to be answered. One thing is certain: this season — filled with joy, passion, dedication and hard work — was one for the ages.

Coaches: Deke Rowell and Tim Mulcahy

Katie Bradley

Delilah Kaplinsky

Gin Williams

Amanda Goody

Grace Henderson

Eliza Stoksik

Estelle Dufour

DANCE Mention

Paly girls dance finished the season in a familiar place, as National Champions for the third straight year.

For the third consecutive year, Paly girls dance are open division National Champions in USA dance.

This year they accomplished the feat in the Extra Small Dance competition, different from their two prior national championships in the Hip Hop competition. Junior Keira Mok highlights the excitement of winning a national title.

“It feels really good,” Mok said. “You compete against a lot of people in your division. [Winning] shows your skill level.”

Paly girls dance has made winning seem almost routine, yet in reality these victories are a reward for many months of early mornings, repetition and meticulous practice. Training begins in the summer, where the team participates in the USA dance camp. Entering this specific camp is also what qualifies Paly to compete in the USA dance competitions during competition season. As summer transitions into the school year early morning practices begin - two hours a day four to five days a week. According to Mok, the team begins learning the choreography for their competitions of choice in September. After the first few practices of actually learning the choreography, the remainder of the season is spent perfecting each routine.

As football season ends and competition season approaches, practices increase and lengthen, with Mok stating that some weekend practices extend up to seven hours.

In competitions, dances are voted on by a panel of judges, with panels increasing in size based on the importance of the competition. Specifically on their path to a national championship, the team first participated in a regional competition held at Lincoln High School to determine their qualification for Nationals. This year their performances at regionals earned them spots in both Hip Hop and Extra Small Dance for the open division at nationals. They then managed first in the Extra Small Dance competition and third in Hip Hop at nationals, capping off another successful Paly dance season.

Photo courtesy of Kiera Mok

ALOK SUBBARAO SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

SHREYAS SHASHI

Shreyas Shashi has shown unwavering dedication becoming an essential factor in the success of the Paly Boys Varsity Basketball Team.

In a sport where intensity runs high and every point counts, sportsmanship and leadership often go unnoticed under the competitive fire that each basketball game holds. Senior and varsity basketball player Shreyas Shashi embodies good sportsmanship both on and off the court.

Throughout his time on the basketball team, Shashi has shown unwavering dedication and determination to his team. His ability to connect the team, maintain a

frustration into effort, knowing that the game is all about having fun.”

Shashi treats every failure as an opportunity to improve and come back stronger. His teammate, junior Iverson Lee, believes his presence on the team has helped the team become a tightly-knit community.

“When I get frustrated, I do a good job of channeling that frustration into effort, knowing that the game is all about having fun.”

— Shreyas Shashi (‘25)

this year’s male Alok Subbarao Sports-

After many years of playing basketball, Shashi continues to be motivated and dedicated

“I’ve always been into sports for the love of the game,” Shashi said. “In order to have a cohesive team, there needs to be a sustained effort to keep everyone together, and that’s where I thrive.”

Even after some tough losses this year at Los Gatos and Sacred Heart, Shashi still finds a way to rise back up and improve.

“It’s disappointing to lose against some of our biggest rivals,” Shashi said. “But, when I get frustrated, I do a good job of channeling that

“Every practice, he is always ready and demonstrates his dedication to the team by constantly pushing himself to be better,” Lee said.

It is clear that Shashi, because of his efforts to improve the team and be a role model, has had a positive impact on his teammates as well.

“Seeing Shreyas actively working to improve his abilities makes me and the rest of the team want to work harder,” Lee said.

Shashi’s teammate Jeremiah Fung also attributes to his presence on the basketball team.

“He always has good energy and is ready to play and supports his team and teammates to his fullest capabilities,” Fung said.

Shashi’s efforts have been a strong example of good leadership for the boys basketball team and have been a prime factor for the team’s stellar performance against their main rival, Gunn High School.

“The game at Gunn was super fun and the environment was so energetic,” Shashi said. “It felt great to absolutely destroy our rival.”

It is clear that Shashi is deserving of this year’s Alok Subbarao Sportsmanship Award. Hopefully, his efforts have paved the way for a new generation of leaders on the boys varsity basketball team to continue to motivate and connect the team the way he has this season.

Lucy Griffin is the embodiment of a true Viking athlete, encouraging and pushing her teammates at every chance she gets.

As the ball finally glides in, a moment of relief is felt by the Paly girl’s lacrosse team after a frustrating start. Instead of dwelling on the team’s misses, senior athlete Lucy Griffin was instantly there, serving as a force of encouragement, lifting spirits and fueling her teammates for the next play.

Griffin stands out on the Palo Alto High School girls lacrosse team for her strong sportsmanship and leadership. As an important leader on the team, she has earned the respect and admiration of her teammates and coaches alike.

Griffin is a senior currently in her third year on Paly’s Varsity lacrosse team. She has been playing the sport since her freshman year, and it has had a significant impact on her life. Her fair play and respect for the game stand out as defining traits. Griffin approaches every match with a focus on playing hard and playing right. Her previous experiences of devastating losses motivate her to be a good sport because she understands the upset and vulnerability that teams often feel after losses.

to on and off the field,” Dymmel said. “She sets the tone for the team most days, and I, as well as my teammates, feed off that.”

Griffin is known to maintain a particularly positive attitude and strong composure during tense situations.

“She is well composed under pressure, even when everyone else is frustrated or frazzled,” Dymmel said. “She brings a level of composure and patience to the team that can’t be missed when listening to team huddles.”

Dymmel explains how Griffin uses her strong composure to help her teammates during heated moments.

“Even though competition happens on the field, respect needs to happen everywhere.”

—

Lucy Griffin

“I have been on both the winning side and the losing side, so I know what it feels like to just be crushed during a game,” Griffin said. “So, I have empathy for other teams and players.”

Many athletes struggle to balance competitiveness and sportsmanship, allowing their emotions to take control and cloud judgment, especially in the heat of the moment during games.

Yet, true sportsmanship lies in maintaining composure and prioritizing the integrity of the game, even in the most high-pressure situations. Griffin is the perfect example of a player having control over her emotions, rather than the other way around, in heated moments.

“I always make sure to take a step back when things get heated and recognize that it is only high school sports,” Griffin said. “Even though competition happens on the field, respect needs to happen everywhere.”

Griffin’s support and dedication to the team have not gone unnoticed. Junior Natalie Dymmel, a teammate, explains that Griffin is seen by her team as a role model and leader, often taking control of the flow.

“Lucy’s true sportsmanship models a great teammate and person to look up

“I get frustrated very easily, but when someone asks for my opinion, it helps me calm down, which reflects on others,” Dymmel said.

“Lucy often starts this chain reaction by seeking how we can fix our

(‘25)

ing shots in our first game against Saratoga,” Dymmel said. “When we came away with a goal, she would en courage those who missed a pass or shot, lifting and pumping them up for the next rep.”

Griffin’s encouraging lead ership and tireless commit ment define her impact on the girls lacrosse team and make her deserving of this year’s Alok Subbarao Sports manship Award. As a senior, her legacy of positive influ ence will continue to in spire her teammates long after she graduates.

A

Building etter

By

by JAKE LIU, MABEL MCCARTER and ETHAN WANG

FUTURE

providing access, mentorship and a sense of belonging, local sports non-profits are using the power of play to build confidence, character and community.

From the crack of a bat at a Little League game to the smooth and crisp rhythm of skates at the Winter Lodge, nonprofit sports programs provide more than just athletic training. The goal for many organizations is to strive to build community, shape character and create lasting memories for young athletes and families. Organiza tions like the Palo Alto Little League, the YMCA and Winter Lodge strengthen the community through their investment in youth development and recreation.

Palo Alto Little League (PALL), is one nonprofit organization that has been lo cated at Middlefield Ballpark since 1952. PALL welcomes boys and girls ages four15, providing a fun and rewarding experi ence to hundreds of families each year.

Shawn Owen, a former coach and events coordinator for the Palo Alto Little League, highlights the benefits that nonprofit or ganizations of the Bay Area can provide.

“Little League games have been a com munity event for generations,” Owen said. “Palo Alto families can come together on weekends and evenings to enjoy America’s pastime while

teaching kids the values of a team game.”

Organizations like PALL not only give young athletes a chance to learn and develop their skills, but also focus on building an uplifting community for rising athletes to lean on and cherish. Justin Fung, a

“PALL impacts the community by bringing together families to support their kids in sports and creating community bonding,” Owen said. “The purpose of [Little League] is to bring kids together to learn the game in a hopefully positive environment. In PALL, you also make lifelong friends and memories that you will share your entire life, I can attest to that.”

“Little League games have been a community event for generations.”

—SHAWN OWEN

created huge opportunities in building relationships with coaches and teammates, as many kids I played Little League with are still people I know and play with today.”

Along with developing players, PALL uplifts their community by creating an encouraging atmosphere that inspires growth and leaves a lasting positive impact on everyone involved. This demonstrates how nonprofit organizations like PALL go beyond teaching kids sports, offering benefits that extend to both players and families beyond the field.

While PALL focuses on baseball and the strong bonds formed through team sports, other nonprofits in Palo Alto take a broader approach to youth development and the feeling of community. One such organization is the offers a wide range of programs expanding beyond athletics.

Andres Jimenez, Youth Sports Coordinator at the Palo Alto and East Palo Alto YMCA, believes that camaraderie is a key contributor to the YMCA.

“The YMCA is more than just a gym or sports league — it’s a community hub,” Jimenez said. “We offer accessible, skillsbased programs that help build confidence, leadership and lifelong healthy habits.”

Jimenez describes the organization as a place where young athletes grow both on and off the field.

“We focus on development over competition. Our programs are designed to teach not only the fundamentals of the sport but also teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship,” Jimenez said. “For many young athletes, the YMCA is their

Photo Courtesy of Palo Alto Little League

first introduction to structured sports and we aim to make that experience positive and impactful.”

Many Paly students visit the YMCA frequently, benefiting from their services.

“It [YMCA] gave me a place to play badminton in Palo Alto when there was no other place,” junior Veenu Damarla said. “I’ve been playing there for a little under two years.”

While nonprofits provide many advantages, they often struggle with funding instability. Many rely on donations, grants and unpredictable fundraising efforts in order to remain an asset for athletes. Limited resources can make it difficult to hire necessary staff and buy essential equip ment.

Jimenez shares how the YMCA tries to fill these gaps, suggesting that com munity sup port of non profit programs is key to keep ing them up and running.

and have been skating with them for the past 12 years, since I was four years old.”

Beyond being able to improve her skills as a figure skater, Chen has found the Winter Lodge to be a place for bonding and meeting new people, allowing her to build relationships and make memo ries.

“It’s honestly been such a great community to have somewhere that I’m doing a recreational sport and I don’t have to compete,” Chen said. “I’ve met my best friends there, I’ve been able to skate with my cousins and sisters at different times – It’s been beneficial to connect with people from different grades, ages and schools and to work together as a team.”

“Non-profit organizations are such an integral part of a vibrant community.”

—LINDA STEBBINS JENSEN

“We’re con stantly look ing for ways to expand our partnerships with local schools, communi ty centers and city programs,” Jimenez said. “We’re also working to improve our visibility so more families know about the opportunities available to them.

This shows how the YMCA makes deci sions that truly prioritize the well-being and growth of our youth and families. This further proves how important organiza tions like this are because they truly have the community’s best interests at heart.

Another nonprofit is Winter Lodge. As an organization that has been around for nearly 70 years, Winter Lodge has be come a winter tradition for many local families, providing recreational ice skat ing classes, public skating times and daily events from October through April every year. Paly sophomore Leilani Chen, a skat er at the Winter Lodge, believes that it is a great place for community building.

“Winter Lodge is where I do my sport [ice skating] and also where I am heavily involved, since I work there as well,” Chen said. “Winter Lodge is a nonprofit, so there are no competitions or anything since it’s a recreational rank, but I perform

The Winter Lodge takes pride in their support from the community, having over come in last season alone. Winter Lodge benefits the community as it brings people together so they can experience a fun place where they can meet new people and socialize.

“Nonprofit organizations are such an in that

for-profit companies would not be willing to risk their bottom lines on. We employ dozens of stu dents and we are proud to regularly donate to other nonprofits and schools to help support others to further enhance our community.”

These nonprofit organizations can be a key factor in shaping the future of Palo Alto’s sports culture. Many students from Paly started their sports careers by participating in one of these organizations; they represent opportunity and a shared belief in the impact of sports communities.

“We are always looking for volunteers to support our work—whether it’s at our Welcome Center greeting members and helping with community engagement, or assisting with youth sports programming, which is where I personally need the most help,” Jimenez said. “It’s a great way for high school students and community

Photo courtesy of Surina Debeer

SUMMER SACRIFICE

While the summer months offer a break from school and competition, Paly athletes are putting in the work behind the scenes using the summer to sharpen their skills, build confidence, and

By DYLAN ROBINSON and PETER REVENAUGH

The shrill blare of an early morning phone alarm goes off, jolting sophomore lacrosse player Richie Zhang out of bed. It’s 7 a.m. and the sun is barely up as he slowly begins his morning off strong. Zhang grabs his lacrosse cleats and gear and is out the door.

Like many dedicated athletes at Paly, Zhang devotes part of his summer break to a rigorous off-season training, grinding through the heat to return to the field faster, stronger and sharper.

With no pressure of weekly competition or full academic schedules, summer is one of the only occasions when dedicated athletes can truly focus on their long-term improvement. Whether that means getting stronger in the weight room or practicing their technique for their individual sport, training during the summer offers all types of benefits.

“During the summer I either lift or go to the field to work on specific skills," Zhang said. "I think this helps me because it gets me better and prepares me to showcase my skills to coaches."

One of the largest benefits of summer training is it's role in preparing student-athletes both physically and mentally for their return to sport. Instead of arriving at the first day of practice unprepared and needing time to regain form after a long offseason, athletes who have trained over the summer return well-conditioned and ready to perform. This proactive approach eliminates the need to spend valuable weeks gradually rebuild-

ing fitness.

“Because I train throughout the summer and year, I’m usually more conditioned than others,” Zhang said. “This gives me an advantage over others when preseason starts and we have to run a lot and condition.”

One of the most intense conditioning sports that Paly has to offer is water polo, as it combines swimming endurance with strength, while having to fight off defenders.

set themselves up for success.

“When training in the summer you can go out and do whatever you want, instead of having to do the drills that your coach prepares.”

— Richie Zhang "27

There are few sports more physically demanding and coming back to the sport without being prepared can be extremely difficult and lead to a rocky start, ac cording to junior and water polo player Estelle Dufour.

“Because [water polo] can be so phys ically demanding, many players choose to play during summer with various clubs, in fact, on certain school teams it’s even expected,” Dufour said. “I know that is a big reason why my team was able to jump into our season prepared.”

Athletes who commit to training over the summer often face the challenge of

finding a healthy balance between maintaining their competitive edge and avoiding burnout. As club teams, showcases and private training programs become increasingly common, the pressure to keep up with peers can lead some athletes to push themselves excessively. This constant comparison can create a sense of inadequacy, driving them to overtrain in an effort to stay ahead. However, without proper rest and recovery, the risk of overuse injuries and mental exhaustion increases significantly — potentially compromising their performance or sidelining them before the official season even begins.

“During last spring season, one of my teammates who was extremely dedicated to lacrosse ended up having to take a break and step away from the game because he had been practicing too much,” Zhang said. “He ended up losing his passion for the game and eventually quit because he was practicing too much.”

One of the main reasons why many Paly athletes choose not to train during the summer is due to a lack of motivation. Without strict schedules, coaches helping every step of the way or teammates pushing you during practice, training can

in-game scenarios. With the additional privilege of having no school work to focus on, athletes are free to focus solely on the little details of their game that could be ignored when the season rolls around.

“When you’re training in the summer you can go out and do whatever you want, instead of having to do the drills that your coach prepares which gives you a lot more freedom,” Zhang said. “This allows me to gain skill in areas of my game which I wouldn’t have gotten during our actual season.”

side of sports. While the summer may not receive the same visibility as the competitive season, it often serves as a critical period for high school athletes to make meaningful progress. During this time, they have the opportunity to build physical strength, develop discipline and enhance self-confidence — foundational elements that contribute to improved performance during the regular season.

“Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated over the summer because you’re not really focused on the picture of the actual season, but focused more on the weights and conditioning since that’s

Another benefit of summer training is that it allows athletes to be creative. While athletes are in season, they have to stick to a specific practice schedule with the team, limiting the room for creativity. Summer offers more diversity of learning opportunities, and this can ultimately make players more adaptable to

Both of these athletes, along with many other student-athletes from Paly, plan to work on their craft over the summer. Whether this training is weightlifting, cardio, or specific-drill work, it’s all extremely beneficial for their season, preventing possible injuries and preparing to have a step up on others. Summer provides a unique win dow of opportunity, free from the pres sures of school and competition, for athletes to focus on building strength, improving technique and addressing any weaknesses. For many, it’s also a time to set person al goals, attend camps or clinics and stay mentally sharp, en suring they return in the fall ready to contribute at the highest level.

“I would say summer weight training is definitely beneficial, because it gets you thinking of your season ahead of time, gets your body ready and gets you in the right mindset for the season because you’ve been preparing for it for much longer,” Dufour said.

Along with training, many ath letes attend camps over the summer to showcase their skills.

“Throughout the summer I at tend camps at IMG, along with camps in different states like Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey and Maryland. All these are opportunities to show my skills to re cruiters,” Zhang said.

Not all athletes are required to dedi cate every moment of their summer to training. Adequate rest and recovery are essential components of athlet ic development, as is maintaining a sense of balance and well-being out

'Summer weight training is definitely beneficial, because it gets you thinking of

Viking

ThroughTime

07-08

“Hazing”

by Peter Johnson and Noah Sneider

This investigative article exposes widespread hazing throughout the Paly athletic program, detailing harsh initiation rituals and emotional harm.

09-10

“How Athletic is Paly?”

by Alex Kershner

Have you ever wondered how athletic we are as a school? The Viking measured Palo Alto High School’s athletic program using a custom scoring system based on athlete participation, championships, number of teams, and Division I alumni.

08-09

“There and Back”

by Hannah Brody and Lauren Hammerson

In honor of the 100th issue of Viking, we highlighted one story from each year to commemorate our publication.

By LUCAS TUNG and LUKE JOACHIM

“There and Back” recounts Palo Alto High School junior John Anderton’s battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma and his inspiring return to the soccer field. The story emphasizes his resilience, the support of his community, and the strength it took to overcome a lifethreatening illness.

10-11

“The Silent Impact” by John Dickerson, Nathan Norimoto, and Mariah Philips

“The Silent Impact” explores the serious consequences of concussions in high school sports, highlighting personal stories like that of Michael Lyzwa and Riley Smith.

“Beneath the Surface” by Kevin Dukovic, Jacob Lauing, and Nora Rosati 11 12

At Paly, student-athletes continue to face racial stereotypes and discrimination despite the school’s diversity. “Beneath the Surface” highlights how these challenges affect athletes’ experiences and shows how sports can foster unity across cultural lines.

12-13

“Ripped and Legal”

by Paul Bienaime and Rohit Rakumar

This cover story explores why some high school athletes feel pressured to use performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs and highlights the resolve of PALY coaches and athletes to )stay “clean,” despite limited funding for drug testing.

13-14

“Last Call”

by Alex Murray and Josh Stern

Last Call is a tribute to Ronald McNulty, a Paly teacher who created the Literature of Sport elective and helped grow the journalism program, serving as an adviser for both InFocus and The Viking.

15 16

“Tumbling into Tolerance”

by

Maddy Atwater and Lauren Koyama

14-15 “Influenced Athletes”

by Clara Harrington and Meredith Kinnamen

High school athletes often face a tough choice between socializing and staying committed to their sport. Influenced Athletes examines how peer pressure, team dynamics, and personal goals influence their decisions about substance use during the season.

Tumbling into Tolerance documents the experience of Paly’s male cheerleaders, who faced repeated harassment and bullying for joining the cheer team, emphasizing the continuous stigma surrounding male cheerleaders.

“Social Athletes”

by

Sabrina Hall and Tess Preising

16 17

This story covers how Paly athletes use social media and how it influences their everyday lives. While this digital presence brings exposure and opportunity, it also opens the door to public controversy and pressure to maintain a flawless image.

18-19

17-18

“Gray Area”

by Maria Fletcher, Yue Shi, Nathan Seto, and Ryan Strathearn

“Gray Area” tells the story of Henry Ford, a former NFL player who faced racism and career setbacks but became an influential high school coach. He used his experience to mentor students and promote inclusivity at Paly.

by

“Stepping into the Limelight”

Sanaz Ebrahimi, Zach Philips, David Hickey, and Ya’el Sarig

Stepping into the Limelight discusses the overlooked contributions of behind-the-scenes personnel in sports, such as photographers, team managers, custodial staff, and athletic trainers. The story discusses the warrior’s equipment manager Eric Housen who was honored with a championship ring by Steph Curry for his longtime dedication.

19-20 “Training forTwo”

21-22

by Ya’el Sarig, Natalie Schilling, Victoria Soulodre, Libby Spier, Emma Stefanutti, and Gwyneth Wong 20 21

This cover story discusses the challenges faced by pregnant athletes, explaining how societal expectations and discrimination from sponsors and employers pressure them to rush their return to competition.

“50 Years of Progress

by Trey Collins, Yasmin Friedrichowitz, Grace Gormley, and Grace Li

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX; a law enacted in 1972, that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded educational programs and activities. “50 Years of Progress is here to broadcast the major impact Title IX has had on women’s sports, mainly under accessibility purposes. Also the article talks about Title IX’s role in mandating institutions to address and prevent sexual harassment and misconduct.

23 24

“Dunking on Stereotypes”

by Grace Gormley, Tyler Martin, Max Merkel, and Dylan Robinson

“Dunking on Stereotypes” explores the rising popularity, and growing positive perception of women’s basketball. Specifically highlighting how star athletes like Caitlyn Clark and Sabrina Ionescu have reshaped the narrative around women in basketball.

“The

Evolution of the Athlete Activist”

24 25

by Anika Chang, David Gormley, Callum Olsen, and Madhu Ramkumar by Grace Gormley, Eliza Gaither, and Hillary Studdert

Athletes today are using social media as a powerful tool to speak out against social injustices. While figures like Muhammad Ali and John Carlos once faced heavy backlash, modern athletes like Colin Kaepernick can now bypass censorship and amplify their message globally.

22-23

“The Menstration Situation”

This article explores the challenges menstruating students face in balancing academics and extracurricular activities, the physical and emotional demands of their menstrual cycles, and calls out the lack of discussions regarding menstruation in school and misinformation about the topic.

“Transforming the Game”

by Scarlett Frick, Amanda Goody, Jake Liu, and Mabel McCarter

Amid recent executive orders, the debate over transgender athletes has intensified, with the article highlighting diverse perspectives and raising awareness.

A L

Religion plays a meaningful role in the lives of many Paly students. But how do the often distinct worlds of faith and athletics intersect—and what happens when they do?

Bent down over the starting block, knees sore but spirits high, junior June Tau recites a quick prayer before the starting pistol fires. As a practicing follower of Catholicism, Tau believes that with her faith, anything can be achieved. Tau is among many athletes who have a strong relationship with their religion. On the television or in the media, professional athletes are at times seen praying before a match, or doing the sign of the cross in the midst of play. For many, faith can be the foundation that supports athletes in excelling in their athletic performance. However, there are also some con- flicting factors regarding prayer and play. Different beliefs, rituals and codes attached to religion may interfere with a high school athlete’s experience.

Religion intersects with sports in more ways than one,

and one important factor is the strengthened connection between the mind, body and soul. Many athletes believe that when they are able to connect to their religion, they feel better, more complete, and subsequently can often perform at higher levels than they would have reached otherwise.

Palo Alto High School represents a diverse and culturally rich community, where all religious identities are present and welcomed to express themselves freely. For this reason, it is common to have athletes who are involved in religious activities that may affect their play and routines. Oftentimes, religious athletes must make a choice when their athletic and religious responsibilities clash. One such example is Tau.

“In my faith, we are taught not to participate in any extracurricular activities on Sunday,” Tau said. “This belief often conflicted with my sports practice and game schedule since I was unable to play or practice on Sunday.”

In high school, students often juggle athletic and academic responsibilities alongside their religious practices. Balancing these demands can be difficult, requiring both compromise and sacrifice.

“I try to balance my religious practices and athletic commitments by try-

“I try to balance my religious practices and athletic commitments by trying to maximize the amount of time and effort going into both without letting one fall behind.”

— Yotam Rachman (‘27)

man said. “This could mean missing a couple of practices to celebrate the holidays with my family, or if I am traveling for a competition, then it could mean celebrating the holiday abroad, doing whatever I can to try and maintain my commitments to both.”

Sophomore Sione Fusimalohi also spoke about how his faith influences his athletic experience when practicing Catholicism, the branch of Christianity to which she belongs.

“My faith gives me a motivation to strive for my best in practice, and I believe it’s protected me and my team throughout the season,” Fusimalohi said.

Specifically in Catholicism, one prays to the five rosaries which each of which has a different significance. Fusimalohi keeps these rosaries in mind and usually makes a prayer designated to each.

“Many people I’ve talked to, in addition to me as well, seem to think that with God watching over us, we can do well throughout the process,” Fusimalohi said.

Despite this, curveballs in athletics are hard to avoid. Religion acts as a pillar for athletes dealing with injuries, bench time and disappointment. Sophomore and multi-sport athlete Adam Maldonado believes that God gives the toughest battles to the toughest soldiers.

Just this year, Maldonado experienced a battle for himself — the long recovery from tearing his ACL.

Maldonado tore this ligament

near the end of his football season, which unfortunately compromised his ability to participate in the upcoming varsity bas ketball season. “God has a plan for us all,” Maldonado said. His belief that every thing happens for a reason has allowed him to maintain his composure and con tinue his dedication to basketball.

“My religious beliefs have allowed me to feel a sense of ‘home’ the same way playing my sports has,” Maldonado said.

Injuries like Maldonado’s are hard to avoid, but proper diet and nutrition can improve performance and actually aid in jury prevention. Many religions around the world celebrate holidays that require dietary changes for short periods of time. Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Hinduism all have one thing in common — holidays that require fasting or changes in diet.

For many Paly athletes, these holidays lead to short-term diet changes, which can impact sports performance, energy and mood. Rachman, who follows Juda ism, often needs to turn to alternative sources to make sure he can meet his nu tritional needs during Passover or similar holidays in the Jewish religious calendar.

“[Passover] forces me to change my diet so I am still consuming a healthy amount of food and calories that my Gymnastics diet requires me to do,” Rachman said.

This is a common struggle for athletes who celebrate religious holidays that re quire dietary restrictions. Even at the high school level, many athletes are on strict diets or at least have specific goals for the amount of nutrients and calories that they must hit every day, no matter the circumstance.

“My faith gives me a motivation to strive for my best in practice, and I believe it’s protected me and my team throughout the season.”

— Sione Fusimalohi (‘27)

Other religious holidays require followers to completely fast — eating no food or drink at all for extended periods of time, which can leave the participant low on energy or exhausted. The most well-known holiday is Ramadan, an Islamic holiday which is celebrated predominantly during the month of March.

Ramadan, similar to Passover, requires worshipers to abstain from eating or drinking anything while the sun remains in the sky, feasting once the sun sets and darkness covers the land. Transitioning into complete fasting during the day, especially for young athletes,

increased life satisfaction, and reduced substance abuse. For some athletes, sports offer only temporary enjoyment, while faith represents a lifelong commitment — one that many are deeply devoted to honoring.

sunrise to sunset, which affects my effort as well as energy level during the game,” Valiani said.

According to the National Institute of Health, Religion and spirituality can also positively impact mental health through various pathways, including providing social support, offering a sense of meaning and purpose, and encouraging healthy coping mechanisms. The same organization suggests that religious involvement can lead to lower rates of depression and anxiety,

“Sometimes I have to play during Ramadan, during which I will not have eaten or drunk water from sunrise to sunset, which affects my effort as well as energy level during the game.”

“I believe that there is always a life beyond sports, which means that we won’t be playing our specific sports forever, and that we shouldn’t worry too much about the future, cause everything will be okay,” Tau said. “Failing is just a way to learn, and every great athlete has more failures than successes.”

— Owais Valiani (‘27)

For high school athletes, almost nothing remains constant: schedules shift, the demands of school and athletics pile up, and routines are often disrupted. For sophomore Taekwondo player Lumi Lee and many others, faith can bring security and structure to moments of uncertainty.

“Through Christ, I’ve found greater purpose and strength to give my best in the sport I love,” Lee said. “When I take time to reconnect with [Christianity], everything starts to fall into place.”

Beyond the stability that practicing a religion can bring for Paly athletes, being a part of a religious community can also bring connections that may have been challenging to find otherwise.

In fact, many people compare the closeness of religious communities to that of sports teams: both, after all, centralize around a specific area, where working closely and passionately together with others can lead to improved results for all involved.

“Everyone within my religious community believes the same things, and everyone within my sports community wants the same things,” Tau said. “These mutual wants make it easier for everyone to come together.”

Whether you are fasting all month for Ramadan or Yom Kippur, or saying prayers before a meal, religion helps people stay grounded through all walks of life.

Even though sports and religion have been deeply intertwined throughout history, it has not come without its fair share of struggles. In fact, it was not until fairly recently that American athletes have openly shared their religious beliefs in sports. According to ESPN, the first prayer circle in the National Football League is thought to have happened in a 1990 game between some players of the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. Even though athletes have been found wearing religious symbols since the early days of the Olympics, there was a push by sporting organizations to separate religion and sports. According to FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, had a rule banning any headgear, including religious headgear. Muslim athlete Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir courageously challenged this policy by wearing her hijab during games. Despite facing significant backlash from the league and some fans, her stand gained widespread support. Ultimately, her advocacy contributed to the lifting of the ban.

Balancing athletics, schoolwork and relationships can be extremely stressful for many of Paly’s hard-working students. While following a religion can add another layer of complication on top of the existing confusion, faith offers a unique way to bring a sense of order and unity with oneself and with others to the lives of students.

Viking Q:

Alumni:

Where are they now?

Years after leaving Paly, our alumni reflect on their time on Viking, and how the skills they learned on the publication continue to help them in their professions after graduation.

By MALCOLM GINWALLA and ADI WEINER

How has Viking helped you in your career after graduation?

“Viking and the Paly journalism program prepared me extremely well, whether it’s how production works, how to conduct yourself or handle yourself when giving an interview.”

—Tyler Frick (‘24) Colllege Student

“Transitioning from being a writer to co-EIC gave me the opportunity to learn how to be a better leader, recognize my own strengths and weaknesses, and manage others while still holding myself to a high standard.”

—Kylie Callan (‘18) MD at University of Utah

“I really believe that the teamwork and project timeline nature of working on Viking is applicable to so many other things in life.”

—Bryan Look (‘18) Camera Design Engeneer

Q:

What advice would you give someone trying to break into sports journalism?

“Consume everything across so you at least have a baseline understanding in the off chance that you are asked to write/speak about something more obscure than simply football or basketball.”

—Sabrina Hall (‘18)

Associate Account Executive

Q:“Push yourself when you’re uncomfortable. Sometimes the wins in this space happen when you’re doing things and asking questions you wouldn’t normally.”

—Maria Fletcher (‘19)

Orthopedic Consultant

“Consume media through the lens of a fan and think about the kind of content that speak to their interests. I always try to think about how to maximize the real-estate on each platform and cater to its unique audiences.”

—Sammy Solomon (‘13) Interactivity Lead at the NBA

What skills would you recommended for Young journalists?

“Comfortability with interviewing was key for me. Also, practicing receiving and implementing edits.”

—Skylar Burris (‘21) Content Coordinator

“I think that key qualities to have are being inquisitive, and staying open to new perspectives.”

—Stan De Martel (‘18) Data Scientist

By ROAN HANEY and ETHAN WANG

$ $

CHOICE The Hundred-Dollar

From Paly athlete to viral health icon, Brendan Ruh is reshaping wellness for a new generation.

Aman stands outside of a Mc Donald’s with a 100 dollar bill in his hand. As a potential cus tomer walks up, the man proposes a sim ple offer. They get the 100 dollars, and in return they turn around, go somewhere else, and get a healthy alternative. There are no twists, no caveats.

something that you’re truly interested in, once I learned a bit about anthropology, I just found it fascinating and I loved it.”

“But I like to blend that reading of the scientific papers with what we know and have known as humans forever.”

He blends his formal training in anthropology with his research to create a cohesive and multidisciplinary approach.

The man is 2010 Paly graduate Brendan Ruh, better known as wellness influencer Santa Cruz Medicinals on social media. With a million followers on TikTok, Ruh is changing the health industry through his viral short videos promoting health and wellness ideology.

Ruh’s career started at Palo Alto High School, where he played varsity soccer and ran track, laying the grounds for his lifelong passion for health and wellness. He graduated in 2010, alongside star athletes Davante Adams (NFL Pro Bowler and All-Pro NFL wide receiver), and Joc Pederson (MLB Two-time All-Star, two-time World Series winner). Ruh values his early years in Palo Alto as a time of growth of character and mind.

“It was great, I think it’s an amazing place to grow up because Paly has that excellent mix of academics and sports, it’s a wild place to grow up for sure,” Ruh said. “People oftentimes don’t recognize how lucky we are, and then once you really get out there in the real world, you realize it really does serve you well, and you just end up in a better position.”

After Paly, Ruh attended the University of California Santa Cruz, where he majored in medical anthropology, the study of how health and illness intersect with human history and culture.

His college education helped shape his career, as it gave him the foundation to continue building his knowledge and interest in health.

“It got me really interested in health and wellness because when you start to realize where we came from as human be ings, you start to learn how you can be healthy, and from there, I just dove deeper into health and wellness overall,” Ruh said.

“I try to show a lot of my life and my life is lived in a healthy way, so people see it and they see us having fun and doing some fun stuff, it makes [this lifestyle] cool.”

— Brendan Ruh

Ruh uses a wide array of sources and studies to make his dissertations and stances. He keeps up with recent studies in the health and nutrition world, trying to have the most relevant, recent, and thoroughly-researched ideas.

“I love to read the research, I’m always on PubMed [a public database] reading new research articles and stuff,” Ruh said.

“There’s a lot of information on what Homo Sapiens have eaten, we do well with certain foods like unprocessed food, fruits, vegetables and yes, red meat, eggs, fish, dairy,” Ruh said. “There’s been cultures eating these foods forever and they are extremely good health biomarkers, so I just kinda stick to what’s worked.”

Ruh recently celebrated one million followers in February of 2025 on his TikTok account “Santa Cruz Medicinals”, an account focused on spreading health and wellness to all, especially young adults as they begin developing their own habits and routines.

“After high school, it’s a tragedy, for a lot of people it’s when they start their downfall,” Ruh said. “They might play a sport in high school or even just mess around with their friends, then you get into college and a lot of people start drinking [alcohol], and not moving as much, and then after that, they’re just stagnant at work and

it goes completely downhill.”

At the base of his content, he tries to push an active and robust lifestyle, building humor and entertainment off of it. Part of his popularity came from campaign against seed oils and synthetic food dyes, this push became very popular for young people and athletes on TikTok.

“I’m a big proponent of eating fruits and vegetables,” Ruh said. “It definitely is what I try to push most with my content, of getting people outdoors, eating more real food, exercising, developing healthy habits, and looking into their health.”

Ruh uses humor and entertainment value to grow his platform, pushing healthy lifestyles and especially healthy nutrition to even more people. His platform now reaches 1.1 million followers on TikTok and 727,000 followers on Instagram. Importantly, his content on TikTok resonates with younger audiences at impressionable ages.

“I have tons of kids coming up to me going ‘hey you help me quit soda’ or ‘you help me start eating healthy,’ ‘you helped me start thinking about nutrition’ and that’s what continues to drive me, to see the real change that we make,” Ruh said. His advice for the younger generations is relatively simple, and aims to discourage destructive habits like drugs and alcohol early on.

“I think with high school you really need to not get on the bad stuff, that being things like drinking a bunch of soda, eating fast food too often,” Ruh said. “And dude vaping bro, your generation has a horrible vape problem. Just eat real food and exercise, you’re gonna be better off than most people.”

For starting pitcher on the Paly baseball team Henry Harding (‘25), this advice is what initially brought attention to Ruh.

“He talked about how substance abuse at Paly had messed up some of his friends, and I thought that was interesting, later I kept on seeing more and more videos from him that I liked and eventually he just became very popular,” Harding said. “He is a businessman, he is from Palo Alto high school, he grew up here, he’s just an amazing guy.”

For Ruh, his content online doesn’t just maintain a strict educational tone, but instead keeps a lighthearted attitude, with his biggest hit recently being the ‘locked in challenge’. In the challenge, Ruh brings out several other influencers from TikTok ‘lock in,’ in this context meaning to maintain focus on health. He runs no advertisements or sponsorships, focusing solely on

improving his audience and content.

“I try to make it funny, I try not to always be pushing products or pushing nutrition,” Ruh said. “I try to show a lot of my life and my life is lived in a healthy way, so people see it and they see us having fun and doing some fun stuff, it kind of makes [this lifestyle] cool.”

In the ‘locked in’ challenge, participants follow a strict diet that Ruh sets, eating healthy and simple, as well as exercising and doing various activities such as surfing or jiu-jitsu in hopes that that routine sticks, and in the future the influencers keep those healthi er habits in their lives.

lytes to stay hydrated and prevent cramping during games and practices,” Helft said. “I strongly believe in his emphasis on natural products and his stance on diverging from seed oils and red 40 [food dyes].”

“I saw his [Brendan’s] videos all the time, and I thought what he had to say was interesting, so I tried his electrolytes, and actually really liked them.”

— Ella Hwang (‘25)

“The locked-in challenge is where I get some people that are struggling with health and wellness, usually influencers or streamers, and I put them through various challenges to prove how locked in they really are and just get them inspired to be healthier human beings,” Ruh said.

Many students, such as Paly swimmer Mario Ferrante (‘26) found his products through his online content.

“I started seeing his videos pop up on my feed, and it was pretty engaging and interesting, but also funny seeing some funny influencers collaborate with him,” Ferrante said. “After that, I tried his prod ucts, and actually really liked them.”

Ruh has done challenges like these with many influencers who are popular with high schoolers, especially on TikTok.

“I think it’s insane that somehow I’ve worked into the main influencer thing, if you talk about 50 influencers on TikTok or social media, I’m in that mix, somehow I’ve managed to work my way in there,” Ruh said. “[I’ve done it] while pushing the mes sage like real health and wellness, it’s pretty crazy to me.”

As Ruh grew up at Paly, he continues to have a large impact on many student-ath letes in Palo Alto. Senior Sam Helft has firsthand experience with the benefits of Branden Ruh’s products and ideology against processed foods.

“I utilize the Santa Cruz Paleo electro

Brendan Ruh has utilized his social media platform and influence to build a brand that is changing the lives of young athletes nationwide. From tenaciously spreading awareness of the repercussions of consuming processed foods to selling healthy wellness products, Ruh has changed the way this generation approaches health and fitness.

“Some of the younger generations just kind of give up… Like no, find something you’re passionate about and go hard at it,” Ruh said. “Why not, you’re only on this earth once, go hard at whatever it is you wanna do.”

Ella Hwang (‘25) holds up her Santa Cruz Paleo electrolytes.

Photo by ETHAN WANG

By JULIET FRICK and NATHAN LEE

Silenced

Sidelines the On

Amid growing public scrutiny, recent cases reveal ongoing challenges related to gender discrimination in the sports industry.

In stadiums and arenas packed with cheering fans, athletic organizations garner support from millions of ad mirers worldwide. These organizations frequently paint a picture of equality and progress — but how much do fans really know about the happenings behind the scenes of these establishments?

Studies point towards the idea that for a number of these administrations, gen der discrimination towards females is a deeply rooted issue.

This discrimination doesn’t just occur among female athletes — it is regularly common among female staffers as well. According to a survey conducted by the group Women in Football, the number of women experiencing discrimination in the football industry is continuing to rise. The survey showed that 89% of women working in football have experienced discrimination in the workplace, a number that was up from 82% in 2023 and 66% four years ago.

Troy Taylor, Stanford’s head football coach from 2022 to 2025, is the latest figure under the spotlight. According to ESPN, there were two internal investigations into Taylor, both of which revealed a pattern of hostility, inappropriate behavior and targeted aggression, particularly toward female staff members.

moving on to coaching.

After coach ing at the University of Utah and Sac ramento State, Taylor was hired as Stanford’s head football coach in December of 2022. He coached Stanford to two 3-win and 9-loss seasons in 2023 and 2024.

Josh Dubow

Stanford launched two separate investigations into the be havior of Taylor after multiple complaints were filed by the staff. These complaints centered around hostile and aggressive behavior, as well as personal attacks. The in football.”

“I don’t think Taylor would have been fired in March had ESPN not published the report.”

The investigation ended with Taylor signing an agreement on February 14, 2024, stating that if this misconduct continued, his contract would be terminated.

The second investigation was conducted during the summer of 2024, just a few months after the conclusion of the first investigation. This investigation, led by Timothy O’Brien, lawyer and senior counsel for the Libby, O’Brien, Kingsley & Champion law firm, found even more concerning behavior toward female staffers. According to O’Brien’s writings,

he had never seen this level of “animosity and disdain” towards a coach’s staff and a team’s compliance officer. The job of Stanford’s compliance officer is to ensure the organization is following the laws, specifically the NCAA rules.

“Even during the interview with me, when talking about compli ance issues, Coach Tay lor’s tone was forceful and aggressive,” O’Brien said in his orig inal report of Taylor’s behavior.

Furthermore, the in vestigation claimed that Taylor allegedly attempted to have the team’s compli ance officer removed after she warned him of NCAA violations; said violations in cluded more inappropriate comments and discriminatory behavior toward the staff’s female employees.

back,” Dubow said. “I don’t think Taylor would have been fired in March had ESPN not published the report.”

Julie Yang

“There is not enough accountability for the treatment of women not only in sports, but outside of sports and in life.”

Even after two initial investigations, Taylor wasn’t terminated, suspended, or punished in any way. Legal experts argue that Stanford’s delayed response raises concerns about Title IX compliance, which was specifically put in place to avoid situations such as Taylor’s.

Title IX laws not only require that female athletes be given equal opportunities in terms of participation and scholarships, but they also require protection from gender discrimination of female employees in federally funded institutions. Although Stanford is a private university, they receive federal funding for research, meaning that Title IX laws apply to every program within

“Firing Troy Taylor was definitely the right choice because what he did to the female staffers of the football team was very unprofessional,” Yang said.

From Yang’s perspective, because Stanford is a tremendously influential program, she believes this incident set a substandard example for all collegiate sports.

“Stanford is well known for being an amazing sports program and in terms of the actions of a coach like Troy Taylor, it is both a letdown for the team, but also quite offensive to the program itself,” Yang said. “Many people put a lot of faith and trust in prestigious colleges and Stanford is an exemplary college that many people look up to.”

But the impact of these issues expands far beyond the high school and collegiate level, they take place in professional leagues as well. One such example includes the Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Football Team.

In 2021, the Washington Commanders, a team that was at the time known as the Washington Football Team, was fined

Despite these findings, Taylor remained the head coach of the Stanford football team through the fall of the 2024 season and up until March 25, 2025, when he was fired by Andrew Luck.

“In recent days, there has been significant attention to Stanford investigations in previous years related to Coach Taylor,” Luck said in a statement released by Stanford. “After continued consideration, it is evident to me that our program needs a reset.”

Luck’s decision to let Taylor go came less than four months after he became the Stanford football team’s first General Manager in late November of 2024. The abruptness of this major decision, made by a new hire for the university’s athletic department, may raise questions from the public about what caused this sudden termination and why it didn’t happen sooner.

One of these truth-seekers is Josh Dubow, an Associated Press Journalist. Dubow stated that he believes the reason Taylor was fired was because the ESPN report became public.

“I think Luck acted now mostly because it became public and there was blow-

Taylor’s case is certainly not the first ex emplifying the mistreatment of female employees in athletic programs.

Alarmingly, most sexual discrimination cases remain unreported due to fears of retaliation and skepticism about report ing, as confirmed by a study from the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which found that 93% of athletes did not report such incidents.

According to sophomore Julie Yang, sexism within athletics can occur at all levels of play, even within high school competition.

“I’ve definitely experi enced many struggles as a female athlete within my sport (track and field), partially because the sport is co-ed,” Yang said. “I’ve felt a lot of pressure when competing with the boys on the team, which can make me feel less confident in myself and my abilities.”

7:2

In the field of professional athletics, there are two women to every seven men.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

From a standout female athlete’s perspective, Yang strongly believes that Stanford’s decision to fire Taylor was the correct course of action.

practices as unprofessional to female employees.

The NFL’s investigation found many instances of harassment, mistreatment, and inappropriate behavior towards females within the organization. These accusations spanned several years, portraying the management’s lack of awareness of the issues occurring within the program.

Over 40 employees who were under the management of Dan Snyder, former owner of the Washington Commanders, came forward in 2021 about workplace violations and harassment within the organization, ultimately leading to the costly fine.

In 2023, Snyder sold the Washington Commanders for 6 billion, largely due to the implications caused by the many scandals that occurred with the team during his ownership. In a statement following the sale, lawyers Lisa Banks and Debra Katz, who represented the employees facing harassment, expressed

their issues with the NFL’s treatment of the situation. According to Banks and Katz, ignorance of allegations like these speaks to the overall mishandling of sexism in the professional athletic workplace.

“The NFL must be more vigilant and must ensure that owners are held to the same standards as all employers; sexual harassment is illegal and must not be tolerated,” Banks and Katz said in the statement.

Overall, these incidents exemplify the systemic problems for women not only in the athletic industry but in all walks of life.

“There is not enough accountability for the treatment of women, not only in sports, but outside of sports and in life,” Yang said.

Although these situations are an unfavorable illustration of the clear gender dynamics portrayed in the athletic industry, Yang believes that this occurrence is not isolated and there is a clear lesson

to be learned from both Taylor’s case as well as the story of the Washington Commanders.

“Hopefully these situations will become more mainstream and bring more awareness to females and female mental health,” Yang said.

The cases of Taylor and the Washington Commanders expose the systemic gender discrimination in sports, where institutions will often prioritize reputation over accountability and change. Despite Title IX protections, action often remains delayed until public pressure intervenes. Progress requires the enforcement of equity policies and accountability for misconduct.

These two cases are only a glimpse into a much larger issue that continues to unfold across the athletic business. They serve as both lessons and a call to action to raise awareness for the ongoing issues for women in sports, especially behind the scenes.

Timeline of the Firing of Troy Taylor

June 2024

Second internal investigation into Troy Taylor begins.

March 2025

Taylor fired following an ESPN exposé and increased public pressure.

into Troy Taylor begins.

December 2022

Troy Taylor hired at Stanford from Sacramento State.

Reviving the NBA

All-Star Game

THE FINAL WORD

By GREG GOODY and MABEL MCCARTER

The NBA All-Star game has been on the decline for years losing interest from viewers as a sports event. However, the NHL just gave the league the perfect solution.

During the 2024 Olympics, Team USA’s Men’s basketball team dominated. With a roster headlined by Steph Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the team played as expected. Their domination brought them to a finals matchup against France. France was headlined by 2024 Rookie of The Year Victor Wembanyama and was set to create a good matchup for the United States. The matchup resulted in over 20 million viewers, more than quadruple the viewers brought in for the NBA All star game. The game lived up to expectations with a close finish and spectacular plays by star players like Steph Curry. The game felt like it had high stakes with players giving their all, proving that international competition can create an entertaining environment for basketball fans.

Every four years, the world comes together for the summer Olympics, where the best basketball players in the world play for their countries. But in the NBA All-Star game, where the same level of talent is present, the competition and energy is lackluster when compared to the Olympics.

Between fear of injury, poor formatting and low stakes, many players don’t take the game seriously. This disappoints fans and people begin to tune out and lose interest.

For the past few years, the NBA AllStar games have been quite forgettable, marked by low viewership, low stakes and limited player effort. Originally, the All-Star game was created to attract more attention to the NBA; the first game was viewed as a success, as it brought larger crowds than regular-season games. In the past few years, the NBA has been trying to make changes, but these efforts have provided limited improvement.

The

pride for playing for your home country

one being the repetitiveness of the event, as it hasn’t changed in almost 70 years. An example of this repetitiveness can be seen in the Dunk Contest, an event that used to be must-watch TV. From All-star players jumping over cars and seven-footers to players blowing out a candle on the rim mid-dunk, highlights were in no short supply throughout the event. In 2016, the NBA experienced one of its best All-Star dunk contests, including some of the most memorable dunks from Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon, who displayed extreme athleticism and creativity. Players are still doing similar things nowadays, however, the aspect of originality has completely dissipated.

The traditional East vs West style has been used since the first All-Star game in 1951. However, the NBA switched to a draft-style game in 2018 due to poor reviews. The draftstyle game worked as such: there would be two captains, one from each conference and they would alternate in drafting from a pool of All-Star players from any conference. This format would be used all the way until 2023, when the league saw its lowest All-Star ratings of all time, with only 4.6 million viewers.

The league made note of this and returned to the East vs West style game in 2024, resulting in marginally increased viewership of 5.4 million. However, it was still low for a league, considering the increase in popularity across the globe each calendar year.

Various elements explain the All-Star Game’s decline over the last few years,

Another argument could be that the players are not trying or participating in the event. In the last few games, it has been readily apparent that none of the players actually want to be there, as it is technically their one week off from September to April, or possibly longer, depending on how their team does in the playoffs. With star players like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic shooting terrible shots from halfcourt five times a game, the game has never been less competitive. The scores are a perfect example of the lack of competitiveness; in 2024, the East All-Stars took down the West All-Stars 211186, having both teams hit or surpass the record for most points scored by a tradi -

tional team in an NBA game ever. The lack of defensive effort shown by players makes the game feel pointless. Finally, players outright sit out of the events. The dunk contest is another great example of this argument. In the 90s-20s, we got to see star players like Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Nate Robinson and Allen Iverson take on the dunk contest, some of the most formidable NBA players of the time. Nowadays, the contest is headlined by Mac McClung, who has won the contest the last three years in a row, as well as rookie players that casual fans might not have gotten to know yet.

This brings us to 2025, where the for mat of the game was altered by the NBA once again. It consisted of a four-team style tournament; three of the teams were picked by Inside the NBA anchors Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith and the fourth team was made up of “Rising Stars” which featured some of the best first and second year players in the league. This was done with the hopes of motivating allstars to try harder, with the idea that losing to the younger players would cause humiliation. Some of the games were more competitive than in years past, but it still was not at the stan dard that most fans uphold the NBA to. This caused the game to see it’s second lowest ratings ever.

than double the NHL’s previous high o f 8.9 million for Game Seven of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final. It marked the mostwatched non-Olympic hockey game in history.

The pride of playing for your home country is not rivaled by anything in sports. To know that your whole country is cheering for you can be extremely powerful and motivational for players, possibly even more moti

Similarly to the NBA, the NHL was ex periencing issues with its All-Star game until they found a format that proved successful. The NHL split up their AllStars into teams from four different coun tries, including USA, Canada, Finland and Sweden, calling it the Four Nations Tournament. The format presented im mediate success and positive ratings from fans. The players were all giving their best effort, as they were driven by their rivalry with other countries. This was predominantly evident in the USA vs Canada games. The players in the NHL have not been allowed to participate in the Winter Olympics since 2014, mean ing that it’s been a while since we have seen this rivalry in its purest form. The teams met twice during the tournament, with the USA winning the first game 3-1. The tournament final sparked massive excitement, breaking records across the hockey world. The showdown between the USA and Canada drew 16 million viewers in North America alone — more

team-style events for the countries to take part in.

The level of effort would rival that of the NBA Playoffs.

mat provides the perfect solution for the NBA All-Star game. One might say that the NHL is more nationally diverse and that was the only reason the tournament was so competitive. This argument is questionable if we take a look at the 2024 Olympics. Although the US team was made up almost entirely of All-Star players, they still had competitive matches against Canada, Serbia and France—teams led by NBA superstars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama. However, the

The level of effort would rival that of the NBA Playoffs, as the players are playing for more than just themselves. As a fan, it would be more entertaining to cheer for your home country than just your favorite player. It would ideally serve as a scaled-down version of Olympic basketball However, it wouldn’t diminish the excitement surrounding the Olympics, as there are still players outside the NBA who headline the Olympics every few years.

Instead of having the whole event in one city over a short weekend, the games could be played internationally, similar to the Four Nations Tournament and the Olympics. This would bring more international fandom and exposure to a growing league and in general, just increase popularity surrounding basketball.

The solution to the NBA All-Star problem lies right beside them, within the sport of Hockey. The NHL broadcasted a solution to the NBA and 16 million other enthusiastic fans when they debuted their Four Nations Tournament. Implementing the Four Nations Tournament into the NBA All-Star weekend would

Felix Ryans (‘26) looks for a pass under pressure from an opponent. Photo by Lucas Tung

Justin Fung (‘27) acrobatically leaps through the air toward the basket. Photo by Lucas Tung

Krishar Magna (‘26) sprints into action, looking to win the ball back for his team. Photo by Lucas Tung

Nina Faust (‘26) dribbles the ball forward looking to set up a scoring opportunity. Photo by Lucas Tung