Sports
Thursday, March 14, 2013
17
Laura Elbaum Krishna Mocherla By Shyam Senthilkumar Copy Editor Although his time spent at the back of the court cracking jokes and playing pranks may make him seem like a slacker, senior Krishna Mocherla is a critical member of the South Pas team. Mocherla began playing tennis seriously in 6th grade when he became a member of the U.S. Tennis Association. With the organization, Mocherla was able to sign up for numerous youth
Anastasia Velicescu
Senior Krishna Mocherla is captain of tennis and plays number two doubles.
tournaments to improve his game. He joined the junior varsity tennis team his freshman year and played a significant role from the start, holding the number two singles spot. Mocherla made the transition to varsity his sophomore year and began playing doubles with fellow senior Scott Richards. “What I love most about the sport is that it’s very solitary. When you’re on the court all responsibility falls on you,” Mocherla said. Mocherla has stepped to be a team captain for his final season. Although his skill as a player is great, his most valuable asset to the team may be his positive attitude. Mocherla uses his sense of humor to keep the team lively. “He often comes off as laid back but when it’s time to play he is always the most competitive. Our team needs him to provide results, and if he does we have a good chance of doing well,” said Richards.” Mocherla’s dedication to tennis is especially remarkable given his rigorous schedule off the court. He played water polo at SPHS for three years, is an Eagle Scout, and is a member of the varsity virtual business team at SPHS. He plans to attend a four-year university and major in business, but as far as tennis goes, Mocherla’s future is uncertain. Although he doesn’t plan to play competitively in college, Mocherla is sure he will always be able to find time for the sport.
Siria Medina
Senior Laura Elbaum is a four year varsity player and hopes to lead softball to CIF. By Andrew Shults Staff Writer If not for a lonely friend and a strong sense of compassion, senior Laura Elbaum would not have discovered her passion for softball, and the South Pasadena squad would be without one of its critical players. Elbaum was first introduced to the sport in second grade. Her friend wanted someone to play with in little league, and Elbaum agreed. “I had played soccer before and was a pretty athletic and active kid, so I naturally enjoyed playing softball,” Elbaum said. Playing on South Pas varsity since ninth grade, Elbaum has worked with three coaches in four years yet has seen great improvement in the team, going from winless in league in sophomore year to barely missing CIF last season. This year, Elbaum has higher goals for the squad. “It would be nice to go to CIF,” Elbaum said. “But we need to improve from the past years and improve on our mistakes, move
forward and to play as a whole.” Elbaum’s favorite aspect of the South Pas squad is the camaraderie. “We all have a common goal of doing well each year and this goal pushes us to come together and use our individual skills to play well as a team,” Elbaum said. “My team also knows how to joke around and have fun at practice while still staying focused enough and motivated for important games.” The senior accredits her success to her dedication to the sport and her communication skills. Nicknamed “the fairy,” because of her optimism, Elbaum is constant reminder to her teammates to stay positive and motivated. Though she does not plan to play in college competitively, she wants to continue in the sport at the intramural level. “[Elbaum] is always at practice working hard and is always there for her team. At practice she helps the younger players learn what to do in different situations,” said senior Ashley Gentry. “Laura is one of the back bones of our team.”