Story by Charlotte Dekle Staff Writer Photo courtesy of Claire Kieffer-Wright Contributor When SPHS alumna Claire Kieffer-Wright high jumps, she only has one goal in mind — to clear the bar. She applies this dogged determination to several other passions in her life, such as being a collegiate level volleyball player and even in her […]
Lyla Keller: Determined to finish the race
Story by Katie HohmanStaff Writer Photo by Ella JayasekeraPhoto Editor Freshman Lyla Keller has always been fast. From the time she was a little girl, the track and field star never knew what it meant to be slow. After many years of training and competition, it is Keller’s experiences as a runner that have given […]
Ruth Schmidt: Finding family on the ice rink
Story by Eddie ZhouStaff Writer Photo by Oscar WalshStaff Photographer Sophomore Ruth Schmidt didn’t need much time to discover her passion. Introduced to the ice rink when she was just 3 years old and playing ice hockey by age 5, Schmidt soon found herself at home. In the 10 years she has played ever since, […]
Junior Aurelia Olguin promotes health and fitness
Story by Sofia AlvaAssociate News Editor Photo by Sophie Yueng Associate Photo Editor Eating well and exercising are two very important aspects of junior Aurelia Olguin’s life. Having previously played on the SPHS soccer team and currently doing shot put for the track team, health has always been something Olguin prioritized. However, it was not until the beginning […]
Kelly Wu: Figure skating with fearlessness
Story by Sofia AlvaAssociate News Editor Photo contributed by Kelly WuContributor Senior Kelly Wu didn’t think much of it. Falling was normal, so she brushed it off and continued to skate. It wasn’t until a couple hours later when Wu saw a deep, bloody cut on her bottom. She was quickly rushed into emergency surgery, but never […]
Wolf Schermerhorn: The power of persistence
Story by Eddie ZhouStaff Writer Photo courtesy of Wolf SchermerhornContributor South Pasadena High School alumnus, Wolf Schermerhorn is used to overcoming challenges. Whether it’s dealing with dyslexia or fighting for a starting spot, his unrelenting passion and undeterred spirit have always pushed him forward. As a high schooler Schermerhorn decided against joining his friends on the school’s […]
Amanda Kanaly: A leader on all fronts
Story by Haelee KimStaff Writer Photo by Ella Jayasekera Photography Editor Senior athlete Amanda Kanaly ventured into many different sports before she discovered her niche. Her first experience playing a sport was with basketball at 4 years old, which was subsequently followed by softball a year later. By elementary school, Kanaly had a daily routine of these two […]
Kerrigan Riley: dancing, running, and winning
Story by Katie HohmanStaff Writer Photo courtesy of Kerrigan RileyContributor Junior Kerrigan Riley is known on campus for her dedicated involvement in cross country and track, but outside of school, she is involved in another unique sport. For the past 10 years she has participated in competitive Irish dance, at the national and international level. Through the […]
Brian Wong: finding a second family
Story by Lilian ZhuStaff Writer Photo courtesy of Matt ScholtzContributor Brian Wong wobbled on the ice. He had just joined the West Valley Wolves hockey team. He pressed forward, slowly gaining momentum, and glided across the rink. The junior didn’t know it yet, but this sport would strengthen his bonds with his family and also […]
Liam and Grace Markus: the sibling water polo duo
Story by Sofia AlvaCo-Associate Sports Editor Photo by Oscar WalshPhoto Editor Liam and Grace Markus huddled around the living room TV. The siblings anxiously watched the 2012 Summer Olympics gold medal water polo match. When Croatia blocked Italy’s final shot and the clock ticked down to zero, the Markus family erupted in roaring cheers, celebrating […]
Middle school stars: top SPMS eighth grade athletes
Story by Ellie Campbell & Zoe SchlaakAssociate Sports Editor & Staff Writer Photos by Ella Jayasekera & Sarah LeeAssociate Photo Editor & Staff Photographer Freshmen give an extra boost to varsity teams every year, typically providing youthful energy. The current South Pasadena Middle School eighth grade class boasts a bevy of athletic talents ready to […]
Corey Segal: a senior comeback season
Story by Audrey ErnstStaff Writer Photo by Sean JinStaff Photographer Senior Corey Segal has been playing soccer since fourth grade. She earned a varsity starting spot as a freshman and has been a vital attacker for SPHS’ historic 2018 CIF run. She was passionate about the sport and excelled at it; this was the path […]
Fall MVP: Lindsey Hirano
Story by Zoe SchlaakStaff Writer Photo by Sarah LeeStaff Photographer Junior Lindsey Hirano is the engine that keeps the girls varsity volleyball team running. With Hirano playing the key role of libero, girls volleyball has cruised to an undefeated league title and made its first CIF semifinals appearance in school history. Hirano’s mastery is seen […]
Thea McCallie: Skating with confidence and dedication
Photo by Oscar WalshPhotography Editor Junior Thea McCallie always dreamt of flying. The moment she walked onto the derby track at eight years old, she felt an undeniable rush of belonging. As she positioned herself on the line, she took a deep, nervous breath. The whistle blew and she found the next best thing to […]
Nicholas Chau: Fueling a future Olympian
Story by Ellie CampbellStaff Writer Photo by Ben FeriaContributor Sophomore Nicholas Chau isn’t your average high school athlete. Sports like football, basketball, soccer, or track typically come to mind when people think of elite high school athletes. But for Chau, he finds his success when hovering above the water on a diving board. Although SPHS […]
Owen Imasaki: A force to be reckoned with
Story by Haelee KimStaff Writer Photo by Tony ChenContributor “ biharboard12thresult2019.com “ Sophomore Owen Imasaki has established himself as one of the varsity boys’ water polo stars in only one year. A physical powerhouse, he is an intelligent player with a knack for scoring goals. However, this dominant and confident athlete was nowhere to be […]