Gabrielino High School athletes have had an impressive spring season, with standout performances across multiple sports. From wrestling and basketball to soccer and track and field, the Eagles have brought home national titles, earned CIF honors, and secured spots in elite competitions. These athletes have demonstrated exceptional talent, determination and heart.
Junior Juliana Marquez successfully defended her title at the NHSCA High School Wrestling Nationals on Sunday in Virginia Beach, Va, securing her second straight national championship.
“I go to the gym every day before school,” Marquez said. “I review and study my opponents, perfect my moves, and change things up to stay unpredictable. I always strive to be the best.”
The girls basketball team also celebrated big news. Seniors Ava Yamashita and Shannon Yan were both named to the All CIF-Southern Section Division 5 team.
“I’ve been playing basketball for over ten years,” Yamashita said. “I’ve done 6 a.m. practices, late-night practices—everything. This honor just shows the work I’ve put in.”
Yan shares Yamashita’s sentiment regarding the team’s rigorous preparation.
“We had to condition and do preseason games before the season even started,” Yan said. “Staying in shape and eating right really helped me stay consistent.”
On the boys side, senior Justin Chia earned a spot on the All CIF-SS Division 5 team for boys basketball.
“To put it simply, basketball is fun,” Chia said. “I try to do my work during school so I can stay focused and enjoy the game.”
In girls soccer, seniors Ally Cheng and Sydney Tran were named to the All CIF-SS Division 7 team.
“I visualize before every game,” Cheng said. “It helps me and my team stay focused and confident.”
Tran said she listens to music and stays quiet before games.
“I try not to think about anything else so I can concentrate,” Tran explained.
In track and field, the girls frosh-soph team took first place at the Covina Invitational. The frosh-soph boys placed second, and the varsity boys came in third. Juniors Nicholas Hoang and Ajani Romero were also both accepted into the prestigious Arcadia Invitational—an elite meet that has produced over 150 Olympic athletes. Hoang will compete in the 100-meter hurdles and Romero in the long jump.
“It’s an honor just to be part of it,” Romero said. “We’re ready to give it everything we’ve got.”
For these athletes, balancing academics and athletics hasn’t been easy.
“Thankfully, practices were after school, so I used nights for homework,” Yamashita said. “I always tried to separate school from basketball.”
Despite the challenges, the season brought growth and perspective.
“It’s hard. I stay up late to balance my academics and dedication as an athlete, but I prioritize practice so our team can win,” Yan added.
The season has not been without its difficulties, with teams facing the loss of players, among other issues.
“We had a lot of injuries,” Yamashita said. “As a captain, it was hard to lead through that, but I wanted to be a role model.”
Trials and tribulations were faced by sports teams across the board.
“I lost the state finals,” Marquez said. “But I used that loss as a lesson. Even the best can be beaten. What matters is how you respond.”
Some of the most memorable moments weren’t about wins, but team bonds.
“Winning CIF was unforgettable,” Yan said. “We lost to Rosemead twice, so that win really meant something.”
Many of the Eagles saw their qualification for CIF as not just a win for themselves, but also their teams.
“After our CIF win, the bus ride home was the best,” Chia said. “We were all in a good mood, just talking and enjoying the moment.”
As the school year nears its end, these athletes hope their stories inspire the younger players on their team.
“Don’t give up,” Yamashita said. “For example, I wasn’t a four-year varsity player. You can always grow. Put in the work and leave your mark.”
