By Venisa Wang
Staff Writer
Nearly three years after the infamous girls soccer CIF champion win, girls soccer Coach Rafael Moran continues to strive towards nothing but the best, and aims to repeat the same achievement again this season.
With a strong group of varsity and JV girls out on the field, Moran is looking forward to see where they lead the team during the rest of the season. According to Moran, the main factor for his players’ success during games is the amount of dedication that each player puts in during practice.
“It’s our job to help our girls improve their plays,” Moran explained. “We want our team to play good soccer and ultimately win the league.”
Boys soccer has a strong varsity team this year and Coach Miguel Garcia is thrilled to see where the season will take them. Rather than training separately this year, both varsity and JV teams have been combined during practice.
“This year, there’s an obvious amount of support for each other,” stated Garcia. “Both teams have come together and […] combined practices have really contributed to [their bond].”
The dedication his players have towards soccer ultimately created the success they experienced this season. With only a few games left, both soccer coaches are confident that their teams will give it all they’ve got.
“The boys are dedicated this season and believe in the sport they’re playing,” said Garcia.
Wrestling kicked off their season strong, even with changes that took place beforehand. Despite the new obstacles, Coach Michael Humphries is optimistic about the remaining season.
“There are a bunch of young women and men on the varsity team who have great potential,” Humphries stated. “It is a building program, but our wrestling team keeps developing and I believe that we should be back to back league champions in the upcoming years.”
The wrestling team also consists of a full line up for the girls team this year, as they beat out their rival school, El Monte High School. The team has had a successful season so far and Humphries hopes to “continue creating bonds and watch[ing] developing athletes grow.”
With intense practices after school and dedication from the players and Coach John Carney, the team is set to succeed for the remainder of the season. Yet, despite the successes the team has had, Carney believes there are still improvements to be made.
“[The team] needs to strengthen their communication,” Carney commented. “I enjoy seeing the team work together and reach their success together.”
Carney strives to teach his players how to work well, both on and off the court, and foster a drive to compete and play. This season, the boys have had a winning record and hope to continue this pattern to take them to CIF playoffs. Carney is hopeful for the remaining season and is proud of the accomplishments the team has achieved so far.
The girls varsity basketball team has scored big this season with Coach Desiree Almaraz cheering them on. The girls train in practices lasting from sixth period to 5 p.m., and work to improve each time they step on the court.
Almaraz has high expectations for her team and is focused on improving their plays as opposed to focusing on their opponents.
“I want our girls to play at their tempo and focus on the plays, not who they’re up against,” Almaraz said. “Seeing the girls progress over the year is undoubtedly the best part of coaching.”
Having their coach by their side has helped the girls tremendously, and will help end their season successfully.
