As the final days of the school year approach, UHS’s team sports are coming to an end after a successful run these past few seasons. Select freshmen have made the varsity team for sports such as basketball, tennis and soccer and have proven to be great additions to their respective rosters. As freshmen, they went against all odds and climbed their way to a spot on varsity, representing their first-year peers who aim to further their involvement in UHS sports.
Freshman Sofia Costa had little idea where she would stand in the girls’ soccer team lineup, but her hopes were exceeded.
“Before the roster for JV and varsity came out, I didn’t think I would make varsity or get much playing time because of seniority,” Costa said. “I was happy to play not as competitively and have a good time with my friends [while] making some new ones as the season progressed.”
Despite her initial doubts, Costa’s dedication and hard work paid off.
“The season surpassed my expectations in every aspect possible,” Costa said. “I got to experience so many new opportunities while still having so much fun.”
This experience reflected that of many other freshmen athletes at UHS, highlighting the school’s environment for developing young talent.
Freshman Jihyuk Im played line two singles throughout the season for the UHS Boys’ Tennis team and was able to be a member of the many victories that the team took home this spring.
“I expected our season to go this great with so many deep runs in different CIFs and the All-American tournament,” Im said. “My favorite memory was winning CIF sectionals against CDM. Not only that but just being in the CIF environment was a great experience.”
Im’s teammates created an atmosphere of school spirit by encouraging each other to excel during each match.
Additionally, freshman Avery Hexun played two varsity sports this year, one of which was girls’ basketball. During the winter season, Hexun made heartwarming memories and friendships with each member of the team.
“Personally, the upperclassmen on the team were very welcoming to me,” Hexun said. “They made me enjoy practices and games and overall are great friends and teammates. They are definitely the backbone of the team.”
Hexun’s ability to balance her commitments to multiple sports while maintaining strong relationships with her peers shows her dedication to each team and sport. Her journey, like that of her fellow freshmen, is a shining example of what can be achieved with perseverance and a positive attitude.
