This October, the UHS Sword & Shield recognized four varsity sports captains as our October Athletes of the Month: senior Geoff Soriano of Boys’ Football, senior Jane Sorto of Girls’ Cross Country, senior Jackson Young of Boys’ Cross Country and junior Elyse Mills of Girls’ Flag Football. These athletes have made a significant impact on UHS sports through their hard work and dedication.
Boys’ Football: Geoff Soriano
Soriano has been playing football at UHS for four years. When he was young, he began with flag football before transitioning to tackle football at UHS, inspired by his friends and family. He plays defensive line, offensive line and fullback. His favorite position is fullback because it allows him to block, run routes and get his hands on the ball. Soriano also plays lacrosse for UHS in the spring.
“What I enjoy most about football is the team,” Soriano said. “Being able to play alongside my brothers as we hit hard during practice and games is the best feeling, and I wouldn’t play on the field with anyone else.”
Soriano believes the team’s strong bond will be key in their CIF playoff push.
Boys’ Football has their next game on Oct. 25 against Woodbridge.
Girls’ Cross Country: Jane Sorto
Sorto has been running for Girls’ Cross Country over the past three years. She joined the team her sophomore year, as many of her friends encouraged her to do so. While she enjoys running, Sorto’s favorite part of the team is the community and tradition.
“My favorite memory would be in my junior year in Clovis after the biggest race of the year when everyone tried to stay up all night,” Sorto said. “We did everything to try and stay awake, from going to the gym, making trips to the ice machine and even watching the scariest movie we could find.”
Sorto wants to thank her coaches for always encouraging and understanding her. She hopes that the team will be able to improve their times throughout the year and wants everybody to drop their best times at the Mt. Sac and Clovis meets.
Girls’ Cross Country will have their next meet on Oct. 26.
Boys’ Cross Country: Jackson Young
Young has been part of the UHS Boys’ Cross Country team since his freshman year. He joined because one of his cousins loved the sport and recommended it to him. Young was hesitant to join, but when he did, he fell in love instantly.
“The thing I love most about cross country is the sense of accomplishment after every race,” Young said. “[Your] progress as a runner becomes very apparent, and I love that.”
Young believes the team’s main strength is their cohesiveness and supportiveness towards each other. He hopes they make it to the state meet while breaking the school record.
Boys’ Cross Country will have their next meet on Oct. 26.
Girls’ Flag Football: Elyse Mills
Mills, a junior, has played flag football for the past three years. She started in eighth grade with the Matt Leinart Flag Football team and found success in that league, which encouraged her to join the UHS team. This year, Mills’ goal for her team is to win CIF.
“My favorite part of the team is how much we all support each other and help each other become better players,” Mills said.
Flag Football concluded its season on Oct. 22.
