What is it really like to be a freshman on varsity? From first-game nerves to earning a spot among upperclassmen, freshmen have some of the most unique experiences, challenges, and competitive attitudes of all varsity athletes.
Agustin Araya
Despite being in his first high school swim season, freshman Agustin Araya has already become a crucial part of the swim team. In the meet against Woodside on March 20, Araya, along with three upperclassmen, secured a CCS cut in the 200-yard medley relay. Being on varsity brings Araya great pride and makes him feel good about the effort he has put into his swimming career. “I’ve been swimming for a while, and it feels good to show that”. “I’ve been swimming for a long time outside of school, and I just always show up to practice when required, and put in my best effort,” Araya said. Outside of school, Araya swims for the Alto Swim Club.
Avery Moeller
Freshman Avery Moeller has been playing water polo for about four to five years, and her passion for the sport shows. She enjoys not only the competition in the pool, but also the chance to meet new people and build lasting friendships. “The girls on my team are really nice, and it’s just really fun to get to know people from older grades,” she said. Moeller is honored to be the only freshman on the varsity team. “I’m very happy to be a freshman on varsity and [to be] representing my school in games,” she said. Moeller also thrives on the excitement of gamedays. “I love the games and energy we have in the water,” she said. Outside of water polo, Moeller is a part of the swim team and rows competitively for Norcal Crew.
Sophiann Lin
For freshman Sophiann Lin, being on varsity softball gives her a sense of self-assurance. “I feel like it gives me some kind of aura,” she said. As a starter, Lin is most proud of her recent play in M-A’s away game against South San Francisco. “I did really well in our last game. I hit a triple, a single, and a double, and then I threw someone out from left field. So I’m very happy,” Lin said. As for advice, she tells others to be confident. “Don’t try to act nonchalant and act like you don’t care. To stand out, you have to be confident in yourself and confident when you play,” she said.
Calista Chou
Freshman Calista Chou has found a home in her varsity volleyball team. “The team was really welcoming, and everyone was super nice. I had a really fun time being able to play with my team at a high level,” she said. Chou has been playing for the Golden Gate Beach Volleyball Club for multiple years and trains every day. She emphasized the importance of team bonding and unity as she was welcomed onto a high school team. “We have faced some adversity and challenges, but we pushed through as a team and were able to come together,” she said. She is especially proud of her performance during PALs, earning her PAL Second Team All-League honors.
Dylan Kryger
Freshman Dylan Kryger has played lacrosse since he was young. Kryger grew up in an environment that fostered his love for the sport, as both his brother and his father played lacrosse. His high-level skills are also influenced by his father, who played Division I lacrosse at the University of Pennsylvania. Growing up, his father played and practiced with him, helping him develop his skills and understanding of the game. As one of the three freshmen on varsity, being among the youngest has helped fuel Kryger’s passion and motivation. “I am very happy to be a freshman on varsity, and it helped me boost my confidence,” he said. Besides the athletic aspects, being on varsity has expanded his social group, giving him more opportunities to meet people in different grades. “Being on varsity has helped me to talk with upperclassmen and make friends with more people who are older than me,” he said.
