![Setter Emma Lee (9) sets the ball to the middle during the match against Pinewood on Sept. 12. “[I’m looking forward to] getting more skilled, learning more about my position and also becoming better friends with all of my teammates, Emma said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DSC_4917-2-1200x795.jpg)
![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasnt been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but Ive had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. Theres so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesnt exist, you can build it yourself, Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“Animation just clicked in a way. I had been interested in art, but that felt different. [Animation] felt like it had something behind it, whereas previous things felt surface level. I wasnt making that crazy of things, but just the process of doing it was much more enjoyable, Carter Chadwick (22) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Screen-Shot-2022-08-16-at-9.44.08-AM-900x598.png)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and its played such a major role in who Ive become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something Im [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala (21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“Im not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that theres a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyones so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you arent going to get those championships if you arent fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
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Freshmen excel on varsity teams in fall, winter seasons
Ishaan Mantripragada (9) dribbles the ball downfield as a St. Francis player chases after him. The Eagles lost the game 4-2.
December 5, 2018
Lungs burning and hearts pounding, varsity athletes sprint back and forth, striving to improve themselves for their next game. Keeping up with the experienced upperclassmen are skilled freshmen, eager to prove their mettle. “Time!” a coach yells. Panting, the players attempt to catch their breath, slowly gathering in a huddle, grateful for a rest after the rigorous training. High-fives and words of encouragement are shared between the teammates, freshmen and upperclassmen alike.
Being a varsity athlete requires a tier of expertise and athleticism that typically only upperclassmen with years of extra practice have—yet, this year, fall and winter varsity teams include a number of freshmen athletes.
Despite their younger age, freshmen on varsity are experienced from years of honing skills in clubs, camps, and school. For some freshmen varsity athletes, practicing outside of school not only helped train physical technique but also provided an environment that supported teamwork between athletes of different ages.
“Now I’m really good friends with a lot of the upperclassmen so if I see them or I need help on something they’ll be happy to help me and it’s really nice,” said Brooklyn Cicero (9), who is on the varsity girls basketball team.
Although their level of skill allowed them to make their varsity teams, some feel an increased pressure because of their age.
“Being a freshman on varsity, you think ‘I can’t mess up because I’m younger than everyone and most people don’t make it here,’” said Tara Ozdemir (9), the only freshman on the varsity girls volleyball team.
But age is not the only thing that makes being a freshman on varsity harder. Often, physical differences can make competing against older athletes more difficult.
“It’s harder because you have to play against older people, so they’re stronger than you usually, and taller,” said Sinaya Joshi (9), who, along with Ainsley Millard (9), are the only two freshmen on the varsity girls water polo team.
However, many freshmen athletes say that age is not a factor in how upperclassmen on the team treat freshmen. Rather, ability determines how one is regarded in a varsity setting.
“I don’t think they look at you as a freshman,” said Sasvath Ramachandran (9), one of four freshmen on varsity boys soccer. “If anything, they look at you based on your skill, and on the varsity team, we’re all fairly skilled. There’s no real discrepancy there.”
