The air is electric with anticipation as the soccer ball zips around on the field, passed from the defense to the center backs and then to the midfielders. From the side, Cassie May (12) sprints toward the ball a few yards away, intercepting it with grace and agility. She dodges another defender and scores with a strike of her left foot, eliciting cheers from her teammates and onlookers. 

“It was the culmination of everyone’s passes to each other, so it was really rewarding,” Cassie said. “Our celebration after was fun. I have cool little handshakes with my teammates, so it’s fun to do that.”

Cassie started playing soccer at a young age and continued to cherish the sport as she got older, playing at a higher level in recent years. As co-captain of the varsity girls soccer team, she not only leads the team through her experience on the field but also through constant encouragement. 

“Soccer shaped me to be an athlete and healthy person and to take care of my body and be a leader in terms of learning how to manage a team,” Cassie said. “It instilled confidence in my leadership skills and made me a more interesting person because I know more about different facets of life.”

Soccer co-captain and close friend Lexi Wong (12) first met Cassie during their ninth-grade field day, where the two quickly formed a strong bond. Lexi noted how Cassie has always served as a source of positivity, not only for the soccer team but for everyone around her.

“She is a role model and a leader, both on the field and off the field,” Lexi said. “Even in just everyday situations with our friend group, she knows how to handle herself in crazy situations. She’s always been a calm voice in my head when I need it.”

Cassie’s ability to empathize and lead has proven to be a valuable asset not only in her role as a soccer player but also as a violinist. Inspired by her older brother, a cello player, she began playing violin at the age of 4, wanting “something the same but smaller.” Through playing violin in various groups and orchestras, Cassie learned how to effectively listen to and play with other musicians. Now the concertmaster of the upper school orchestra, Cassie plays a vital role in making musical decisions.

“It’s always good to play music with others because you learn how to listen to other people while you’re playing,” Cassie said. “I found playing in orchestras really rewarding, and good for learning how to listen or how to have other people listen to me in different ways.”

Close friend and fellow musician Anthony Tong (12) admires Cassie’s ability to listen to and support others, inspiring him as a section leader in orchestra and in life.

“She’s a really powerful leader, and I see it especially in orchestra because now she’s concertmaster,” Anthony said. “She’s really good at motivating people. As a close friend, she’s done a lot for me, and she really understands people. That’s what allows her to be such a well-respected person overall, in addition to her talents.”

Cassie’s infectious energy and outgoing spirit bring her closer to others as well. Close friend Rigo Gonzales (12) remarked on how Cassie’s warm personality can bring light to any moment. 

“She brings so much joy and energy to any moment that I’m with her because she’s such a caring, compassionate and understanding person,” Rigo said. “Even if the moment isn’t super energetic, I can always just talk to her about anything. She’s like a best friend. I feel comfortable sharing anything with her.”

Upper school history teacher Clifford Hull commended Cassie’s constant engagement in class, noting how her personality encouraged those around her to share their ideas as well.

“The school will miss her a lot because someone with that presence and contribution that she has to the school and to the class is hard to find, and she does it for altruistic reasons,” Hull said. “She’s doing it because that’s the kind of person she is. The school and I will miss her next year, but I know that she will be very successful wherever she goes.”
Whether on the soccer field or in the orchestra room, Cassie has honed her ability to connect with those around her. With her empathy and ability to listen, Cassie inspires and uplifts others, finding equal joy in both individual and team pursuits.

“Soccer is inherently a team sport,” Cassie said. “There are different positions, everyone has their own different roles, and you can’t really play without having your team. But with violin, there are more opportunities to play solo or practice individually. It’s more about taking initiative and finding the time and discipline to practice yourself, because when everyone comes together, it’s up to you to perform well.”