![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“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 it's played such a major role in who I've 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 I'm [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)
![“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)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't 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)
![“[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)
![“I'm 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 there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's 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)
Varsity boys soccer lost to Santa Clara in a 2-4 bout at Davis Field on Dec. 15.
The Eagles opened the match slowly, with the Bruins taking advantage and maintaining possession for most of the first half. The Bruins scored twice in close succession following multiple shots on goal at the game’s start. Ten minutes before the first half ended, captain and midfielder Jack Yang (12) scored a penalty kick, bringing the score to 1-2.
In the second half, the teams traded fouls and possession as defender Ryan Barth (12) raised the score to 2-2 off an assist from forward Ryder Hewitt (10). The Bruins scored yet again with 30 minutes left in the second half.
The Eagles chased and attempted thwarting Santa Clara’s continuous attacks. Emotions rode high both on and off the field as players became more physical in contest for the ball. The Bruins managed to break the Eagles’ defense and score again, but Harker failed to reciprocate for the remaining 15 minutes of the game. As the captain, Jack emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure and teamwork.
“You can’t get hot-headed and then shout at players,” Jack said. “That introduces cracks into the team, and you have to gel the team together. Obviously, I want to try and win as much as I can, but even if we don’t, just having fun on the field is the most important thing.”
During their practices, head coach Ryan Masch emphasizes moving as a cohesive unit. Pressing up and down the field together allows the team to create more chances to score for each other.
“As time passes, you go through more games and struggle and win together,” Jack said. “You form a bond and understand your teammates’ movements better, so you can unite and then it’s easier to defeat the other team.”
Though the Eagles are starting the season off with a string of losses, team members remain optimistic. Masch looks forward to increasing the frequency of effective collaborations like Ryan and Ryder’s goal.
“Getting into the swing of things is going to take some time,” Masch said. “As we continue to play with each other, we’re making sure we are getting work together and staying in a positive mindset.”
The Eagles hold a 1-5 record, and will play against Menlo on Friday.
