![“[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)
Endings are always bittersweet. I knew it was inevitable that the season would come to an end this year; yet I still find myself reaching out again. Four years on varsity with 15 hour weeks—that I definitely complained about—I’m not ready to let go.
I’ve played basketball almost every day since third grade and with some of the same teammates since then. Even though I’ll be lucky enough to play in college, the end of high school basketball marks the end of the most meaningful experience of my life. I’ve learned how to push through struggles, how to navigate relationships — basketball has shaped the person I am today.
I’ve loved playing with a team, undergoing all the ups and downs of a long season together. Those shared secret smiles after running mountains or the heartbreak of losing in CCS are moments taken together.
Throughout the season, we build a trust and understanding that comes only from playing together. When I rotate over to help defend, I trust my teammate will drop to cover my assignment. When I walk to the bench to grab my water bottle during practice, I expect a teammate to jokingly toss a ball at my head. It’s a different kind of joy to share the same mentality and goals with a group, to play for victory and each other.
I remember my nervousness and hesitancy as I stepped into a new environment as a freshman. Not just the increase in physicality of the high school game but a different team. Together, we celebrated the vibrant successes of that season of win streaks, playoff runs and the long bus rides in states. Sophomore year was a learning curve in tougher competition, growing from the struggles. Junior year was a season of building confidence and momentum.
In the last win-or-go-home playoff game of senior year, I remember those last few seconds when I looked up at the score and saw the insurmountable 10 point deficit glaring back at me. I’m never one to give up and stop playing, but in those moments, I couldn’t help but calculate the probabilities, run through the scenarios and recognize the impossibility of a comeback.
It doesn’t feel real that it’s over even now. I’m ready to head off to practice after school, to go grab bagels for the team. Basketball has dominated my life for so long that I wonder at times what else defines me or what else I am capable of.
I’m still figuring out the answers to these questions. Something that’s part of your life for so long doesn’t go away without leaving holes and doubts.
I wish we could have done more together. I wish I could have given a little more to this program and to our success, and I’ll always carry these regrets. But at the same time, I’m so proud of our season and our team. At the heart of my emotions, I am incredibly thankful for all the lessons that basketball has taught me and for the mental toughness and grit that will follow me into the future.
