![“[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 girls basketball and volleyball earned promotions to the Foothill Division, the highest tier in the West Bay Athletic League (WBAL), after winning their leagues last season.
Moving up to Foothill means the teams will be competing against much more challenging opponents.
Alum and varsity girls basketball coach Daniza Rodriguez (’13) believes the promotion to the Foothill Division is a testament to the program’s growth.
“It’s exciting because as an alumna, we didn’t compete when I was a student,” Rodriguez said. “We were always in the lower division, and even then, we always took second place. To know that the girls not only put up a banner last year, but are also able to compete with some of the top teams, it’s great for hardcore basketball.”
Both teams’ coaches have implemented new training strategies to prepare for the new level of play. The varsity girls basketball players have been lifting weights and attending open gyms in the off-season to build the physical strength and techniques needed to compete against stronger and more experienced opponents.
Meanwhile, the varsity girls volleyball team has been training with players from the junior varsity boys team to simulate the stronger hits and higher jumps of their new opponents. This adjustment is already showing results, as the girls swept Crystal Springs Uplands in their first match in the new division and fought until the fifth set against Notre Dame Belmont.
“We approach each practice with enthusiasm and a willingness to work hard so that we can compete at this level,” varsity girls volleyball coach Theresa Smith said. “We are trying to be the best team we can with the players that we have. We have a special team this year. We have seven seniors, and our captains have admirably set the tone for the season.”
Harker competes in the WBAL as a Division V school in the Central Coast Section (CCS). Founded in 2002, the WBAL comprises private schools in the CCS with similar athletic programs and academic philosophies. For girls sports, the WBAL is split into two tiers: the lower Skyline Division and the upper Foothill Division.
Varsity girls volleyball co-captain Nat Tan (12) emphasized the importance of embracing the increased challenge in the Foothill Division.
“It’s really just about believing that at whatever point we’re at and whatever lineup is on the court, we need to want and believe that we can win this,” Nat said. “At the end of the day, volleyball is a game of who wants the game more, and the team that wants the game more will most likely win.”
Regardless of the outcome, Rodriguez view the promotion as a way for the girls to focus on testing themselves against tougher opponents.
“For this upcoming season, my goal is for the girls to really enjoy playing at a competitive level,” Rodriguez said. “Sometimes, when you’re playing against teams that aren’t as competitive, it tends to get boring. What we’re looking forward to is getting them out there and letting them have fun and enjoying playing at a competitive level.”
Smith echoes this sentiment, regarding each Foothill Division game as an opportunity to get better.
“We measure success through our ability to compete at this level,” Smith said. “Win, lose or draw, we want to compete and make it a good game. Most of all, it’s the experience that the girls and coaching staff share together while we do our best to compete.”
