![“I wasn't discouraged by some of the obstacles we faced. I learned a lot from the leadership. I found that different people need different ways of receiving feedback — you can't [just] tell them to do something and expect the best. [Some] people needed more incentive. A large part of my role was to figure out what worked for everyone and to figure out how to lead all these separate individuals as a team,” Suhana Bhandare (’26) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SuhanaBhandare_JasmineHansra-1-1200x798.jpg)
![“This is actually from Randy Pausch Randy P. Brick: ‘Walls are there for a reason. You have to show how much you want to overcome them.’ You have to show how much you want something. That's what I've always been able to do with tennis, Link Crew and getting that internship [with Kushy Baby]. It’s important pushing through that — getting around that brick wall, climbing over it or clawing through it,” Yash Sachdeva (’26) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/YashSachdeva_RamBatchu-copy-1200x1002.jpg)
![“[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)
The sharp scent of chlorine permeates with the sound of whistles as sunlight flickers across the surface of the pool. Amid the shouts of teammates and the slap of water against tiles, Alejandro Cheline (‘26) floats in the goal, eyes locked on the ball, every muscle poised for the next explosive move. For a moment, the world narrows to the span between his outstretched hands and the oncoming shot.
As he waits for the play to unfold, Alejandro embodies the discipline and drive that have propelled him from local pools to the national stage — the same discipline that now earns him a place among the top young water polo players in the country.
For Alejandro, water polo is more than a game. He thinks of it as his source of personal fulfillment and his biggest challenge. He thrives on the adrenaline from the competition and finds joy in mastering his role as a goalie.
“It’s always a great feeling to win, but as a goalie, there’s a special joy in seeing the other team’s field players get frustrated when they can’t score,” Alejandro said. “I just have fun playing the game, enjoying the competition and the physical challenge, and celebrating those moments when all our hard work pays off.”
As Alejandro transitions from high school water polo to D1 level, his journey draws the attention of those who mentored him along the way. His former coach Ted Ujifusa shares his perspective as someone who has been witness to Alejandro’s growth from a promising young athlete to a player with national potential.
“Alejandro is highly coachable,” Uijifusa said. “He takes instruction really well, but more importantly, he’s able to synthesize that instruction. Some people just nod their head when you say stuff to them, and it just bounces right off their head. Alejandro takes to heart the things you tell him, and he tries hard. He does what all true Champions do — when nobody’s looking, he’s trying to do the right thing.”
Alejandro’s work ethic has also not gone unnoticed by those who train alongside him. Teammate junior Akash Dubey has witnessed firsthand Alejandro’s commitment and reliability. His presence and determination, regardless of circumstance, set a standard within the team.
“He’s very dedicated with whatever he does,” Akash said. “If he says he’s going to do something, he takes it upon himself to deliver. His consistency to show up day in, day out is unmatched — Alejandro’s there, rain or shine. Even if he’s not feeling good or is injured, he’ll be there and do as much as he can.”
Alejandro experienced some of his most memorable moments through high school water polo, especially when his team defied expectations. One particular game stands out as a turning point for both Alejandro and the Harker team. Beating Bellarmine in the CCS open division and becoming the first Harker team to ever qualify for and win an open division game was especially meaningful achievement.
“We were just a no-name school that had sprung up a few years ago, and suddenly we beat this big, unbeatable team,” Alejandro said. “Looking up at the rafters and seeing our team’s name for four consecutive years is a great feeling. We’ve always been the underdogs, never the favorites, but somehow we always manage to pull off miracles and find ways to win.”
Friendly competition has always been a driving force in Alejandro’s journey. The rivalry with his brother junior Ian Cheline led to mutual growth both in the sport and their relationship.
“We both started together, and what I always noticed was how we would always want to try to do better than each other,” Ian said. “The competition and trying to be better than him, and him trying to block all my shots, is something that kept us both getting better and better. Just playing with him is a memory every time. I would not be where I am now without him because he has always been there, pushing me and forcing me to get better.”
After years of dedication and overcoming setbacks, Alejandro has learned the power of self-confidence. He sees this quality as not only in athletics, but in life as a whole. Reflecting on his successful journey, he shares his philosophy and advice.
“Trust in yourself,” Alejandro said. “Believe in yourself and you’ll go far. If you believe you’re the best, you’re going to be the best. If you don’t think you’re going to be the best, you’re going to fail.”
