The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

Stepping into the world of shoe culture

Stepping into the world of shoe culture

by Kevin Zhang, Co-Managing Editor April 24, 2024

Wander into the back of a Nike store, and you’ll find yourself amidst a labyrinth of shelves filled to the brim with bright orange shoe boxes. Take one step into a Foot Locker, and you’ll see sneakers...

Pitcher and shortstop Raeanne Li (9) follows through with her swing after hitting the softball. “If you only have a few good people, you can’t win games like that. Raeanne said. The whole team has to support each other.”

Back to the bases

by Tiffany Zhu and Mia Tang April 11, 2024

After a two-year hiatus, the varsity softball team steps onto the diamond again, facing off against their first opponent of the season, James Lick High School. With a roster of almost all new players,...

Many are aware of the pain that concussions cause on the court, but the arduous process of concussion recovery behind the scenes is less known. Apart from the initial pain of the hit, symptoms of a concussion vary and have the potential to heavily affect day-to-day cognitive function, emotional wellness and physical health. 

Athletes tackle concussion recovery

by Claire Yu, Co-Assistant Sports Editor March 28, 2024

Every year, 11.9% of U.S. high school athletes suffer from concussions. Similarly,  multiple Harker athletes sustain concussions every year. Many are aware of the pain that concussions cause on the court,...

Roma Bhanot (9) leads the varsity girls lacrosse team’s cheer during a huddle after the first quarter. “The culture just seems really relaxed because of the players and the coaches,” Roma said. “A lot of the players are new their freshman year, so I definitely got a lot of help from them, even before the season started.

Clearing challenges and building onwards

by Emma Milner and Tiffany Zhu March 28, 2024

After clinching first place in the WBAL Alpine League last season with an undefeated 12-0 record, the varsity girls lacrosse team boasts a formidable reputation. This season, their hopes soar high as they...

Watch out for these watches

Watch out for these watches

by Jonathan Xue March 28, 2024

You’re browsing the market for a sports watch. But which watch? And what separates a sports watch from your standard wristwatch? Well, fear not. With our handy explainer, you’ll be a sports watch expert...

Dancer Selina Wang (10) performs in the upper school dance production, with an image of her rehearsing in the background. Despite the intense training required of dancers, many forms of dance strive to hide strain on stage.

Studio grit, stage grace: Dancers debate sport vs. art

by Katerina Matta and Tiffany Zhu March 15, 2024

Competitive dancers can practice at least nine hours every single week, or condition to train endurance for up to an hour each time they’re in the studio. They push the human body to its physical...

Many young athletes battle body dysmorphia, driven by a variety of social and athletic pressures. From dances strict emphasis on perfect alignment to the double-edged use of weight classes in sports like wrestling, body image issues manifest themselves in across a variety of athletic disciplines.

Body dysmorphia pervades athletics

by Eva Cheng and Katerina Matta March 8, 2024

Trigger warning for discussion of body image and dysmorphia.  “Did you eat a watermelon today?”  An anonymous dancer recalled hearing the insensitive comment from a teacher at her studio,...

An Athletics banner hangs on math teacher Jeanette Fernandezs bulletin board. Fernandez has gone to As games for the past thirty years.

Oakland Athletics uproot for income

by Gabe Sachse, Assistant News Editor March 1, 2024

When Oakland Athletics pitcher Trevor May went live on Twitch to announce his retirement, fans expected him to go quietly. As a pitcher with a career earned-run average of 4.24, few noticed his send-off...

Junior varsity boys basketball head coach Nick Nguyen (15) addresses his players during half time. “I was confident in my ability to be able to coach Harker’s JV team,” Nguyen said. “Elsewhere, I would have been more hesitant and I think I would have had less of an impact than I could have here, which is what drew me to take the job.

Bouncing back: Former Harker basketball athlete returns to coach

by Emma Milner and Tiffany Zhu February 23, 2024

The junior varsity basketball team trails behind their opponents as the clock winds down in the final quarter. But the Eagles pick up the pace in the remaining minutes, ultimately winning the game by a...

Varsity boys soccer co-captain Jack Yang (12) checks on a potentially injured player from the opposing team in a show of sportsmanship. Jack has played on the varsity team since his freshman year, becoming captain in his junior season.

Behind the score, subtle moments soar

by Brandon Zau February 10, 2024

Within every athlete and sport comes loud moments. The astonishing feat that immediately puts respect on someone’s name. The achievement that is echoed over and over because of its lasting impression....

Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes faces off against the 49ers Brock Purdy. The two teams will play in Super Bowl 58 on Sunday.

Students and staff share Super Bowl LVIII predictions

by Eva Cheng, Claire Yu, and Tiffany Zhu February 9, 2024

Excitement rings high as the days count down to the game that will crown the champion of the NFL. Fans gear up with friends to watch the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers battle for the NFL...

Elbow sleeves, special socks, Rice Krispie treats and more comprise some of Harkers student-athletes sports superstitions. It’s very important to the game, even though it’s just a Rice Krispie, girls varsity libero Norah Mehanna (11) said.

Superstitions snag success for Harker athletes

by Minal Jalil and Katerina Matta February 9, 2024

Bouncing the ball three times before each serve. Drinking from the same water bottle every match. Wearing the same kneepads to each game, no matter how ripped and faded they become. Many athletes routinely...

Load More Stories