Our Seniors
With the High School season under way for many of our players, we decided to ask our Seniors to share their thoughts on getting back on the field for their school and what it means to them to don their school’s uniform and play one last season.
We asked our Seniors to answer 4 questions for us:
- What did it mean to you to represent your high school one more time after sitting out a year?
- What did you learn most about yourself during quarantine?
- What would you like to say to your parents as you prepare for the next chapter in your life?
- What would you tell your younger self if you could do it all over again?
We are very proud of these 5 young women and can’t wait to watch them play during their final high school and summer travel season.
Kylie Chung - Westlake High School
It meant the world to me to be able to play again this year. I feel like we have a very strong team that had a disappointing end to my sophomore year, and I’ve been waiting ever since then to come back and win a championship with this team. I love this team and I can’t wait to close out my high school career with them.
Over the course of quarantine, I really realized my self worth and gained more confidence in myself. Life’s pace pre-quarantine was accelerating too fast for me to realize my potential to be better, as a person and a player, so quarantine giving me a chance to reflect on myself and realizing what I personally needed to be successful has been really important to me.
I am so incredibly thankful for my parents; they are the ones who hustle around for me and have always been my biggest supporters. They have pushed me to be the best version of myself, in school, in softball, and in life. My parents have shaped me to be the person I am and there is no way that I would have the success I have without their support.
If I could do it all again, I would tell myself to live in the moment. It hasn’t dawned on me yet that over half of my softball campaign is over and I can’t believe how fast it’s gone by. Other than that, I wouldn’t change a thing; I’ve made lifelong friends and memories because of this sport and I wouldn’t trade those for anything.
Emma Sellers - Los Alamitos High School
I was very excited when I heard we were allowed to play this season after everything that’s happened this past year, especially being that is my senior season. I love the Los Alamitos program and all of the community support that comes with it. I am grateful to be a part of such a talented group of girls that have pushed me everyday to become not only better on the field, but off of it as well. Lastly, I am thankful to play under coach Rob one last time because he has believed in me since day one of my freshman year and taught me many lessons along the way.
In quarantine I learned different things to do in attempt to not be bored. I learned how to stamp metal for fun and taught myself different things to bake. I also got to spend lots of time with my family that we normally would not have been able to spend together.
I would like to thank my parents for being my ongoing support system throughout all of these years. I would not be where I am today without them. I will forever be grateful for all they have done to help me make my aspirations of playing softball in college possible. The sacrifices they have made the past 14 years have not gone unnoticed. Also, don’t miss me that much when I leave because you can always call me from over 2,300 miles away.
One thing I would tell my younger self if I had the chance, is to never take anything in life for granted. A lot can change in the blink of an eye, so be grateful for what you have. Also I would want to tell myself to not let being afraid get in the way of chasing your dreams because fear is temporary and once you finally do whatever it is, you will be very proud of yourself.
Sophia Nugent - Los Alamitos High School
It has meant so much to me to be able to play my Senior year. I missed the camaraderie during quarantine, and I am so thrilled to have it back. It is amazing to play with such a great group of girls who are so dedicated to softball. It is nice to play under Rob Weil again and to have him as my coach for one more year. We have already played 4 games, and I can already see the determination to win in each of my teammates. We are all so excited for the rest of the season and the chance to play one last year with each other.
I learned a lot about myself during quarantine. I learned how much my family meant to me and it was nice to spend so much time with them. I also picked up new hobbies, such as boxing and biking. I was able to go to the beach many times during this quarantine, which was nice because I normally don’t go to the beach.
I would like to tell my parents thank you for all that they have done for me. For all the hours, money, and love they gave me during my first 18 years of life. My dad has done so much for me, especially in the softball aspect of life. He has pushed me to be a better athlete and person. Without him, I am not sure where I would be today. My mother has also done quite a lot for me. She drove me to so many tournaments, made sure I was fed, and cheered me on. I am so thankful for both of them and I am so lucky to have parents like them in my life.
If I could tell my younger self something, I would tell her that you must always work hard and be the best person you can be. There will be ups and downs, but no matter what everything will be okay. I would tell her that life will be hard, but you should always have a positive attitude and always have a smile on your face.
Bella Espinoza - Edison High School
Representing my high school one last time is so exciting for me because it is the last time I will ever play for Edison. It is always fun playing with high school friends, and I even get the opportunity to play against my Firecracker teammates. With Covid not allowing us to play last year, I am just excited to get back on the field. It is an exciting way to represent my school, and I am so glad we get the pleasure of playing this year.
During quarantine, the thing I learned the most about myself was how appreciative I was for all the little things. Quarantine did put everything on pause, but it allowed me to spend quality time with my family. It was challenging coming up with things to fill my day, but being around my siblings was a fun way to get closer with one another. Quarantine also made me try new hobbies like baking, and it allowed me to sharpen some of my softball skills.
To my parents, I would just like to say thank you for everything you do for me. You guys are always there with constant support and push me to be the best version of myself. I am so grateful for you guys, and I would not be the person I am today without you.
If I were to do it all again, I would tell my younger self to enjoy the quality time with your family, teammates, and friends because soon enough we will all be off on our separate paths. I would also say to enjoy every opportunity that comes your way, and things do get better, it just may take some time.
Angelina DeLeon - Calveras High School
It truly is a blessing to get the opportunity to represent my high school one last time. My heart still goes out to the previous graduating class who did not get senior season. I’m just so grateful I get to compete as a Lady Red one more time.
During quarantine, I learned that I like to be busy all the time. I found many tasks and activities to do to keep myself occupied while at home. Some of these activities I probably would have never done before the pandemic, but I happen to enjoy them now. I started painting, gardening, and I learned how to cook from my mom.
As I prepare for the next chapter in my life I’d like to give a huge THANK YOU to my parents for doing everything that they can to help prepare me for this upcoming chapter. There are honestly not enough words to describe how grateful I am for the both of you. Your guidance and endless support is the main reason for my successes. I love and appreciate you more than you’ll ever know. Thank you Mom and Dad!
If I could do this all again I would tell my younger self to cherish and enjoy each time you have on the field. Try to slow down because time flies and you’ll be graduating before you know it.
