Boys Basketball
With an undefeated league record of 12-0, an overall record of 22-8, and two CIF wins to advance to the quarterfinals in an unprecedented playoff run, boys basketball saw a uniquely standout season.
“If I were to sum up this year’s boys basketball season in one word, it would be success,” said captain Mike Otoguro, senior. “Although we would have liked to make it to the CIF finals, this year was filled with lots of memorable and fun experiences.”
Girls Basketball
The girls basketball team continued its dominance this season, becoming undefeated Mission Valley League champions for the third straight year. Amidst the undefeated run, the girls participated in Ovarian Cancer Night, a Gabrielino tradition that returned this season.
“After three years without [Ovarian Cancer Night], to have it against Rosemead and beat them as we did, it felt exciting and satisfying,” said junior Paris Ngeam, captain. “Also throwing shirts into the crowd was fun.”
Football
The varsity football team took on a difficult season this year, with an overall record of 3-6 and a league record of 2-3. Placing fourth in Mission Valley League, the team stayed together even through the toughest games.
“Although we did not have a perfect season, we closely contested every game but one,” stated senior Joshua Cheng. “Hopefully future Gabrielino football teams can be inspired by this season as an example of a small team overcoming the odds.”
Boys Soccer
This season, boys soccer qualified for CIF for the first time in the team’s history. Under a new head coach, they strengthened their teamwork and placed first in Mission Valley League. The team had a league record of 10-1-1, and with an overall record of 14-2-2.
“[My proudest moment was] getting a banner for the school,” reflected senior Jaycob Espinosa. “I haven’t been on the team for long, but I know how hard the guys work.”
Girls Soccer
For girls soccer, this season was about progress, pride, and partnership. They made it to CIF again and were third in the Mission Valley League. According to Maxpreps, they had an overall score of 7-8-2 and a league score of 5-5-2.
“[We emphasized] being committed and working together as a team,” stated Kaylani Seto, senior. “We did better than we expected to, we were able to learn a lot of things and grow in confidence.”
Baseball
Baseball finished second in Mission Valley League with a league record of 9-3 and an overall record of 11-9. Though eliminated in the first round of CIF, the team was able to best their past performances.
“The team did great this season,” captain Jordan Garcia, senior, said. “We could’ve done better but got results nonetheless[…] This year’s baseball season was better than last years [as] we[…] jumped to the first round of CIF compared to last year’s wild card spot.”
Girls Volleyball
The girls volleyball team continued its reign over the Mission Valley League, once again becoming undefeated league champions. The team finished with a strong 22-12 overall record. In addition, the Eagles were able to capture a first-round CIF playoff victory against Highland High School.
“One of the reasons this season was so good was because of the bonds we built. The chemistry, especially with the underclassmen made the season really fun,” said senior Jessica Succonga.
Boys Volleyball
The boys volleyball team had an outstanding season led by first-year head coach Cory Ishida. The team finished 17-3, captured the Mission Valley League title with an undefeated league record, and clinched a CIF playoff berth for the first time in years.
“Making it to CIF, even though it was expected, was definitely a highlight. The fact that we were the team to make it back was really cool,” stated senior Kenneth Pan.
Track and Field
Fierce and dedicated, the Gabrielino track and field team’s past season was full of improvement. Boys varsity won first in league and girls varsity placed second. At league finals, junior Kyla Penamante won the field award and freshman Ajani Romero won the track award.
Distance captain, senior Rachel Young stated, “For distance, we [were] very consistent with improvements and working hard always…[my teammates] show[ed] up to practice always.”
Girls Golf
The girls golf team soared to a strong season, securing a winning record of 5-4 in the Montview League. While the Eagles struggled early, they hit their stride towards the end of the season, winning four of the last five matches.
“I’d say our three-game win streak was the highlight of the season,” said senior Sydni Yang, captain. “Especially beating San Marino because they played us a little too confidently.”
Boys Golf
A tough league paired with a team of mostly new golfers made for a difficult season, but a valuable experience for the varsity boys golf team. The team ended 3-9 overall and 1-9 in the Rio Hondo golf league.
“The biggest challenge we’ve faced during this season would definitely be the level of competition we’ve been facing,” stated captain Alex Hoe, junior. “A lot of them are ranked players, but for us, we just try to shoot for our best.”
Cross Country
Having new coaches this year, the cross-country team stayed persistent and kept pursuing improvement. In league finals, girls varsity received second place while the boys placed third. Both teams were able to qualify for CIF, although not able to proceed after prelims.
“I think everyone improved at their own pace and was able to improve, that’s more than what I can ask for,” stated senior captain Rachel Young.
Boys Wrestling
With a wave of wins in league and once again qualifying for CIF, boys wrestling had a thoroughly triumphant year. However, what was more important to boys wrestling captain senior Joseph Martinez, was a year full of improvement.
“Our wrestlers benefitted as much as they could, and everyone just did the best they could as well, which, I would say, is something better than being the best as what you do,” Martinez stated.
Girls Wrestling
A plethora of CIF qualifiers and placings in league, including girls wrestling captain sophomore Karina Vargas winning as Mission Valley League wrestling champion, resulted in another successful season for girls wrestling. Vargas is exceedingly proud of the team, its dedication, and its growth.
“We have a lot of underclassmen that are ready to come back next year. I’m glad that it’s expanding, there’s a lot of dedication that the girls have,” Vargas said.
Softball
The softball team had a challenging season, with a 3-19 overall record and a 2-12 league record. They placed sixth in Mission Valley League, beating out only Marshall Fundamental Secondary School.
Overall, the season was one of improvement for the team’s newer players.
“While challenging, it was successful in allowing underclassmen to gain experience,” stated head softball coach Robert Godinez. “Additionally, we had some breakout years from kids who have been in the program that we’re really proud of.”
Girls Swim
This season, girls swim won a majority of their meets during the season.
“This season was better than I could’ve asked for. It almost didn’t happen and I’m so glad it did,” explained senior Grace Patterson, captain. “We might race separately, be on different teams, and vary in speed, but it always amazed me on the interaction and trust that existed this season.”
In the end, the season brought the whole team closer than ever.
This season, girls swim won a majority of their meets during the season.
“This season was better than I could’ve asked for. It almost didn’t happen and I’m so glad it did,” explained senior Grace Patterson, captain. “We might race separately, be on different teams, and vary in speed, but it always amazed me on the interaction and trust that existed this season.”
Boys Swim
The boys swim team had a fantastic season, losing one meet throughout the season. Additionally, they dominated the majority of their matches with landslide victories.
“Being a captain this year I got to see all the mess and stress that goes on behind the scenes,” stated senior Joseph Peng, captain. “I mean for sure the high was definitely the Mt. Sac invitational. I think the atmosphere was the best I’ve ever felt. There was so much positive, excited energy.”
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