By: Isabelle Yang
Tryouts are complete, rosters are finalized, and games have begun for winter sports. With the fall sports season officially over, the basketball, soccer, and wrestling teams are ready to compete – with their captains leading the way. In the gym and on the field, teams are practicing to prepare for success as league games commence. Everyone has varying expectations and goals for the upcoming season, all at different levels of competition.
As captain of the girls basketball team and point guard, Riley Dela Fuente (12), hopes to lead her team to CCS one last time and exceed their previous accomplishments in NorCals. She’s been playing competitive basketball since fourth grade, and her favorite memory from playing at Mills was winning league and CCS these past couple of years. “I’m excited this season for the quads and especially this being my senior year I hold this season with a lot more heart…” Dela Fuente shares.
Tyler Ngo (12), captain and point guard for the boys basketball team, strives to make the most out of his senior season and play hard every game. He’s been playing basketball competitively for seven years, and aims to complete senior year by qualifying for CCS. Reflecting on his four years at Mills, his favorite memory was scoring 30 points in their last rivalry game against Capuchino his sophomore year. “I’m most excited about playing one last season with the young guys and also the seniors in my class that are on the team with me,” Ngo says.
The girls soccer team captain and center midfielder, Reece Roach (12), has played soccer since she was four years old and is entering her third year as a captain. Winning their league and qualifying for CCS was one of her favorite memories, and she hopes to achieve that again and go undefeated this year. Roach is confident their team dynamics are strong, with the addition of freshmen and a new coach, resulting in high levels of execution. “The emphasis on build-up play, connecting passes, and combinations has made our style exciting to watch and be a part of,” Roach adds.
Joshua Huei (11), captain of the boys soccer team and winger, has been playing competitively for ten years. His fondest memory was getting the opportunity to play with the class of 2024 seniors when he was a sophomore on the team. However, the roles have been reversed this season, and he hopes to develop chemistry with his underclassmen teammates to unite the team. “I’m excited to play with the new team and have a successful season,” says Huei.
Alexis Franco (12), is the 175 lb wrestler for the Mills wrestling team. He has been in the sport for four years, having an undefeated personal record in dual meets. In his upcoming senior season, Franco’s main goal is to place in league. “I’m excited to step back on the mat and dust off my skills one last time before I graduate,” Franco expresses.
Overall, the captains are hoping for the best this 2024- 2025 season. For many, it’s their last high school season, which makes it even more special.
