As fall sports came to an end it was the end for the majority of seniors playing their sport for the last time. As some fall sports qualified for CIFs such as boys water polo their season is still going as we wish them the best of luck as they strive to win CIF. It has been challenging for the seniors in sports as they balance being an athlete and student all at once.

On the dance team, Keira Hanna has been dancing the majority of her life and joined the dance team at La Mirada. Although Keira has been dancing the majority of her life she took a hiatus until Mrs. Lazalde inspired her to join the team. Apart from Mrs. Lazalde and her fellow teammates has been her inspiration as they help motivate her to become a better dancer. Throughout her time being a part of the dance team her proudest accomplishments thus far is growing as a dancer and placing third place at nationals. The moments she would miss most is performing during halftime at the
football games and the UDA camp. After graduation Keira plans to continue dancing in college and to one day study abroad in Italy.

Flag football is a new sport not just to La Mirada High School but also to the district. Nikki Banuelos is one of the captains for the school’s flag football team. Banuelos decided to join flag football as she wanted to set a good example for other girls who are interested in joining the sport as she does not want them to shy away from it since it is a male dominated sport. In the first game of the season she scored a touchdown as this was a big achievement for her and it made her feel like she was starting the season off on the best foot. Nikki Banuelos has been a multisport athlete throughout her years at La Mirada. After high school she is interested in playing soccer at the collegiate level. Her plans after graduation are to earn a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, a Master’s degree in law in hopes of one day becoming a district attorney or a criminal justice lawyer.

Ignacio Olivares plays top and bottom wing on the boys varsity water polo team. He was a part of the swim team and saw there was another swim sport that he had interest in. He has been playing water polo for three years. His biggest inspiration is his coach as he showed him what hard work can get you and implemented life lessons through training. His biggest achievement thus far has been winning the Saddleback Tournament. Winning the Saddleback Tournament was his favorite memory as he along with his team lifted the trophy. Olivares plans on continuing to play water polo at the
collegiate level. After graduating from La Mirada Ignacio plans on receiving his Bachelors in business and getting a pilot license as he would like to work for an airline.

Emilie Galavn plays varsity on the girls volleyball team. Her favorite memory this season is playing alongside Maragret Norton and Alyssa Meraz, the two captains. She will miss the bus rides especially after a win and all the friendships she has made from her time in the program. She is not planning to play in college. Emilie is planning to focus on her academics during college as she is pursuing a career in education. Frank Torres is on the varsity football team. Torres has known he always wanted to play football; his parents are his biggest supporters, especially his dad. This season the football team had a new coaching staff. Torres has formed a good relationship with his coaches this past season. His favorite memory from this season was beating Baldwin Park. He is going to miss all the friendships and memories he has made from football. After high school Frank is planning on becoming a firefighter.