BIG RED
BIG RED BIG RED
WINTER 2024 • VOLUME XVII
ISSUE NO.2
PLAYBOOK the PLAYBOOK
6
ICY INTENSITY
The Staff
A look into winter team's seasonal progress and upcoming endeavors
10
COURT CULTURE
Lyla Kavanagh and Max Nam
This season's new changes to the boys and girls basketball program
This October, Big Red wow'ed the community with the release of our Homecoming Issue. With two covers, three creative features and dazzling photospreads, everyone said we would be a one-hit wonder...
BUT, Big Red does it again! The Winter Issue is loaded with the most relevant sports news in our community, action photos and a creative take on the winter glue crew. We are proud to have included every winter sport in this issue and rest assured that we shot two covers in our home base Weiler.
WRESTLE IT OUT
Photospread 14
Nelson LaBombard ’27 and Elijah Ayeni ’26 duel the dolphins of Pali.
22
WINTER GLUE CREW
The Staff
Who binds their teams together in selfless play? Find out in Glue Crew.
theSTAFF
Editors-in-Chief Alex Dinh, Justin Tang, Nathan Wang
Managing Editors Jack Ryan, Hannah Shahidi
Copy Editors
Zoe Goor, Saisha Kumar, Everett Lakey, Max Turetzky
16
THE BIG WIN
Chloe Kim and Oona Sils
Girls XC clinches second place at State Finals, first at Mission League.
26
RUNNING ROBOTS
Luca Gonzalez
The VEX robotics challenge of the year, hosting 60 teams in Taper Gym.
Our coverage of the school's basketball program continues with a feature on the boys and girls basketball program heading into the season. The Girls Cross Country state runner-up title is a new CIF record for the team, and our writers covered it head to toe. Finally, read about the robotics team's annual VEX tournament on campus grounds.
We are super proud of the number of athletes we profiled in this issue, namely in the glue crew section. On top of all this, you will find an original photo on every page of the magazine.
For all these moving pieces, we are so grateful to our advisors Billy Montgomery and Jen Bladen for their guidance. Our staff worked tremendously hard to put this issue together, and we could not have done this without you. Finally, thank you to all the athletes who contributed to this issue – you are the life of our magazine.
We hope you enjoy this magazine alongside some warm cookies and milk this holiday season.
Your Big Reditors-in-Chief, Nathan, Alex and Justin
Assistant Editors
Alden Detmer, Evalina Gerencher, Luca Gonzalez, Kayla Graff, Jonah Greenfeld, Zara Groves, Jackson
Hubbard, Riya Iyer, Lyla Kavanagh, Chloe Kim, Hailey
Kramar, Kasra Maghami, Nicolas Monroe, Max Nam, Alex Nickoll, Jean Park, Abby Ryan, Oona Sawyer, Oona Sils, Henry Winn, Jake Yoon
Advisors
Billy Montgomery and Jen Bladen
BIG RED is a student-run magazine publication of Harvard-Westlake School, 3700 Coldwater Canyon, Studio City, CA 91604. BIG RED is an interest magazine about athletic teams and individual pursuits of students and faculty, as well as fitness topics. BIG RED ensures coverage of all 26 athletics teams at the school through quarterly distributions. In addition to news and editorialized features, BIG RED incorporates photojournalism and artistic elements, capturing the energy and spirit of sports through powerful imagery. Copies of BIG RED are distributed free on campus and are mailed by subscription at $15 per year. Letters to the editor or requests can be sent to Nathan Wang (nwang1@hwemail.com), Alex Dinh (adinh1@hwemail. com) or Justin Tang (jtang1@hwemail.com).
popCULTURE
Tyler Park ’25
Boys Soccer
Barron Linnekens ’26
Boys Basketball
Lilah Mitchell ’25
Girls Water Polo
Elina Arteaga ’26
Girls Soccer
Notre Dame vs. JSerra vs. Notre Dame Best holiday artist or song Mariah Carey
(From left to right): Connor Tang, Max Turetzky, Jack Ryan, Jackson Hubbard, Jake Yoon, Max Nam, Luca Gonzalez, Billy Montgomery, Nathan Wang, Alden Detmer, Justin Tang, Lyla Kavanagh, Jonah Greenfeld, Zoe Goor, Saisha Kumar, Alex Dinh, Jean Park, Chloe Kim, Hailey Kramar, Abby Ryan, Riya Iyer
WINTER
PREVIEWS
Photo by Nathan Wang Big Red
BOYS SOCCER LOOKS TO LEADERSHIP AND CULTURE
By Riya Iyer
The boys soccer season opened with a 2-0 loss at home against Crossroads School on Dec. 11. After going 18-6-1 with a 12-1-1 league record last year, the team made it all the way to the CIF-SS D1 semifinals before losing to Torrey Pines High School in the first round of the
CIF Regional Tournament. The team also claimed their second Mission League Title in a row, after not winning the league since 1998.
The team is set to play in the SoCal Showcase on Dec. 27 and Dec. 28, which will host college scouts and recruiters for prospective players. The team will begin Mission League play at Bishop Alemany High School on Jan. 3.
Head Coach Michael Erush said team dynamic was a key part of last year’s success and hopes it can carry over to the current roster.
“The biggest strength from last year was leadership and culture,” Erush said. “This group of seniors can create a memorable year if they get the details and are committed to our team goals.”
The team lost six key starting players in the Class of 2024, includ-
ing standouts Nathan Casamassima and JT Federman. However, the current roster has stepped up to fill in the gaps left by last year's graduates. Defender Reid Romans ’ 27 said he is looking forward to developing with the team throughout the winter season.
“My main goal this season is to improve my skills while also helping the team succeed,” Romans said.
“We have a strong foundation and motivated players.”
Erush said the team is focused on maintaining a winning mentality through out the season.
"We want to create a dynasty by winning the league and then compete for a Division I championship,” Erush said. “We try to have a positive and productive non-conference schedule. We want to continue our championship mindset and be relentless."
Wrestling team kicks off season at full force
By Jonah Greenfeld
The 2024-25 wrestling season kicked off with the Spartan Kickoff tournament on Nov, 16th. This
event marked the marked the first of many challenges for the Wolverines, who will also compete in league duel meets against their league rivals throughout the season. The team participated in the Lancer Open on Nov. 23, as well as a non-league dual match against Palisades, which concluded in a closely contested 41-29 defeat.
Last year, the team went 1-3 in league dual meets with a win over Crespi and losses to Bishop Alemany and Chaminade. The team secured a win over Palisades in the only nonleague dual meet of the season.
While the team did not qualify for the Mission League finals, several
individuals advanced to compete in Mission League individuals. Cutter East ’24, a former captain, excelled in these competitions and progressed to CIF Masters.
LaBombard said that for the first time in several years, the Wolverines are fielding a nearly full roster.
“The absence of weight classes last year was our main weakness because we won more matches than they did,” LaBombard said. “We all see this year as an opportunity to win the league.”
With the team's full roster and a group of dedicated leaders, the Wolverines are optimistic about their odds at winning their first league title since 2008.
NATHAN WANG/BIG RED
NICOLAS M ONROE/BIG RED
Girls water polo starts season with STRONG WIN
By Hailey Kramar
The girls water polo team won its first game 12-6against Downey High School on Nov. 21. Last year, the team's overall record was 13-9. Every year since 1997, Girls Water Polo has been Mission League Champions, and last year was no exception with a 5-0 league record.
Head Coach Laura Lopez said the team has a lot of potential this year and that Lilah Mitchell ’25, the only senior on the team ,is taking charge.
“While we’re young, with 10 freshmen and six sophomores forming the core, we’re laying the groundwork for sustained success,” Lopez said. “Lilah, our sole senior, is a fantastic leader who brings experience, composure and guidance to the group, helping us stay competitive and focused. With her leadership and the team’s dedi-
cation, I’m confident we can achieve great things this season.”
4-5 side attacker Piper Federman ’27 said the team culture is different this year because the majority of the team is freshmen.
“We have a young er team this year,” Federman said.
“A big part of our training has been creating a team culture [where] we learn how to adjust and play together. ”
Goalie Ella Tulloch ’27 said the water polo team is focusing on mastering the basics before moving on to more advanced techniques.
och said. “We worked a lot on the fundamentals of water polo and improving our technique. Additionally, we did a lot of weight training during preseason.”
Center Kess Penman ’27 said the team has more coaches who offer different approaches and input.
“[This year] we have a bigger coaching staff,” Penman said.
“We have been doing a lot of conditioning during preseason,” Tull-
“This is really cool because [the coaches] all bring different perspectives of the game and are dedicated to helping us improve. We have a really exciting and fun group of girls which has us really excited for the season.”
STRONG BONDS in girls soccer CREATE CHEMISTRY
By Abby Ryan
The girls soccer team won its first game against St. John's High Schoolon Nov. 25. Last year, the team finished
13 - 5 - 4 and went 7-1-2 in league play. The Wolverines won the Mission League but ended their season with a 2 - 1 loss to Roosevelt High School in the CIF quarter-finals.
The team has two tournaments scheduled over winter break, one in Orange County and one in Texas at Southlake Carroll High School. The team's first league game will kick off at 5 p.m. against Louisville High School on Jan. 8.
This year the team is led by seniors Ashle Reese ’25, Gemma Ozturk ’25, Skyla Wilkins ’25 and Madisyn Grant ’25. Head Coach Richard Simms said he is looking forward to the season because of the mix of different ages on the team.
“We have a great senior class this year,” Simms said. “If you want to be able to compete at the highest level of high school sports, you've got to have some of those older players. We have a nice blend of experience and talent.”
Center midfielder Riley Romans ’27 said the team's commitment during preseason helped them improve their team strength and connect with one another.
“The preseason has been going well,” Romans said. “We are focused on refining our style of play and bonding as a team. The energy and commitment are high. We are setting a solid foundation for the season ahead.”
NICOLAS MONROE/BIG RED
CHLOE KI M/BIG RED
SAVE THE DAY
Goalie Leila Sarris ’28 blocks an attempted shot in a scrimmage against Westlake High School on Nov. 19.
Photos by Chloe Kim Big Red
ON THE OFFENSIVE
Lyra Gavazzi ’28 advances to the goal, looking to score on Westlake’s goalie.
Better Together Better Together
Boys and girls basketball are sharing coaching staff following Coach Hearlihy's retirement. How have both teams benefitted?
by Lyla Kavanagh and Max Nam
Girls basketball forward Valentina Guerrero ’26 sat nervously, staring at the Zoom waiting room in August. The email announcing the meeting was vague, but when she saw Head of Athletics Terry Barnum and Athletic Director Chelsea Heyward, she knew the meeting had to be serious. Still, nothing could have prepared her for the shock of hearing Program Head Melissa Hearlihy tell the team she was retiring after 24 years as the Wolverines coach and the team's recent Division II State Championship.
“She told us she was retiring from high school, and we were all so confused about what that meant,” Guerrero said. “When she explained that she was leaving, we were really sad, but we knew she had peace with it gave us peace too.”
In light of Hearhily's retirement, Boys Basketball Program Head David Rebibo and Assistant Coach Alex Nailes have stepped into new roles within the girls program. Rebibo now serves as the Interim Program Head for the girls team, while Nailes assumed the position of Interim Head Coach. Nail -
es said sharing coaching resources has allowed for greater attention to detail in practices, something that has significantly benefited the girls team.
“Sharing coaches has helped improve the girls’ skills,” Nailes said. “It has also given the coaches the ability to pay attention to the small details in each one of the girls’ games. We have been able to give the girls a ton of knowledge of the game while teaching them hard work and discipline as well.”
Rebibo said the coaching staff is dedicated to the success of both programs, viewing them as part of a collective effort to elevate and improve the basketball program.
“Our entire coaching staff is so committed to Harvard-Westlake basketball as a whole, and everyone has contributed tremendously to both programs,” Rebibo said.
While Nailes transitioned to leading the girls team, the boys program ensured no disruption to its training or preparation. Rebibo said the boys' team is currently experiencing no problems as Nailes dedicates more time to coaching the girls team.
“So far, nobody’s been impacted,” Rebibo said. “We filled the spot left by Coach Nailes with a new assistant who’s done a fantastic job. Both programs, at all levels, are getting everything they need.”
The announcement was met with a bittersweet enthusiasm by the players, who were eager to see what the new season would bring under Nailes’ leadership. Guerrero said the team has been inspired by what Nailes would bring as head coach.
“When we found out Nailes was going to be our coach, we were really excited about what our new season was going to look like,” Guerrero said. “Nailes and Rebibo are different from Hearlihy, but in a good way. I feel like we’ve never been so motivated to play basketball and to get better. Skill-wise and basketball IQ-wise, we’re better. We’ve also become more of a family on and off the court.”
During the 2023-24 season, the girls team suffered from numerous injuries, including forward Bella Spencer '25 absence due to a torn ACL, and guard Jamie Yue's '24 knee injury. As a result,
Photos by Nic Monroe Big Red
the girls' team was made up of almost entirely freshman and sophomores, and entered Mission League play with a 4-12 record. However, Hearlihy ultimately let the team to a 19-18 record and the Division II State Championship. The girls' team's resilience and determination allowed them to push through difficult games last season, and continues to inspire them in the wake of Hearlihy's retirement.
Despite sharing resources, Coach Nailes said the ultimate goal is not to diminish the quality of either program but to utilize their coaching staff to the fullest extent.
“It has been a really good transition into sharing the coaches and resources,” Nailes said. “Both programs are working well together. We are doing everything we can to make sure we can provide an elite experience for the girls and boys this year for basketball.”
Boys Guard Joe Sterling ’26 said
each boys' and girls' coach is valuable to the program for their unique playing styles and techniques they offer.
“Getting the different perspectives [is the biggest benefit],” Sterling said. “All the coaches bring something that you know they're really good at. That's why we have so many different coaches, and that's why it's designed for us to have coaches that [coach] both [teams] and that are able to help us in a lot of different ways.”
Practices under Nailes began in August, marking the beginning of an unprecedented season for the team with a coaching style focused on the technical aspects of the sport. Guerrero said this shift in coaching was a major factor in the team’s improvement.
“With Coach Hearlihy, we didn’t really dissect [the game],” Guerrero said. “But with Nailes, everything counts. Every move, every cut and every screen [counts]. It’s all about the details now. We’re paying rattention to the small
details, not just the big picture, and that’s made a big difference.”
While Nailes acknowledged some differences between coaching boys and girls basketball, he said that his coaching philosophy remains consistent.
“The pace of the game is obviously different, but I look at coaching the girls as just coaching basketball athletes,” Nailes said. “We hold every player to the same standard, whether it isthe girls or boys. Coaching this team, we have to find different ways to win every day and get better in the meantime. Bringing over the accountability, energy and winning mindset are a few things that we have brought over from the boys side to help the girls be successful on and off the court.”
The boys and girls teams have also benefited from a crossover in coaching strategies. Boys Forward Barron Linnekens ’26 said he has seen Nailes use some of the plays he introduced to the boys team with the girls.
“Nailes uses some of the same schemes we ran last year,” Linnekens said. “Sometimes we stay after our practice to watch the girls practice, and they’re running similar drills and plays. It’s cool to see that connection.”
Ever since Rebibo became the program head in 2015, the boys team has dominated at regional and state levels, winning six straight Mission League Titles, back-to-back Open Division State Championships and the CIF-SS Open Division Championship last year. Although the team lost several seniors, including key starters Christian Horry '24, Robert Hinton '24 and Trent Perry '24, they look to rebuild the team as new players emerge as play-makers and leaders on the court.
The boys team is currently undefeated with a 8-0 record, while the girls' team is currently 4-2. Girls Forward Bella Spencer ’25 said Nailes and his coaching style has helped them elevate their pace and overall flow throughout plays.
“The boys have been highly successful over the past few years. [I
appreciate] having the opportunity to learn from their coaches, and especially Coach Rebibo, who's been exceptionally accomplished over his ten seasons at [the school,”] Spencer said. “[As we are] learning from them, there's been a lot of skill development. [We are also developing] a new style of basketball play that is [more closely] reflected in the NBA and the WNBA, which has faster [and] more athletic play. It's been great getting to learn from them and just grow as a player, both on and off the court. It's super fun having them around, especially coach Nailes, who's pretty funny to be around.”
“
teams interact with each other.
“This season has made our program a lot more cohesive,” Linnekens said. “It used to feel like there were separate boys and girls programs, but now it feels like one big Harvard-Westlake basketball program. Scheduling is easier, and we’re more connected as a community.”
I look at coaching the girls as just coaching basketball athletes. We hold every player to the same standard, whether it is the girls or boys."
Alex Nailes
Beyond the logistical benefits, the new structure has created opportunities for players to bond across teams. Linnekens said these connections extended beyond the court.
This shared approach has not only elevated the level of play on both teams but has also created a stronger sense of community among all basketball players. Linnekens said the change in coaches transformed how the boys and girls
“For their games, we are part ofthe student section,” Linnekens said. “It feels great to support [the girls team], especially when they’re in tight games. Last year, we helped get in the opposing team’s heads during a comeback against Redondo Union in the playoffs. That was such a memorable moment.”
FINAL TAKEDOWN
Nelson LaBombard
’27 holds his opponent in referee’s position on his way to a 15-6 win.
Photos by Jonah Greenfeld Big Red
EYE TO EYE
Elijah Ayeni ’26 prepares to face off against his opponent in a home match against Palisades Charter High School on Dec. 4.
STORMING FRESNO
After going through many injuries and consistent training, the girls cross country team took home the second place trophy in Division IV CIF and State.
By Chloe Kim and Oona Sils
Photos by Henry Winn Big Red
As her sweat drips, vision blurs and ears ring, team captain Saisha Kumar ’25 crosses the finish line. Kumar does not know she and her team have just made history: the girls cross country team took second place in Division IV at the CIF State Meet in Fresno for the first time since 2011, running the second-fastest team time in school history at 95:56.
When she heard the announcement of the team’s performance, Kumar said she felt relieved to have fulfilled her role as team captain.
“At the finish line, seeing everyone hear the announcement that we got second, and seeing all the younger [runners] hugging each other and smiling was re - warding,” Kumar said. “I felt like Emily [Ahn ’25] and I had fulfilled the role of leading the team to do well.”
Prior to this final race, the team had been successful all season. They placed first at the University of California, Santa Barbara Gaucho Cross Country Invitational, the first race of the season on Aug. 31, as well as at the Mount San Antonio College Invitational on Oct. 25. The girls also placed first at the Mission League finals for the fourth year in a row, with Elle Kirman ’27 winning her second straight Mission League Champion, and Ahn, Kumar and Jia Rhee ’28 achieved allleague honors. Finally, the team placed second at the CIF
Southern Section Finals for the first time in a decade, according to athletic.net.
Three girls in particular had profound individual accomplishments: Rhee, Kumar and Kirman were stand-outs this season, helping lead the varsity team to success. At the Woodbridge Invitational, the largest invitational in the country, the trio all ran under 18 minutes in the girls varsity three-mile
a core principle of the team this season was having faith during times of difficulties.
“Helping raise belief is probably one of the biggest challenges we had to overcome,” Sharpe said. “Every season’s going to have sickness and injuries, but it’s about getting them to trust the process. It can feel miserable especially when athletes miss a week or two because of an injury, and when they come back, they think they lost everything, but that’s never true. It comes back. The biggest thing always is belief and trusting the process.”
CALIFONIA STATE MEET TOP TIMES
event. Their times were 17:43, 17:48 and 17:59 respectively, the lowest times the program has ever had all together in one race. Finally, at the Sunny Hills/Wayne Walker Invitational, Kumar set the course record with a time of 18:26.
Despite the girls’ successes, the season was not always smooth sailing. The team fought through many hardships, such as increasingly difficult workouts, staying consistent with their practices and facing mental blocks.
Head coach Tim Sharpe said
Head Coach Jonas Koolsbergen ’83 said staying on the path to achieve a goal is the hardest part of the regular season.
“The work is always daunting and maintaining the consistency of the work deep into the season is a challenge,” Koolsbergen said.
“Everyone can do medium work when you feel good, but then in the middle of the season, there’s a period where you’ve done a lot of hard training and racing, and it’s starting to feel like a lot. Maintaining the belief, staying on the path and knowing that you can become what you’re trying to become is an active belief and a challenge to overcome. Everyone, at some point, is going to have a race that they’re not happy with, and at that point, you have to realize that it makes sense. Nobody’s fantastic every time they do something in any
endeavor. Just allowing yourself to move through that, roll with that and come back from that is always a challenge.”
Ahn said when she strug gled at the end of races, she was motivated by recalling all of the hard work the team had gone through.
“I often struggled with pushing myself to run fast er at the end of races, but I tried to remind myself of the effort the team put in over the season and push myself for my teammates,” Ahn said.
Mikaela Brabbee ’28 said she struggled with health problems during the regular sea son, but she finished on a high note with the help of her team mates and coaches.
“I definitely had a rough season after spraining my ankle and coming down with pneumonia,” Brabbee said. “The first few practices back from pneumo nia were very difficult for me. I wasn’t able to keep up with the peo ple I would normally run with, and it was frustrating. Gradually, my times started im proving, and I started feeling a lot better. My teammates and coaches definitely played a huge part in my recovery. My team mates were always encouraging, and
my coaches knew exactly what I needed to do in order to recover.”
The team fought through their various challenges and finally arrived in Fresno on Nov. 29 prepared and ready to give it their all for the most important race of the season.
Rhee said that she was nervous, but she had a strategy for running the race well.
“I usually get nervous before races because I’m afraid that something might go wrong,” Rhee said. “But my thoughts throughout this race were staying on pace and not panicking. In the beginning of races, because of the adrenaline, people often sprint ahead. What I found is that when I do that, I get stitches throughout the race. I just focused on staying steady and not panicking if my teammates were way ahead of me because I knew I would be able to catch up
Kumar said she had some difficulties at the beginning of the race, but her coach motivat-
“I went out a little fast for the first mile, and then I got really tired on the second mile because there were a couple of hills,” Kumar said. “I definitely was getting passed a lot, but during it, I was just like, ‘I gotta keep going since it’s my last race, maybe ever.’ And during the last 600 meters, Coach Aloisi was standing there, and he screamed really loudly that our team was barely second place at the two-mile mark. So even though I was slowing down with people passing me left and right when I heard that, I got a burst of energy, and I was like, ‘Okay, I just need to hold on for the last 600 [meters].’ That really kept me going towards the end.”
The end of the race felt gratifying for the girls, as all of their work and dedication throughout the season had come to fruition.
Brabbee said taking home the runner-up trophy was a testament to all of their training and dedication throughout the season.
“When I heard that we won second place, I was in disbelief,” Brabbee said. “This was a huge accomplishment considering how hard we have worked this season.”
Kirman, who had the fastest time for the school’s team this year, said she owes part of her success in the race to the support she had.
“The coaches were fundamental in our success there,” Kirman said. “Our teammates are also fundamental because we all motivate each other to get through our runs. My teammate, Jia, really helped me get through most of the third mile since she motivated me to stay with her.”
Although the season is now over, some members of the team know their work is not done yet. Kirman said she is excited to continue building on this year’s success with the team in the future.
“I hope the team keeps on pushing and motivating each other,” Kirman said. “I don’t have specific goals for next year, but I’m so incredibly excited to see where this sport takes me because I believe that this team is really special. I feel so lucky to be a part of it. Personally, I want to keep improving and stay passionate about running through next year and beyond.”
Ahn said she has learned many valuable skills throughout her years on the crosscountry team.
“I have been a part of cross country since ninth grade, and through cross country, I’ve learned a lot about discipline, pushing my limits, and the importance of perseverance,” Ahn said. “It’s not just about running. It’s about setting goals, working hard to achieve them and not giving up when things get tough.”
Kumar said she is excited to see program and the younger girls on the team achieve greater things in the future.
“I’m really looking forward to watch the team progress over the next couple years,” Kumar said. “Besides Emily and I, we have a really young team and our successful season shows just how much potential the girls have in the sport. I can’t wait to see everything they accomplish and have so much confidence in the program and them.”
FROM DEFENSE TO OFFENSE
Forward Sabrina Puathasnanon ’28 aims to make an outlet pass to strikers down the field.
Photo by Nicolas Monroe Big Red
REID WITH THE SPEED
Defender Reid Romans ’27 faces the ball while taking full control allowing his team to move up the field for a chance to score.
Photo by Kasra Maghami Big Red
Glue Crew
By Alex Nickoll
It's Community Time on a Monday. Most students are relaxing on the Quad; however, midfielder Roen Beiley ’25 is not like most students. He is jumping on top of his friends, yelling at the top of his lungs and shooting his Gatorade water bottle at his friends. His energy defines him and is his contribution to the glue crew.
Beiley said his energy comes from being around people that he trusts every day.
“It’s just an intrinsic excitement,” Beiley said. “Every time you see all of the boys, it pushes you to want to fight for each other.”
Center-back Sam Reiner '25 said Beiley holds an uncanny amount of spirit and drive.
“I don’t understand how he has
that much energy all the time," Reiner said. “It definitely helps us get hype for games and practice, and [it] raises our level each and every day.”
Striker Theo Ottoson ’25 said he is also amazed at Beiley’s constant and unrelentless enthusiasm.
“[Beiley] has caffeine running through his veins,” Ottoson said. “It's an uplifting energy that he brings to the team.”
Beiley said he takes pride in his work ethic and leadership.
“[I value] leading by example and always doing the right thing when no one is looking,” Beiley said. “Ev eryone wants to make underclass men pick up all the cones, but, as a leader, you have to help out every where and go above and beyond.”
As the season takes off, Beiley said he has set high expectations for the squad.
Big Red sent out forms asking the winter teams to vote for their glue players. The results are officially in. Introducing the Winter Glue Crew:
Roen Beiley
Gemma Ozturk
By Jean Park
Goals may be the most considered part of soccer, but nothing is as important as a team. Team bonding and communication unite everyone together, and every team is known to have that one person to hype the team up. For girls varsity soccer, it's midfielder Gemma Ozturk ’25.
Ozturk said she displays positivity at every practice and game, and she has built a strong team connection.
“I bring a lot of energy, and I’m always positive no matter what,” Ozturk said. “I know it’s hard when there are losses throughout the season, and it’s
important for us to hold each other accountable while still being positive.”
A key factor of a team sport is bringing everyone together, and no one is better than Ozturk at that task. Midfielder Madisyn Grant ’25 said Ozturk provides critical team coordination.
“Gemma always organizes stuff for our team and makes sure we are prepared for whatever we have coming next,” Grant said.
Defender Ashle Reese ’25 said Ozturk's leadership in pre-game rituals helps bind the girls.
“She is very good at orchestrating," Reese said. "Her hype is great before every game as well as her pep talks.”
Nathan Wang/Big Red
Nathan Wang/Big Red
/glu: kru:/ (n.) A group of key players who communicate well and who are honest with their teammates and themselves. They are the heart of the team.
By Jonah Greenfeld
In wrestling, every team needs a player whose contributions transcend results on the mat. For the Wolverines, that player is Alec Avedissian ’25. His leadership, discipline and ability to unite his teammates make him the heart of the team as they strive toward their goals this season.
Avedissian said he takes pride in the team’s culture and credits it as a key to their success.
“A lot of the ‘successful’ programs break down because their kids are egotistical and uncoachable, but that has never been the case for us,” Avedissian said. “It has helped our team of mostly [new] high schoolers compete against kids who have been
By Jackson Hubbard
Alec Avedissian Gyasi Zinn
In basketball, every team has a player whose contributions can’t be captured by just their statistics, but rather by the veteran presence and leadership this player brings to the team on and off the court. For the back-to-back state champions, that player is Gyasi Zinn ’25. Zinn's positivity, tireless work ethic and ability to unite the team make him the definition of a glue guy, holding the team together when things matter most.
Zinn said he takes pride in lighting up the team from behind the scenes.
“I think it’s just because socially I bring the team together,” Zinn said. “On the court, it’s just about bringing the energy and even though I’m not a star player, doing what I can to try to make the team better every day during practice.”
Team manager Landon Sparks said Zinn's positivity is infectious.
wrestling since they could walk.”
Nelson LaBombard ’27 said Avedissian's presence as a leader is a defining force during competitions and practice.
“[Avedissian] is the model for discipline on the team, specifically what it means to be disciplined during practice,” LaBombard said. “He also helps lead the team by making sure that everyone stays disciplined and focused.”
That leadership extends beyond setting an example. Henry Margolis ’27 said Avedissian fosters a motivational and welcoming atmosphere.
“Alec is a funny and encouraging person on the team,” Margolis said.“He always makes sure that we are doing our best and helps the team keep going.”
“He’s a team uplifter," Sparks said. "Whenever somebody is down or not having the best day, he’s there, always with a smile, hyping everybody up and getting them back in the mood."
As the season unfolds, Zinn said he is staying focused on the journey as much as the destination.
“I’m looking forward to getting better with the team,” Zinn said. “Obviously, the bus rides and locker room moments are fun, but I’m focused on getting back to Sacramento and trying to win another state championship. And, of course, all the good moments along the way.”
Whether it’s his unmatched energy, commitment to improvement, or the way he unites everyone around him, Zinn is exactly the type of player every team needs to be successful. He is not just the glue that holds his team together, but he brings the energy that keeps them moving forward as well.
Jonah Greenfeld/Big Red
Nathan Wang/Big Red
By Jake Yoon
Water polo may be a sport of strategy and endurance, but for the Girls Varsity Water Polo team, it’s also about community. Utility Player Piper Federman ’27 has emerged as a cornerstone of that sense of unity, both in her journey within the program and in her role as a teammate. Federman said her family's practice of the sport first interested her.
“I actually started playing water polo about three years ago because my brother was playing it,” Federman said. “After COVID, I wanted to try a different sport, so I joined the club that’s associated with Harvard-Westlake, and that’s how I ended up here.”
Federman acts as a vital bridge
for the team’s culture. She said she has built lasting connections with her teammates, many of whom she has been playing with since her early club days.
“A lot of us have been playing together for years,” Federman said. “One of the main things I’ve focused on is getting to know everyone on a personal level. You create special bonds that can often translate into better teamwork.”
Forward Darya Ghassemieh ‘27 said Federman's bond with the team is key to their success.
“She has a great relationship with the younger girls, and that really helps build our team culture,” Gh assemieh said. “Her positivity and ability to connect with everyone makes such a difference.”
Deana Thompson Piper Federman
By Kasra Maghami
In basketball, it is easy to focus on the stat sheet: the sharpshooter consistently scoring points or the towering center accumulating all the team’s rebounds. But every team has a player bringing them all together – the unsung hero making everyone click. For girls varsity basketball, it is shooting guard Deana Thompson ’25.
As a junior, Thompson played a key role in the team’s CIF Division 2 State Championship and earned All-Mission League Honors last season. Over the 2023-24 season, she averaged 16.7 points per game. Thompson is not only a contributing member of the team as a scorer but also through her impact as a teammate.
Forward Zina Wilhelm ’28 said Thompson’s skills as a player and friendships with the entire team make her a
strong leader.
“She’s definitely one of our best players,” Wilhelm said. “She is friends with the whole team.”
Shooting guard Hollen Vann ’27 said Thompson leads and provides unity for the team both on and off the court.
“Deana is a great leader,” Vann said. “She’s taken on a huge vocal role for her senior year. She makes sure that we’re all on the same page and ready when it comes to game time. She also [ensures] that there's a good balance off the court.”
Vann said she has seen Thompson’s versatility and basketball IQ after being on the team for the past two years.
“I've learned a lot about her play style,” Vann said. “She’s taking on a point guard role. She’s able to facilitate while also getting her own buckets. It’s been cool seeing her develop into that role.”
TEAMMATES IN TECH
It's only been a year since Robotics transitioned to FIRST Competitions, yet they've hit the ground running. This tournament was no exception for the Wolverines VEX.
By Luca Gonzalez
HW Robotics hosted its annual FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) VEX tournament, the Harvard-Westlake Challenge, in Taper Gym on Dec. 8. 60 different schools from Southern California competed against each other for trophies, rewarding students awards that the school designed.
A team of ninth-grade students from the Lower School competed while Up-
per School students participated as volunteers.
During the event, students, each with their own robot, competed in two-versus-two matches where they would use their robots to pick up rings and attempt to place them on top of stakes placed in the competition field. The more rings that the students successfully managed to drop onto the stakes, the more points they earned. Harvard-Westlake
won the Build Award, which is given for the team that can create the robot best most sufficiently to handle the tasks.
Robotics Coach Tripp Reed said he enjoyed being able to see students compete against each other and cooperate within their own teams and against other teams during the challenge.
“I love seeing the kids come with all the hard
4.
they have put in and getting to see them actually get on the field,” Reed said. “And really, I love to see the students working together. You see the kids come up with strategies together to help each other out. I see teams that are more experienced helping teams that are new to competition coming in and trying to help them, like, develop an autonomous that’s that really
5. The Wolverines program hosted 60 teams in the competition.
6. The HW Challenge awarded students with student-made trophies.
Team Knight Time Bots, dressed in festive wear, controls 6627A in the competition ring.
All photos by Lucas Gonzalez/Big Red.
heart, and it gets me excited about the future.”
Reed said he was happy with the success of the tournament, especially because of the high level of competition. He said he enjoyed seeing how well the students from different schools worked together and noticed an inclusive atmosphere, despite the gap in levels of some teams.
“We’ve been running really smoothly, so that makes
me feel great,” Reed said. “The level of competition at this event is always really high, and I’m glad to see it’s at that level. There’s a lot of really good teams here, teams that have already qualified for the state championship and teams that have qualified for the world championship already. Then you have some brand new teams. But I haven’t seen anyone kind of feeling like they don’t belong. What we hope is that this is an
1. Harvard-Westlake Robotics team 62A competed in the weekend-long VEX Robotics Challenge, hosted by the Wolverines in Taper Gymansium.
2. A close up on the VEX robotic made by team 6526D from Damien Spartan Robotics
3. HW Middle School Robotics primarily competes in VEX Robotics.
where everyone can feel like they can belong.”
Milo Messinger ’25 said thetournament was especially competitive due to the amount of matches students participated in.
“Teams tend to be super competitive throughout the day,” Messinger said. “The average team has to compete in almost 15 matches in a day, so they are all pushing hard to give as much of a performance as they can at this event.”
Yari Milakin ’27 said he appreciated all the students’ innovative ideas put on display during the challenge.
“I’ve really enjoyed seeing all the creative solutions and engineering that all the teams have come up with,” Milakin said. “Especially looking into, for example, their mechanisms they’re using to score [rings] onto the stakes. It’s interesting to see where the future of robotics and coding computer science is going.”
Zidaan Sattar ’26 said he was impressed with the Wol-
verine team’s performance.
“We did really well at the tournament,” Sattar said. “Our high school team made it to the finals round and managed to qualify for state championships. Two of our middle school teams also qualified for the state championships. We won the Build Award too, so overall I think we did great, especially with all the good teams.”
Max Ye ’27 said that students are able to gain invaluable experience from attending robotics tournaments as well as develop relationships with new people.
“You can learn leadership, unity and community,” Ye said. “First, with leadership, we all know it is very important and that colleges like it, but it will also help you throughout your entire life. Also, it helps build teamwork. I was a solo teammate, and I know how hard it is, so I really suggest having a really good team because it will help a lot. Also in this community, you can meet a lot of friends.”
