Eunice Yi

Although her journey was long, Nadia Bernard has come out triumphant with a scholarship to play basketball at CSU Long Beach.

Unlike many other recruits, Bernard doesn’t believe she was gifted with natural talent. Instead, she found her way to success by working her way to the top through grit and determination.

“Starting in freshman year, I was definitely further behind than everyone else, so it was always like trying to catch myself up” Bernard explained.“With that came a lot of hardships, having to work my way to the top.” But she didn’t do it alone. There was always someone in her corner when things got difficult: “My dad was my biggest supporter. He played professional basketball himself so he trained me, and pushed me and taught me everything I know.”

Bernard will be competing in the Big West next year on a Long Beach team that just went 17-3 in their conference. Her ability to make it to the next level is not only a true testament to her character, but also an inspiration to all athletes at West Ranch.

Nadia Bernard Jonathan Gim

Swim

Jonathan Gim will be far from home and swimming at Brown University next year, where he can continue a dream he has had for a long time.

“In 8th grade, I realized I had the potential to take [swimming] to the next level, so I thought I might as well take it all the way,” Gim said.

He has certainly reached that next level. Gim has set two West Ranch records, one in the 100 yard backstroke and one in the 100 yard freestyle, making him poised and ready to dominate league opponents and fellow division one competitors at CIF.

As for his departure, Gim is looking forward to taking the next step.

“I’m excited to study, live and swim all on the same campus. That is something I have always wanted in my life and being able to go to school with all of the guys and follow their footsteps is something I’m really excited about.”

West Ranch basketball has experienced a renaissance over the last three years, and one of the main factors behind its rebirth was the arrival and emergence of Andrew Meadow, whose efforts have rewarded him with a scholarship to Boise State University.

Meadow has displayed a dominant high school career, where he spent all four of his seasons on varsity and put up otherworldly numbers on Foothill League opponents.

But to reach the status he has now wasn’t easy. “Going in everyday and doing the work, it’s not easy. There’s a certain level of dedication you have to have, and not everyone has it,” Meadow explained.

West Ranch will miss him on the floor next year, but Andrew Meadow will have moved on to greater things. West Ranch is proud to have an alum in the Mountain West.