Volleyball AASCA 2014 (Costa Rica)
The Volleyball AASCA trip was a positive experience socially but was disappointing in terms of the competitive level.
Leaving, the teams were confident that they had a good chance, as they had beaten most of the Guatemalan schools that they played. However, as it came time to play, the boys’ team realized that they did not have all that it took to become the volleyball champions of the year. Technically, however, they did make it to the finals, as they got fourth place; out of four. As far as the girls’ team, they also had a great time, pulling in a sixth, out of seven.
Overall, the trip was really enjoyed, and it was a positive bonding experience for all who participated. The students brought back plenty of chocolate and goodies from Costa Rica to share. While this may not have been their best season, they were at a disadvantage from the beginning, as they had only trained for one half of the year. Despite all this, our tenacious boys and girls all played their hearts out, and returned glad that they had shared the experience.
Leaving, the teams were confident that they had a good chance, as they had beaten most of the Guatemalan schools that they played. However, as it came time to play, the boys’ team realized that they did not have all that it took to become the volleyball champions of the year. Technically, however, they did make it to the finals, as they got fourth place; out of four. As far as the girls’ team, they also had a great time, pulling in a sixth, out of seven.
Overall, the trip was really enjoyed, and it was a positive bonding experience for all who participated. The students brought back plenty of chocolate and goodies from Costa Rica to share. While this may not have been their best season, they were at a disadvantage from the beginning, as they had only trained for one half of the year. Despite all this, our tenacious boys and girls all played their hearts out, and returned glad that they had shared the experience.
Soccer AASCA 2014 in Costa Rica
To The Team
by: Emma Yee Yick
From March 5- 9, the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams travelled to compete in the 2014 Soccer AASCA at the PanAmerican School in Costa Rica. All in all it was a great trip enjoyed by all, full of lots of laughter, smiles, tears, sweat, and a whole lot of soccer. The final standings really did not do justice to the heart and soul with which the Maya Warriors played.
In honor of the ending of the HS Soccer Season:
First and foremost it's a sense of pride, for all of the hard work we've put in and for how far we've come. We quite literally started at the bottom and made it all the way to the top. It definitely wasn't easy; it took hours of practice and sweat, and it took losses and let downs. But eventually, we made it. We became THE team—at our very strongest and ready to take on anything, and that's what counts. Secondly, it's a sense of gratitude. For every single one of these girls (AASCA and otherwise) and for being able to play the best sport in the world, almost everyday, with them. For lifting each other up when we were down, for giving their all when it seemed like there was nothing left to give. For being understanding and flexible, and for simply being who they all are. Finally, it's a feeling of love. The amount of love I have for these people is unparalleled to anything in my life. And it's because of this love that the end of this season is so hard to bear. Being on a soccer team, is really unlike anything you can ever experience in your life, because soccer truly is a TEAM sport. You win as a team and you lose as a team—there's nothing in between, no blame to be given, or fingers to be pointed. But the feeling when you do triumph together is incredible. Because you get to share happiness—real, genuine, happiness with 15 of your best friends. It's the hugging, and the smiles, and the cheers, and the "I knew we could do it's", and "I'm so proud of you's". And that is a feeling that I'm going to remember forever. It has been such an honor to be Captain of this amazing team. I am left forever humbled, thankful, and changed. Here's to my “equipazo.”
"AQUI, AQUI, AQUI ESTA EL CAMPEON!"
In honor of the ending of the HS Soccer Season:
First and foremost it's a sense of pride, for all of the hard work we've put in and for how far we've come. We quite literally started at the bottom and made it all the way to the top. It definitely wasn't easy; it took hours of practice and sweat, and it took losses and let downs. But eventually, we made it. We became THE team—at our very strongest and ready to take on anything, and that's what counts. Secondly, it's a sense of gratitude. For every single one of these girls (AASCA and otherwise) and for being able to play the best sport in the world, almost everyday, with them. For lifting each other up when we were down, for giving their all when it seemed like there was nothing left to give. For being understanding and flexible, and for simply being who they all are. Finally, it's a feeling of love. The amount of love I have for these people is unparalleled to anything in my life. And it's because of this love that the end of this season is so hard to bear. Being on a soccer team, is really unlike anything you can ever experience in your life, because soccer truly is a TEAM sport. You win as a team and you lose as a team—there's nothing in between, no blame to be given, or fingers to be pointed. But the feeling when you do triumph together is incredible. Because you get to share happiness—real, genuine, happiness with 15 of your best friends. It's the hugging, and the smiles, and the cheers, and the "I knew we could do it's", and "I'm so proud of you's". And that is a feeling that I'm going to remember forever. It has been such an honor to be Captain of this amazing team. I am left forever humbled, thankful, and changed. Here's to my “equipazo.”
"AQUI, AQUI, AQUI ESTA EL CAMPEON!"
Soccer Athlete Profiles
Caio Alves
Position: Midfield Sports figure I admire: Messi Rodrigo Arroyo Position: Midfield Sports figure I admire: Cristiano Ronaldo Before every game I...listen to my favorite playlist. Jonathan Barney Position: Defense Sports figure I admire: Messi and Fitzgerald Before every game I...listen to “Fighter” by Gym Class Heroes. Ignacio del Castillo Position: Midfield Sports figure I admire: Andrés Iniesta Before every game I...listen to music. Dylan Falls Position: Center Defense Sports figure I admire: Oscar Pistorius, Jackie Robinson, and Michael Phelps Before every game I...listen to pump-up songs. Héctor Solorio Position: Defense Sports figure I admire: I really like how Rafael Marquez plays defense. He is the most successful Mexican defense player. He spent over a decade playing in Europe, winning numerous titles with Monaco and FC Barcelona. In 2006 he became the first Mexican player to win the UEFA Champions League when his Barcelona side beat Arsenal. Before every game I...like to listen to some reggaeton. I also make sure my left knee is feeling good to play. Kuny Song Position: Goalie Sports figure I admire: Oliver Kahn Before every game I...stretch and crack my knuckles. Ikjoo Yoo Position: Striker Sports figure I admire: Messi Before every game I...always have to get hyper, and I always do a handshake with Noah before the game starts. |
Diana Carrillo
Position: Defense Before every game I...mentally prepare to play. Barbara Carrizo Sports figure I admire: Alex Morgan Before every game I...give a speech of love and hate and think deeply. Every game I...do a victory dance. Andrea del Castillo Position: Left Defense Sports figure I admire: Ignacio del Castillo (Brother) Before every game I...relax and think positively. Becky Contreras Position: Midfield Sports figure I admire: Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain Before every game I...listen to fast tempo music to get pumped up. Before every game I...jump up and down to get my blood flowing. Paula Estrada Position: Center Midfield Sports figure I admire: I admire Lolo Jones, a runner for Team USA, mostly because her diet consists of 9,000 calories, which I’m very jealous of. Before every game I...put on sunblock and get extremely nervous. Karen Gutierrez Position: Right Wing Sports figure I admire: Alex Morgan Every game I...get happy when I score. Adriana Guzman Position: Right Midfield or Defense Sports figure I admire: I really admire Kyla Ross for being such a young member of the USA Olympic team and for sticking with something that she loves, working alongside her best friend. I am excited to see how far she will go in gymnastics. She inspires me to keep trying even if at first I don’t succeed. Before every game I...get good butterflies in my stomach which tend go go away with warm-up, but then come back when we are shaking hands with the other team. Every game I...remind the girls on the field that “There is no offsides on throw-ins!” to no avail. That is when I am on the bench. I also try to cheer a lot to whichever Maya team is playing and to leave everything on the field. |
Alexandra Herrera
Position: Defense Sports figure I admire: Alex Morgan Before every game I...ask my brother for luck. Every game I...get hurt in some way. Yeeun Lee Position: Right Wing Sports figure I admire: Gerard Pique Before every game I...have a carb-rich lunch because it gives me lots of energy during the game. Abbey Minondo Position: Midfield Sports figure I admire: Alex Morgan and Mia Hamm Before every game I...eat something sweet. Every game I...picture the team better and better than the last game, which is pure motivation. Sofía Onofre Position: Goalie Sports figure I admire: Rogério Ceni Before every game I...start to sing. Every game I...do a little dance when one of the girls score. Evelyn Raaska Position: Left Wing Mid Sports figure I admire: Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach Before every game I...get hyped about the game. Valentina Rast Position: Forward Sports figure I admire: Chicharito Hernandez, Lukas Podolski, and Kim Kulig because their skills are amazing. I just wish that one day I can be as good as them. Before every game I…pray and think positively. Every game I...have hope and believe in me positively. Michelle Villena Position: Left Defense Sports figure I admire: Any women who play soccer or any sports because they inspire me and remind me that sports are not only for men. Also, my friends motivate me because they have girlfriends who don’t really like sports, but I’m always there talking about soccer or volleyball. Every game I...wear a necklace that has become really important to me. I always tell myself that, “this game is ours, I’ll give everything of me,” and hope for the best and get into the game right away. Arantza Zamarripa Position: Defense Sports figure I admire: Alex Morgan |
9 Things I've Learned This Week During Soccer
1. You don't always get the best referees. But under no circumstances should you talk back to them, yell, or question their judgment. If you do, prepare for a yellow card.
2. Moms turn into different people and get really angry during soccer games. So much so that they will begin to do exactly what was previously instructed NOT to do in #1 of this list. (AKA they will scream at the ref's)
3. If you've given up, you've already lost. Be optimistic and don't stop until the whistle blows. It doesn't matter if you're down 4-0 or if there are only 2 minutes left, give it your all.
4. There is such a thing as home field advantage.
5. Don't judge a team by their name/school name. I'm not going to mention any teams directly but all I have to say is that while some schools are labeled by a denomination of faith, they definitely do not play by the rules of any religion.
6. How grateful I am for such a wonderful coach. I feel for some of these players whose coaches are so intense and loud that they don't leave room for players of either team to concentrate.
7. Even though it's not as bad as losing, tying a game still feels pretty bad. It's that whole "so close, but so far away," thing.
8. Some people are convinced that they're playing a combination of rugby and tackle football.
9. It's time to dig even deeper. AASCA's coming up in a little more than a week and champions won't be made by giving 70%.
2. Moms turn into different people and get really angry during soccer games. So much so that they will begin to do exactly what was previously instructed NOT to do in #1 of this list. (AKA they will scream at the ref's)
3. If you've given up, you've already lost. Be optimistic and don't stop until the whistle blows. It doesn't matter if you're down 4-0 or if there are only 2 minutes left, give it your all.
4. There is such a thing as home field advantage.
5. Don't judge a team by their name/school name. I'm not going to mention any teams directly but all I have to say is that while some schools are labeled by a denomination of faith, they definitely do not play by the rules of any religion.
6. How grateful I am for such a wonderful coach. I feel for some of these players whose coaches are so intense and loud that they don't leave room for players of either team to concentrate.
7. Even though it's not as bad as losing, tying a game still feels pretty bad. It's that whole "so close, but so far away," thing.
8. Some people are convinced that they're playing a combination of rugby and tackle football.
9. It's time to dig even deeper. AASCA's coming up in a little more than a week and champions won't be made by giving 70%.
Volleyball Game Against Americano
The Warriors' volleyball team has had only one game since our last issue. The Volleyball kids left Colegio Maya on February 14th to play against Americano. The girls' team fought hard, but they were not able to pull a win, due to a lot of bad luck. The boy’s team, however, won, with the first two sets; both were very close games. Overall, the Volleyball team is going far better than the Colegio Maya soccer team-largely due to the number of players available.
Volleyball So Far
The Colegio Maya Volleyball season has been going better than the Warriors soccer season. The Boys have won one game, and barely lost one other game; however, the girls have lost both of the games. With better teamwork, it is easily possible to continue to win, and the team has certainly begun to function better, despite missing a practice last Friday due to the students day off. Basically, all of the players are in great condition, with a few exceptions, and can function rather well individually, however, their teamwork needs to improve, watching the games, there were several times where the team was not sure who’s responsibility the ball was, letting it just drop when it could have been easily returned.
Soccer Follow Up: 1st Week of February
Both the girls’ and guys’ soccer teams have been hard at work. While they are currently participating in the Bi-Cultural tournament, the real focus of all of their dedication and perseverance is the AASCA Soccer Tournament in Costa Rica, in March. Hopefully, Maya will be able to bring both teams to AASCA, but the boys, with many players injured/just lacking in general, are still uncertain.
Last Wednesday, the Lady Warriors faced off against Inter-Americano at home. Even though they came short of a win with the final score 2-1, it was evident that this was their best game yet. Spirits were high and all of their practice seemed to be paying off. The boy’s team, while small, has been continuing to practice—and to practice quite intensely I might add. They have really been focusing on conditioning and have spent lots of their time in the weight room and on the filed, developing their strength, agility, and endurance.
This past Saturday, The Warriors faced off against El Shaddai Christian Academy. With a hardly fought tie, the girls felt as if they had triumphed. And as far as the boys, only six showed up, however, thanks to a substitute goalie they were able to play, even if with nearly a two to one disadvantage, they were crushed, but with probably the best job they have ever done, the final score was Maya 0, El Shaddai 7.
Last Wednesday, the Lady Warriors faced off against Inter-Americano at home. Even though they came short of a win with the final score 2-1, it was evident that this was their best game yet. Spirits were high and all of their practice seemed to be paying off. The boy’s team, while small, has been continuing to practice—and to practice quite intensely I might add. They have really been focusing on conditioning and have spent lots of their time in the weight room and on the filed, developing their strength, agility, and endurance.
This past Saturday, The Warriors faced off against El Shaddai Christian Academy. With a hardly fought tie, the girls felt as if they had triumphed. And as far as the boys, only six showed up, however, thanks to a substitute goalie they were able to play, even if with nearly a two to one disadvantage, they were crushed, but with probably the best job they have ever done, the final score was Maya 0, El Shaddai 7.
HS Soccer Season-So Far
Well, I guess this makes three games so far for the Maya warriors. It’s almost a miracle that the boy’s team has even been able to play all three games so far, what with so many people dropping out before games. As for the girls they certainly are a great team, and can aptly work together to crack any opposing defense. The records, so far stand as follows: Girls, 0-4 versus Interamericano, 3-0 versus Decroly, and 1-2 versus Village. As for the boys, 0-3 versus Interamericano, 0-4 versus Decroly, and 2-2 versus Village. Both teams returned from Thursday’s game, against Village, with mixed feelings, some disappointed, some mad, some triumphant. The boys were certainly glad for proof that their training and team spirit had paid off. The girls, for one, fought hard until the end of their game, and it was very close, but still kudos to them for all their hard work. To the boys as well, a big thank you, for finally putting something other than negative on the score sheet. There have been a surprising number of injuries this season, especially among the boys, namely Diego. But all have continued to play hard, with good results.