Navya Kala
Grade: 9
The varsity girls won the Korean Classic for the third year in a row beating SIS, KIS, and TCIS in straight sets. The team relied on their tenacious defense and strong serving. This year's team is young but they work hard and show a lot of maturity while having fun. Freshmen middle blocker Navya Kala led the team in kills and aces for the tournament and has played multiple positions while providing versatilly and always having a positive attitude for the team.
Ariana Bates
Grade: 9
"Ariana is a bubbly and enthusiastic person who consistently has a smile on her face, even after a tough course. She has proved her place on the varsity team as a freshmen, coming out fierce and strong every meet and placing in the top 12 by the end of her first season at KAIAC championships. She has so much potential and will continue to grow and become an even better runner as she continues in her career. This is a runner you want to look for on the courses (and maybe even the record board) because she is going to continue to be a tough competitor." - Captain Dora Zoeller
Joshua Swanson
Grade: 12
We were so privileged to have Josh Swanson on our team for the past 4 years. He has been an amazing leader and has pushed our team to work harder. He led the team not only in time but also in dedication. He never complains and is very hard working. He will be greatly missed.
Pablo Yuste & Max Choi
Grade: 12 & 10
Pablo and Max have been the anchor of the Boys Volleyball Team this year. Their quick decisions as setter and sacrifices to do what is best for the team led the Guardians to their second consecutive ACSC title and a strong KAIAC finish. They have modelled commitment to excellence and invested their hearts into the team. Pablo has been a solid offensive pillar to the team and recognized as the best setter in both ACSC and KAIAC. This does not undermine the contribution that Max made by choosing to sacrifice stats, challenge taller players and to help step into a missing middle position. Max helped to shut down many teams with his strong defense both in the blocks and digs categories. With the help of the libero, Tommaso Pespani, we had a strong defensive presence front row and back row. We are excited for the examples they have set and the continued brotherhood of the Boys Volleyball Team. Thank you, Captains (and Tommaso).
Nathan Moyer
Grade: 12
Nathan has been a part of the YISS basketball program for the past 4 years. He has been an integral member of the varsity team for the past 3 seasons. Nathan has consistently worked hard to improve his skill and in the improvement of the team and the program. His development over the past 3 years has been a very important aspect of the team's improvement over those years. Nathan's hard work and development as a player as been a great example for the underclassmen.
Andre Lee
Grade: 12
For the last 4 years I have not seen a player consistently attract as much attention on the court as Andre. Her long range three point shots have amazed myself, opposing coaches, and fans alike as we all anxiously awaited every time she touches the ball. But what many don't see is the effort that she puts in on the defensive end. Andre is second on the team in rebounds, third on the team in steals, and first in blocks. She might be quiet, but she is a leader by example on both ends of the court helping the Lady Guardians to a 2nd Place Conference finish.
Yoona Lee
Grade: 12
Yoona has been an asset to our cheer team this year, serving as our captain and always leading with a good attitude. She cares deeply about her sport and her team members which shows through in the way that she prepares for practices and interacts with the team. Yoona has been cheering since eighth grade and has built up many good memories over the years. One of her favorite memories was getting a chin injury from one of her teammate's braces. She references this event as a moment where she learned lessons like the fact that no matter how bad the situation is, if you push through, it'll work out in the end. -Coach Bonnie
Soo Lee
Grade: 12
One of the joys of having freshmen on your varsity team is that they one day become Seniors, watching them as they grow not only as players but as people. Soo has done both growing into her role as a two year captain and team leader. It has never been about her as she has always wanted the best for her teammates and has taken on roles and responsibilities often learning along the way including investing in a talented group of underclassmen. But she is not done yet as she and Andre lead the Lady Guardians into a highly anticipated KAIAC Tournament and trip to ACSC.
Josh Swanson
Grade: 12
Josh has been a part of the YISS basketball program for all 4 years of his high school career and a member of the varsity team for the past 2 seasons. Josh leads by example as he works hard everyday in practice and puts forth great effort at all times. Josh has emerged as one of the teams top scorers during his senior season and has helped the team achieve success including a 9 game conference winning streak.
Josh Swanson
Grade: 12
Josh is a veteran runner, and is one of the original members of the track and field club that transformed into a varsity sport over the past two years. He is not only one of the strongest middle distance runners in KAIAC, but was also our team captain in cross country and track the past year. He developed notable mental toughness and leadership and will be greatly missed by the team. He is a great teammate, athlete, and person. Josh is irreplaceable in cross country and track, but has left a legacy for younger distance runners to aspire to.
Andy Kung
Grade: 12
Andy is a talented multi-event athlete. He is not only extremely fast, but he can also jump further than almost anyone in KAIAC. Andy's passion for the sport and his ability to encourage and help his teammates and even athletes from other teams will be greatly missed. Andy was also one of the original members of the track and field club and has been a huge part of it transforming into a varsity sport over the past two years. Andy has established high marks in school records for younger sprinters and jumpers to aspire to.
Samson Dakuwaqa
Grade: 12
Samson was the top thrower in KAIAC for the past two years and dominated the shot put and discus, scoring big team points every meet. However, Samson is not only a powerful athlete, but also a humble and helpful teammate. He always sought to give tips to his younger teammates and never wanted the glory for himself. He will be greatly missed and set a high bar for all future throwers.
Soo Lee
Grade: 12
Soo Lee ended her high school soccer career by leading her team to the KIAIC finals. Soo Lee had three goals and an assist during the tournament. Soo was a great example to her young team of what it means to be a leader and good teammate. She did everything she could to help her team win, while at the same time supporting her teammates through the ups and downs of the tournament.
Shutaro Hasumi
Grade: 12
Shutaro Hasumi was a vital member of both the ASCS and KAIAC champion Varsity Boy’s soccer teams over the past 4 years. Throughout his YISS career, he anchored the team as a starting midfielder, tallying numerous goals and assists for the Guardians. Though Shutaro’s skills cannot be understated, his commitment to improvement and excellence truly set him apart as an elite soccer player. Shutaro’s talent, tenacity, and leadership skills will greatly be missed as he transitions to college next year.
