Boys tennis
Last year, Aragon boys tennis had a season to be remembered by winning the league championship for the first time in 20 years, sweeping the league 14-0.
Head coach Dave Owdom sees this year as promising as well, with the team losing only one starter from last year.
“Our strength [for this year’s team] is [that] … we basically have everybody back,” Owdom said. “So, if they stay healthy, we should have a good season. I could put all three of my doubles last year together again this year [and] I have all my one, two, three singles back and only lost number four.”
Junior Darrin O’Brien also sees a lot of advantage in the transition from last year’s team.
“Most of our team are juniors and seniors, and we have played for almost all three, four years already, so we have lots of experience,” O’Brien said. “We know how it goes, and we also know how most of what other teams will be playing like and what the level is. So, that’s an advantage in the sense we know how they play, what they do.”
The team is not resuming from where they ended last year, as senior Akbar Beg, who went to the second round Central Coast Section Individuals last year, has put in more work since then.
“I’ve gotten better since last year,” Beg said. “A lot of it is on footwork, mostly because it’s about efficiency. [In addition,] I’ve been trying to focus on my consistency and a lot of emotional control because that’s really important: your mental strength.”
This year’s goal for the team is to repeat what they accomplished last year.
“We have the talent,” Owdom said. “Teams are all going to be good, and they’re all going to be shooting after us. Boys tennis has gone to CCS for … the last 12 to 13 years. So that’s always a goal: making the tournament. And then I have a couple of individuals that I’m hoping will go on to get the CCS individuals and Akbar Beg last year won the singles title in our league, so to see him repeat [is a goal].”
The first league match is away against Hillsdale on Feb. 25 at 4 p.m.
Reporting by Sora Mizutani.
Girls lacrosse
With spring just around the corner, the girls lacrosse team is gearing up with a mix of seasoned players and newcomers, ready to hit the field for another season.
Coach Ashley Parham, now in his fourth year as varsity lacrosse coach, emphasized the importance of team unity ahead of the season.
“To play good lacrosse, you have to be a good teammate,” Parham said. “So if you don’t play well together, then you’re stagnant, and you’re not going to score many points.”
Sophomore Sarina Jain shared her favorite bonding moment from last season.
“At the end of the season, we had a water fight, which was a tradition, and Parham locked himself in the announcer booth,” Jain said. “That was a pretty core memory.”
Aside from unity, off-season training has been key. The team has focused on both physical fitness and individual preparation.
“It’s not just about building strength,” Parham said. “Everyone has their own style—find what works for you and stick with it.”
Parham encouraged players to develop personal pre-game routines to ensure they are mentally ready for competition.
Sophomore Elena Adractas shared her outlook on the upcoming season.
“I hope that we get a really good team of girls this year—one where every person is passionate and puts in their best work,” Adractas said.
She also stressed the importance of refining skills.
“Once you start to get the technique down, it’s really just about the effort you put in,” Adractas said.
In order to build momentum throughout the season, concentrating on fundamentals and ensuring a strong foundation in basic skills is vital.
“Work on your wall ball and stick work, and a strong growth mindset going into the game is key,” Jain said.
With a focus on skill development, physical fitness, and strong team dynamics, the program is set on a competitive journey. The team will have their first game against Lick-Wilmerding on Mar. 5 at 5 p.m.
Reporting by Olivia Mukherjee.
Boys lacrosse
As the boys lacrosse season approaches, players are focused on improving their skills and closing the gap from last year’s struggles. Though the team had a 0-8 league record last season, they hope that they can bounce back with some fine tuning this year.
Sophomore Braden Chiu noted some possible highlights of the upcoming season.
“I’m hoping we can train our new members and just start playing well. Hopefully, we can at least make it closer [to CCS] this year,” Chiu said.
Preparation for this goal has been key, both physically and mentally, to performance and injury prevention.
“Unfortunately you can’t stay avoiding injury, however recovery is very important so take time to heal,” said sophomore Justin Pita.
Certain methods can be employed to counter the risks present while playing lacrosse.
“Try not to get into any dangerous positions. There are some kids who play around the rules, but just try to get around that,” Chiu said.
Game-day routines often help set the tone for success, both mentally and physically.
“I like talking to my teammates, hyping everyone up, doing some stretches, and then getting into the game,” Chiu said.
Many have a simple philosophy when it comes to the concept of sportsmanship on the field.
“Play within the rules, play nice—don’t try any dirty tricks, just have fun and enjoy the game,” Chiu said.
For new players, perseverance is key, despite struggles they might face.
“No matter how hard it seems, keep trying. Even I thought about quitting but I’m glad I stayed. I love my sport.” Pita said.
Another struggle for some players on the team surrounds balancing lacrosse with other activities.
“You just have to have priorities … It’s just a balance for homework. I do it whenever I have free time,” Chiu said.
With a renewed mindset and commitment to growth, the team is ready to take on the season with determination and resilience. Boys lacrosse will have their first match against Los Altos on Mar. 20 at 7 p.m.
Reporting by Olivia Mukherjee.
Track and field
Aragon’s track and field program was on the cusp of greatness last year, falling just short of their goals to win Peninsula Athletic League championships on both the boys varsity and girls varsity teams. While the boys won a PAL championship, the girls captured the Bay Division crown but fell just short of the PAL title.
As they reload for the 2025 season they look to fill some of the gaps that were left by graduating seniors last year. With the addition of a new coach to the staff and the return of a few key athletes from last year, the Dons enter the season with high aspirations.
“We’re striving to win the championship in all divisions,” said head coach Greg Alvarado. “The goal is to repeat for the boys and regain for the girls.”
This goal seems in reach for the Dons, as the program has been dominant in the past half-decade. The varsity boys team has won the PAL crown in three out of the past four years and the varsity girls team has won the PAL crown in two of the past five years. Their last program sweep of the PAL meet was in 2021.
Many of the athletes within the program contribute their recent success to the tight-knit community nature of the program.
“A lot of my teammates are my friends,” said senior hurdler Marcus Rife. ”We all compete and push each other.”
This community of people all striving to do their best has been crucial in continuing the winning legacy of the program as older athletes within the program look forward to seeing the younger athletes develop over time.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the younger athletes succeed and see their dreams,” said senior pole vaulter Fern Aceituno. “I want to see people fall in love with the sport like I did.”
The selflessness and closeness within a sport like track and field may be surprising to some, as it may seem like an individual sport. In actuality, each athlete works individually towards a common team goal and every member of the community is extremely important.
The Dons will look to test their preparations in a home scrimmage against Woodside on Feb. 25 at 3 p.m.
Reporting by Charlie Henderson.
