“It is never too late to start something new.” An idea often circulated but rarely enacted. Among high school students, hesitancy to try new activities often grows as they progress through grade levels. Seniors Vianna Pineda and Zaara Batla demonstrate the benefits that come with a little bit of courage as they both achieved milestones by joining the first flag football team at Portola High.
Pineda was interested in joining the sport after participating in the recreational flag football games between the grade levels that ASB conducted towards the end of 2022-23 school year. She grew up playing sports and currently plays softball and basketball at Portola High.
“Having that athleticism helps,” Pineda said. “Especially on defense, basketball and flag are similar. You have to watch the people and the ball at the same time and also just communication from both teams and being able to have a voice and be a leader, on the field and on the courts.”
Batla has no shortage of athletic experience either; she plays lacrosse at Portola High, recreational basketball and taekwondo since the second grade.
“I would always play around with the football with my dad and family members, so I wanted to do something more than just passing in my backyard,” Batla said.
Reflecting on the flag football season, Pineda said her favorite offensive positions were receiver and running back because of their highly active characteristics. She also enjoyed defensive safety due to its wide view of the field.
“We started off rough because we were new in comparison to other teams,” Pineda said. “But I think towards the end, we really started to put it together, and I think going into next year for the lowerclassmen it’ll be better.”
While over half of the team were underclassmen, Pineda and Batla said they did not let that get in the way of forming close connections. The team had multiple opportunities to bond, including getting Chick-Fil-A after practice and listening to music together on the bus rides to away games, according to Batla.
“Being one of the only seniors on the team, it was hard to connect with them because they were younger, but I feel like we all got close,” Pineda said. “We went on team bondings, and it was cute because they’re like my little children. I’m excited for them to grow in the future, and I’m glad that I got to meet all of them, make those friendships.”
As an older teammate, Pineda quickly assumed leadership roles as captain and mentor for her fellow teammates.
“When I am captain, I just want to make sure that I’m really putting myself in the shoes of my other teammates and making sure that I’m still being a team player, while also just having the voice to lead them,” Pineda said. “I like that I get to be able to really see each person for who they are and also help them not only with their skills but mentally too and help them through whatever they’re going through.”
Similarly, Batla approached her senior year as her final chance to explore new activities and make the most out of her time in high school.
“It being the last year had a big factor in it because I’m never gonna have a high school experience again,” Batla said. “I’ll join a bunch of clubs, join the sports, like everything I can to get more involved with the school before going to college.”
