The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot
The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot
The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot
  • Portola High School
    75
    St. Margaret's
    50
    Feb 5 / Boys' Basketball
  • Portola High School
    3
    Sage Hill
    1
    Feb 4 / Girls' Soccer
  • Portola High School
    58
    Woodbridge
    17
    Jan 31 / Girls' Basketball
  • Portola High School
    3
    Irvine
    4
    Jan 31 / Boys' Soccer
  • Portola High School
    3
    St. Margaret's
    0
    Jan 29 / Girls' Soccer
  • Portola High School
    2
    Sage Hill
    0
    Jan 27 / Boys' Soccer
  • Portola High School
    4
    Irvine
    0
    Jan 24 / Girls' Soccer
  • Portola High School
    3
    Sage Hill
    0
    Jan 17 / Girls' Soccer
  • Portola High School
    6
    Arnold Beckman
    20
    Oct 11 / Flag Football
  • Portola High School
    14
    Northwood
    4
    Oct 10 / Girls' Tennis
Game Coverage
Distance runner and sophomore Nick Perez passes the 200-meter mark while running the 800-meter run, speeding up to catch up to and pass two runners.
Sprinter and junior Taylor Nguyen and sprinters and seniors Hannah Ko and Nahsima Titanji take the lead in the girls’ varsity 100-meter hurdles, placing second, third and sixth, respectively. “We had one school record by Taylor Nguyen for the 300 hurdles, which was awesome for her to do that first race out,” head track and field coach Cale Kavanaugh said. “We had a lot of our kids who opened up with PRs that were pretty significant or they picked up right where they left off last year, which was awesome.”
Varsity swimmer and senior Gavin Nicholson executes a backstroke start into the boys’ 200-yard medley relay. This season, the team aims to focus on boosting their overall spirit through bonding activities, such as beach practices and a bonfire, according to head coach Steven Richards. “We have a really good, strong team spirit on our team, Richards said. “I want to see that continue.”
As tension continues to grow, the Bulldogs exchange a few words of encouragement. “During the game we tried to stay together and help each other try to win,” Rockwell said. “I learned that no team is ever out of the fight. Never let up even when winning the game. [You] never know who will do something that will flip the game upside down.”
Spotlight
Senior Shifa Harsolia walks along the beach with her surfboard during a PHS Surf and Snow Club meetup. “There's definitely a learning curve for surfing and getting over that hump is when you really enjoy it,” Harsolia said. “And it's hard at first, but if you just stay mentally present and keep going, it becomes much more rewarding.”
Making Waves: Meet the Bulldogs Who Surf
Marianne Chan, Assistant Opinion Editor | May 22, 2025
Senior Hanna Kim poses in her Portola Pep Squad uniform during media day, celebrating four years of spirit while Senior Kathy Pedram closes out her final year on the Portola Pep Squad during senior night, celebrating not just her upcoming graduation, but also the unforgettable memories as part of the cheer community.
From Student to Teacher: Seniors Give A Helping Hand During Cheer Clinic
Kailyn Clark, Staff Writer | May 16, 2025
Ben Matsuda finishes his swing on the fairway. “Ben’s a freshman, and he’s playing solid,” boys’ golf coach Wind Ralston said. “His average is way below what it was for general rounds, which is good because that means he is playing better golf under more competitive circumstances.”
Freshman Ben Matsuda ‘Swings’ Into Excellence on Boys’ Golf
Nicole Lu and Moer Koey | May 14, 2025
Freshman Isaac Chhiv hits a powerful forehand during practice. As one of the only two freshmen on the varsity team, Chhiv brings the energy and competitiveness needed to succeed in higher levels, while simultaneously training for consistency in skill during matches, according to head coach Natasha Schottland. “I've really appreciated seeing that growth from Isaac,” Schottland said. “There are a lot of boys who are at his level or higher, and allowing him to have that competitiveness with them is really important for his growth.”
Meet Freshmen Garran McKay and Isaac Chhiv, the Latest Rising Stars of Boys’ Tennis
Annie Xiao and Suhana Kaur | May 13, 2025
Skateboarding may come as a solo sport for some, but behind most skaters is a story shaped by family, friends and the people they ride with. “The first time I ever tried skateboarding was with some family friends,” sophomore Khonsu Marshall said. “They made doing tricks look so effortless, and that’s what initially drew me to it, despite the fact that most tricks are actually very difficult to learn. I borrowed my first skateboard from the family friends I mentioned before. I’m not sure where they got it from, but the paint splatter design on the back interested me. It was very easy to maneuver, and riding it felt very smooth.”
Concrete Waves: Skateboarders Who Ride the Rhythm of the Streets
Tamara Bradley, Staff Writer | May 6, 2025
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