Welcome back, Eagles. We’ve got some strong fall sports contenders for you.
Debuting as Los Altos’ newest sport: Girls flag football! Although the coach hunt and interest levels made it seem like it wasn’t happening, the team is up and running. It’s shocking everyone going, “Wait what, we have a flag team?” Yup, we have two!
Over 40 girls showed up for tryouts — it feels like every other senior and freshman has joined, bringing their skills from basketball, softball, wrestling, and more. It’s too bad those grades don’t take APUSH, (or USHAP to a certain someone) because Head Coach Mr. Stewart may have extended his “no-nonsense” late work policy for his new players. Flag is giving cross country, as cuts were basically unheard of. Honestly, who wouldn’t like to add a varsity sport to their resume? Easy dub, the sport equivalent of HGAP. I can’t even blame them because I wish I were playing, but alas, there are literally eight girls sports this season. With flag football’s roster uncertainty, I wonder who is stepping up to be QB1. Catch their inaugural home game on Saturday, September 14 against the Palo Alto Vikings.
Next up, girls tennis, which fell short at CCS semifinals last year. That must’ve stung, because they’re gunning for the title this year, and looking to be a top pick to break out in States. The Eagles have started their season strong, winning their first tournament at Monta Vista. Shoutout to sophomore MVP Emily Wu who clutched UP in the final match, securing a 7-5 set victory and sealing the win for the team. If there’s any indication of their talent and potential, it’s this, so we’ll definitely be keeping an eye out.
Like a cutthroat toddler, the team is larger and older this year, taking no prisoners nor freshmen. The four starting singles players, junior Bella Mariona, sophomore Cory Medeiros, Emily Wu, and junior Pallavi Mallampati, have a combined 16 stars as recruits. Speaking of stats, #1 Mariona is a 5-star recruit, top 60 nationwide for her class, and almost top 10 in California – she’s one to watch. Following closely behind is homeschooled Medeiros: Top 30 in California with a powerful backhand down the line. This team needs to be aware of injuries though, because even with a deep lineup, a couple ankles could dash their championship dreams.
Fun fact: both captains of this team are three sport all-varsity athletes. What are the chances?
Finishing with the sport that has all multi-sport athletes pledging allegiance to the Strava life, (and also shin splints), cross country. This team is young and cracked; it’s the largest and fastest sport on campus. In 2022, the girls cross country team won the CIF-State Division 2 championship, beating runner-up Newbury Park by 13 points. The victory earned the team their first trip to Nike Cross Nationals, where they finished 19th in the country. NINETEENTH. IN THE COUNTRY. Last year, both LAHS cross-country teams qualified for the state championship for the first time in 10 years. The girls were looking to defend their Division II state title, while the boys were making their first state appearance since 2019. Forrest Gump could never. Tell me that this isn’t the most decorated sport on campus, they’re the only team at LAHS that always expects to qualify for states. Considering I think cross country is for crazy people who run for fun and the ability to say, “I ran until I questioned all my life choices,” RESPECT.
Returning for her 8th season, record-breaking Head Coach Stephanie MacKenzie is back and looking to shatter more records. After time trials, the girls team is led by junior Lily Simon and senior Emily Soobrian, who’s older sister Lauren contributed to their 2022 season. I would say catch them at their Clovis meet, but it’s doubtful that anyone is traveling to these meets unless related by blood — or got a “show up or there’ll be blood” kind of threat. So catch our updates next issue and follow us on Instagram! Until then, go watch some bloody sports!
Signing off,
The Scouting Report crew
