Making a better team

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

January 30, 2013

During second period block, new coach for girl’s lacrosse, Mr. Mires, gives a lecture to the team on the field, in order to see that they are doing well academically. “If they cannot perform in class, then they cannot do their assignments on the field,” Mr. Mires said.

The start of the 2013 girls lacrosse season also marks the beginning of the direction of a new coach with new priorities and expectations. Coach and teacher Mike Mires takes the field alongside the varsity players, and brings a positive and united attitude. Having been down on their luck these past seasons, both Mires and the team agree that it is time to step up their game.

“The goal is to win league and make playoffs,” Mires said. “We want to show the top SoCal teams what we’re made of.”

In order to prepare for the season, the team has been practicing extra hard, showing up at 6:30 a.m. on weekdays for early morning conditioning. The team also took a month during summer vacation to condition and get in better shape. Coach Mires explains the key factors he is working for to better his team:

“We need unity as a team,” Mires said. “We have to work together: teamwork, discipline, and hard work, on and off the field.”

Senior captains Francine Aguilar and Stephanie Park agree that the changes have made an impact on their teammates and their game.

“[The team is] more positive; there’s no drama and we’re much closer,” Aguilar said. “If we have a problem we just deal with it. We have no issues.”

Park agrees with the improvement.

“If there is a problem we can talk to the coach or anyone else on the team,” Park said. “We can be ourselves.”

Coach Mires also teaches Earth Science and biology on campus, and has had experience with coaching and playing sports.

“His experience makes him a lot more understanding when he’s coaching us,” Park said. “He knows the difficulty and our limits.”

The captains are excited to start the season with a healthy attitude and their new coach supporting them along the way.

“All the girls are definitely thankful for his coaching,” Aguilar said. “We’re more organized and we are getting along better.”

Park adds that the team is “better motivated” and “more serious” this year.

It’s about giving it your all every practice and every game,” Mires said. “If you’re not giving it your all, what’s the point of being out there?”

The team continues to practice in anticipation for their upcoming season. They will be commuting to Temecula for their first pre-season game on Sat. Feb. 2.

About the Contributors

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief of The Downey Legend, stepped into the world of journalism as a junior, as she carried on the challenge of the Arts and Entertainment Editor as her first position. The young writer was hesitant when first applying to join the staff, and doubts of acceptance crossed her mind. “I was kind of scared to join,” Suarez said “I didn’t think I would be much good.” Nonetheless, the hopeful student took the risk and was happy when she received the news of being selected as A&E Editor. She quickly adapted to the hectic environment and filled the newspaper room with her humor, as well as adding a sense of warmth and kindness. After successfully filling her section editor position, Suarez did not fret when the opportunity of E.I.C. was presented to her. She quickly grabbed the new title, and felt confident taking on the new role that was attached to more responsibilities. “I felt capable of handling the job well,” Suarez said. The leader was comfortable being promoted to a more prestigious position, and held her ground. While college years are ahead of her, the student is savoring the moments she has left in high school, taking in her senior year and trying to make the most of it. The Downey Legend editor is an active member in the school marching band, playing the clarinet and euphonium. The senior also enjoys spending time reading while having 3^rd Street Coffee in hand, and listening to indie bands and artists such as The xx and Lana del Ray. Once she graduates, the ambitious writer hopes to build a successful career as E.I.C. of her own magazine, making newspaper a foundation for her future endeavors. She anticipates stepping foot into the real world, attending the USC Annenberg School of Communications or FIDM. The young and talented individual has prospered as a writer and leader; providing the staff with a model of success, she leaves big shoes to fill.

Bianca Salgado, Community Editor

As the new school year begins, The Downey Legend has acquired a range of new assets to the team. Bianca Salgado, 12, is the new Community Editor and photographer. Salgado hopes to improve her photography as well as being more involved in the community. “I hope to be a positive asset to the team and successful in what I am taking on,” Salgado 12, said. Besides participating in the online publication, she enjoys the arts. The senior enjoys singing and drawing in her spare time and aspires to one day become a singer. Anime is her favorite type of drawing because it is different and harder to do than regular cartoons. Besides singing and drawing, she hopes to attend USC after high school and major in law to eventually become a lawyer. From photography to law, Salgado hopes to make her last year in high school a successful one in all ranges.