Issue 1 Extended Sports Beats Volume 87
Men’s Water Polo
By Willow Ward, Staff Writer
After a strong run in the 2025 season, the men’s water polo team (6-4 overall, 0-0 league) assembles once again, powering through their first games and proving their dominance.
The Dons kicked off their season with an 18-9 victory over Granada on Aug. 25. Sophomore Borna Koopah put away seven goals, helping secure the win against the Grenada Matadors.
On Aug. 26, the Dons triumphed against Encinal High School with a final score of 19-6. Sophomore Brecken Roberts led the team with five goals, followed by Koopah’s four goals, two assists, and two steals.
Their third day of back-to-back games resulted in the same outcome, as the Dons conquered Bishop O’Dowd on Aug. 27 in an 18-10 win. Koopah again knocked out all competition, leaving the match with six goals, five assists, and one steal. Following shortly behind was sophomore Gunnar Grant, with three goals and one steal.
Although the Dons faced a tough 8-15 game against Tamalpais on Sept. 2, the team is moving past the loss and using it as a teaching moment.
“We had a lot of things that didn’t go our way, [and] a lot of missed shots,” captain and senior Fisher Bradford-Urban said. “I think we’re going to bounce back, and I think we’re the better team at the end of the day. We should see better things in the future.”
Bradford-Urban’s predictions became a reality as the Dons crushed the Alhambra Bulldogs with a score of 25-6 on Sept. 3. The Dons then won their next game 16 11-8 on Sept. 16 against California. The team participated in the Vintage Valley Invitational on Sept. 18 and Sept. 19, where they played Tampalias 5-16, Carmel 10-13, Oakmont 13-5, and Marin Catholic 11-12.
As the season continues, Head Coach Jake Norton emphasizes the importance of adaptive coaching strategies that proved to be effective in his JV coaching years. He now intends to apply this to lead the varsity squad to victory.
“I play off of the personalities that I have [on the team],” Norton said. “I try to treat everyone and coach everyone as an individual. They all need to be coached differently and [I try to] give them the best environment for them to thrive collectively while also balancing all their individual efforts.”
Players on the team recognize the importance of a strong mentality in overcoming setbacks that occur during games.
“I think the main thing that a lot of people overlook is mentality because if you’re having a bad day [and] your shooting’s off... then the whole team becomes discombobulated, so it’s important to keep your head up high,” Bradford-Urban said. “If something bad happens, then just forget about it, reset, [and] move on to the next play.”
Women’s Golf
By Jana Kabadaya, Staff Writer
The Acalanes women’s golf team (2-2 overall, 1-2 league) is aiming to continue improving and getting better as a team. They started with a challenging 277-228 loss against Northgate on Aug. 17.
Despite the opening loss, the Dons remain optimistic about upcoming matches.
“We gained a lot of experience from this game,” captain and senior Miracle Gu said. “[It is a] good thing we played [Northgate] at the beginning of the season so we can learn from it.”
On Aug. 31, the team made the trip to The Bridges Golf Club in San Ramon to participate in the East Bay Club Invitational. Gu placed 11th out of over 100 women.
On Sept. 8, the team took the short drive to the Roosmoor Golf Club to face off against Campolindo, which ultimately resulted in a 262-242 loss.
Gameplay continued on Sept. 14 against Miramonte. The team fought hard but just came up short in a 276 to 277 loss, losing by just one stroke.
The team got their long-anticipated league wins on Sept. 23 in a match against Las Lomas. The team defeated the Knights 269-273. Several players found success in their individual gameplay as well, with Gu ending up second overall and frosh Nana Chunithipaisan and sophomore Cameron Koch tying for third overall.
The team has grown bigger compared to previous years.
“We have a lot of new players – 22 girls this year – which is the biggest the team has ever been,” Head Coach Erin Field said.
With upcoming matches on the schedule, the players look forward to spending the season with their teammates as they continue to improve.
"Our main goal is to have girls really enjoy playing, being out there, and learning the skills," Field said. "Our goals are coming together as a team, [as players are] learning the rules, and loving the sport.”
Flag Football
By Violette Cline, Staff Writer
The Acalanes flag football team (6-3 overall, 2-2 league) started their season off with a four-game winning streak.
On Aug. 20, the team had a dominant showing, beating the Piedmont Highlanders 33-0. In the same game, junior June Natal tied the all-time Acalanes varsity record for most touchdowns in a single game at four. In the first play of the second half, captain and senior Inés Coyne was able to connect with Natal to tie the Acalanes record for the longest touchdown in the program's history. Then, on Aug. 24, the Dons played the Falcons, taking a 27-0 win.
The hot streak continued on Aug. 26, when the team played Monte Vista, bringing home a 14-0 victory. The team then played on Sept. 1 and won 16-6 against Liberty. The league season started on Sept. 3, when the Dons suffered their first loss against Granada. On Sept. 9, the Dons fell 13-19 to College Park. On Sept. 14, the team lost 18-6 to Las Lomas. Later that week on Sept. 16, the Lady Dons dominated Northgate and took an 18-7 win.
The Dons flag football team has shown exponential growth within the last few years, especially entering the 2026 season, when there was a dramatic increase in players.
“We're excited. The beginning [of the season] was very difficult because it's like a new chapter,” Head Coach Mike Ivankovich said. “And ultimately, we're trying to pull everything together as we move forward. It was challenging to have more players than we had space for.”
The team values other opinions and voices, and all players on the team have been encouraged to contribute in all aspects of the game.
“I think certain players have always been like leaders on the team, but [the coaches] only give captaincy to seniors,” captain and senior Avery DeMent said. “So it's just been building up to this for me and a couple of the other [current] captains. I really like how [the coaches] treat all of us and how we all get an equal voice in practice and what plays we do.”
As the team progresses through their season, they continue to work through challenges that make themselves apparent.
“We're off to a great start; I don't think we have any lows,” Ivankovich said. “There are always challenges. Just being able to get all of our players to do their schoolwork and practice and have games [while also staying] on track and not get sick.”
Women’s Volleyball
By Serafina Cook, Staff Writer
The Acalanes women’s volleyball team enters the season with a 3-9 overall record and a 0-0 league record.
On Aug. 29, the Lady Dons participated in the Lafayette Invitational Tournament against other local schools. The team faced a tough-fought game against Carondelet and lost 1-2. Later in the tournament, the team defeated Northgate, 2-1. The Dons finished third overall in the tournament.
After the tournament, the team looked back on their successes against Carondelet, even though the game ended in a loss.
“I think both matches against Carondelet during our tournaments were some of our best matches we had this season,” captain and senior Ella Chong said. “When we played them, we took both those games to three sets, and we didn't win, but I think the energy was super high throughout the whole match.”
Although the team was defeated 1-3 by Berkeley High School on Sept. 3 and 0-3 by Saint Mary’s on Sept. 11, they have continued to work hard in practice and games.
“I'm really happy with how this team has started,” team captain and senior Sahar Noroozi said. “I think that every day we're making a lot of improvements.”
On Sept. 15, the team took on Piedmont High School and won 3-1. Then on Sept. 17, the team battled in a tough game against Castro Valley, but just fell short, losing 3-2.
The team has persevered and maintained a positive attitude on and off the court as they prepare for upcoming games.
“I think the best part about coaching this team is that they're just a lovely group of young women, and that they're very supportive with each other,” Head Coach Haley Walsh said. “I feel like they're a great example of what we really want to see in women's sports; everyone is uplifting each other and wants each other to succeed.”
Cross Country
By Kennedy Wilson, Staff Writer
While cross country is often recognized as a solo race, the Acalanes Dons are starting their season off strong together.
The team also participated in the Saint Mary’s Invitational, where sophomore Dylan Kubiatowicz finished twelfth in 11:24.17 and recorded a personal best. As the team prepares for upcoming tournaments, Head Coach Jeff Hutson and varsity leaders are preparing the rest of the team for their races.
Cross country teammates have learned to rely on each other throughout their races, as running together can make the challenge or struggle seem easier.
“There is a beautiful kind of thing that occurs in the team, how [they] encourage each other to go harder and push [themselves] further,” Hudson said. “It's kind of like the idea of misery loves company. You're in pain, but if you have someone next to you that's in pain with you, you can be in pain a little bit longer.”
Runners on the Acalanes team have to learn the importance of listening to their bodies and not pushing themselves too far.
“Knowing when to take it easy [is important] because it's all about doing as much training as you can without getting injured or overtraining,” Hagen said. “And showing up on the workout days and telling yourself you're going to run fast, even though you're tired [is also very important].
Team members appreciate the social aspect of the sport, and the time they get to spend with their teammates during practices and races.
“Honestly, the best part across the country is when you're running, [and] all you're doing is chatting with your teammates, and that's a lot of fun,” Hagen said.
Women’s Tennis
By Hadley Hastings, Staff Writer
The Acalanes women’s tennis team (2-4 overall, 0-1 league) continues to face off against teams in its 2026 season.
The Dons defeated the Carondelet Cougars with a 9-0 win on Aug. 24. They then followed up the victory with a tough 0-7 loss against Piedmont High School on Aug. 26, and another 5-6 loss to Emerald High School on Sept. 3. The week after, on Sept. 8, they traveled to Bishop O'Dowd where they faced another loss, 3-6. They finished off the week with an 8-6 win against San Ramon Valley High School on Sept. 11. The team then played Northgate on Sept. 15, losing 1-8.
The team is aiming high this season, hoping to succeed in league and make it all the way to North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs.
“Our goal is to make it to NCS playoffs in either Division 1 or Division 2,” Head Coach Sharron Langtry said. “[We] also hope to do better against the really tough teams. I'm excited, but there's definitely going to be a tough competition.”
While the team is focused on supporting each other, players also note the importance of keeping their heads up during matches.
“We always want to be there supporting each other but also have fun at the same time and win as many matches as we can,” captain and senior Grace Colaco said. “I think we are all strong players; we are fast and good at hitting, but I think we need to focus on playing a whole match without getting down on ourselves.”
The team has worked hard throughout the season to create strong bonds and memorable moments during matches and practice. This camaraderie is reflected by team leaders who strive to foster inclusivity and support on the team.
"My favorite part of being a captain is getting to work with my closest friends and to create memories for our team,” captain and senior Hetty Lofting said. “Our [upperclassmen] make posters to cheer on our [underclassmen].”
Women’s Water Polo
By Sara Tsang, Staff Writer
Diving into this season, the women’s water polo team (4-2 overall, 0-0 league) is looking towards a definitive start.
The season began on Aug. 27, when the Dons beat Archie Williams 14-5, scoring 6 goals in the second quarter alone. On Sept. 2, the team maintained their streak with a 15-4 win against Tamalpais.
In their next matchup, the team faced Rio Americano on Sept. 11 at the Acalanes Women’s Water Polo Invitational. The Dons controlled the game, using a strong offense to secure another win, 12-0. The same day, the team won 10-9 against the Davis Sr. Blue Devils.
The next day of the tournament was more challenging, as the Dons played against their biggest rivals, Campolindo and Carondelet. The scores were close in both games but eventually Acalanes lost 7-8 and 6-8, respectively.
“I would say [the hardest team to play is] probably Carondelet; they’re always our biggest competition game, always a hard one, but a good one for sure,” captain and senior Adelyn Horciza said.
Going deeper into the season, the team played San Ramon Valley on Sept 18, losing 8-10; and Clovis North on Sept. 19, ending with a winning score of 14-3.
The team aims to improve as individuals, which will help them succeed as a team.
“With water polo, you can be a good individual defender, but if you don’t operate within the team concept, it weakens the defense as a whole,” Head Coach Misha Buchel said. “So it’s not just good enough to win your matchup; you’ve got to support your teammates as well…we have a lot of players that are going to have a lot more responsibility this year.”
The coaches and the team work hard to communicate well during games and work as a unit, while also building a strong connection between teammates that extends beyond the pool.
“I love building a kind of team culture and kind of a bond between teammates that hopefully lasts not just during the course of the season, but beyond,” Buchel said.
Football
By James Ammerman, Staff Writer
Coming off a successful 2025 season, the Acalanes football team (3-1 overall, 0-0 league) returns to action with its sights set on a standout season. With an experienced senior class and promising new additions leading the charge toward the North Coast Section playoffs, the team is looking to build on last year’s success.
The team opened its season with a scrimmage at Archbishop Mitty on Aug. 28, winning 25-14. Acalanes followed this the next week with a 41-13 victory at Menlo-Atherton. On Sept. 11, the Dons held their first home game against Saint Ignatius, a highly anticipated matchup. The game ultimately ended in a narrow loss, 38-42. The team then played their third game of the season against Marin Catholic, winning 42-37.
Recognizing the successful season last year, this year's team hopes to continue to build off the legacy that has been created within the Acalanes football team.
“For us to play well this season, we have to play together and build off what the seniors left for us last year,” senior Finn Rivera said. “They taught us to play for each other, play every play like it’s our last, and control what we can control.”
The players hope to recognize the importance of losing, as it helps the team grow and recognize what role each person holds.
Other players want to build off their wins and use the momentum as they look towards future games.
“A lot of things to clean up, definitely for [upcoming games]. We got the wins pretty handily, but there's definitely a lot of things to clean up,” captain and senior Tyler Winkles said.
Throughout the season, the team aims to continue to work hard and enjoy the work they put into improving their game, especially as seniors ride out their last season.
“If everyone does their job and holds each other accountable, I think we can have a successful season,” Rivera said. “I want to make the most of every game and every moment with these guys because we don’t get these opportunities back.
