Sofia Fuentes

Sofia Fuentes ’28 has been playing soccer since she was four years old. After joining to follow in her brother’s path, Fuentes has become a young star. 

Fuentes plays for the Iowa Soccer Club and has earned many opportunities to showcase her talents to high-level recruiters. Fuentes believes her greatest achievement so far has been attending prestigious camps. 

“Going to Midwest camps, like [Olympic Development Program and] talking to USA scouts [helps] get lots of exposure from cool people,” Fuentes said. 

Having gone to open gyms and practices, she acknowledges the differences between club and school soccer, especially in the level of difficulty. 

“In school [soccer], everyone is nice, and we’re all close, but club is more serious. It’s harder, honestly,” Fuentes said. 

Fuentes has formed close friendships with her teammates, as she competes with many of them in clubs and training. She describes how these relationships have enabled her to succeed. 

“I play club with a lot of the upperclassmen, and some of them are sisters of some of my good friends. They just included me and helped me be more comfortable,” Fuentes said.

Named to the varsity roster this season, Fuentes looks to establish herself as a young star who’s growing her game.

Michael Hanna

Michael Hanna ’28 has been running track for three years, but this shortened time has only elevated his talents and passion. 

With the track season in full swing, Hanna has already found success in his long-distance events. 

“I was able to win the 3200 at the meet in Cornell, and that was cool [to get] my first high school win,” Hanna said. 

The West track team has had a long and successful history, winning the Mississippi Valley Conference the past three years. Hanna explains that this culture of winning has encouraged him to strive for success. 

“I have my sights set on some records, particularly the 1600 and the 3200. The ultimate goal is to be competitive at State. We’ve had some high finishes in the past, so we want to continue that,” Hanna said. 

While track is focused on individual events, the team aspect never diminishes among the athletes. Hanna recognizes his fellow freshmen on the team, and emphasizes his excitement for their success as well. 

“I’m excited to try and run some fast times. We have one of the best freshman classes in the state, so I’m also excited to see what my teammates can do,” Hanna said. 

Along with a promising young group, there are several prominent upperclassmen on the team. Hanna describes how beneficial it is to have teammates to look up to. 

“They’re really helpful. I’ve been running with them since the summer of eighth grade. It’s a privilege to have an awesome upper class to look up to. They give a lot of tips, tricks and encouragement,” Hanna said. 

Iris Vasi

Iris Vasi ’28 first became interested in tennis after watching her older sister compete. From there, she has followed her passions and evolved into a talented athlete. 

“I saw [my sister] playing, and [said], ‘Oh, that looks fun,’” Vasi said. “We talked to her coach, and I started doing private lessons. When I got older, I started doing group lessons, and I worked my way up.”

Since then, Vasi joined Academy, the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex’s program for tournament and high school preparation. There, she practiced with high school athletes while she was in middle school.

“I play in Academy, trying to play as much as I can and make sure I’m playing my best,” Vasi said. “Academy was my only way to play, especially when the people that I used to play with went off to varsity. So being in those programs definitely [helped].”

As she was playing with the high school team during their off-season, Vasi developed close relationships with her teammates. She also appreciates being around others who share her experiences. 

“I knew the people on the team, but now that practice is every day after school, I’m closer with [them],” Vasi said. “I’m [excited for] not having to [play] alone, because when I win or lose, [my] parents or friends wouldn’t understand. [My teammates] also play, and they understand what it’s like to win or lose.”

This season, the team consists of several new players, along with a new coach. Vasi aims to compete in the team state tournament this year. 

“It’s my first season with a new coach: she’s new, I’m new [and] there’s a lot of new players. It would be great to go to State, especially since I got to watch it last year and experience the win,” Vasi said.