Commitment on the court

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While many high school athletes dabble in multiple sports, a dedicated few commit to mastering just one, channeling their energy and passion into excelling over four years. 

Joel Enciso, Loc Handke and Camila Santiago have each dedicated four years to their one respective sport, facing unique challenges and growth through their steadfast commitment. 

Senior Joel Enciso, the baseball team’s shortstop and pitcher, has been swinging bats and striking out hitters his whole life, after his father introduced him to the sport.

“My dad got me started when I was about four,” Enciso said. “Baseball has always been a way to keep me and my brother out of trouble.” 

Enciso dedicates countless hours to baseball, driven by the joy and excitement the game brings him. 

“Time management is hard when it comes to school and baseball, and a lot of time goes into it, but it’s a lot of fun,” Enciso said.

His commitment has not only improved his game but also fostered strong friendships. 

“All my friends, teammates and coaches are so cool,” he said. “I love getting to do it every day.”

As captain of the girls tennis team, Loc Handke draws her inspiration from a family member who blazed the trail. 

“My older sister was on the team, so I started playing because she inspired me to,” she said.

For Handke, the thrill of tennis lies in the pursuit of improvement.

“Improvement has always been hard, but finding a constant improvement is something I value,” Handke said.

Unlike her peers, Camila Santiago, the libero for the girls volleyball team, discovered her passion independently, veering from basketball to volleyball in sixth grade.

“I was looking for something new other than basketball, and I thought volleyball would be a good sport to try,” she said. 

Rediscovering her talent, Santiago committed to improving her volleyball skills. 

“I realized I was good at it, so I started working harder,” Santiago said. 

Once Camila picked up a volleyball and played a match she was hooked.

“I’ve been playing for seven years, and it’s something I really love,” Santiago says. 

Over four years, these athletes have navigated the highs and lows of single-sport dedication. 

Enciso describes the challenge of  time management, but remains driven. 

“I don’t leave until six everyday,” Enciso said. “It’s exhausting sometimes, but I think what keeps me going is the fact that it’s the last year I’ll be playing, so I’m trying to make the most of it while I can.”

Handke cherishes the camaraderie and improvement.

“I love being a part of the tennis team,” Handke said. “Every single day. I love being able to make friends with everyone.”

Santiago reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of her commitment. 

“It brings more happiness but also more sadness when you make mistakes,” Santiago states. 

Handke’s decision to stick with tennis was heavily influenced by her sister and the supportive team environment. 

“Once I met the team and made friends, I decided to stay,” Handke explains. 

Enciso’s love for baseball is deeply rooted in the family.

“My whole family loves baseball, so it was a way for us to bond,” Enciso said. 

Staying motivated through challenges is a shared theme among these athletes. Enciso juggles a demanding schedule, Handke balances team leadership with academics, and Santiago perseveres through tough games. 

Looking ahead, the athletes’ plans vary. 

Enciso dreams of advancing in baseball. 

“Playing is my dream, but I also have to be realistic sometimes,” he said. “I think I’m pretty good but there are different levels to this. I mean I’m not that big, not that strong.”

Handke will focus on academics rather than tennis, since thats is not the dream she wishes to pursue. 

 ”I’m nowhere near a professional level,” she said. “I think we’re a pretty good team but that’s not my dream.”

Santiago is open to the possibility of playing volleyball in college, depending on her schedule.

“I’ve been told I could play college if I wanted to, and that’s something I’ve always thought about in the back of my mind,” she said. “But I’m going to see if I can or if it fits into my schedule going out of my senior year.”As these senior athletes

approach the end of their high school careers, their stories reflect dedication, growth and a lasting impact on their sports and communities.

”Playing all four years of high school definitely has its ups and downs,” Santiago said. “But doing it brings me so much happiness, so I find it all to be worth it in the end.”

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2024 print edition.