Edwin Prado (I) – Football: “I do consider myself a jock, but I also have a deep appreciation for maps, specifically historical and political maps. Maps are so much more than just tools for navigation that we think they are — actually, they’re windows into the past. They tell stories about the world at a particular time, revealing political alliances, cultural implications and even propaganda through the art of map-making.”

Ethan Sardina (I) – Football, Wrestling: “I have a great interest in military history, particularly regarding technological advancements in warfare, and I build scale models of tanks, planes and ships. I have spent hundreds of hours making them over the last three years. I also like to sail, cook, bake and sing. I’ve been sailing for about ten years, and I teach youth sailing over the summer. I have worked as a barista and cook at two local cafes for the last four years. I have an interest in music as I have played piano for the last 12 years, I am a member of three choirs and I enjoy a wide range of music types.”

Michelle Tossoukpe (I) – Basketball: “Everyone has an interest or one thing about them that makes people think, “Wait, what?”. One of the very many niche interests I have is baking. When not in the basketball season, I bake cupcakes once or twice a week. I find it really fun to try out new recipes and ask my friends and peers what they think. A lot of people know that I bake, so it is not that unusual anymore, but I have been baking for the past three years or so.”

Quinn Bowles (II) – Wrestling: “When I was eight, my parents got me an electric guitar. I really took to the whole idea of shredding solos like the famous guitarists I looked up to, like Kirk Hammett or Eddie Van Halen. Almost ten years later, I’ve played in multiple bands and performed live countless times, loving every second of being on stage. Through all the physical and mental challenges I put myself through as an athlete, it’s a great outlet after a hard practice for me to do something that I feel skilled at and love doing.”

Noah Liu (II) – Powerlifting, Soccer: “In addition to powerlifting and soccer, I also enjoy playing the cello, sailing, skiing and learning new languages. Although sports and the arts are often seen as opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to interests, many athletes including myself take both quite seriously.”

Allan Tran (III) – Powerlifting, Wrestling: “The stereotype that the powerlifting scene consists of giant, overly muscular men is completely outdated. Today, you could walk into any powerlifting meet and find anyone short, tall, lightweight, heavyweight, etc. Outside of powerlifting, I love to sew. I love fashion and buying clothes, and one of my goals for 2025 is to make my own pair of jeans.”