Kassie Hickson

Kassie Hickson has been part of NDB’s varsity soccer team for four years, and serves as one of three senior captains this year. So far this season, she has recognized how the team feels bonded, especially after their trip to Arizona in December, which is evident on the field.

During her junior year, Hickson suffered from a broken ankle and was out for most of the season. However, she had taken on a new role motivating her teammates and cheering them on from the sidelines.

“Even though I wasn’t a field player, I was still part of the team,” Hickson explained.

Despite her injury, Hickson looks back on the times in her NDB soccer career that made it all worth it.

“My favorite moment playing soccer at NDB was winning the league both my freshman and junior year. Celebrating with my coaches and my teammates after such hard fought seasons was really rewarding,” she said.

Hickson does not yet know where she will be moving onto after NDB, but regardless, she plans on continuing her soccer career whether it is on a school or club team in college.

Monique Samson

Monique Samson is one of three captains on NDB’s varsity basketball team this year. Although exciting, her senior season has been emotional so far as she knows that her four years of NDB basketball are coming to an end.

“My senior year has been extremely fun and bittersweet so far, as our team has gotten extremely close,” said Samson. “I feel as if I’ve made the most out of my experience on the team so far, especially this year.”

Although Samson was out for most of her junior season with a knee injury, she has completely recovered and has been able to contribute on the court as a starter this year.

“I am now able to recognize that each game should not be taken for granted, as it is coming to an end,” she said.

Samson hopes to continue playing basketball at either the intramural or club level while in college, so she can continue expressing her love for the game.

“While it might not be as big of a commitment as it is now, I still strongly want to continue to surround myself in the basketball environment for as long as I can,” said Samson.

Samantha Cho

Samantha Cho is a member of NDB’s varsity competition cheer team this year, and has been involved in NDB’s Spirit Squad for four years. On her team, she is a base, meaning she is part of the essential foundation who holds up their teammates while performing stunts.

Cho has enjoyed her senior season and all of the emotions that have come with it.

“My team and I have won first place at all our USA regional competitions which is one of the best seasons we have experienced in a while,” Cho said. “I have already experienced some lasts such as cheering at the last Serra football game which is kind of bittersweet after four years of doing it.”

Cho was injured her junior year and was unable to compete, but thanks her teammates for keeping her motivated.

“My teammates’ passion for the sport and constant support even if I wasn’t out there on the mat competing with them, kept me determined to get healthy and come back for my senior season.”

Cho will continue to be an essential member of the team throughout the end of the season.