The Pinewood varsity volleyball and varsity football seasons are underway, each with three captains who lead the team through games and practices.

   On the field, the football team’s captains, senior Ayaan Dhawan, senior Bill Cui, and junior Kayden Ge lead by setting an example, motivating the team, and making sure that everybody is on the same page.

   “I lead my team by setting the standard through preparation [and] disciplined communication,” Dhawan said. “I want to make sure every player feels supported, knows their role, and is giving their best effort.”

   Throughout their career at Pinewood, all three captains said that their favorite memories come from their first games playing football.

   “I got an interception one play, and I ended up on my back,” Ge said. “But the thing I remember most was how the sideline went nuts, and my brother Brandon yelled, ‘That’s my brother!’”

   As Dhawan and Cui embark on their final year playing football, they want to ensure the football team has new players joining even after they’re gone.

   “I believe that having a strong season this year can help attract more players for the years to come,” Dhawan said.

   Cui has a similar goal in mind for future Pinewood football teams.

   “I just want more people to play and to encourage them to love the sport,” Cui said. “It’s fun when you’re out there, and some of my best memories are  from playing football.”

   As a junior, Ge has the rest of this season and his senior year of football left.

   “I hope I can be someone they can look up to,” Ge said. “I also hope they understand how special this sport is to me, so it can mean something to them too.”

   The Pinewood varsity volleyball team captains are seniors Mailey Wang, Caitlin Yamaguchi, and Abigail Wessel. All three captains have been on the team since their freshman year, which has allowed them to develop a close bond with their team and coaches, while leading with their energy and friendship.

  “I lead through setting a good example for my underclassmen, keeping the energy up, [and] offering guidance and advice by being someone my teammates know they can talk to and rely on,” Yamaguchi said.

   The energy that the volleyball team both creates and receives is a staple of the culture that the captains say is a part of the most memorable experiences in their careers.

   “One specific game that was memorable was when we played our rival school, Priory, and  we won in a crazy five sets,” Wang said. “What made this game special was the Panther Pit behind us, cheering us on every point and bringing our energy up.”

   As the season closes, the captains wish to pass on their excitement for the sport and the cohesive environment that they created throughout their career at Pinewood. Fostering an environment of growth and support, they hope to leave a welcoming family of players for the future team.

   In particular, Wang wishes to positively impact her sister, freshman Adelynn Wang, who is also on the volleyball team.

  “I hope to pass everything on to my sister,” Wang said. “I hope she thrives as a volleyball player and is able to find joy and spirit for the sport, just like I do. She’s like the little me, and with her on the team, it’ll be like I never left.”