Beyond the victories and lessons learned, Pinewood athletes have built strong bonds and unity with each other throughout this fall sports season. Girls volleyball Head Coach Jenn King said her team is one-of-a-kind.

   “The team morale is just out of this world,” King said. “It’s so fun to watch all the players get along and support each other.”

   Players like junior outside hitter Sophie Saibi echo King’s words, highlighting the importance of team chemistry this season.

   “Everybody is super supportive, from underclassmen to seniors,” Saibi said. “It really feels like my second family.”

   With a current 18-9 record, the team aspires to qualify for the Central Coast Section championships.

   The spirit of teamwork is reflected on the tennis court as well. This fall season, the Pinewood girls tennis team has competed to the best of its ability despite the disadvantage of having to default a match every game due to their small numbers. Each player has stepped up, representing Pinewood as a team that perseveres through any obstacle.

   “[Despite] of the challenges we’ve had in terms of team turnout, we’ve more than made up for it in character development,” assistant coach Vishal Natarajan said.

   Whether it’s playing on the court or singing karaoke on the bus, players like junior Devyn Smith have learned the importance of showing up for one another and supporting each other through every challenge.

   “Even with our small numbers, no one complained,” Smith said. “We just kept showing up for each other, and that made me proud.”

   Over on the field, that energy and spirit can be found in the girls flag football team, who recently finished an undefeated inaugural season.

   “With it being the first time most of these girls have ever played, they picked it up really quickly,” assistant coach Whitney Wood said. “This is an athletic group and there has been tremendous growth.”

   Despite being a less experienced team, this tight knit group was able to go against all odds and dominate every game that they have played.

  “Being part of the first-ever girls flag team at Pinewood is so special,” freshman Brooklyn Scott said. “None of us really knew what to expect, but we learned together and built something that feels like a family.”