Athlete of the Issue:Mirador 16 Sports 3/12/10

Troy Akin

Youthful Men’s Volleyball Team Seeks Redemption

by Jeremy Unger

When Troy Akin ‘10 saw tennis phenom Andy Roddick play at the SAP Open last month in San Jose, it definitely had an affect on him.

“It was exhilarating getting to see a player of his caliber here in the Bay Area,” said Akin.

Just like Roddick, Akin has been quite a dominant force in Bay Area tennis, winning multiple tournaments in and out of high school tennis. As one of this year’s captains, Akin leads a talented team that hopes to secure its first NCS championship since 2002.

“I think we have an exceptional group of young talent and I think we can pull through and take the title,” said Akin.

Since his younger years playing at Moraga Valley Tennis and Swim Club, tennis has been a key part of Akin’s life. Although Akin also played basketball, baseball, and swam, he always remained focused and determined when it came to tennis.

“Tennis is such an upbeat sport; you’re always moving around and I just really connected with the sport,” said Akin.

In high school, Akin began to focus on basketball and tennis, dropping his other sports in the process. Akin has not been able to participate in any matches this season

because he is currently helping the men’s basketball team as they continue in the NorCal Tournament. Akin is a key player on the basketball team because he can play lockdown defense and knock down threes. But Akin is still training for tennis and is looking forward to getting on the court.

“You have to set your priorities and sometimes that means not getting to do everything you want,” said Akin.

“Once basketball ends I’m going to hit the ground running in terms of my tennis training and play.”

During his junior year, Akin started working with the World Elite Tennis Training (WETT) Program, a program in Saratoga that trains top teenage tennis players and organizes matches for them.

“I do a lot of training with them (WETT). The program’s really helped me expand my game,” said Akin.

At WETT, Akin met Chris Wettengel, a coach who has worked with Roddick and other professional tennis players.

“Chris really helped me with my serve and other aspects of my play,” said Akin.

Last year Akin won the 16 Singles Open Division

Tournament at Northgate and Hunter Galloway Doubles Tournament with Brian Tan ‘11. Akin also participated in the Stead Open, a very competitive tournament with a $25,000 first prize.

“The Stead Open had a lot of older, experienced guys playing, even some players who had participated in the U.S. Open,” said Akin. “It was really challenging going up against pros like those guys.”

But Akin’s real goal is to win an NCS championship. Although an injury sidelined Akin during last year’s NCS, he hopes to have a great performance this year.

“I’m really looking forward to this year, I want to prove myself to everyone,” said Akin.

Akin has received offers to play in college, although he hasn’t decided on anything yet. No matter what Akin does after high school, he will remember the connection he had with his tennis teammates.

“All of the bus rides, team bonding, and the camaraderie of our group has really made this team special to me,” said Akin.

Fun Facts About Troy AkinHeight- 5’10” Weight-140 lbsShoe Size- 10.5Nickname- The Avatar Food-ChipotleMovie- Star Wars Episode IIIAthlete- Steve Nash, Andy Roddick, Sam Querrey Actor/Actress- Tom Cruise and Miley CyrusTV Show- Avatar The Last AirbenderSport (besides tennis)- Ping Pong Racket of Choice- BabolatColor- WhiteHobby- Fantasy BaseballRandom Fact- I’m a sixth-generation CalifornianSSB Char-Kirby (Yes, a cheap Kirby)

Left: Troy Akin ‘10 volleys a shot back at his opponent during a match. Center: Akin is one of the key leaders and top players of a strong Mats Tennis team. Right: Akin works on his topspin during WETT training.

Photo: T. Akin

Photo: T. Akin

Photo: E. Alper

by Eric Hass

Miramonte men’s volleyball drew one of the biggest turnouts of underclassmen this year, in contrast to the smaller number of upperclassmen. The few seniors will be integral to the team’s success if they can impart their collective experience and game sense to the eager but green sophomores and freshmen.

After finishing with a 2-6 record last season, the Mats are hopeful for a better finishing result this year.

The team’s first game is on March 24 against Alhambra, against whom Miramonte played a very close game last year that “we definitely could have won,” according

to captain Taylor Hayes ‘11. The team will play two games against each league opponent on Wednesdays and Fridays in late March, April and the first half of May. They play Dougherty Valley High School on

March 26 and C a m p o l i n d o High School on March 31. Last year’s game against C a m p o l i n d o was another close contest.

They are the only team using the gym in the spring. This provides them with all the practice time they desire.

Despite the abundance of youth and inexperience on the team, the Mats are hopeful that the enthusiasm of the young players will provide enough to result in a decent season.

Softball Team is Optimistic and Prepared for Season

by Lauren Dahlberg-Seeth

It’s a new year, and the Miramonte soft-ball team is ready for a fresh start. With a previous record of 3-17, the Lady Mats are ready to step up their game this season. Out of the 26 girls that initially tried out, the varsity team selected 17.

“Tryouts lasted about three weeks,” said Kim Miller, the team parent. “We had to make a few cuts, and some people dropped out, but the outcome was very positive overall.”

Out of the selected team members, seven are returning from last year. These veteran players, five of which are seniors, bring maturity to the team and share their knowledge and experience with the younger athletes.

“The whole team seems very motivated and willing to work,” said Miller. “Every-one has a positive attitude about the up-coming season.”

Although the future of this team looks bright, the pre-season games are expected to be a challenge.

“Some of our players are still commit-ted to other varsity sports,” said returning player Anna Blain ‘11. “Also, our coach will probably be switching around every-one’s positions to find the best fit.”

Nonetheless, the Lady Mats plan on giving their best effort during the pre-season games. With plenty of time before facing their toughest competition, Cam-polindo and Alhambra, the varsity girls will work on improving their weak points, as well as perfecting their strengths.

“We’ve got a solid infield, and everyone has a great attitude,” said captain Kristine Miller ‘12. “Over the season we’ll prob-ably work mostly on our batting and run-ning.”

With only one preseason game under their belt, the varsity softball team is look-ing forward to a productive season.

Brian Ostrom ‘10 prepares to volley the ball to a nearby teammate.

Photo: B. Ostrom

Coming off an abysmal ‘09 record, the Lady Mats are gearing up for a positive season