Claire Tolles (Girls’ Tennis)

“I think being a captain means setting the tone for the rest of the team­—especially for the lower classmen. This means making sure everyone feels comfortable and valued.

I believe that one only plays their best when they’re having fun, loose and relaxed. If I ever pushed anyone on my team, it was a push to chill out and have fun.”

Jack Shiebler (Boys’ Football)

“I think being a captain means that the team has chosen you as someone they want to listen to and respect.

Pushing players will not only help them become better athletes for the rest of their lives, but it will also teach them about themselves and other lessons that can apply to life in general.

I felt very inspired by the leadership that previous captains showed—they created a constructive and productive environment that incentivized me to continue playing and rise up to that level of leadership when I became a senior.”

Henry Otte (Boys’ Soccer)

“As a team captain, it’s both an honor and privilege to take on this role. It has taught me patience, empathy, and leadership. Owen and I were amazed to see what a team filled with such young players was able to do. 

I am proud of what I’ve learned and what we were able to bring to the table. I believe that it is imperative to push your fellow teammates to become better athletes. Strengthening and motivating fellow players is a must.”

Hanna Masri (Girls’ Soccer)

“Being a captain is special to me because it means that I can give everyone on the team guidance and support on and off the field. 

I’ve learned to work hard and balance an active lifestyle with my work. Participating in sports has also helped me socially and taught me to be a better leader, teammate, student, and friend. 

I remember being on the team as an underclassman and looking up to the senior captains—I really love being that person for the underclassman now. “

Frances Carlson (Girls’ Beach Volleyball)

“I feel honored to have been able to be a captain and offer the same encouragement to the younger players that made me love sports when I was their age.

Because beach volleyball is so secluded compared to indoor volleyball, it was very crucial to stress the importance of supporting and cheering during competition days. It makes a huge difference when you hear your teammates cheering you on—especially when they give helpful comments or tips during time-outs.”

Miles Sedlin (Boys’ Volleyball)

“Leadership is an important part of any team. Their job is to make sure that everyone gravitates toward one specific goal, and that is to win every game. It has taught me how to align younger players and all sorts of different people on that goal.

Since I’ve become a senior, high school sports have become a lot more meaningful. I’ve been thinking since CIF playoffs have started that any of these games could be my last game, and that really hit me. This motivates me to leave it all out there for the team and for myself so that I can look back knowing I did my best.”

Ben Rodgers (Boys’ Tennis)

Being a captain to me means showing the new guys the ways of the team, teaching them how to act on and off the court, and leading the team with the goal to inspire. Of all the things being a captain has taught me, patience is probably the biggest one. Our progress this year is definitely a good note to end on for my Laguna sports.

Catie Fristoe (Girls’ Swimming)

“Being team captain in swimming has been really fun throughout high school. My goal was to just make sure that Kendall and I had a space to swim at Laguna and could compete to represent Laguna. 

Because Kendall and I were on the same club team, it was given that we would push and race each other in order to become better athletes. I am very satisfied with where Laguna, combined with the Santa Barbara Swim Club has brought me.”