![Standing center stage, senior Ananya Akula conducts the Phoenix Chorale. “[Conducting and teaching] is really fun,” Akula said. “Music education is what I want to do.” On the day of the choir assessment, Akula found out that she received the President’s Music Scholarship – a full ride to the University of Miami Frost School of Music.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ananya-1200x800.jpg)
![With the energy and effort the Bolts were bringing to the game, the Phoenix had to step up and match them to make it through their first game of the season. Many of the girls on the team, including freshman Nazly Rostom, have been playing soccer since their childhood and have grown a love for the sport as a result. “It was fun to see how we actually played in a [real] game,” Rostom said. “Even though the outcome was not what we were hoping for, I’m still happy we got to play together.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_0154-1200x800.jpg)
![Held up by a group of cheerleaders, flyer sophomore Leyu Yonas poses as part of a stunt, also supported by flyer junior Shayne Mitchell behind her. (Left) Prior to the pink out football game on Oct. 13, the athletes practiced in the aux gym from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Right) On Oct. 19, the cheerleaders competed in their District Championships at Woodgrove High School. “We definitely put all our effort on the mat [at Districts], and it showed,” Mitchell said. Left: Photo by Nadia Shirr. Right: Photo by Steve Prakope via Victor O’Neill Studios.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/feature-image-1200x823.png)
![Sophomore Xavier Smith (6), the Phoenix quarterback, runs the ball as his teammates help hold up the defense. “My [offensive] line collapses, so I just [have to run], and its a good way to get first downs because [Tuscarora’s] defense was really good,” Smith said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_5383-1200x897.jpg)
![As the referee throws the ball up for the tip-off, freshman Simone Diby leaps towards the ball to get it in Phoenix possession. Diby is a new member of the Phoenix girls basketball team, and despite it being a change, she finds it enjoyable. “It’s definitely a different experience if you’ve never played on a team, [but] I think it’s still fun.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_0057-1200x662.jpg)
Phoenix Girls Soccer Kicks Off Their Season With a Win
Phoenix girls soccer had their first scrimmage of the season on March 8 against the Millbrook Pioneers, starting their season with a victory 1-0.
Senior Ayanna Fabunmi (6) attempts to steal the ball from a Pioneer after it was thrown back into the game. “The team is great,” Fabunmi said. “We’re all getting along really well, no one’s arguing.”
March 23, 2022
The Phoenix girls varsity soccer began their season with a scrimmage against the Millbrook Pioneers on Tuesday, March 8. The coach and the team were eager to play its debut match of the season. “It was a scrimmage, but we take it as a normal game,” coach Emily Bream said. “I’ve been excited about the girls. They play together as a team and they support each other.” The team has three captains this year, seniors Sofia DiFulvio (2), Ayanna Fabumni (6), and Aidie Bell (3), who kicked off the game by shaking hands with the Pioneers captains.
The first half of the game went by with neither team being able to score through each other’s tight defense. After half time, the game picked up the pace as the Phoenix scored the only goal of the game. The winning shot was made by DiFulvio, starting off the Phoenix record 1-0. Spectators on the bleachers along with players on the bench cheered for DiFulvio’s goal. “We were in their half most of the time,” Fabumni said. “We just couldn’t just get a shot off. [The goal] was well deserved.”
The team showed impressive teamwork and passing throughout the game with players like Bell and sophomore Kim Trieu keeping the ball moving. “[I did a good job of] getting to the ball quickly, getting rid of it quickly,” Trieu said.
The team has high hopes for the remainder of the season after their first victory. The team has switched to a different division which is smaller than the previous year to accommodate the team size. As the girls soccer only has a varsity team this season, the players look forward to bonding with each other. “We are now in person, we can interact with each other and bond, whereas that wasn’t possible with COVID last year,” DiFulvio said, “ It is easier to connect and feel a sense of togetherness that was difficult from last season.”
The next game of the season will take place on March 23 against the Vikings at Loudoun Valley.
![With the energy and effort the Bolts were bringing to the game, the Phoenix had to step up and match them to make it through their first game of the season. Many of the girls on the team, including freshman Nazly Rostom, have been playing soccer since their childhood and have grown a love for the sport as a result. “It was fun to see how we actually played in a [real] game,” Rostom said. “Even though the outcome was not what we were hoping for, I’m still happy we got to play together.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_0154-600x400.jpg)
![As the referee throws the ball up for the tip-off, freshman Simone Diby leaps towards the ball to get it in Phoenix possession. Diby is a new member of the Phoenix girls basketball team, and despite it being a change, she finds it enjoyable. “It’s definitely a different experience if you’ve never played on a team, [but] I think it’s still fun.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_0057-600x331.jpg)