![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 Face a Loss Against the Vikings During First Regular Season Game
On March 22, the Rock Ridge girls varsity soccer team faced the Loudoun Valley Vikings for their first game of the regular season. The final score was 3-1 in favor of the Vikings.
Junior Kim Trieu kicks the ball to her teammate further downfield, striving to get an assist.
March 31, 2023
On March 22, the Phoenix played the Loudoun Valley Vikings to open their regular season, which resulted in a Phoenix loss of 3-1. In the first half, the Vikings scored a goal against the Phoenix. Freshman Mackenzie Cooper scored the equalizer, and the only goal from the Phoenix, with a minute left before halftime. “I think individually we all did really well,” Cooper said. “As a team, I feel like we need to bond more and know each other better.”
In the second half, the Phoenix managed to get several shots on goal but were unable to score. With a tough offense from the Vikings, and a couple costly free kicks, the Phoenix conceded two more goals, resulting in a final score of 3-1.
This year, there are three seniors on the varsity team. Senior captain Leah Gutshall is looking forward to the future of the team. “I think there is a lot of potential with the girls coming in. I know in the next few years there’s going to be a bunch of really good girls coming to our school, so if they do end up coming I think there’s a lot of potential for the next generation,” Gutshall said.
For all players going into their senior season, there is a lot to look forward to, but also a lot to reminisce about with their peers. “I’m excited for college, so going into my last season at Rock Ridge, it’s sad but kind of a bittersweet thing, because I am excited to go to college and play club soccer there,” Gutshall said.
I’m excited for college, so going into my last season at Rock Ridge, it’s sad but kind of a bittersweet thing, because I am excited to go to college and play club soccer there.
— Senior Leah Gutshall
The next home Phoenix girls soccer game will be on April 17 against the Manassas Park Cougars.
![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)