![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 Boys Tennis Sets Colonels Ablaze
On March 29, the boys tennis team went up against the James Wood Colonels, and beat them with a score of 9-0.
Junior Kaushik Muskari returns the ball to secure the win during a singles match.
May 10, 2023
Playing at their own pace, the Phoenix boys tennis team swept the Colonels 9-0 at their match on March 29. The Phoenix scored 3-0 in doubles and 6-0 in singles, ending the match with a score of 9-0 overall. So far, the boys tennis team has had five consecutive wins after their loss to Riverside High School.
Christopher Schamus, the head coach of the boys tennis team, was very proud of the team’s efforts, “[I] feel very good, the team is doing well today,” Schamus said. “It’s pretty great to see the guys come together as a team.” Along with the team’s collaboration, Schamus noted their current record. “We’ve won five straight matches now, so we’re hopefully going to continue that after spring break,” Schamus said.
Junior Matthew Calvario enjoys the bond the sport brings outside of the actual game. “Besides games, my favorite part of the season has been going on the bus because you get to hang out with everyone,” Calvario said. “It’s a very friendly environment and I think that’s the best part.” Calvario acknowledged the “clean sweep” against the Colonels, but believes that it shouldn’t get in the way of what the team needs to improve on.
This season is also the last for many players, such as senior captain Rayyan Ansari. Ansari has enjoyed the season so far. “I think we just stuck to what we normally do,” Ansari said. “Just sticking to our own fundamentals knowing that if we play our own game we’re going to be able to be as successful as we’ve been in the past and that’s just by playing the game we want to play.”
The next game for the Phoenix boys tennis team will be on April 13 against Broad Run.
![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)