![The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSC_0202-1200x800.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)
From August to October in the 2024-2025 season, the Phoenix golf team has consistently exceeded expectations at every competition, with senior Aiden Patel setting new school records at almost every competition. The team won four games; however, it suffered eight losses. The team only has five players, which allowed them to bond and grow better at the sport together, foreshadowing a brighter future for the next season.
Patel is a top performer of the 2024-2025 golf season. With it being his final season, he wanted to end it with a bang. Some of his standout achievements include going undefeated and winning every regular season match he played, consistently shooting the lowest score in each competition, and securing medalist honors in both district and regional matches.
Although he prioritizes his own game through practice, he also makes it a point to help his fellow teammates, like freshman Vishaal Omkaram. “Aiden Patel was ‘locked-in’ during practice, but he helped [others] when he had the chance,” Omkaram said. When Patel was a freshman, the seniors who helped him develop his golf skills made him feel they had a significant impact on him today. He wants to help boost the team by doing this. “They were older and more experienced than me, so I took advice from them, just as I want to do to my younger teammates,” Patel said.
Patel’s favorite memory is from a playoff game against Dominion High School Titans. During the match, he made an eagle while his teammate, Kevin Zhang, made a bogey, and sophomore Samrat Saini hit 50. “I mean I did okay; I shot 50 which is pretty decent for me, [and] the rest of the team did well,” Saini said. “I was pretty happy about the way the game went.”
Despite the different outcomes, both ended up winning their matches, leading the entire team to feel proud and accomplished after their playoff victory.
As Patel advances to states, he remains confident in his ability to perform well, given his undefeated record in every tournament and match he’s played. While he doesn’t want to come across as cocky, he believes the stats speak for themselves and feels optimistic about continuing his success at states. “Even though I committed to [Virginia] Tech, my number one goal is to always give back and get a state championship for my school,” Patel said.
