Azciel Goodhart, Staff Writer
Azciel Goodhart is a sophomore and this is their first year on staff. In their free time, they enjoy swimming, knitting, and crocheting. They found their love for crocheting in 5th grade when they wanted to create a baby blanket for their teacher. Goodhart participates in the crew and swim team at Rock Ridge, as well as the philosophy club. They also hope to continue their love for chorus through Rockapella. One piece of advice that they carry with them is “one more.” They began to hear it in swim and crew, and they use it day to day to help motivate them to keep pushing.
![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)
![Sophomore Lucy Cho (left) and senior Isabella Lopez (right) fight for the jump ball in the hands of a Judge. “Individually I realized that if I put more emphasis on defense, then I could contribute more to the team,” Lopez said. “As a big and being 5 feet 6 inches, I was getting blocked like crazy by girls who are 6 feet [tall].”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-23-e1706854047229.png)
