Balancing challenging classes, complicated schedules and countless games throughout high school has paid off for 11 DBHS seniors committing to universities to participate in sports at the collegiate level.

Five Brahmas will be continuing their swimming careers in college: Kelsey Lloyd is signed to University of the Pacific, Kelly Cheng to Northeastern University, Michael Lee to Claremont McKenna, David Wang to Columbia University and Matthew Waddell to Harvey Mudd.

Girl’s varsity soccer players Samantha Blazek and Valerie Swisher will play at York College and Westmont College, respectively.

Meanwhile, Crystal Wang will join the University of Illinois’ golf team, Hannah Murray the Azusa Pacific water polo team, Christian Killian the University of La Verne baseball team and Elizabeth Wilson the San Diego Christian College softball team.

While many of these student athletes found their passion in high school, a few of them began to discover their talents at a younger age.

Usually five-year-olds prioritize watching television and having playdates with friends, but at the time Swisher was already focused on playing soccer.

“I started [playing] at first because my parents made me try it when I was younger and I really liked it so I stuck with it,” the Lady Brahma said.

While in high school, Swisher was already looking ahead at the possibility of playing at a higher level. With years of experience under her belt, Swisher has many plans for her future in the world of soccer and athletics.

“I hope to make an impact on my college team and hopefully win a national title one year,” she said. “After college, I hope to start my own business regarding sports training.”

Also starting at a young age, Lee began swimming competitively at the age of 10. At first it was simply a fun summer activity, but it slowly turned more serious.

“Eventually [swimming recreationally] sort of evolved into going to meets and just having my family behind, supporting me, was really encouraging to continue swimming,” Lee said.

When Lee became involved in swimming at DBHS, he found a driven and welcoming environment that helped him develop his passion for the sport.

“Swimming in high school gave me the experience of what it would be like if I was on a team that really supported one another and that wasn’t embarrassed or afraid in doing so,” Lee said. “It was really a special experience and it was really eye-opening for me because it made me want to continue to be part of something bigger.”

Although competitive swimming in college is vastly different to swimming in high school, Lee is excited for the change.

“I’m looking forward to testing and expanding my limits and horizons and honestly can’t wait, the swimmer said. “It wouldn’t be any fun if it wasn’t challenging.”