Over the past few weeks, Viewpoint has brought student-athletes together across divisions for a series of dynamic sports clinics, fostering skill development, mentorship, and connection. These events exemplify the school’s commitment to creating a unified athletic community while encouraging leadership and growth.

On Tuesday, November 19, nearly 20 participants joined Brittany Espinoza, Director of Girls’ Basketball, and the Varsity Girls Basketball team for a one-hour clinic in the Rasmussen Family Pavilion. The event united athletes from the Lower, Middle, and Upper School, offering participants the chance to sharpen their individual skills, compete in team challenges, and embrace the opportunity to connect across divisions.

“One of the many things I love about our school is that we are a TK-12 campus. While our girls basketball program runs through three different divisions, I want to emphasize that we are all still one program,” shared Espinoza.

On Friday, December 13, Viewpoint hosted two more Winter Sports Clinics for Fourth through Eighth Grade students, with nearly 40 students participating. The Boys Basketball Clinic, led by J.J. Prince, Director of Boys Basketball Operations, and the Varsity Boys Basketball team, welcomed 15 young athletes to the Paul Family Athletic Center (PFAC), where they honed their skills through drills, learned new techniques, and connected with Varsity players.

At the same time, the Boys and Girls Soccer Clinic on Ring Family Field brought together nearly 30 students to enhance their skills under the guidance of Varsity Soccer coaches and players. The clinic emphasized teamwork and leadership, inspiring younger athletes to explore their potential and build confidence on the field.

By uniting students across divisions, these clinics demonstrated the unique breadth and depth of Viewpoint’s athletic programs. Through these experiences, students grow not only as athletes but also as individuals.

Congratulations to our Varsity Cross Country teams for their incredible performances at the CIF State Finals, held at Woodward Park in Fresno this past weekend! The Boys Varsity team made history with a record-breaking second-place finish in Division 5, while the Girls Varsity team proudly competed in their fourth consecutive State Finals, finishing 16th.

Olly O’Connor ’26 led the boys with a fifth-place individual finish, earning All-State honors. Noah Bamsey ’28 delivered a breakthrough performance, setting a personal record and surpassing key competitors to help secure the team’s podium spot. Alongside Andrew Neville ’26, Mitchell Majors ’28, Jack Richter ’27, Derek Kessler ’26, and Grant Kaltman ’28, the team achieved the fastest total time in Viewpoint history and the fourth-fastest in Division 5.

“The boys showed incredible grit and teamwork,” said Head Coach Justin Hackitt. “Their work ethic and bond carried them to a performance that will be remembered for years.”

The Girls Varsity team’s 16th-place finish showcased both experience and promise for the future. Zooey Jeong ’25, Ella Katz ’25, Micah Gutman ’25, and Alexa Jeong ’25 led the way, guiding Jade Brun ’28, Lola Bamsey ’28, and Annie Yang ’26 through the challenges of state-level competition. 

“The girls demonstrated remarkable resilience and leadership,” Hackitt added. “Our Seniors set a strong example, and the younger runners gained invaluable experience that will help propel the program forward in the coming years.”

Congratulations to all of our runners for their outstanding achievements this season!

Congratulations to the Viewpoint Boys Varsity Cross Country Team for winning the Southern Section Division 5 CIF Champions title for the third straight year, and qualifying for the State Finals for the sixth consecutive time. The race was held at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut on Saturday, November 23. The Girls Varsity Cross Country team won third place, and qualified for the fourth year in a row.  Both teams are gearing up to compete in the CIF State Finals on November 30, with the support of their Head Coach Justin Hackitt, and Assistant Coaches Alison Corneau and Patrick Neville. 

The boys team won their third CIF southern section title with an impressive 60 points, winning by over 40 points. Results included:

• Olly O'Connor ’26: 15:02
• Mitchell Majors ’28: 16:23
• Andrew Neville ’26: 16:26
• Jack Richter ’27: 16:30 (16th)
• Noah Bamsey ’28: 17:08 (32nd)
• Derek Kessler ’28: 17:30 (50th)
• Grant Kaltman ’28: 18:04 (73rd)

“After losing some top Senior runners from last year, our boys team knew they had to work hard to continue their CIF championship streak,” said Justin Hackitt, Head Coach. “Every single one of them, including three new Freshmen and a Sophomore transfer, rose to the occasion. This has been one of the most dedicated group of athletes I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. From early morning summer runs, to high altitude training at Mammoth, and grueling after school workouts in the heat, they never wavered. Every single one of them showed up day after day to give their best, not only for their own personal goals but for their team. That is what has made this team and this season so special. They have truly become a team that enjoys each other and makes sacrifices for each other. When they lined up on the starting line there wasn’t a doubt in my mind regarding the outcome of the race. They will push through any amount of pain for the sake of the team.”

For the fourth consecutive year, our Girls team secured a spot in the State competition. Zooey Jeong ’25 placed 8th to earn All-CIFSS honors, winning her fastest time in the Mt. Sac course (19:47). Coming in 17th place, Ella Katz ’25 ran her fastest time this season on the Mt. SAC course, crossing the finish line in 20:30. Strong performances from seniors Micah Gutman ’25, and Alexa Jeong ’25, Annie Yang ’26 and Lola Bamsey ’28 helped bring the girls team success. A standout performance from Jade Brun ’28 helped secure the girls spot at the state meet. Improving her time by over two minutes from the week before. Jade crossed the finish line in 22:31 as our #5 runner.

“The girls’ team, made up of four Seniors, one Junior, and two Freshmen really came together this season,” said Hackitt. “Our four Seniors have been racing together for four years and have been through a lot. Their culminating season was about leaving behind their legacy, especially to our younger runners. It has been so special seeing the seven of them laughing at practice, encouraging one another, and pushing each other in challenging workouts. Prior to 202, the girls had only competed at the state championship in 2011 and 2017. Since their Freshmen year, these four seniors helped bring the team to state four years in a row. They’ve truly left a legacy.”

The CIF State Cross Country Championships will take place this Saturday, November 30 at Woodward Park in Fresno. Girls race at 11:30 a.m. and boys race at 1:00 p.m. On this day, Viewpoint's Girls and Boys Cross Country Teams will compete against 24 other top schools from across the state. Congratulations once again to both teams, and best of luck in the upcoming championships!

Congratulations to Sam Marella ’25 and Izzy Parsky ’25 who participated in a special collegiate sport signing ceremony on November 14, held in the Paul Family Athletic Center (PFAC) at Viewpoint.

Sam Marella will be playing soccer at University of Miami, and Izzy Parsky has committed to the admission process at Dartmouth College to play baseball. Surrounded by their families, friends, coaches, teachers, and counselors, Sam and Izzy were honored to be recognized for their peak performance, and to officially ink their commitments to their respective schools. 

Viewpoint’s Head of School kicked off the ceremony with a warm welcome:

“There are so many life lessons in sport,” said Mark McKee, Head of School. “Aspiring to be a college athlete requires immense dedication and hard work. This event is the culmination of all that effort and sacrifice, resulting in these remarkable achievements. And even as they are STILL working towards their high school diplomas, these athletes we celebrate today have likely amassed a doctorate worth of life lessons in their journeys to this day.”

Rhody Davis, Director of College Counseling, and Athletic Director Josh Frechette spoke of the persistence required to become an elite athlete, and praised both student-athletes and their families for their dedication to making their dreams become a reality.  

Before their signing moment, Head Soccer Coach Zaira Fonseca, and Head Baseball Coach Rick Weber reflected on their athletic journeys, and praised their hard work and commitment along the way.  Sam and Izzy both had an opportunity to express their gratitude and thank their families, coaches, counselors, Upper School leaders, and Mr. McKee.

We could not be more proud of both of them and wish them every success on the soccer and baseball fields.