From kickoff to tip-off, Patriot fans brought the energy for soccer and basketball season at Viewpoint’s all-community Winter Sports Fest on December 11. A robust turnout of students, parents, faculty, and staff gathered for the love of the game, good grub, and giveaways.

Winter Sports Fest commenced on Ring Family Field at our Boys Varsity Soccer game vs. Yula, resulting in a 5-1 victory. Next up our Girls Varsity Soccer team battled Calabasas High for a 3-0 win and the crowd was more than a little bit rowdy! Fans made their way to the Paul Family Athletic Center (PFAC) for two basketball games, stopping along the way at the Sunset Smash Burgers and Handel’s Ice Cream food trucks.

“Winter Sports Fest is about more than the wins on the field or the court - it's about bringing our entire community together to celebrate our student-athletes and the pride we share in being Patriots,” said Josh Frechette, Director of Athletics. “When our community comes out, our athletes feel that support in a powerful way.” 

As part of the festivities, limited-edition, Winter Sports Fest T-shirts were given away to student fans at the fields and in the gym. Our Middle School Girls Basketball team went up against Chaminade and kept the Viewpoint winning streak going with a final score of 26-16. And to wrap up Winter Sports Fest and deliver a shutout of our opponents,, our Girls Varsity Basketball team beat Maranatha 47-46.

Winter Sports Fest ignited school spirit, celebrated teamwork, and brought the community together in a shared show of Patriot Pride. With exciting victories, enthusiastic fans, and campus connections, the event was a reminder that at Viewpoint, athletics are not just about competition, but about community, and the joy of showing up for one another.

Viewpoint Cross Country finished the season strong as both the boys and girls teams won CIF Southern Section Division 5 Championships on Saturday, November 22, at Mt. SAC. One week later, senior Olly O’Connor ’26 added to the program’s momentum by winning the CIF State Division 5 Individual Championship in Fresno.

The girls team earned the second CIF title in school history with an all-underclassmen roster. Freshmen and sophomores Marek Monn ’29, Romy Richter ’29, Alyssa Go ’29, Jade Brun ’28, Grace Fuller ’29, and Lola Bamsey ’28 delivered solid races and helped secure the championship.

“What these girls have accomplished in their season is nothing short of amazing. They have committed so much energy, time, understanding, and skill to take Gold Coast League Champions, CIFSS Champions, and 18th Place at CIF State,” shared Coach Alison Corneau. “They have been competing with teams that have seasoned runners, yet their teamwork and support of one another is unmatched, and their bond has given them a deeper connection to each other as teammates.”

On the boys side, the VPXC team secured its fourth consecutive CIFSS Division 5 Championship, continuing a remarkable streak of excellence. Olly O’Connor ’26 and Jack Richter ’27 led the way, while Noah Bamsey ’28, Derek Kessler ’26, Grant Kaltman ’28, and Colin Brun ’26 posted major personal records to secure the win. Rinya Dilg ’29 also delivered a strong performance, stepping in as the team’s seventh runner at the last minute. 

The boys program has now qualified for the State Meet seven years in a row. Viewpoint also celebrated several All-CIF individual honors:

• Olly O’Connor ’26 - CIFSS Division 5 Champion (14:18)
• Jack Richter ’27 - 3rd place (14:39)
• Noah Bamsey ’28 - 13th place (15:13)
• Derek Kessler ’26 - 14th place (15:21)

"It's remarkable what this group has accomplished in four years. Four straight CIF Southern Section titles is one away from the all-time record of five, and we'll go after that next year,” shared Coach Patrick Neville. “It's a direct result of the trials of miles and dedication of this group."

The momentum carried into the CIF State Meet on November 29 at Woodward Park in Fresno, where O’Connor ’26, who has committed to UCLA, captured the CIF State Division 5 individual title with an impressive time of 14:52.7.

O’Connor’s performance headlined an extraordinary day for Viewpoint. The boys finished third overall in Division 5, with Richter ’27 placing fifth (15:23.8) and earning first team all state honors. The girls finished 18th, rounding out a strong season in their fifth consecutive year qualifying for state championships.

“I could not be more proud of both our teams and their unwavering commitment, not only to achieving their goals but to each other,” said Coach Justin Hackitt. “Our young girls team gained valuable experience racing on the state course that will serve them well in the years ahead. The boys continue to amaze me with the lengths they will go to compete for one another and carry forward legacy that has been passed on to them. Trophies may fade, but their heart, grit, and discipline will last long after they move on from Viewpoint.”

Congratulations to our girls and boys teams, and to State Champion Olly O’Connor ’26, on an extraordinary season!

From the moment I stepped onto Viewpoint’s campus, I could tell it was a special place. The energy, the people—students, faculty, coaches, families—immediately brought light into my world. I still remember the day I was paired with Travis Kikugawa, Director of College Bound Athletes, as the athletics liaison. We call each other Big T and Lil T. A duo that quickly became a cornerstone of my career. 

This year, I stepped into a new role as Academic Advisor for Athletic Recruiting, where I closely follow the academic progress of our athletes and coordinate support whenever it’s needed. Our program supporting student-athletes continues to grow stronger each year. Whether through monthly workshops or individual meetings, we are focused on expanding access and support around this process.

Working alongside Travis has taught me so much, from understanding the college recruiting landscape to exploring the deeper philosophy behind why we play sports. But more than any technical lesson, what stayed with me most was his approach to character and mindset. His philosophy on college athletics goes far beyond competition. Every day, he models the importance of resilience and mental strength when making the commitment to play at the next level.

Each winter, we host College Athletics Night, an event that brings together coaches, former athletes, and admission professionals to share their insight with the Viewpoint and the greater Los Angeles community. It is one of my favorite moments of the year. Our students get to hear directly from the experts. They learn how to set themselves apart in the recruiting process and hear from alumni who once sat in their seats, now thriving in college athletics thanks to the support and guidance they received at Viewpoint.

One principle we always emphasize is that you have to recruit the schools you want to recruit you. That philosophy has become the foundation of our program—a vision Travis and I share. We are working to grow the programs by increasing awareness among freshmen and sophomores, leading juniors and seniors through tasks that lead to opportunities for exposure, and fostering a community where upperclassmen can mentor younger students through their own experiences.

Our goal is simple: to build a program where every student-athlete feels seen, supported, and inspired to chase their goals—on and off the field.

On Friday, October 24, Viewpoint hosted its annual Homecoming football game at Calabasas High School, where the Patriots faced Desert Christian Academy, a private school from Bermuda Dunes. The evening reflected the heart of our athletic vision, where teamwork connects and competition fuels us, uniting students, families, alumni, and faculty for an unforgettable night.

The gates opened at 6:00 p.m., welcoming guests to a lively, festival-like atmosphere filled with food, fun, and school spirit. Guests enjoyed everything from Habit Burger and Grill favorites to freshly made churros, while Primary School students sold glow sticks that lit up the stands. The Viewpoint School Service Association (VSSA) organized engaging activities, including a face painting station, and alumni gathered nearby to reconnect at their dedicated booth.

The pregame festivities began at 6:30 p.m. with a joyful performance by the Primary and Lower School Chorus, followed by the varsity football team’s entrance onto the field. Coaches took a moment to recognize the senior athletes, and the Upper School Concert Choir delivered a moving rendition of the national anthem.

At 7:00 p.m., the game began, bringing cheers from the crowd that carried through to halftime. The halftime show kept the energy high with standout performances from the cheerleaders, Upper School Dance Company, and Upper School Pep Band, capped off by the presentation of the Homecoming Court. While the Patriots fell 30-6, their determination and teamwork were on full display, making the night one to remember.