Sydney Cupingood
After a five-year long dry spell for CHS girls varsity volleyball, this season captain and setter senior Sydney Cupingood was able to lead the team to their first league victory, a comeback against Newbury Park High School. Cupingood has been on the varsity team since her sophomore year and has been a captain for two years, which has impacted her in more ways than one.
“By being captain it put me in a position to learn how to be a leader,” said Cupingood. “It has taught me to work hard, lead by example and motivate and encourage my team.”
Even though her last season at CHS is over, Cupingood is content knowing that her final season brought positive change.
“It’s sad to think that I’m not playing for CHS anymore but great to know that I was there for the transformation of the program,” said Cupingood.
Shane Viksman
Senior Shane Viksman was first inspired to participate in water polo after watching the intense sport in the Olympics. Viksman got started with water polo at the end of eighth grade. He has been a starting player on the varsity team for three years and attended the junior Olympics his junior year.
“My role model is Kobe Bryant because of his tenacity for his sport and his creativity,” said Viksman. “Also, my water polo coach Ricky Dyne inspires because he took over our program and basically saved it, which I really respect.”
Viksman leads the team with 23 goals, 10 field blocks and 26 steals this season. Aside from all his athletic achievements, Viksman is also very committed to doing well in school.
Once Viksman graduates, he hopes to attend a four-year university and play water polo at the Division I level.
