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The best stories being published on the SNO Sites network

Best of SNO

The best stories being published on the SNO Sites network

Best of SNO

The best stories being published on the SNO Sites network

Best of SNO

Freshman overcomes brain cancer to skate

Freshman overcomes brain cancer to skate

By Ria Ramchandani, California High School – CA May 2, 2025

It may not be common to encounter a competitive roller skater, much less one who has battled cancer. But for freshman Aditi Bhuman, both of these challenges have been part of her journey. “I first...

Senior Krish Khanna, a varsity tennis co-captain, leads his team with passion and sportsmanship. His love for tennis started at age 6 and continues to shape his high school experience.

Senior Krish Khanna finds purpose through tennis, leadership

By Ari Novak, University of Chicago Laboratory High School May 2, 2025

When asked for a fun fact about himself, senior Krish Khanna doesn’t hesitate: “Tennis was my first love.” He was 6 years old, standing on the sidelines of the tennis court before his first competition,...

If the new policy is implemented, many no cut sports, such as track and field, may see an increase in athletes who only want to get out of a PE class.

Prioritizing the ‘athlete’ in student athlete

By Ruby Goodwin, Santa Clara High School May 2, 2025

A proposed SCUSD policy would allow future high school students to replace five required physical education credits for each season of sports participation. The program will impact the PE and athletics...

Senior Carter Stover pitches ball during a game against Liberty April 8 at home.

Carter Stover’s 12-Year Road Through a Stellar Baseball Career

By Eric Taylor, Francis Howell North High School May 2, 2025

Ancient Rome was built through a combination of military strength, political flexibility, and a little bit of good luck, which allowed it to reach unprecedented heights. Carter Stover’s career is compared...

Noah Wolff ’25 gets ready to hit a forehand. Photo contributed by Noah Wolff.

Underhanded, undeterred; Wolff turns setback into success

By Amelia Berkowitz ’27, Staples High School April 30, 2025

By any measure Noah Wolff ’25 had a remarkable season last year for the Staples boys’ tennis team. He played number one singles and finished with a 12-6 conference record. He led the team to runner-up...

Isabella Camacho aces her way to tennis stardom

Isabella Camacho aces her way to tennis stardom

By Grace Zocco and Chloe Zilembo April 29, 2025

The crowd can hear the explosive crack of a racket meeting rubber and the whoosh of the ball flying over the net at electrifying speeds. Senior and Wayland resident Isabella Camacho, a nationally ranked...

Colaco has set school records in eight statistics and looks to continue to raise the bar throughout his senior season.

Revere baseball alumnus continues record setting collegiate career

By Aidan McKee, Revere High School April 29, 2025

In the modern world of collegiate athletics, the pursuit of individual goals over program success has marked a seismic shift in the landscape of amateur sports. Major changes like a redefinition of the...

Isabelle Leofanti's cleat in Metea's turf field showcasing the condition of the turf.

Safety concerns rise as turf field deteriorates

By Isabelle Leofanti, Metea Valley High School April 29, 2025

This story contains an alternate format that can only be viewed on the original site. View this story on Metea Media. It was originally published on April 28, 2025.

FIGHTING THROUGH STORMS Coach Johnny Rodriguez cheers on his players as they ace their attacking skills during an after-school practice. Despite the cold rain, Rodriguez remains on the field as his players’ biggest supporter and source of positivity, leaving a lasting impact on them. “Coach Rodriguez has changed my perspective in life, [making it] more positive,” O’Hara said. “[He reminds me that] there's always something good to do, and I want to put that to my lifestyle.”

JRod Strong: Coach Johnny Rodriguez’s Purposeful Spirit

By Stella Pham, Mater Dei High School April 29, 2025

Athletic coaches serve as the head of a team, using their knowledge to guide and empower players by aiding them in developing skills and a positive mindset. For a decade, Coach Johnny Rodriguez has been...

Raman competes in one of her last tournaments hosted by the Newbreed Jiu-Jitsu Federation tournament.

Far from roses and daisies

By Catherine Xue, Bellaire High School April 29, 2025

Caught in a choke, she struggles to escape, thrashing and pulling. She could give up and tap out, but she can’t accept it – she wants to win. Then, everything goes black. That was the first time...

Touching down for college

By Fletcher Vandegrift, McCallum High School April 29, 2025

Senior Mark Sanchez has always set his sights on playing college football. He’s spent countless hours in the weight room, training with coaches, at camps and, of course, on the field. Less than 7% of...

Strongly swinging student Jil Schwe leans in for a powerful hit hoping to score points for her team.

Serving from across the globe

By Caroline Baxter, James Bowie High School April 22, 2025

Smashing the ball towards the opponent, junior foreign exchange student Jil Schwethelm scores yet another point for the Bowie tennis team. Schwethelm is one of the two foreign exchange students on the...

On March 6, athletes from various schools competed in the Coppell Relays at Buddy Echols Field. Recent incidents have increased the need for vigilance at school sporting events. Photo by Isabella Callegaro Santos

Teenage belligerence causes real harm

By Akshaya Ashokanand, Coppell High School April 22, 2025

On April 2, Frisco Memorial High School student Austin Metcalf was fatally stabbed by Frisco Centennial High School student Karmelo Anthony at the district 11-5A track meet. The same day, more than 100...

Before throwing the ball to a teammate, senior goalkeeper Beck Henderson holds the ball to slow the pace of the game. Henderson has signed a letter of intent to play collegiate soccer for i2i Academy at Leeds Beckett University in England.

Kickin’ it in England

By Darby Morel, Lafayette High School April 22, 2025

After talking to his recruiter in the lobby of a hotel, Beck Henderson was offered a spot at a prestigious soccer academy in England. Henderson was visiting England for a month for a tryout with i2i...

Freshman Carson Bagley Takes on Trails with Mountain Biking

Freshman Carson Bagley Takes on Trails with Mountain Biking

By Aditi Salunkhe, Portola High School April 22, 2025

The sun is barely up, and the air is crisp as freshman Carson Bagley tightens his helmet and kicks off down the trail. Bagley’s passion for mountain biking has him balancing a rigorous training schedule...

How women’s wrestling found a home in Iowa City

How women’s wrestling found a home in Iowa City

By Minna Abdalla and Evelyn Kraber April 17, 2025

This story contains an alternate format that can only be viewed on the original site. View this story on West Side Story. It was originally published on March 15, 2025.

Kleiman (center) was joined at the regional meet in Jasper by Victoria Aragon (left), a friend of his personal coach Joshua Trammell and his school coach, Anthony Osorio (right). Photo courtesty of Kleiman.

Kleiman does heavy lifting for upstart team

By Hudson Hensley, McCallum High School April 15, 2025

Senior Ozan Kleiman had already enjoyed a historic season for a McCallum athlete. He had formed the school’s first powerlifting team in two decades, he placed first in his weight class at a powerlifting...

During the varsity game against Lincoln East on April 4, junior Carson Herrmann holds up "The Monkey" in the dugout. The Griffins gave the Titans their first loss of the season, beating them 2-1.

‘Monkey business’ in dugout, at home plate builds brotherhood

By Brody Heidemann, Gretna East High School April 15, 2025

Superstitions are a staple for many coaches and players throughout baseball. Whether it’s rubbing the side of their hats before a pitch, inverting their caps, or even stacking cups together, athletes...

Junior Eric Yang prepares to serve in a match against Viera High School's Joey Shine on Feb. 18. Yang won the game 8-5.

Head in the game

By Jack Grimison, West Shore Junior/Senior High School April 10, 2025

Junior Eric Yang just lost another game. He watches as the ball he softly hit with his backhand is slowly caught in the net, hitting the floor moments later. Disappointed, he turns around, shakes his head,...

Junior Ea Leialoha fields a ground ball at third base and throws it to first base.

From France to Burlingame: Ea Leialoha returns to hometown with international baseball experience

By Kai Shah, Burlingame High School – CA April 10, 2025

After playing baseball in France for nine years where he qualified for the national team, junior Ea Leialoha moved back to Burlingame this past January. Now, he plays on the varsity baseball team while...

Senior Nick Hardin reacts after hitting a triple in the team's game against Clear Springs on Feb. 20.

Hardin makes most of second chance after elbow surgery

By Tricia Darcy, Kingwood Park High School April 8, 2025

During a baseball tournament in eighth grade, senior Nick Hardin woke up one morning with a swollen elbow. The night before, Hardin felt no signs of an injury. However, when he woke up, Hardin and his...

Switching sides

Switching sides

By Jodie Wiens, West Shore Junior/Senior High School April 8, 2025

Feeling out of place in a new green and black uniform instead of her usual navy and silver, senior Cameron Coalter steps onto the lacrosse field as the newest goalie of the Viera High School girls varsity...

Challenges present themselves to Muslim athletes during the holy month of Ramadan, but athletes persevere and create strategies to ensure they can successfully play their sport. Design by Safa Saedi.

How athletes balance faith, fasting and performance during Ramadan

By Safa Saedi, duPont Manual High School April 4, 2025

For Muslim athletes around the world, the holy month of Ramadan presents both a spiritual opportunity and a physical challenge. Fasting from dawn to sunset, while handling intense training schedules, requires...

Kailey Benson runs over to hug girls Coach Kurt Kruse after she had won her second championship. Benson hugged Kruse before he pointed up to the Spartans in the audience and then she hugged Jacob Mattson to celebrate.

Carrying the Weight of the Champion

By Donya Ihmoud, Francis Howell Central High School April 4, 2025

The screams of encouragement erupting from the exhilarated coaches on the sidelines are drowned out by the moment of absolute zen occupying senior Kailey Benson as she braces herself before her opponent,...

Flag football has recently made name in the sports industry, making it one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S.

Flagging a new era: the rise of flag football

By Samantha Tow, Carlmont High School April 4, 2025

When most people think of American football, they think of shoulder pads, helmets, and the Super Bowl. As “America’s sport,” football has long held a central place in the nation’s culture, with...

Ink and identity

Ink and identity

By Jeannie Iris Ngansop, Walnut Hills High School April 4, 2025

Across high school sports fields, tattoos are becoming more than just body art—they’ve evolved into personal symbols for many athletes. While tattoos have long been a fixture among professional athletes,...

In 2022 sophomore Elaine Wang competes for the first time at the World Junior Wushu Championships. Wang performed in the jianshu (straight sword) category.

Kicking up success

By Dhara Agrawal, Bellaire High School April 4, 2025

She finishes her straight sword routine, bows to the judges and turns around to see her score of 9.100 out of 10 displayed behind her. She just became third in the world for jianshu. Sophomore Elaine...

Playing through the Pain

Playing through the Pain

By Elliott Moreno, Louisa County High School April 4, 2025

Athletes are commonly highlighted by their success in sports, but what is not often seen is the small but significant successes of athletes who have recovered from an injury and continue to be athletes....

Richard Montgomery and Winston Churchill High School’s table tennis clubs pose together during a friendly tournament.

Table Tennis Club cultivates low-pressure, relaxing environment for both beginners and national competitors

By Ian Chen, Richard Montgomery High School – MD April 2, 2025

“Five serving three!” A player yelled out his game’s score through the din of friendly banter and the sharp click-clacking of ping pong balls furiously bouncing from rackets to tables. Every other...

Senior Miles Lipka wins the high jump, jumping 1.93 meters high at the MIAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championship on Feb. 13.

Lipka dominates at indoor track Nationals, takes home pentathlon gold and first place in country

By Arushi Kohli, Algonquin Regional High School April 2, 2025

With his hardwork and determination, senior Miles Lipka blew away his competition to take home gold in the pentathlon at Nationals on Feb. 26. As a pentathlete, Lipka must compete in five specific events:...

From left to right, Cal High students  Sarah Truitner, Svanika Doddavarapu, Hailey Yi, and Sophia Park pose. Each student is involved in competitive horse riding.

Cal’s four horsewomen leap ahead

By Chioma Onyema, California High School – CA April 1, 2025

A strong appendix mare shows off its glistening, athletic and muscled body as it trots to its owner in the warm midday sun. The horse’s sweet and cuddly nature peeks through her brawny exterior as she...

Celebrating Generations of Warrior Athletes Over the Years

Celebrating Generations of Warrior Athletes Over the Years

By Annabelle Ko and Danbi Lee April 1, 2025

At Woodbridge High, many families have left long-standing legacies in the school’s athletic programs. In particular, the Brown and Oku family helped to shape the lacrosse and tennis teams into what they...

The girls soccer team circles up and prays before its final game of the season vs. Flower Mound on March 17. The team prays before and after every game — a tradition that was started by the players this season.

One above all

By Gavin Lambert, Hebron High School April 1, 2025

This story contains an alternate format that can only be viewed on the original site. View this story on The Hawk Eye. It was originally published on March 25, 2025.

Dash Granite (’28) celebrates after completing a 130 kilogram bench press at the Sub-Juniors World Bench Press Championships competition May 22, 2024. Dash has competed in over five regional, national and international competitions as a powerlifter.

Dash Granite recounts powerlifting journey

By Nikolay Silva, The American School in London March 27, 2025

As the holder of the heaviest bench press in the U.K.’s under-16 category, Dash Granite (’28) said he’s proud of how far he has come. Despite this, he said fitness wasn’t always his strong point. “I...

Senior Ejypt Gibbs eyes possible openings from his teamates as he rushes towards Bellaire's side of the court.

State championship: The start of a legacy

By Camila Chandler, Bellaire High School March 27, 2025

Bellaire’s first state title abruptly ended with a rimmed out shot. But for the boys who dedicated their high school basketball careers chasing this win, the final shot wasn’t something they would...

Fencer and sophomore Kylie Wynn readies her stance against her opponent, watching for their first action. “There’s different actions and then reactions,” Wynn said. “So you have to figure out what your opponent is. How do they react? How do they fence? How fast are they? And you have to adapt based on that and it's a different strategy, like, ‘am I gonna go fast or slow? Or, what kind of action can I use to counter them?’”

Sophomore Kylie Wynn ‘En Gardes’ to Success in her Fencing Journey

By Stephanie Hwang, Portola High School March 27, 2025

When sophomore Kylie Wynn walked into her first fencing class in the third grade, it was love at first sight. Now, after seven years of fencing, Wynn uses her training and dedication to the sport to compete...

Executive order "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports" allows agencies to require federally funded institutions to define athletes’ genders by their birth-assigned sex. The order threatens to impact high school and college athletes, and states decide whether to follow the president’s directions.

Transgender athlete ban sparks fairness and inclusivity debates

By Tiffany Zhu and Claire Xu March 25, 2025

President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from joining and competing on women’s sports teams on the third day of his term. Titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,”...

Community is the most powerful motivator in sports because people are designed to work together. Motivation can be unrelated to the sport at all, but athletes are still putting in the effort to try. “Athletes don't remember their wins. They might have a general idea of their wins. What they remember fondly are the people and the spirit. I'll call them the spirit moment, the cheers, the in-between races, talking to the people and laughing, and that's what they remember. I don't want to diminish the importance of performing, but in a way community is what gets remembered most,” Jim Kelly said.

Beyond self-motivation: how external factors reach real results

By Leher Kawadia, Carlmont High School March 25, 2025

Many people would agree that it's difficult to motivate themselves, especially as they get older and grow more independent. Intrinsic, or internal motivation can be undermined by extrinsic motivators...

Defensive line coach Gerrit Choate works out while playing football at Southern Methodist University (SMU). He graduated from SMU with a bachelor's degree in applied physiology and sports management. (Photo provided by Gerrit Choate.)

For a reason

By Peyton Kuschmeider, Hebron High School March 25, 2025

This story contains an alternate format that can only be viewed on the original site. View this story on The Hawk Eye. It was originally published on March 7, 2025.

Ned Smearman is a three-sport athlete at B-A who plays soccer, swims, and runs track. B-A is mulling over the idea of letting athletes like Smearman pick up more than one sport perseason.

Dual-sport athletes seek opportunity at B-A

By Matt Berkowitz, Bellwood-Antis High School March 25, 2025

B-A athletes Ned and Miles Smearman have unique talents that translate to a multitude of sports. They’ve got speed and endurance, making them perfect for sports like basketball, track, and swimming,...

Llaverias' son, John, and their family dog, Remi, watch a duck.

Feathers & family: the duck hunting traditions of Archie Williams

By Malika Kronik and Caroline McFerron March 21, 2025

Duck hunting is a long-standing tradition that combines skill, strategy, and an appreciation for wildlife. Hunters work to outsmart their feathered targets, and with seasons changing, duck hunting also...

“We did the unthinkable,” sophomore Riggy Khyungra said, reflecting on the team’s victory. “We made history.”

39 Years in the Making: La Salle Boys Basketball Brings Home the Championship

By Ashe Hardigg, La Salle Catholic Preparatory High School March 21, 2025

In a true Cinderella story, the No. 9 ranked La Salle varsity boys basketball team took down four higher ranked teams en route to their first state championship win in nearly 40 years on Saturday, March...

Senior Hayden Riordan looks at her reflection in her pool. Growing up, she would get in it year-round, whether the water was cold or not.

In the wake

By Krista Fleming and Lily Andersson March 21, 2025

This story contains an alternate format that can only be viewed on the original site. View this story on The Hawk Eye. It was originally published on March 6, 2025.

Sophomore wrestler Carter Brown holds the leg of Willard wrestler Porter Talbot in the State semifinal match. This was a rematch of the Winnetonka final that Brown won to claim first place over Talbot in January.

Moving up the ranks

By Theo Koury, Lafayette High School March 19, 2025

As the final seconds ticked away, sophomore wrestler Carter Brown wore a smile on his face because he knew that he was going to be a State champion. “I knew I was going to win because there were a...

The LouCity and Racing Foundation's initiatives provide financially accessible soccer for children all across Louisville.

Soccer for all: The LouCity & Racing Foundation

By Stella Kolers, Sophie Sexton, Scarlett Frisbie, and Aaron Ziegler March 19, 2025

Since 2022, The LouCity & Racing Foundation has paved the way for young soccer players to achieve their dreams despite financial obstacles. Through programs like the West Louisville Soccer Club (WLSC),...

GAMEBALL: A (wo)man for all seasons

GAMEBALL: A (wo)man for all seasons

By Yena Oh, Sunny Hills High School March 19, 2025

Fast. That’s the assessment that then-eighth-grader Madelyn Sooter recalled her eighth-grade Parks Junior High School PE teacher had surmised about her after seeing her place first in all three of...

Before the second half of the girls basketball State finals, Activities Director Ryan Garder talks to students at the front of the student section.

Griffins recognized for sportsmanship as policy debate continues

By Colton Knott, Gretna East High School March 18, 2025

The closure of winter sports marked a controversial season regarding student section expectations, but despite that, the Griffins were awarded the Currency Class B Sportsmanship Award, an award given to...

By successfully balancing academics and fencing, ninth grader Ella Nguyen stands out not only for her skill but for her persistence and openness to advice from her coach, peers and even her brother.

Ella Nguyen finds fencing success through hard work, determination

By Edward Park, University of Chicago Laboratory High School March 18, 2025

Ninth grader Ella Nguyen remembers the days she wanted to quit fencing. Exhausted and overwhelmed, she sat in her fencing club as she watched her teammates practice. Years of rigorous training and high...

The MCHS shot clock is becoming a great addition for next years season.

Shot clocks to be used in basketball games starting next school year

By Ffion Curtain, McHenry High School March 18, 2025

In 2026-2027, the IHSA plans on bringing the shot clocks that are used in the NBA and NCAA to high school basketball games. Shot clocks are a timing device that shows a countdown of the time of a team’s...

WJ swim conquer states, win co-titles

WJ swim conquer states, win co-titles

By William Murphy, Walter Johnson High School March 13, 2025

For the first time in 15 years and the first time in county history, the WJ swim team won both the boys’ and the girls’ 4A/3A state title in a dominant showing on Saturday, Feb. 22. The teams defeated...

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