Timmy

The Edwena Reflection

Edwin and friends

By Edwena Wong

Congrats guys and girls.

Sadly, I'm not a St. Mary's graduate like my brother or all my cousins, but it still feels like I am. I still feel like I'm apart of this class because you guys helped me feel welcomed even after I left and I love you all even more for that.

It's not difficult to say that I love St. Mary's more than any school I have ever been to, because we grew up together, laughed together and cried together.  Through this long journey to high school, I realized I didn't need to be with you to know how much I still belonged to this school.

Everyone is writing about how Bryan came into our classroom with a stack of papers every week but honestly I don't remember any of that. All I remember was my first year of St. Mary's sports. It was basketball and only basketball. I thought that basketball would be the only sport that I would play, never to think that I would be playing soccer or volleyball.

But I did, and never for a second did I go back and say wow that was a horrible season.  We didn't win much in the early years, but it was so much fun that it didn't matter. You never need to think about whether or not you want to play a sport at St. Mary's, just do it. I promise you that you will never ever ever regret it.

The first sport I ever played was basketball, I loved basketball. I loved everything about it. I loved attending games. I loved going to practice and I loved all the scrimmages. Basketball was my main focus.

Bryan asked me to play soccer,  but I don't remember much about it. All I remember was that I was the only girl on the team. Looking back, I found this to be very funny. During one soccer game I was just wandering around the field and right before the game started, these two little boys came up to me and whispered to each other, "Is that a girl?"

"Oh my gosh, it's a girl!"

In 3rd grade, Bryan would constantly ask me to play volleyball but every time he asked, I refused. Until one day in 4th grade, Cynthia asked me to play and I thought that it wouldn't hurt to try. After I played, I was like, "Man I suck, I'm done."

But I continued.

After a few seasons, Mr. Yu (Jonathan's Dad) went up to my mom and told her that I had potential. He told her to look up some volleyball clubs, and she did as soon as possible. I wasn't excited and thought to myself that I would never have a career in volleyball so why try? WRONG! Always try kids.

I played a year of club volleyball and wanted to get onto a better team. But I also knew that tryouts for that team would also be around the time of the volleyball championships when I was in 7th grade. I still can't believe that we made it that far since we only won a few times in the past few years.

And can you believe that we won the championship? Well it happened..

In my 8th grade year, I tried out for the same club and I made a travel team (the team I'm on now), which means I will be going around the United States for volleyball tournaments.

It was such an exciting time for me because just before I made the team, we had just won the CYO championship again!

When I think about our championship game, I realize how far we have gotten from when we had first started, and it really is unbelievable. But that's what happens when you play a St. Mary's sport, you grow. You grow into something that you never thought was possible.

And this summer, my club volleyball team is going to the Junior National Championships, better known as the Junior Olympics. You have no idea how far I have come from that day when Bryan encouraged me to play volleyball. I wouldn't say that that day was the best day of my life, but growing into someone like this was undoubtedly the best experience of my life. Never doubt yourself, you will never believe what you are capable of. Future St. Mary's students, just please please please try a sport. It doesn't have to be volleyball, but that's what inspired me.

Lastly, thank you Bryan Cheung for being the best person I know. You are my distant uncle. But I'm just gonna call you my uncle because that's what you mean to me. I am so glad to have found St. Mary's Athletics, as this program has practically shaped my life.

Now all it is for me is volleyball day in day out. And I love it. I know it may seem weird but I love it.

Again thank you Bryan for always being there. Thank you for all you have done to help the school and thank you so very much for being the best athletic director in the history of athletic directors.

To the St. Mary's class of 2014, you will forever remain in my heart as one of the most important group of people in my entire life. You guys have no idea how much I miss you all, leaving St. Mary's was so difficult but it wasn't up to me. I know through the years that I wasn't the easiest person to get along with, but I was so lucky to have you all there no matter what. I know that you will always have my back and surely, I'll forever have yours.

St. Mary's is like chipotle, chipotle is my life

- Edwena 

The Justin Khuu farewell

The 8th grade boys won the CYO Pre-Season Tournament in 2013

By Justin Khuu

Five years ago I was asked to be the assistant coach for a bunch of 4th graders.

At the time I did not think much of it, just another team to coach - boy was I wrong.

Throughout the years I have pushed them hard and expected many great things from them and I was not disappointed. If you asked the kids "What's something that you'll remember of coach Justin?" They'll tell you that I always yelled at them because of a poor performance and was never satisfied.

The reason why I was so harsh was because I knew they could do better, I knew they had the ability to do whatever they wanted as long as they put their minds to it, and I was right.

They have many playoff and championship appearances, as well as a championship ring to show off.

Year after year they were able to make it to the playoffs, if not the championships. The crazy kids that made up this team were always focused on one thing "to win."

Whenever people looked down on them and believed their season would end, they would come back to show them what they're made of. The perfect example would be their 7th grade year. That season, we lost to a team twice during the regular season, but when we faced off again in the playoffs, these kids played their hearts out and won in arguably the most exciting game of their careers.

To my team, I'm extremely proud of you guys for your achievements throughout the years. I hope that my harsh words did not impact you negatively and that you realize that I was hard on you guys because I knew what you were truly capable of.

Ryan, Garrick, Thomas, Joseph, Aaron, Audi, Raymond, Jason -- each of you guys brought something special to the team. You all will forever hold a special place in my heart. I thank you for all the effort you guys have put in to each season, I thank you for all the laughs and fun times that we had, and I thank you for allowing me to coach you guys.

It saddens me to say that this is our last year together as a team and that there is no "next year." Remember that you all are great, not just basketball players, but great people too. I know that you all will go on to do many great things. You guys can achieve any goal as long as you put your mind to it. I am glad to have been able to call myself your coach.


To Bryan...

In the 5th grade, our coach was somebody I barely remember. All I remember is disappointment.

But in the 6th grade, when Bryan became my coach, it was the start of something great.

Basketball was something I was never truly great at, and it still isn't. But as a coach he always pushed us to work harder, to do better, and to excel.

This was what brought us to our championship victory in 2007. I remember I came to practice early and he had me work on my free throws for what felt like an eternity. That practice surely paid off as I remember I made most, if not all my free throws in a game my 8th grade year. I remember that game because a kid bear hugged and slammed me in to the ground. I later found out that his name was also Justin.

But after that, I had such confidence in my free throw abilities that I still believe I'm a free throw "god", and I can trace it all back to Bryan.

Another memory was during the championship game in my 8th grade year, where the opposing team was taking out the ball on the opposite end of the court. Bryan yelled "GO GO GO!!!" and I just sprinted down and intercepted the inbound pass, only to fly out of bounds, haha.

I later remember Bryan telling me he never expected me to get down there and actually stop the pass.

Throughout the years, Bryan has taught me many things, but the most important lessons I learned were not one's of basketball. They were life lessons that helped to shape the person who I am now.

He would always give me sound advice when I needed it most.

When I had a problem or I needed to shape up, Bryan had no issue with being upfront with me and telling me how to correct myself.

Without him, I would not be who I am today. I am happy that I am able to share with my final year here with him as the athletic director.

Not only was Bryan the St. Mary's Athletic Director, he was my coach, and most importantly, my friend.

State of the blog address

So...

Everybody (about five people) has been asking me what will become of the blog now? The answer is, absolutely nothing will change...for now.

I still have a few reflections to post, but I thought we would take a break for a day or two. If you haven't read them all, just click the links to the left, I think all of them were beautifully written.

Two more to go, one from Justin Khuu and then another from his cousin Edwin.

Looking ahead to the future, whoever comes along, I will give he or she the option of continuing the legacy of the blog.

For now, a few other things to get to...

• Have you been watching the World Cup?
• Do you know who won the Stanley Cup?
• Were you happy to see the Heat lose?

Hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of their summer.

And Sunday, my final farewell, at least in the regular season in Oakland with Derek Jeter...<3 div="">

Leslie's last word about the 8th grade girls

Courtesy: Alex Nguy (Leslie's cousin)

By Leslie Truong

For those of you who have seen me coach only at games...what you see is an intense, loud and passionate basketball coach. For you to understand why my girls became the way they are, you must also understand my St. Mary's story.

I was not always this way. I was once the shy girl who cried about going to school and was too scared to even tell people my name. When I started playing basketball in the 4th grade, I had no idea what I was doing. My team finished the season 2-6, including one win that ended with a final score of 2-1. 

I was no athlete to brag about and I was scared about boxing out against the bigger girls, playing aggressive defense, and driving to the basket. Sound familiar?

Then I got a new coach in the 5th grade who coached me until I graduated from St. Mary's. He taught my team how to be fast and most importantly how to become fearless competitors. Aside from our wildly successful tenure as a basketball team that Bryan will never talk about because it was before his time as athletic director (three consecutive hard-fought championship wins in 1998, 1999 and 2000), I carried so much of what my St. Mary's coach taught me into my life off the court. I became confident, motivated and the complete opposite of shy, and I truly believe that my St. Mary's basketball experience had everything to do with shaping me into who I am today.

When I met my girls in their 5th grade year (2011), I saw in them potential that most people didn't see. It was the same thing when I met Becca their 6th grade year and Lily this year. Every girl had the potential to become more aggressive on the court, to become fearless, and to become champions. I knew their potential because I saw in them the same drive and determination that I had when I was an athlete at St. Mary's. 

They worked hard and it was not easy for me as a coach either. We went through countless disappointments as a team throughout the years. I went through hours of pondering about how I can help each girl believe in herself as a basketball player, just as my St. Mary's coach did for my teammates and I. So much of what they needed to do to improve was more than just basketball fundamentals, it was also mental. 

We started seeing great results as early as 6th grade, but still, I had to be hard on them. Even when they played a decent game, I would tell them that they have to be better in the next game. That's because I knew they wanted to be better than just good. They wanted to be winners.

Now they can legitimately call themselves winners, and I don't say that because we won a championship this year. Winning isn't everything in sports if you're talking about just the score, but without the score, I believe winning is everything.  

Winning to me means working hard to overcome your obstacles and feeling successful, whether you win or lose a game. My girls are evidence of that. They have all transformed into incredibly confident and focused athletes.

Now my 8th graders are moving up to high school and I never thought the day would come for me to say "good-bye." Even though they might say that they'll miss me since I'm not going to be their coach anymore, that's actually not true.

Kelly, Jamie, Fiona, Victoria, Becca (and Lily for next year) - I will always be your coach even if I'm not the one yelling at you to run your suicides faster. 

I will always be your coach because I will never stop cheering you on and believing in you, whether it's in basketball or anything else you pursue in life. 

All I ask is that you always work hard and never give up on yourselves because what you accomplished with me as your coach at St. Mary's is proof that you can always find a way to win.

Jason Ng reflection

By Jason Ng

When I was in 2nd grade, I witnessed a man coming into our classroom every once in a while handing out papers to Ms. Chan, and then leave without a word. On the last day of that school year, that same man came in, but this time he actually spoke. 

He told us that starting in 3rd grade, we would be able to participate in this program called St. Mary’s Athletics. At first, I thought playing sports was pretty cool.  But I never would have thought that this man, The Person, better known as Mr. Bryan Cheung, would change both the school and the lives of many here at St. Mary’s.

A few weeks back, we were given an assignment to write an essay about an event that changed our personal values and beliefs. I decided to write about my 7th grade basketball playoff game. That game gave me the punch I needed to prove to myself that I do have the potential and ability in making a big shot or achieving other goals in life. We were tied in the final minutes and I was able to drive to the basket and make the big shot. So the recap is…no basketball…no playoff game, no playoff game…no big shot, no big shot…no life lesson punch. 

Throughout my entire career, I mainly focused on basketball. That was the sport that I wanted to play day and night, 24/7. My love for basketball had begun with Bryan encouraging us to form a team and compete with other schools. I continued to play basketball with the guys until now. Today, I am beyond thankful for those opportunities.

I’m sure that most of you have known me as a person who only played basketball. Honestly, I wished I could’ve done more. Growing up at St. Mary’s, my parents were very busy with their jobs and I never got the full support of playing another sport besides basketball. For those of you who are reading this and have the complete support of your parents in playing more than one sport, take that opportunity. Playing sports builds not only muscle and strength, but also character, values and friendships. You don’t want to be looking back at your time here at school and wondering about what you may have missed.

I never knew sports and athletics would impact my life this much. I thought of it mostly as just being able to hang out more with friends and being able to consistently stay fit. But basketball also gave me confidence in my work and ability, helped me learn about respect and build on my leadership experience.

Sadly, as a member of the Class of 2014, we are the last graduating class to participate in the Bryan Cheung era. It has been an honor and blessing to have Bryan as the Athletic Director during our time here at St. Mary’s.  I told Mr. Cheung this before and I’ll say it again. I always wondered what I would be like if Bryan never came to St. Mary’s. I’m pretty sure that I would have turned into a full out nerd, but luckily that didn’t happen.

I love you Bryan and for all the miracles that you have brought to this school. Good luck on your future endeavors. St. Mary’s was given a blessing the second Bryan took that job.

I would like to thank all of you who contributed to my successes and helped me on my journey to become great. Without the support and love of my classmates, coaches, parents, and friends, I would probably be a nerd who works only on homework just goes home every day. Basketball has given me another life outside of school and I consider this a blessing. 

Well, that’s the story of my life (my St. Mary’s career and Raymond’s favorite song). You all have a special place in my heart and I hope that my experiences will inspire you to do great things just like me. 

I love you all!!! 

All of you have the potential to make a positive impact on the people you come across, and hopefully, they’ll continue the chain. 

- Jason Ng

Jamie Kemi looks back

Jamie and friends following the 7th grade championship game in 2013

--By Jamie Kemi Zhao

Wow! Can’t believe you guys are all grown up and will be moving on to the next stage of your life. Felt like it was just yesterday when I first went to watch your basketball games. 

Even though I only coached you guys for two years, all of you improved tremendously. Coaching you guys was fun, but at times was tiring because you guys fooled around too much. But at the end of the day, you guys do make me proud. I know I’m very harsh on you guys during games and practices, but trust me…high school sports will be far worse. It will require a lot of time commitment. But don’t let that stop you from playing sports because it’ll be worth it at the end! 

Like I said at Sports Awards Night, I really hope and wish all of you will continue to play sports in high school. It doesn’t have to be basketball, soccer or baseball. There are many types of sports that are fun, and you should give it a try. Don’t ever say you’re not good enough for the team! 

And don’t ever compare yourself to the others that are more athletic. You have your own special unique skill that others won’t have and vice versa. Remember what I always said in practice about basketball? 50% PHYSICAL, & 50% MENTAL!

Just because you’re not athletic or good at a sport, remember you still have 50% mental skills that will make you a great athlete. Always have confidence in yourself in whatever you do. Don’t ever doubt yourself and just go out and TRY IT. 

Remember to always give it your 101% in all the things you do. Stay humble, be nice, and be good. 

Wishing you guys all the best through your high school journey! Remember to enjoy it, but don’t slack off! I’ll always be here, so don’t be shy and say Hi! 

- Jamie Kemi Zhao

A Victorian reflection

Victoria with former teammate Tina, teammates Fiona and Ivy after her second volleyball championship

By Victoria Huang

Wow, I can’t believe we graduated.

After years and years of waiting for this moment, it has finally come. Looking back at my six years of having the pleasure to play sports, I think it’s been very memorable.

All the ups and downs, I’ll remember most of it forever, I hope. I faintly remember the first time Bryan Cheung walked into the classroom. He had a stack of papers that read “St. Mary’s Athletics Newsletter”. I had no idea what it was about. He went on and on about how when we get to 3rd grade, we can join sports. And I’m glad I did.

Some memories that stick out to me are that when I was in 3rd grade, I made my first shot in basketball, and I remember it being a headline of the newsletter. I felt so proud and I probably still have that paper. Even though it’s just a paper, it carries a lot of emotions. Then in 6th grade, we got second place in the basketball championship game.

This year was the most amazing one I’ve ever had. I can’t believe how fast this year went by and I don’t know if it was the anxiety towards graduation or the thought of going to high school.

In volleyball, I don’t even know where to start. Back in 4th grade, we could barely serve the ball over the net and we could only sometimes simply bump the ball over. Now we can bump, set, and spike. In the preseason, we won all three tournament games, then went on to win the tournament championship as well. It started out as winning no games to ending the regular season 7-1 and winning the championship in 7th and 8th grade!

In my last basketball season at St. Mary's, we played the hardest we could’ve ever played. We got to the championships and won first place! That’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

Bryan is an amazing person. He gave us the chance to go out and do different things. He inspired me to try new things. Sometimes, he says some harsh things. But that really pushed me to try harder. Some advice to the younger kids: Join everything you can and try it. Just try it. It can’t hurt you. You won’t regret it.

Last, but not least, my classmates are not just my classmates or friends, they are my family. I’ve grown up with most of them and they really and truly are my family. We all love each other as a sibling would. It’s funny how sometimes we would call each other “brother” or “sister."

I won’t forget all the great times I’ve shared with you guys and I’m glad to call you my classmates and friends.

I will miss you all. I love you guys very much.

--Victoria Huang

Congratulations Class of 2014

Courtesy: Jason Ng

Ray

Raymond running Cross Country in 2008

By Raymond Lee

I’m really sad that I have to say I am graduating from St. Mary and moving onto high school.

I had so many memories here. It only seemed like yesterday when I was a kindergartener and I looked up to the big kids. Now I am one of those big kids.

Some of my best memories were winning a basketball championship with my 5th grade team, all the awards night that I went to, being at school with all the people I love, and many other things but it is too long to list all of them.

This next section I would like to dedicate it to Bryan Cheung. I am deeply saddened that he is no longer going to be our athletic director, but I wish him the best in his future. I had many memorable times with him, but I will only talk about one. This memory actually meant a lot to me.

Our basketball team played horrible in a regular season game. We almost lost to a team that was even worse than us. But we managed to pull it out in the end. As always, our coaches would talk to us about our game and they were pretty mad.

But when it was Bryan's, he was extremely mad at us. I can remember him saying, “You guys played like (crap) today.”

Although this felt very offensive, I took it as motivation to motivate me in playing basketball better.

Lastly I would just like to thank everyone that helped me with my journey of going through school in St. Mary. This is from the bottom of my heart, and I truly mean it when I say it. I totally would not have made it if it weren’t for you wonderful people that helped me.

If it weren’t for you guys, I don’t know what I’ll be like. I could be one of those bad kids you see on the streets. One last thing I would like to say, I truly love all of you guys so much and you guys will always be in my heart, never to be forgotten.

- Raymond Lee

Andrew's 8th grade girls reflection

By Andrew Tio, 8th grade girls basketball coach

When Leslie asked me to join her in coaching the 8th Grade girls team, I hesitated.  Sure, it could be fun, but they'd probably also tease me a lot.

It was!  They did.

The year started off a little shaky.  I was worried the first couple of practices.  Some of these girls didn't even know which hand they like to shoot with! They had some confidence issues. Plus, they were best friends so practices would have a lot of giggling.

Leslie and I pushed them. They worked hard during every practice. They hung tight against tough and taller teams.  They won games.  They ran a lot and won more games.  Louisville drill goals increased and they won some more! They held their planks longer, and at the end of the season they were 7-1.  Every girl had a game where she was MVP.

The girls played a fantastic playoff game, each one of them playing the best I've ever seen them play.  Wonderful passing.  Great communication. Amazing confidence.

Then they won the Championship.  I was so happy and proud of what they had accomplished.  When they won, you could see Leslie and all the girls give each other a huge hug.  You might also see me standing to the side.  This was their moment.  They worked hard together, for each other, over the last few years.  I think Leslie and the girls could have accomplished all that they did without me.  Still, I'm proud and grateful to have been a part of their team.

Ladies, congratulations!  I'd like to leave you with advice that we've been telling you the entire season.  Hopefully you'll remember them in your future endeavors.

Lily, breathe (see you next year)
Victoria, be confident
Kelly, believe in yourself
Becca, stay on your feet
Jamie, take your time and don't rush
Fiona, look for your opportunities and take them

Keep having each other's backs

Andrew

8th Grade Week

It is 8th grade week as we count down to their graduation this Friday...Hopefully tomorrow we will have some interesting blog posts from coaches and students looking back at their time at St. Mary's.

Sincerely,

The Person

Awards Night Recap

For those of you who missed it...WHY?!?!?!

Winners for the evening.

Rookie of the Year - Nabiyou

Boys Hustle Player of the Year - Michael

Girls Hustle Player of the Year - Kelly

Boys Most Improved Player of the Year - Calvin

Girls Most Improved Player of the Year - Christine

Girls Volleyball Most Improved Player of the Year - Victoria

Lady Byng Awards - Ryan and Victoria

Girls Volleyball Player of the Year - Edwena

Boys Basketball Player of the Year - Jonathan

Girls Basketball Player of the Year - Fiona

And nothing happened at the end of the show.

Thank you everybody.