Sports for me is a key fundamental to have fun during school. For me, sports is a way where players can escape reality and cope with whatever they are dealing with in their life. It’s a way to better ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally. It's a true way to define someone’s ability to get over adversity. You don’t have to be great at it, or have athleticism, nor naturally great abilities. You just have to work hard for your goal. For me, obsession beats talent all the time. This is why I chose to play flag football last year, because I was obsessed with the game.

Here in Mesa, we offer lots of sports, ranging from non-physical to physical sports. We have our very own esports however I’m not sure how it goes because I don’t play esports. But I talked to the coach, Coach Haggetery who is also the Mesa Music Teacher. A great producer, he will be married in the following year, so if you see him tell him congratulations. They have a positive record, going 6-2 currently, ranking 7 in the state. The games they play to compete with other schools are League of Legends and Rocket League. 

Firstly, our very own Mesa dance team, Mesa Vixens recently joined their first dance competition during February break. I was fortunate enough to attend with them, no admission fee for me of course. In their first competition, the Mesa Vixens advanced to the next level but we ended up placing 4th overall. We didn’t end up with any trophy award, but they are winners in my heart. That’s how the sports world goes, you win and lose, but the important thing is you learn. The Mesa Vixens are the main factor in our school wide performances, like the Black History Month performance, which they did well in, then the Hispanic Heritage Month performance, which I was in. They did amazing in both performances. 

Next, there’s our Mesa Flag Football team, which their season ended in a devastating loss against the Owls in the playoffs in one season. As for their other season, they lost against Achievement First, our rival in the playoffs. I was there for both of the games, I witnessed 2 sides:the winning side and the side who lost. I had seen two different reactions and perspectives, this is the art of sports. Mr. Green is determined to keep his dynasty going, winning over 4 trophies over the course of 4 years. He’s hopeful for next year, where we are hoping to have studs. 

In a happy outcome, the Mesa Girls Soccer team went crazy. The IT Factor. THAT team. They are a stack team that went undefeated,10-0, all season long. Come playoffs, they crushed it, winning all 3 play offs. The first playoff game the score was 9-0 against Bronx prep. This gave them courage and determination to go for the gold. Semi-finals, they came in confident and ready to take on, winning the game 3-1 against Cristol Ru NY. Then the last stop before the gold was theirs, and ultimately won the game 5-1 against Brooklyn Prospects. This 2022-2023 Mesa Girls Soccer Team will go down in history as the greatest soccer team of all time in Mesa. It will be remembered in the books and the trophy will always be at Cunningham’s desk. 

On more relatable news, the Mesa Boys Soccer Team were up there. A great team as they have the key players and coach, Coach Cunningham, to win it all. Ending both of their season with a record of 7-2-1 ( 7 wins, 2 draws and 1 lost ). Unfortunately, they lost in the playoffs in 2 different leagues. One league they won their first playoff game, winning in a penalty shootout 7-6 against Essex. Advancing to the playoffs but losing against Brooklyn Prospect 5-0. Such heartbreaks, but as we all know that’s how sports work. However, Cunningham is hopeful for next year since he has some dawgs that are already putting in the work for next season. I am hopeful that next season is their season. They are going to bring home the gold. 

However, like any other D1 or NFL/NBA sports team, there are sports teams that are in a drought. Having negative record seasons, they haven't gone to the playoffs in a while, leaving fans doubtful for the teams franchise. This is the same thing at Mesa. The Mesa’s Boys and Girls Basketball Team, are in a drought, haven’t won any championships in the past 4 years. But with the new coach, Coach Gibbs, I am hopeful that he is able to turn around the team. With one season unfortunately not being able to make it to the playoffs, but they are placed 8th seed in the 2nd league. Who Knows? Gibbs could be the key to turn the team around. Regardless of the outcome Gibbs and the team have learned a lot their first time working together. I am hopeful that Gibbs will revise the Mesa Boys Basketball Team franchise into a dynasty. The same goes for the Mesa Girls Basketball Team, with the addition of Coach Jackson, who is also a counselor in Mesa. 

In a more positive light, the Mesa Girls Volleyball Team brought home a chip. This is a dynasty that I know is going to last for a while. Winning 4 championships in the span of 4 years. The coach, coach , who doesn’t work in Mesa, is an excellent coach that brought the Mesa Girls Volleyball Team into the playoffs. They ended up winning one championship against , the score being . In another league unfortunately they ended up losing the finals against , score being . This shows that it’s all about how you act when you lose. The girls volleyball team suffered a terrible loss in their championship game. Seeing the other team celebrating could easily hurt the average Joe, making it difficult to move on,but for the Mesa Girls Volleyball team, they went through this adversity, coming back stronger than ever. Heading into the playoffs for a different league with their heads held high, and killing the competition. This is why I love sports. It teaches us that you could either make a loss, put you down or push you to rise up. 

Currently, the Mesa Boys Baseball Team is now recovering from losing 10 seniors last season, 6 of whom were actually crucial to the team’s success. Facing a devastating loss in the championship game in 1 league and losing during the playoffs in the 2nd league. Now they are preparing for their season, where their first game is coming up. I truly believe that this is their year for them. Coach Scoot is making sure he will bring home the gold. I have been fortunate enough to see them practice and I’m confident that they are going to win the championships and win it as well. 

Same thing goes for the Mesa Girls Softball team that didn’t do so well last year, but I am hopeful that they are going to improve. Right now, they are preparing for their season to start. Already practicing and putting in the work. Led by Coach Lazaro, who is also a math teacher in Mesa, and Coach Lagombra, a counselor in Mesa ( one of the bests ). She is also the Flag Football Team’s mom , so with that prior experience she has I’m confident she will be able to turn the team around. 

Another team that is getting ready for their season is Mesa Girls Flag Football Team. Led by Coach Green, Green tried to push for the girls season last year but it didn’t go as planned but this year it’s happening. They are already practicing and hitting the weight room as we speak. I know Green will lead them to a chip because his coaching regime works. I also have witnessed their practice, and let me tell you they have some dawgs. From the first practice and their most recent practice, I have seen major improvements, and I can’t wait to see their season opener. 

They are 2 teams that are just now starting for their spring season. They are under the works. Introducing Mesa Boys and Girls Track Team. The Mesa Girls Track Team led by the one and only Coach Cunningham. Last year they placed 2nd place, with this knowledge I know they are going to place 1st this year. I was fortunate to see some girls race each other, and I could confidently say this is their year. For the Mesa Boys Soccer Team, it’s led by a new coach, Coach Rodriguez, who is the 11th grade ELA teacher. I don’t know how her coach regime is but I have faith she will not disappoint Mesa. The boys in the track team are already putting in that work, hitting the weight room. 

Lastly, one team hasn’t started it but will start their tryouts soon. It’s the Mesa Boys Volleyball Team. Led by the same coach as the girls volleyball team, Coach . I like to play volleyball and I was lucky enough to have some of the boys, who were on the team last year, in my gym class. When we did our volleyball unit, it’s safe to say that they are tough. With that being said, I have faith they will go to the playoffs and the rest is up to faith. 

That marks the end of our journey talking about the sports Mesa has to offer and what they have accomplished this year. I’m going to end off with a quote about sports, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” - Tim Notke.