As we enter the new track and field season at Piedmont High School, the team has high hopes and strong goals. Coach Pouyan Assadi has been working hard with the team to prepare them for success, and is confident that they have what it takes to make a big impact this year.
On the boys' side, the team is returning 9 of their top 10 scorers from last season. With a strong core and minimal injuries, they are ready to make a splash in the WACC and potentially finish top 10 in NCS. Coach Assadi believes that they have the potential to finish in the top 2 in the WACC and is confident in their abilities. The key to their success will be staying healthy and avoiding injuries, as well as maintaining consistency and pushing themselves to their full potential.
The girls' team also has a strong core of returning athletes, but they graduated two all-time top scorers who will leave big shoes to fill. However, with a full roster of experienced varsity distance runners, a top discus thrower, and a sprinter/hurdler who placed at the NCS Meet of Champions, the team is still a force to be reckoned with. Their goal is to continue building on their success and to compete at a high level in both the WACC and NCS.
Some of the top returning players for the team include Miguel Long, Sam Shelby, Sebastian Swain, Adrian Kondakov, Ella Yasar, Alina Shahid, Leighton Mand, Caroline Taylor, Skylar Best, and Amalia Grey. These athletes have shown exceptional skills and have the potential to make a big impact for the team this season.
In addition to the strong core of returning players, there are also a few rising stars who are expected to make an immediate impact on the team. These include Maddox Ma, Eric Venner, Rehan Mumtaz, Ian Chung, Colby Hong, Claire Aubrecht, Skye Prata Baak, Viviane Oesterer, and Daniela Lucaccini. Coach Assadi is excited to see these athletes step up and become key contributors to the team's success.
When it comes to team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach Assadi believes in the importance of building a strong bond among the athletes. The team meets as a whole before breaking off into smaller groups, and they also have fun events throughout the season to build relationships and create a positive team dynamic.
One of the biggest challenges the team has faced in preparing for this season is injuries and retention. The athletes are pushed to their limits and need to take care of their bodies to avoid any setbacks. Additionally, retaining athletes can be difficult as some may want to explore other sports or lose focus due to senioritis. However, the team is focused on staying healthy and motivated to reach their goals this season.
The team's schedule for this season includes some of the top weekend invitationals in NorCal. Coach Assadi believes that competing against the best of the best will help his team reach their full potential and prepare them for the postseason. They are looking forward to facing tough opponents and are ready to rise to the challenge.
When it comes to coaching style, Coach Assadi's main focus is on building a strong team culture and creating a positive environment for his athletes. He believes in trusting his athletes and allowing them to lead in their own ways, whether it's through vocal leadership, leading by example, or supporting their teammates. He also emphasizes the importance of the mental aspect of the game and believes it is just as important as the physical aspect.
In terms of changes or improvements to the team's training and conditioning program, Coach Assadi and his coaching staff have focused on planning and consistency. They have access to local facilities this year and have a more experienced team, allowing them to push their limits and reach their full potential. The team's strengths include a strong core of experienced athletes and a well-rounded roster that can score in all 17 events. Their main weakness is filling the roles left by graduated athletes, but Coach Assadi is confident in the abilities of his new and returning athletes to step up and fill those gaps.
In conclusion, the Piedmont High School track and field team is looking strong and ready to make a statement this season. With a mix of experienced and rising stars, a strong team culture, and a dedicated coaching staff, they have what it takes to achieve their goals and make a lasting impact. Coach Assadi and the athletes are grateful for the support of their fans and are excited to see what this season has in store for them.
Share With