The start to a new football season means touchdowns, field goals, and two amazing players. Caiden Vanleer, our new varsity tackle quarterback, a transfer from Cal just arrived and is about to lead our team through the season. Where on the other hand our flag football QB of two years Katie Vail returns. What is so special about these two players?

Vanleer began his sports journey with football in 8th grade playing for the Pop Warner-Youth Football program and hasn’t stopped since. During Vanleer’s freshman year while playing for Cal High against Clayton Valley he threw a whopping 75-yard touchdown pass the first play of the game.

The foundation of Vanleer football career is hustling no matter what, “All the work I put in during school, weekends, 6:00am workouts”  said Vanleer. 

When asked about team strong suits, Vanleer answered, “We have a pretty good team all around. We got some strong defensive players, some great receivers on offense, and a decent line.”

This season is looking good for Vanleer having trust from his coaches, teammates, and teachers to take the team to playoffs. Coach Black stated, ¨He’s a leader…coaches are excited about this year¨ 

Katie Vail is the starting quarterback for the flag football team, who became involved sophomore year. She happened to be helping at a clinic for head coach Manuela and was invited to join the team.  

According to Vail’s teammate Isabel Dunn, ¨she’s comedic relief.”

Whether it’s a bad game, day, or moment Katie is always there to cheer on her teammates through her ¨fun loving personality,¨ stated Layla Martinez. She is the glue that holds the team together.

Vail spoke on the fact that her most valuable lesson from sports is learning that failure is okay. Although she ¨Easily gets down on herself.¨ stated Martinez, Vail states, ¨my failures made me the athlete I am today.¨ 

As the leader of the offense the success of the team is often determined by the quarterback. When asked what has been the most challenging aspect of your sports career, Vail said, “It’s important to ignore the criticism from both coaches and teammates.”