The Class of 2028 has just started their high school career and are already coming out of the gate strong in faith and confidence in athletics. Mater Dei has a reputation for being very competitive in all aspects, especially athletics. Some students worry about making the team of their choice, one can always reach their goal with hard work and strict determination to their craft. This year brings a slew of young freshmen ready and excited to play alongside older students on varsity teams.

Freshman Kendra Hansen was determined to be on the Varsity Flag Football Team when she got to high school. With the right support, Hansen proves that even young people can muster the boost of confidence.  Hansen was only four years old when she started playing soccer, and just two years ago where she started flag football.

“I just had a lot of people support me and tell me I could do whatever I’m determined to do, and that’s really what’s driven me to accomplish everything that I have to this day,” Hansen said.Having strong parental support and encouragement can help athletes both with confidence and realizing their goals.“My dad is my biggest fan and supporter and always has been. He motivates me to be my best self on and off the field, and I really credit him for my success,” Hansen said.

Some fellow teammates agree that Hansen is one of the best players on the team. Her skills benefit the team as a whole on the field.

 “She’s really good. When I first saw her play, the first thing that came to mind is how much stamina and agility she had,” freshman Vita Hernandez said.

The accomplishment Hansen has made is incredible and will be very beneficial in the future. 

Not only is Hansen involved in the Varsity Flag Football Team, but she is also on the Mater Dei soccer team. Outside of school she plays on an ‘09 Elite Club National League (ECNL) team  called Pateadores. She has also been invited to the U.S. youth national team talent identification camp and won nationals along with her teammates on the ‘08 Pateadores ECNL team. 

“I love playing in the ECNL. The competition is some of the best in the country, and I am honored to be able to play with all the talent in ECN,” Hansen said. 

It hasn’t always been easy for Hansen. At times she faced opposition and negativity. But she chose to rise above it. 

“[Some people have told me] I can’t do it, but then I always try to prove them wrong,” Hansen said. “I had a lot of people support me and tell me I could [succeed], and that’s really what’s driven me to accomplish everything that I have.”

Kye Duval is a freshman football player on the varsity team. He works hard to maintain his position as tackler. Kye talks about how it took him a lot of work, tears, blood, dedication and luck to get to where he is today.

Duval explains that football is extremely competitive at Mater Dei but with a sense of competition and interaction with other players in varsity can make it possible. 

“My advice is just to be competitive,” Duval said. “This is a competitive school, and you have to be able to hang out every day with some of the top guys in the nation.”

Duval did face some difficulties at the start. However, throughout the process he now knows how to manage his time on football while still balancing school work. 

“I feel like during the first week it was kind of hard to keep up because it was so fast. But after a lot of practice with the older guys, it became easier and more simple,” Duval said.

Naz Esambor is another freshman who also made the varsity football team. He had to put in lots of practice and effort to achieve the position. Esambor advises incoming players to give their personal best and believe in themselves. That’s the mindset you have to have to reach a goal. 

“It wasn’t easy at first. It was hard to keep up with everybody else but eventually I was able to catch on with the right mentality and being determined,” Esambor said.

Esambor works to manage his time while balancing sports balancing

“I try my best to keep my grades up and still play the sport that I love, it’s not everyday that I get to play with Mater Dei football so I have to make the most out of it and make my mark,” Esambor said.

Hansen, Duval, and Esambor all agree that practice is key. These athletes had to work very hard and balance their time to get to their position. They also believe you have to have confidence when it comes to sports. The combination of ego mixed with hard work and perseverance is what helped these freshmen reach varsity status at a young age.