Arcadia News — award winning neighborhood news since 1993
October 2017
October 2017, page 55

54 OCTOBER 2017 ARCAD A NEWS By Rachael Bouley Ambition and a desire to do her best drive Trinity Cavanaugh to give it her all on and off the volleyball court. As a junior at Xavier College Preparatory, Cavanaugh has to balance her school work with her budding volleyball career. She plays on Xavier’s varsity indoor and beach volleyball teams, dedicating time and energy to a sport that captured her heart at age 12. “For indoor, I love being on a team and creating close relationships with my teammates,” Cavanaugh said. “For beach, I love the close bond I form with my partner, as well as the free atmosphere and the mastery of all skills.” A two-time beach volleyball state champ, Cavanaugh credits Xavier volleyball with introducing her to some of her best friends. As a freshman, she was able to participate in varsity practices, where she got to know some of the upper classmen who took her under their wings. “My favorite memory from indoor volleyball is when I got to give two of my favorite seniors their senior speeches. I grew so close to these two seniors during my f r e s h m a n a n d sophomore years, and I’m so glad I got to give a tribute to them,” Cavanaugh said. Cavanaugh believes that volleyball has taught her many valuable lessons, including how to be a supportive teammate and overcome setbacks. One of these challenges is effectively balancing school and sports, as she strives to maintain her 4.0 GPA. “With practicing six days a week for indoor volleyball, AP classes, hours of homework, and SAT/ ACT prep, it is a lot to handle,” said Cavanaugh. With two more years at Xavier, Cavanaugh aims to make the most of it, further developing her skills as she seeks a spot at a top division I program for beach volleyball. She hopes to repeat a trip to the state championships. Last year, she and her beach volleyball partner took home the winning trophy. With these memories as inspiration, she looks ahead to this year with her eyes on the prize. “My goals for both indoor and beach volleyball this year is to take home that state title. If Xavier beach wins again this year, we will maintain our undefeated legacy and win our seventh straight state title,” Cavanaugh said. Volleyball player makes most of high school career Trinity Cavanaugh A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME saturday, november 4th 10am - 3pm FREE ADMISSION ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN Gingerbread Open House Highlighting our Preschool through 5th Grade Programs Parents Enjoy a Special Presentation & Tour. Attending Children will Enjoy Christmas Entertainment & Craft Time! To Make Your Reservations Visit www.staphxschool.org/RSVP or Call (602) 954-9088 Tuesday, December 5th 8:45am Check-In / 9:00am Program Begins www.staphxschool.org 4510 N 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 954-9088 STA CARNIVAL 2017 A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME saturday, november 4th saturday, november 4th saturday, november 4th saturday, november 4th saturday, november 4th saturday, november 4th saturday, november 4th saturday, november 4th saturday, november 4th saturday, november 4th saturday, november 4th saturday, november 4th saturday, november 4th saturday, november 4th saturday, november 4th saturday, november 4th 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm FREE ADMISSION FREE ADMISSION FREE ADMISSION FREE ADMISSION FREE ADMISSION FREE ADMISSION FREE ADMISSION ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN STA CARNIVAL 2017 STA CARNIVAL 2017 STA CARNIVAL 2017 STA CARNIVAL 2017 STA CARNIVAL 2017 STA CARNIVAL 2017 FREE ADMISSION FREE ADMISSION FREE ADMISSION FREE ADMISSION FREE ADMISSION FREE ADMISSION ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN FREE ADMISSION FREE ADMISSION FREE ADMISSION FREE ADMISSION ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN ENJOY FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN

55 OCTOBER 2017 Arc A d A News By Mallory Gleich Getting up at 4:40 in the morning is not how most people want to start each day, but for Matthew Schlenker, it’s a vital part of his routine. Schlenker is a senior at Arcadia High School and has been swimming since he was a boy. He gets up each day before dawn, has breakfast and heads to his first swim practice of the day. He gets home, has a second breakfast and heads to school. After school, he goes back to the pool and practices until 5:30 p.m. His hard work and dedication to the sport has paid off – he’s captain of the swim team. “He has been so involved in our program for the four years he has been on the team and really exemplifies what a member of the swim team should be in a very positive way,” said Erica McClurg, who has coached the Arcadia swim team for 22 years. Schlenker’s responsibilities as a captain include making sure all the athletes feel included and part of the team, engaging with the team, planning freshman day, communicating with the team, designing the apparel and suits and planning and participating in team events. “I feel like what makes a good captain is a leader with the ability of making everyone feel like a part of the team, is approachable and is someone who really enjoys being a part of the team,” Schlenker said. So far, Schlenker has competed in 44 meets for the Arcadia swim team. He has also competed in 12 events for the Phoenix Swim Club. “We hear that alarm go off at 4:40 a.m. for practice and we are amazed that these kids get up and swim hard before their school day even begins,” said Schlenker’s parents, Linda and Brent. “And then go back and do it again after school.” Schlenker notes that the most difficult part of being on a swim team is having to get up so early in the morning, especially during the winter time when he has to swim in an outdoor pool. “It’s a big commitment, but with all the hard work comes valuable life lessons that you can take with you for your entire life,” Schlenker said. After high school, Schlenker plans on going to college, but is unsure where and hasn’t decided if he’d like to take a break from swimming to join other clubs or a fraternity. Looking back at his Titan career, Schlenker says he’s incredibly grateful for the lessons he’s learned while being a competitive swimmer. “I love it for the feeling of knowing your hard work has paid off and doing well at one of the meets. I love it because of my teammates and my coaches,” said Schlenker. “I have been very fortunate to swim under Coach Erica McClurg of Arcadia High School and Coach Mike Maczuga for Phoenix Swim Club because they keep me motivated and have gotten me to where I am today.” Arcadia swim captain Matthew Schlenker exemplifies dedication Senior Arcadia High swim captain Matthew Schlenker credits his coach, Erica McClurg, with keeping him motivated and helping him have success swimming. After graduating from Arcadia, Matthew plans on going to college, but hasn’t decided where that will be. Representing students of Arizona universities, community colleges and high schools, as well as other emerging Arizona artists since 1993. 480.946.5076 . artonegalleryinc.com . 4130 n marshall way . scottsdale CELEBRATING 23 YEARS! “Dripping in Gold” • Herb Schultz • 36” x 36” x 1.5” • acrylic on canvas TRICK OR TREAT! SCARY HEATING SYSTEMS GO!