56 MARCH 2019 By Rachael Bouley Determination and dedication are driving the Titans toward state softball glory. The members of the Arcadia High School varsity softball team have their minds set on repeating last season, where they finished ranked No. 1 and made it all the way to the final four. Head Coach Jason Foster and his players are hoping to pick up where they left off, carrying that momentum forward as they start fresh with a new team after bidding farewell to eight graduating seniors, six of them four-year starters. The departure of these teammates was bittersweet, as it’s opened the doors for some younger players to step up to the plate and tackle a new challenge. Overall, the reigning region champs are feeling confident about the season ahead. Foster said that despite moving down divisions this year, the schedule may be even tougher. “We will still continue to play at a high level and compete for a region championship and eventually the state playoffs,” Foster said. The Titans will rely on veteran players including senior pitchers Ellie Richardson and Jade Ng to fill the shoes of last year’s seniors and lead the younger players on the journey toward a state championship. Foster said that while there may be younger players at new positions, practice and development will play a crucial role and allow the team to come together nicely. “Senior catcher Jordyn Pender and junior infielder Keeley Yeager are eager to build upon their tremendous performances from last season,” Foster said. “Both had outstanding years at the plate and will be needed to allow the Titans to be successful.” Other keys to winning are solid and consistent defense, which was one of the team’s main strengths last season. “There are going to be some holes to fill, but our young players are up for the task,” Foster added. “Our hard work and practice should take us far this season.” As the team’s star catcher, Jordyn is ready to tackle the new season, new division and the new team lineup. She’s proud of how much they accomplished last season, beating their rival team and winning the region and she’s ready for a repeat. “I hope to win our region again and just have fun while doing it,” Jordyn said. “The environment is always fun, as we bond well and have good chemistry.” The team will benefit from having several natural leaders. Ellie will help guide the younger players as she strives to deliver more standout pitching performances. She says her goals this season are to remain positive and work her hardest each and every day. “I’m looking forward to being a leader and building stronger relationships with all of the girls,” Ellie said. While she holds the memories of last season close to her heart, she’s looking toward the future now, and she said she’s committed to strengthening a supportive team dynamic with the new players. “Our major strengths this season will be our team spirit, our undying determination and our phenomenal coaching staff. Every player has unique talents on and off the field, making each girl an integral part of the team.” AHS Softball sets sights on big season In 2018 the Titans ranked No. 1 and made it to the final four. This year Jordyn Pender and Ellie Richardson plan on taking their team back to the top. Xavier star earns award By Rachael Bouley A local student athlete who is leaving a lasting impression on her school community has also earned a special award for her efforts on the volleyball court and her character off the court. Briana McKnight, a junior at Xavier, was recently named a 2019 Touching Hearts Through Athletics award recipient. She’s one of 13 recipients across Arizona to receive the honor this year, which recognizes student athletes of outstanding character, sportsmanship and community service. The award has its roots in Denver, Colorado, back in 2002 when founder Gary Isaac started serving as a guest coach for a girls’ basketball team. He acquired the name he’s known by – “Coach Grandpa” – after making it up on the fly when he was asked his name by a parent during a practice. And, like his passion for recognizing student athletes who give their all on and off the court, the name stuck. Since those early days, Isaac says Touching Hearts Through Athletics has awarded more than 400 athletes at 200 schools across the United States. Briana fits the mold perfectly. She has helped lead her team to back-to- back AIA state championships. She has also served as a team captain, driving her teammates to remain focused during their run to a second state title. She’s the first Xavier student to receive this award, and her coach, Lamar-Renee Bryant, says it’s easy to see why she was chosen. “Briana is an outgoing young lady who works extremely hard,” Bryant said. “She’s a leader on the court, athletically gifted and very thoughtful and kind to her teammates.” In addition to chasing state championships, Briana has also worked hard to give back to her community. She put in volunteer hours at Xavier’s summer volleyball camps and she’s also enthusiastic about volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House along with a few of her teammates. Briana has committed to play college volleyball at the University of California Santa Barbara after graduating from Xavier in the class of 2020. Regardless of the results on the court, Briana will always carry the memory of this award, a surprise for the dedicated student athlete. “I feel so honored and blessed to be recognized with the Touching Hearts Through Athletics Award,” Briana said. “I try to make a difference in the lives of those around me by bringing out their confidence. Confidence has helped me get to where I am today.” Briana McKnight Local Dentist Helps Uninsured Adults PAID ADVERTISEMENT Dr. Sophon Heng D.D.S. caters to those people who don’t have dental insurance. Dr. Heng provides comprehensive dental care exclusively to uninsured adults in a modern, yet modest office in Phoenix. Dr. Heng grew up in Seattle and graduated in 2001 from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, and he relocated to Phoenix after graduation. “After watching the dental profession change,” said Dr. Heng, “I felt it had to be done a different way: ‘A Non-insured Way.’ We use the latest technology and treatment, yet we keep our facility modest and control our business overhead, which allows us to offer lower fees to serve the people in the community.” For example, Dr Heng’s office charges $599 for a lifelike crown made with latest materials and technology. His crowns are guaranteed for life against breakage or defects. There is never a charge for a so-called crown build up. Other dental offices could customarily run from $800 to $1200 or more for a similar crown in this area. Also, other general procedures in Dr. Heng’s office run 30-60% less than those typically charged. For example, $599 for a root canal, $499 for immediate denture (each), cleaning starts at $30. Patients often remark they find Dr. Heng’s office a breath of fresh air in an age where profit and greed driven corporations and “banksters” are invading every aspect of our lives, including our health care. “We have had a great response from all of our patients and we have met so many wonderful and appreciative people.” said office manager Channa. “We treat all of our patients like we would our own family.” “We explain to our patients that we don’t cut corners on care, treatment or materials,” said Karen, dental assistant. “We pride ourselves in treating people not just their teeth. We love dentistry and feel great about providing excellent care. We are driven by our desire to help others.” Many of Dr. Heng’s patients are young adults and seniors who have no dental insurance or have only a limited policy that gives them a few benefits and then charges more for their other needs. There is never a charge for an exam and x-ray, consultation and second opinions. Dr Heng offers no gimmicks, just modern quality dentistry at an affordable cost. Sophon Heng D.D.S. 602-703-1195 2600 N. 44th St., Ste. 106 | Phoenix, AZ 85008

Remove the Boundary Between Indoors and Out. Introducing the new MultiGlide ™ door as part of the Andersen® Architectural Collection. With an array of styles and configurations for both contemporary and traditional spaces, the MultiGlide door offers ultimate design freedom that can transform any space into something extraordinary. Recognized by J.D. Power for “Outstanding Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Patio Doors. ” * Learn more at andersenwindows.com/multiglide *Andersen received the second highest numerical score among 16 companies in the J.D. Power 2017 Windows & Patio Doors Satisfaction Study, based on 1,904 total responses, measuring the experiences and perceptions of customers who purchased windows and/or patio doors in the previous 12 months, surveyed February – March 2017. Your experiences may vary. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2018 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. MS1805_0319 4454 East Thomas Road Phoenix, AZ 85018 602.508.0800 liwindow.com MS1805_0319_LastingImpressions_MultiGlide_Ad_3.indd 1 5/11/18 8:28 AM