58 MARCH 2019 By Mallory Gleich The boys middle school soccer team at Veritas Prep has shown that hard work and dedication pay off as they add another state championship title to their list of accomplishments. This is the 5th title for Coach Kevin Kinerk and his team of fifth graders. Kinerk moved to the Arcadia area six years ago and was asked to coach the soccer team when his son Beck was in 6th grade. He had previous soccer coaching experience with St. Francis Sports League. He attributes his five wins to the demographics of Arcadia and a local interest in club soccer. “The location of Veritas lends itself to many families that embrace and support club soccer players. We have benefited from that influx…I love coaching my kids, and seeing them play with their school friends. I also like keeping it light and fun and being ‘one of the fellas’,” Kinerk said. The soccer season started in late October and concluded in early February. This year’s team had 20 players. “I think for many of them it is fun to play with your school friends and come together as a team… it’s great to see them work toward a successful final goal,” Kinerk said. Along with traditional practices, the team also plays futsal , which is a Brazilian indoor soccer game that focuses on keeping the ball on the ground and learning quick passing between players. One of their pre-game rituals is to take turns counting down the team with a “go Falcons” cheer, which Kinerk said gets the team amped up and ready to play. Kinerk said that this year’s playoff competition had increased, so the kids felt great to be in first place. “They love playing together, making quick passes and great finishes. We have many great players that make it beautiful to watch at times,” Kinerk said. The final championship has been held at Chandler Prep in Chandler for the past three years. The team celebrates at the Barro’s Pizza located across the street. “We have taken over [Barro’s] now for three years – each one a victory. There are many selfies taken with the trophy,” Kinerk said. After coaching at Veritas for the past seven years, Kinerk plans on handing over the reins after next year and possibly going on to coach at the high school level. Congratulations on your win, Falcons! By Jennifer Marshall In January 2019, The Gatorade Company selected volleyball player Shannon Shields, a senior at Xavier, as its Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2018-2019 school year. Gatorade chose the best female high school volleyball player in each state and the District of Columbia. For nearly 35 years, this award has been highlighting and celebrating excellence in the trilogy of athletics, academics and character. “The Gatorade Award is for the overall best player in the state,” said Shannon, “who earns good grades, who leads the team and who does some form of community service.” According to a press release issued by Gatorade in January: “Shields has maintained a weighted 3.87 GPA in the classroom.” A further endorsement to her academic achievements, the term ‘weighted’ used here indicates consideration was given to honors and AP classes she completed. “Shannon is one of the best,” said Coach Lamar- Renee Bryant. “She’s a setter, she’s left-handed and she’s an attacking center. Shannon has demonstrated academic and athletic excellence leading the way to two state championships. She’s a real talent.” Xavier has three separate volleyball teams, frosh, JV and varsity, and Shannon has played on Varsity since her freshman year. During her junior and senior years, she served as team captain, and for the last two consecutive years, she’s led her team to victory by helping them to win two Conference 6A State Championships. With Shannon driving the Xavier team, it closed out its fall 2018 season with a winning record of 33-9 and Gatorade reports: “Shields amassed 974 assists and 401 digs to go with 143 kills, 49 service aces and 39 blocks this past season. She concluded her prep volleyball career with 3,704 assists, 1,172 digs and 519 kills.” Outside of the classroom and volleyball court, Shannon uses her time and energy to support and lead others. While at Xavier, she’s served on the student council. She has given help to the less fortunate at Kitchen on the Street, a faith-based community program whose mission is to eliminate local hunger by offering food assistance programs to children in Phoenix. She and her mother are also involved with the National Charity League. “Xavier is really proud of Shannon,” said Sister Lynn Winsor, BVM, CMAA vice- principal for activities and athletic director. “She’s really an outstanding student athlete. We’re really excited about her winning, and we have also nominated her for the Arizona Interscholastic Association Student Athlete Award.” This fall, Shannon will attend the University of Louisville where she’s earned a volleyball scholarship. “We’re really going to miss her,” said Bryant, “but we know Louisville is going to have a great spot for her, and she’s going to have a great college career. She’s definitely prepared for greatness at Louisville.” “I’d like to go pro after college to lengthen my career,” Shannon said. “We’ll see how that goes. I’d love to be on the Olympic Team, I’ve got to keep working and keep getting better.” Shannon Shields wins Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year Since freshman year, Shannon has led her team to victory while maintaining a 3.87 GPA and helping with multiple volunteering projects. Veritas soccer scores 5th title Friday night lights: The Veritas Falcons beat the Paradise Honors (Surprise, AZ) 3-1. PHOTO: LINDA SREDZINSKI PHOTO: MARK JONES COME ENJOY ALL YOUR TEEPEE FAVORITES WITH THE GREAT WEATHER ON OUR COOL PATIO! BOOK YOUR PRIVATE PARTY ON ONE OF OUR PATIOS OR WE CAN PROVIDE FULL CATERING SERVICE CALL KATHY AT 602-300-7133 FOR RESERVATIONS OR CATERING. 602-956-0178 | 4144 E. Indian School Rd.

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