34 JANUARY 2025 By Kylie de Best Being a student-athlete requires discipline and intense focus. Phoenix Country Day School diver Chase Sorosky has balanced it all – while also beating records and being recognized nationally for his achievements. Chase grew up in Arcadia with his mom, dad, and older brother Cole. His diving journey dates back to his elementary school years at Hopi, where he attended an after-school gymnastics program with Coach Denise Decker. Decker was the first to mention the sport of diving, and after his dad encouraged him to choose diving as an elective at summer camp when he was 9, Chase was hooked. He continued participating in gymnastics until the age of 12 when he decided to pursue diving full-time. Chase’s long-time goal has been to beat the Arizona Interscholastic Association diving record – and this year was his year. Across all divisions, and by over 100 points, Chase beat a record set in 2009 by Arizona’s only male Olympic diver, Sam Dorman, who went to school in Tempe and was a silver medalist in the 2016 Olympic Games. Sam’s score was 574.75. Chase’s was 683.75. Chase was listed as one of the finalists for swimmer/diver of the year for 2024, one of the Top 10 NCAA recruits for 2025, and on the “watch list” for 2023-24 USA Today Boys Diver of the Year in 2023-2024. To accomplish all of this while maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Chase has quite the routine. “I have practices 20-30 hours a week with my high school team and the East Valley Dive Club. I consider myself a perfectionist, and find it important to stay balanced and get good rest,” he said. “I am extremely humbled to have been recognized as a top diver in Arizona and the United States. I worked hard to reach this point and have overcome injuries to become even healthier than before – both in mind and body.” Those injuries include breaking his back three different times. While healing, he shared he learned not to take yourself for granted and to put your whole heart and effort into something while you can. “I feel that if you give good, you get good. I am the loudest cheerleader for my friends, and feel that the energy you give out is the energy you get back,” he said. Chase sees his mentor, Michele Mitchell, as one of his biggest inspirations. She is currently the Executive Director of Mission Viejo Nadadores, one of the top diving programs in the country, where Chase trains during the summer. He hopes to one day represent Arizona and the United States in the Olympics, as Coach Mitchell did. Chase was recruited to dive at the top schools nationwide and ultimately selected Princeton University as the perfect fit. He plans to major in economics and is strongly interested in political science and international relations. Outside of diving he loves to work out, hang out with his friends, spend time with his family, and play with his dog, Rudy. PCDS senior goes from broken bones to breaking state records Chase at the 2024 USA Diving Junior National Championships. Chase Sorosky. PHOTO: JEN WILBUR Matthew E. Nelson, DDS Complete all of your dental treatment in one day with sedation dentistry SOUTHTOWN DENTAL CARE Voted Phoenix Magazine Top Dentist for over 10 years www.SouthtownDentalCare.com 480.842.5539

35 JANUARY 2025 By Kylie de Best The spiritlines at Arcadia High and Veritas Prep pour their hearts into every practice, dedicating countless hours to perfecting their routines. Their commitment is reflected in impressive achievements and support from the fans. Arcadia News caught up with the squads to see what they’ve been up to:  The Lady Titans had the opportunity to cheer for freshman, JV, and varsity football this season and are currently supporting both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. This year, they competed in the USA Regional 1 Competition, earning second place in JV Show Cheer Novice and third place in Varsity Show Cheer Advanced, along with national qualifications for both teams. “We moved up a division in difficulty (from intermediate to advanced) so our routine got a lot harder this year. Despite that we were able to place third at our first competition,” senior Maya Campbell said. In addition, they competed at the AIA Game Day State Championship, where they earned third place in the D2 Game Day category. “Our team has been working very hard this year in order to move up, and I think we have the possibility to do really well at state,” Maya said. “Arcadia cheer plans to continue working hard, building a strong and supportive team culture, making lasting memories, and growing as athletes and individuals,” Coach Sophia Digati said. “As we continue this season, we plan to upgrade our routines, represent our school, and develop lifelong skills.” The team is gearing up for the AIA State Championship on January 16-18 and the USA Spirit Nationals in Anaheim, California, from February 13-17.  Veritas has just wrapped up their first football season and is now cheering on their basketball squads. As a brand-new team, many athletes had no prior dance or cheer experience, but their rapid progress has been nothing short of impressive. The team is preparing a new halftime routine for basketball season, which they said they are excited to showcase. They are eagerly anticipating Hoopcoming on January 16, where the entire school rallies behind the spiritline squad, creating an electric atmosphere in the gym for the basketball teams. The spring season will also bring clinics with Suns dancers and GCU cheerleaders, providing further opportunities for growth. “Spiritline and my coaches have given me the opportunity to grow as a dancer, teammate, and role model to younger students on the team, and I am so grateful for that,” senior Lila Handelman shared. The idea of creating cheer squads at Veritas was born from the vision of Athletic Director Chase Beebe. “He recognized the importance of having a spiritline as part of his larger plan to build school spirit and energy at sporting events,” Coach Coley Arnold said. “We serve as a vital force, bringing excitement and enthusiasm to games while also offering athletes a sense of belonging and connection to the school.” Tryouts were held in May 2024, and the turnout exceeded expectations with over 20 athletes showing up. This year, there were no cuts made, as every athlete had something special to contribute. The cheers and sideline dances are led by Coach Meghan, who brings her experience from the Pride of Arizona Twirling Line at the University of Arizona, while Coley, with years of dance experience in Paris and New York, choreographs the halftime routines and helps refine the team’s performances. “Practices have come a long way since the start of the season. Initially we focused on teamwork and the basics of cheerleading,” Coley said. They now involve more advanced choreography, and Coley said the athletes continue to impress as they develop their skills. So far, the highlight for the team has been cheering during football season, especially under the Friday night lights, as well as participating in pep rallies. They’ve got spirit, yes they do – now they’re sharing it with you! Arcadia High’s varsity and JV cheer squads. (back row) Coach Coley Arnold, Mayson Stehl, Macy Almendarez, Catriona Varghese, Catherine Daley, Marlee Radermacher, Riley Schroeder, Julia Gottfredson, Ava Hickey, Coach Meghan Gottfredson and Simon Burki. (front row) Addison Morrow, Teagan Sullivan, Avery Charland, Hannah Fuller, Vivian Marvin and Stella Diede. PHOTO COURTESY OF SOPHIA DIGATI PHOTO COURTESY OF COLEY ARNOLD