Rising to the Moment: Four Student Athletes, One Community
Rising to the Moment: Four Student-Athletes, One Community
By the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center
At the RBAC, success in the pool is only part of the story. Every day, our athletes show up, work hard, and lift up the people around them. As we close out the year, we want to introduce you to four student-athletes who show what that looks like.
Jeremy Hah | Rose Bowl Aquatics
Coach Andrew describes Jeremy's story as one of talent paired with patience, resilience, and a willingness to keep working. Since joining our program, Jeremy has never shied away from learning, being challenged, or finding another way to get better. That commitment paid off over the past two seasons, when he qualified for multiple national meets.
His coaches note that success hasn't changed him. Jeremy still arrives with a welcoming smile and the same humility, and he's always looking for ways to support his teammates. He lifts the level of everyone around him, including his coaches.
Sasha Kraaijvanger | Rose Bowl Water Polo
Coach Pat calls Sasha the water polo version of baseball's five-tool player. She can play every position and do it well, which makes her someone the team can count on in any situation.
But it's what she does for others that sets her apart. Sasha communicates constantly, from calling out the time left in a quarter to helping her teammates read what's happening in the pool. She also knows how to balance competing hard with being a great teammate, and her leadership and character make everyone around her better.
Hiroyoshi Sakamoto | Rose Bowl Rays
Coach Cameron details that although he's one of the newest members of the Rays, Hiroyoshi made an immediate impression. His fun, positive energy at practice has already made him a valued part of the team.
Swimming is one piece of his involvement in adaptive sports. He regularly joins swim and surf clinics and other opportunities for athletes with disabilities. He shares that the Rays is his home for swimming and proudly shares his connection to our program. In doing so, he has become a wonderful ambassador for the Rays and the RBAC.
Hiroyoshi and his mom also show up for the whole Rays community. They attend events for the full range of athletes in our program, not just the ones centered on his own interests. They believe showing up matters, and they prove it every time.
Sebastian Nelson | Rose Bowl Dive Team
Coach JL says what makes Sebastian special is his willingness to try. Diving is an incredibly complex sport, and at his age, effort and consistency matter most. Sebastian brings both every single day. In just under a year with us, he has worked to learn more than 20 dives on each board.
He's also the kind of teammate every coach hopes for. Sebastian lends a hand when someone is down and is one of the first to welcome a new athlete into our dive family. From his first Learn to Dive day to training with our High School team, he keeps showing how far hard work and a willingness to try can take you.
Why Your Gift Matters
Behind every national meet, every new dive, and every teammate who shows up for another is a community that makes it possible. Coaching, pool time, equipment, and financial assistance all provide young athletes with the resources they need to get started and keep going.
If you believe in the kind of community these athletes represent, we invite you to give before the year ends. Your gift can support the next athlete taking that first step.