The 2025–26 senior class marks a distinctive milestone in high school athletics: they are the last group of “COVID kids.” Entering their formative years during a global shutdown, this group has endured unprecedented challenges. Yet, according to their head coach, it is that very resilience that has transformed them into the backbone of a team now eyeing a league championship.
Aubree Figueroa, Selina Fernandez, Araceli Leyva, and Victoria Lerma have done more than just play basketball; they have redefined the program’s culture. Their contagious commitment and positive attitude have not only set a new standard for the underclassmen but have also reignited their coach’s passion for the game.
“They are laying the foundation from where we will continue to build our program,” the Head Coach David Hart said. “They are leading us into another playoff year and an opportunity for a league title.”
Here is a look at the four seniors leaving an indelible mark on the court this season.
The Natural Leader: Aubree Figueroa
Despite being a first-year basketball player, Captain Aubree Figueroa has made an immediate impact. A standout soccer player, Figueroa decided to challenge herself on the hardcourt, arriving with humility and a tireless work ethic.
Her natural leadership abilities quickly permeated the squad, earning her the captaincy in her debut season.
“Some people are born leaders no matter where they go, and Aubree is one of them,” the coach noted. “She will have success in life by continuing that mindset of always wanting better for herself, but more importantly, for others. I only wish I had the chance to coach her for four years—she would have made me a better coach.”
The Instinctive Playmaker: Selina Fernandez
A three-year veteran of the program, Selina Fernandez has blossomed into a player defined by high-level basketball IQ. Whether anticipating a steal, threading a needle with a pass no one else sees, or cutting at the precise moment, Fernandez relies on exceptional instincts.
This season, those instincts have been paired with a newfound confidence.
“Watching her play with confidence this year has been a joy,” said the coach. “That ability to come into her own and play with such trust will be her superpower for future success.”
The Gentle Force: Araceli “Cheli” Leyva
For four years, Araceli Leyva—known to the team as “Cheli”—has anchored the center position. While the post is often associated with aggression and grit, Leyva carved out her own path. She proved that a center can be effective by being strong, smart, and skilled, without sacrificing her inherently kind nature.
“I always thought you had to be tough and mean to play at the post, but Cheli figured it out without changing who she is,” the coach reflected. “She is kind, smart, and caring. We need more people like her in the world.”
The Spark: Victoria “V3” Lerma
Victoria Lerma, known affectionately as “Vigi” or “V3,” completes the quartet as a four-year player who has undergone significant growth both on and off the court. Embracing her role as a mentor, Lerma has become a guide for the younger players, helping them find their footing on the team.
Her coach credits her with becoming a “light” for the program, balancing a competitive drive with a fun-loving spirit.
“Every year she got better,” the coach said. “She has embraced her fun-loving side … and in the process has become a light for all of us to embrace. She will fulfill the success she deserves and has worked hard for.”
The Legacy As the playoffs approach, these four seniors are doing more than chasing a trophy. They are closing the chapter on a difficult era of high school sports by proving that resilience, kindness, and leadership can build a winning culture that lasts long after the final buzzer sounds.
