The Photographer
He’s learned that the lighting’s best on the opposite side of the bleachers. He’s found that players look a lot stronger from lower angles. He’s discovered that knee pads prevent the sores from turf.
Arnold de Leon, father of field hockey goalie junior Amelia de Leon and the official field hockey team photographer, has grown since he first signed up for the job when his daughter was a freshman.
“I’m kind of a little bit obsessed,” de Leon said. “I love it. I even stay for most of the JV games if time allows.”
While most in the Bay Area follow the 49ers or the Giants, de Leon’s team is MVHS field hockey. He’s there for almost all home and away games, and he shows his love through his photos, snapshots of time that remind players of a single moment.
“From game to game, there’s progression,” de Leon said. “I get excited about watching [them play]. It’s like, wait, they’re doing better!”
As a child, de Leon never joined a sport. He didn’t see himself as an athlete. He was too short, too uncoordinated. Now, field hockey fulfills his sports fantasy. Every year on Parent Playday, when the field hockey parents have a chance to learn the game, de Leon gets to be on the field.
In less than three years, he’s found a passion, a sport and an extended family.
“I sometimes count them all as my children,” de Leon said.
Kneeled next to the opposing team’s goal, de Leon’s presence is one of a father, a photographer and an integral member of the field hockey team.
The Assistant
As he watches the game, he never takes his eye off the ball. Not once. When the point goes to MVHS, he claps with a proud smile on his face. When the point goes to the opposing side, he looks down, disappointed, yet hopeful.
What started off as a simple hobby inspired by his interest in volleyball and his desire to protect his children has now made Ernest Hua, father of sophomore volleyball player Amanda Hua, a vital part of the varsity girls volleyball team.
Whether it’s capturing the game on video for the players to review later or assisting the coach, Hua is willing to do whatever he can to support the team.
“In the beginning, it really was just about helping my kids, but over time, I started to realize that this had become so much more than just that,” Hua said.
As a former volleyball player himself, Hua understands the pressure that comes with knowing that the whole team is counting on you, which is why he does his best to help out at games and practice to make sure that the players and coaches don’t have to worry about anything else but bringing their best game.
“It’s not complicated,” Hua said. “I just try to do whatever I can.”
The Super Fan
In the last five years, she’s only missed two cross country meets. Including away meets.
Jill McDonough, mother of sophomore Aidan Gottlieb and 2014 graduate Bridget Gottlieb, loves the kids on the cross country team. Though she wouldn’t classify herself as an “uber parent,” she notices how much dedication can move kids to the front of the pack.
“[It’s interesting] seeing evolution in…the kids,” Donough said. “It’s not as obvious if you don’t go to the meets. It doesn’t mean as much when you just read about it.”
As one of her main duties, McDonough chaperones the cross country trip to Los Angeles each year. She has just has much fun there as the athletes do.
“You’re still sharing a room with another parent, chatting all night long,” McDonough said.
One of McDonough’s favorite aspects about cross country is that you can cheer for runners on the different schools. The meet is never a rivalry, but it’s still a competition.
“I [remember] I was rooting for somebody’s brother,” McDonough said. “And he kind of looks at me like, ‘What?’”
For meets, McDonough provides snacks, times, arranges carpools, or otherwise just cheers for the kids.
“I think everyone likes that little bit of attention,” McDonough said.
Even though she may not believe she’s “uber,” McDonough’s assistance does not go amiss.
Reported by Kalpana Gopalkrishnan and Sanjana Murthy.
