At Osbourn High School, sports are more than just games; they are experiences that shape friendships, teach teamwork, and build confidence. Every student, staff member, and even the school’s security guards have their own favorite sport and a story behind why it means so much to them. From the court to the field, and from the mat to the cheer floor, our Osbourn Eagles show how sports connect people in different yet meaningful ways.
Some students find their passion for sports through family and early experiences. Basketball, for example, is a favorite among many because of its fast pace and energy. Freshman Madison Hartsell shared how her love for basketball began, “This became my favorite sport when I first played with my brothers, and I said, ‘I like doing this sport, it’s a pretty tough sport.’” Basketball is known for its quick plays, teamwork, and strategy. It’s a sport where players constantly communicate and move together, just like in volleyball. Madison also shared that she has attended a live game before. “Yes, I have been to a stadium when I was around five years old,” she said. Watching a live game can be unforgettable, the cheering crowd, the energy of the players, and the excitement of every shot all make the experience one to remember. For many, basketball is more than a competition; it’s a way to bond with others and challenge themselves.
Another favorite among Osbourn students is volleyball, a sport that demands communication, timing, and trust between teammates. Freshman Giselle Martinez explained how she discovered her love for it, “It became my favorite in 8th grade because I learned how to play.”Learning a sport can often spark a lifelong passion, and for Giselle, volleyball stood out because of its teamwork and strategic play. “It makes it more interesting to me because of its teamwork and its strategies,” she said. Volleyball is one of the most exciting sports to both play and watch. Every serve, spike, and save requires precision and cooperation. For fans like Giselle, the combination of teamwork and competition makes volleyball a sport full of excitement and energy.
While some sports focus on scoring points or goals, cheerleading stands out as a sport built on rhythm, power, and spirit. Sophomore Kimberly Soto, one of Osbourn’s own cheerleaders, said, “I grew up loving and doing cheer.”Cheerleading requires intense training, coordination, and teamwork. It’s not just about leading chants; it’s about strength, timing, and performance. Kimberly explained why she believes cheer is important: “Yes, because it helps improve your leadership skills, boosts your confidence, and teaches self-discipline.”Cheer is more than just routines and stunts. It teaches participants how to support others, communicate clearly, and lead by example, skills that go far beyond the mat.
Not all sports at Osbourn involve balls or teams; some, like taekwondo, focus on individual skill, discipline, and respect. Sophomore Meyli Gomez shared her admiration for this unique martial art, “Yes, I do like taekwondo. I really like the players Steven Lopez and Kyung Seon. She’s a pro girl who got into world taekwondo and has a lot of confidence. Steven Lopez is one of the most successful guys to go pro as a Latino man in taekwondo, that’s why they’re my favorite players.”Taekwondo teaches balance, focus, and control. For Meyli, the sport’s inspiring athletes and the confidence they show are what make it so special. It’s a reminder that sports aren’t just about physical ability; they’re also about mental strength and determination.
Perhaps no sport brings people together quite like soccer, which remains the most popular sport in the world, and one of the favorites among Osbourn students. Freshman Skarleth Mendez said, “I like how you can communicate with people and make new friends. Soccer’s ability to unite people from all backgrounds is part of what makes it so special. Freshman Paola Hernandez shared how her love for soccer began at home, “Soccer was always my favorite sport because my family would always and still watch soccer matches, and I also enjoy playing in my backyard.”For many students, soccer represents family traditions, weekend memories, and teamwork. Sophomore Brisa Sosa Puebla added, “I’ve liked this sport since my cousin made me play with her.”These connections, family, friendship, and fun, show how deeply sports can shape people’s lives.
While soccer holds the global spotlight, football is another sport that many Osbourn staff members love. Security guard Mr. Williams shared, “I grew up watching football, and I can understand it — it’s really interesting to me.” For some, football is about strategy and competition; for others, it’s about family tradition. Security guard Ryan Montanez explained, “I like football because I grew up around it. My dad coached it, and I played it.”Even though some, like Mr. Stanley, who prefers watching football now rather than playing, the connection remains strong: “When I was younger, I preferred playing it, but now I’d rather watch it,” he said. Football and soccer are both filled with passion, teamwork, and strategy, each offering lessons that go beyond the game itself.
Many Osbourn Eagles have favorite teams that inspire them. Soccer fans at Osbourn are especially passionate about the famous rivalry between F.C. Barcelona and Real Madrid, two of the biggest clubs in the world. Freshman Paola Hernandez said, “I admire F.C. Barcelona because they inspire me in so many different kinds of ways, and I love every player on that team.” Freshman Skarleth Mendez agreed, “My favorite soccer team is F.C. Barcelona.” Sophomore Brisa Sosa Puebla added her favorite players, “My favorite soccer players are Raphinha and Hector Fort.” For many students, these teams and players serve as role models who motivate them to keep practicing, improving, and believing in themselves.
No matter which sport they choose, every Osbourn Eagle shares one thing: passion. Whether it’s shooting hoops, serving a volleyball, landing a cheer stunt, practicing a taekwondo form, scoring a soccer goal, or watching a football game, sports help build community and character.
Security guard Mr. Williams even shared that he has experienced the thrill of a live game, “I’ve been to a stadium to watch a Philadelphia Eagles game.”Moments like that show the excitement that sports bring, from players to fans, from families to entire communities.
Sports at Osbourn High School are more than just extracurricular activities; they are a reflection of who we are. They teach teamwork, discipline, and confidence. They connect people through shared experiences and memories. As the Osbourn Eagles show, everyone has a story about how their favorite sport became part of their life.
Whether it’s the excitement of a close basketball game, the teamwork of volleyball, the energy of cheer, the focus of taekwondo, or the worldwide love for soccer and football, each sport offers something special. And no matter what team you root for, the most important thing is the passion that keeps you playing, cheering, and believing, just like an Eagle.
