Celebrating 23 SHP Student-Athletes Transitioning to Collegiate Sports

Celebrating the Success of SHP Student-Athletes

For the 19th consecutive year, Sacred Heart Preparatory (SHP) in Atherton, California, has accomplished an impressive feat by sending 23 student-athletes from the Class of 2025 to compete in collegiate sports. These athletes represent a variety of disciplines, reflecting the school's commitment to fostering both athletic talent and academic achievement.

In a year filled with remarkable accomplishments, the SHP athletic department saw its students excel in numerous competitions, culminating in a record-setting achievement of eight Central Coast Section (CCS) titles, three Northern California (NorCal) championships, and twelve CCS Scholastic Team honors. This highlights their dedication not just to sports but to maintaining high standards in academic performance.

Baseball and Basketball Highlights

SHP’s baseball team, recently elevated to the highly competitive Bay Division, made a commendable comeback with nine wins. Star player Daniel Gee has committed to Delta College, while Devin Saltzgaber, named the CCS Pitcher of the Year, is heading to Pomona College.

The boys' basketball team concluded the season with an impressive 16-11 record, sending Alex Straser to Emory University. His performance along with his teammates' contributions solidified their competitive edge within the league.

Track, Cross Country, and More

Sophie Cheung, a prominent figure on the Cross Country and Track and Field teams, holds several school records and has qualified for the state meet multiple times. She will further her running career at MIT. Additionally, the football team celebrated its first CCS title since 2021 with standout Aseli Fangupo committing to Claremont McKenna.

The SHP Boys' Golf team claimed the highest wins recorded in program history, with four-time all-league golfer Logan Mills heading to Claremont McKenna College.

Lacrosse Championships

In an exciting turn, the boys' lacrosse team seized their second CCS Championship title, finishing the season with a 17-7 record. Players like Jack Barton (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) and Hampton Galletti (United States Air Force Academy) will now continue their lacrosse pursuits at the collegiate level.

The girls' lacrosse team also made waves, achieving a record of 19-2 and earning their second CCS Championship. Ellie Shen, a significant player in multiple sports, will play for Claremont McKenna as well.

Soccer and Swimming Success

The boys' soccer team turned around its performance from the previous year, clinching a playoff berth while sending players James Smith to Haverford College and Zachary Ehrenpreis to the University of Virginia.

On the swimming front, the boys' swim team not only secured their 17th league title but also saw Cam Kazemipour commit to Chapman University after ranking among the top performers in school history.

Water Polo Dominance

A remarkable highlight for SHP is the boys' water polo team's performance, ranked third in the nation. Players such as Nelson Harris and Luke Kirincich will continue at college level, emphasizing the school's strength across various sports.

The girls' water polo team ended their season with an impressive 30-2 record, achieving a national rank of No. 1 for the first time in SHP history. Four athletes—Isabella Dova, Vivian Golub, Megan Newby, and Natalia Szczerba—are set to compete at the collegiate level with prestigious institutions such as Stanford and Princeton.

A Bright Future Ahead

Athletic Director Jason Armstrong expressed pride in the accomplishments of these student-athletes, highlighting the life lessons and resilience they cultivated during their time at SHP. As they transition to their collegiate pursuits, their community's support will undoubtedly follow them.

Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton stands as a beacon of excellence in both academics and athletics, continuing to shape the lives of its students and preparing them for success beyond high school.