The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
“My biggest accomplishment was when I placed second at nationals for racquetball. I started playing racquetball in sixth grade because I was passionate about beating my brothers in the sport, and it was just fun. My brothers have played racquetball for years, and they inspired me to start. I did not have a winter sport, so I decided I might try racquetball. I am glad I started because I have found a good community through [the sport]. I met many nice people and made good relationships. I beat someone at state, but when [I played singles], I placed second at nationals, I felt defeated. At nationals, I played both singles and doubles. The people I lost to at nationals — [when I played doubles] were upperclassmen, a senior and a junior. Getting that far as a freshman [was] an accomplishment. Racquetball has taught me that pain is temporary and legends are forever. It is painful, but it is worth it.” - Matt Lancia, 10

Matt Lancia

Kate Roland, Staff Writer • August 28, 2023

Following a first place finish at the state tournament, the girls racquetball team celebrates their win by raising their trophy. The team participated in the JV1 bracket and hoped to move up to the varsity level next season. “It felt good to know that we were the best team on JV1, only making us more positive we are ready for varsity next year, at least with a lot of hard work,” junior Graci Badami said. “I think about all the varsity players from last year, and some of my teammates from this year, and I strive to do what they do so effortlessly. I also enjoy practicing and working to get better because it’s such a fun sport.”

Girls racquetball team makes a racquet at state

Elise Frost, Staff Writer • April 12, 2021

State champions. This title, only won by very few high school athletes over the course of their careers, is one that many members of the girls racquetball team never believed they could achieve. Despite...

Wrapped in the American flag, senior Erin Slutzky and doubles partner, freshman at University of California, Berkeley, Nikita Chauhan celebrate their performance at the International Racquetball Championships (Worlds). Though this was Slutzky’s second Worlds debut, she won a medal for the first time. “The best thing about getting bronze was the improvement it showed from the year before at Worlds in Mexico where I didn’t get a medal. It meant my hours and hours of training had paid off,” Slutzky said.

Senior Erin Slutzky takes the Bronze at International Racquetball Championships

Fatema Rehmani, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief • December 16, 2019

Having competed in racquetball tournaments including three High School Nationals, two Junior Nationals and two  Junior Worlds, senior Erin Slutzky has played the sport seriously since winning second place...

Preparing to slam a racquetball into the wall, junior Erin Slutzky stands alert for the next move. Slutzky competed for Team USA at the IRF Junior World Racquetball Championships from Nov. 1-11. “Because racquetball is more of an individual sport, if you lose you pretty much have no one else to blame besides yourself. You can practice whenever and whatever you need to work on to go out next time and win,” Slutzky said.

Junior Erin Slutzky represents Team USA at Junior Worlds for racquetball

Nayeon Ryu, Video Editor • November 29, 2018

During the five-hour plane ride to San Luis Potosí, Mexico, junior Erin Slutzky reflected on the eight years of training that led her to one of the most important racquetball tournaments of her life:...

Junior Kyle Andersen crouches in preparation to serve the ball. Andersen has participated in the team for three years.

Racquetball team participates in national tournament

Grant Aden, SPORTS EDITOR • March 2, 2017

The boys and girls racquetball team is set to play in the USA High School Racquetball Nationals, after finishing second and first place overall in the state championship respectably. “All high school...

Hitting back

Hitting back

Kyla Hatton, Sports Editor • February 25, 2015

Preparing for a match on Jan. 26, junior Tabatha Saake practices skills on the court. Her first year on the team, Saake played Nerinx Hall, beating her opponent. “I decided to join racquetball this year...