Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Paradise Mahasin of Concord High
Paradise Mahasin
School: Concord High
Grade: Senior
Sports: Flag Football & Basketball
Mahasin first played flag football in seventh grade but hadn’t done so again until this fall as a senior. Her Concord High coach Kahlil Boykin is glad she turned out for the Bears team this fall after transferring to the local school last term. The coach says she started the season off at quarterback but has moved across the line on offense and defense, “playing every position to the best of her potential.”
She has scored as a runningback, wide receiver and defensive back, with one passing touchdown to her credit this season as well. “Paradise is an explosive athlete that changes the game every time she touches the football. She is shifty, and with one cut she is up the field in a flash. She is tough as nails for her small frame and wants nothing more than to compete and play hard for her team.” Coach Boykin adds, “Paradise is equally a great person off the field and has had no problem forging friendships in the small time she has been at Concord High School.”
Mahasin likes that she can show off her talents in flag football, especially with the sport being so new in girls’ athletics across the State. She says, “Our team is really connected, and we can bond over a sport new to the school; also new to us players. We learn from each other and give each other tips on how we can improve and push each other to be the greatest versions of ourselves in practice and in games.”
In addition to her flag football experience, she has played basketball since fourth grade and will be a welcome addition to the Bears hoops squad this winter. In addition to being an outstanding athlete, she also excels in academics, maintaining a 3.6 GPA and making the honor roll all four years of high school. “Post graduation, I plan on going to a four-year college, studying forensic science and psychology,” the senior adds.
The Pioneer congratulates Paradise and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for over three decades at Family Vision Care Optometry.
Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or a great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com
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Jay Bedecarré
Jay Bedecarré is a long-time resident and writer in Concord and Clayton. He began his newspaper writing career while still a senior at Mt. Diablo High School and he has been part of The Pioneer since its inception in 2003. Jay also operates Bay Area Festivals, presenting events around the San Francisco Bay Area including Bay Area KidFest annually in Downtown Concord.