Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Alanna Le
Team: Mt. Diablo High School
Grade: Senior
Sports: Tennis, Cross Country, Track
Over her four years at Mt. Diablo High Le will have competed three years each on the cross country and tennis teams as well as one year on track and also a season assisting the school softball coach. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg as to her involvement at Concord’s oldest high school.
She says, “These four years at Mount have been transformational and impactful. As a senior playing tennis, I’ve evolved into a young, determined woman who not only cares that teammates are having fun but also exemplifies a ‘student athlete.’ High school was a cycle of doubt, need, ambition and acceptance, and I am in the process of finding clarity about who I am.”
Instead of the “normal” fall sports schedule girls tennis will be held at the same time as boys tennis with practice starting Mar. 8 on the newly redone tennis courts at Mt. Diablo (thanks to Measure C) with Diablo Athletic League dual matches April 8 through May 11. The DAL league tournament is May 13-15 with North Coast Section team, singles and double competition starting May 18 through June.
Quarantine season
“Despite the abrupt pause of the season from quarantine, I will continue to use this time to strengthen and improve my skills to be a more competitive high school player. I love playing tennis. Whether it’s independent practices or being able to play alongside and against girls/boys who are better than myself really pushes me to work my hardest every day and put forth my best effort in practice and in matches when the season returns.”
Le is president of the MDHS Asian Culture Club, vice president of the school’s Key Club, part of California Scholarship Federation and student member of the school Site Council. She also has kept the scorebook for Red Devils basketball since her freshman year.
Away from school she volunteers weekly (once again when COVID-19 protocols allow) in the emergency department at John Muir Health Concord across the street from the Mt. Diablo campus. The senior has a 4.23 GPA and is part of two UC Berkeley-based exclusive multi-year programs (Boost@Berkeley Pre-College Program and SMASH Berkeley). Le says, “I have managed to juggle all their rigorous schedule, events and expectations successfully.” She adds that Cal is “my dream school” and “I have a strong passion for the STEM-related field. My dream career is to be a scientist.” Her comments came in a week two UC Berkeley scientists won Nobel Prizes!
Dedication, Passion and Leadership
The lefthanded tennis team captain had to decide what sport to play during her busy senior year. “I love the excitement of sports as my way of relieving stress. After deciding between two amazing sports, I felt my heart leaned towards tennis.” Her Red Devils tennis coach David Pintado says, “Alana is a star! I have met hundreds if not thousands of student athletes through my career as a teacher and coach, and Alanna is an example of the perfect combination of dedication, passion and leadership.”
The Pioneer congratulates Alanna and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com
Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.