Photo by Claudia Campigotto
Ali Campigotto:
Peninsula High School
Peninsula High School junior Ali Campigotto is a dedicated athlete and student. An avid soccer player, Ali has earned Second Team All League in 2016 and First Team All League in 2017.
“I love the competition a soccer game brings. Being on the field with my teammates competing is the best feeling in the world to me,” she said.
In addition to earning two varsity letters in soccer, Ali has also lettered in fast pitch two times. “In school I have maintained a cumulative 4.0 GPA and have taken a total of six AP classes so far throughout my high school career.”
Still a junior, Ali is undecided as to where she would like to attend college but knows she would like to play soccer at the collegiate level and is interested in a career in either business or medicine.
As a soccer goalie, she said her biggest challenge has been her height.
“Standing at 5’3” is not a usual height for a goalie,” said Ali. “My height tends to shock many when they see the position I play. I overcome this challenge by putting in more practice than others taller than me would to help push me over the edge.”
As an athlete, Ali has learned much more than just the fundamentals of the game. “Overcoming adversity is a huge lesson learned from sports,” she said. “With the sports I play, I have learned how to deal with both success and failure. Learning to overcome mistakes and reaching those tough goals is a huge lesson I’ve grasped from playing sports that I have been able to apply to my everyday life.”
Zayna Fairhart:
Gig Harbor High School
Senior Zayna Fairhart is committed to not only her academics but to athletics as well. She holds a 3.8 GPA and is in her first year at Gig Harbor High School after her father, George Fairhart, accepted the position of head football coach at GHHS.
Before moving to Gig Harbor, Zayna attended Eatonville High School. “At Eatonville, I received six varsity letters, three for track and field and three for being a football manager,” said Zayna, who also received a letter this fall for being a football manager at GHHS. “The past two years I placed at districts in track and field. Last year I received all league honors. I also have been recognized as a scholar athlete.”
She is currently on the bowling team for Gig Harbor High school and plans on doing track this year.
“My favorite part of bowling is how positive our team is,” said Zayna. “We are all beginners, but we are developing skills really quickly. I look forward to seeing how much we can improve this season.”
Zayna plans to attend a four-year college and is interested in a career in the medical field; something inspired by her involvement in athletics. “I have seen and experienced a lot of injuries. In the future I would love to help people who have been in similar situations that I have been in,” she said, and adds that her injuries have been the biggest challenge she has faced through sports. But it is those adverse situations that have also been learning opportunities.
“The odds aren’t always in your favor. Unexpected hang-ups will present themselves in games and in life, but a positive attitude can change everything,” Zayna said. “Not every loss is a failure. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth.”