By Emma Jenan
Redwood High school is known for their athletics, but what about the sports that go on behind the scenes? Teachers and administrators at Redwood have a secret life outside of school, where they continue to compete in the sport that they have always had a love for.
Joey Chica, a special education teacher at Redwood and head varsity coach for boys soccer. You may think that Chica has his hands full with balancing a full time job and coaching, but he still makes time to participate in his passion, playing soccer. Chica was able to play in high school, then received a scholarship to play at California Baptist University before going on to play professionally. Chica says, “Soccer is a great sport, because it brings different people from different backgrounds together, and that’s what makes it so special.” Support from loved ones is a major part of sports, and according to Chica, he has the best supporting system out there. “My family loves that I play. They hope that I can still be playing when I have children, that way they can grow up to love the game as much as I do.”
Cole Schieferle teaches civics and economics at Redwood high school. Not only does he commit five days a week to teaching, but he also dedicates his spare time to playing golf. Schieferle says, “I play golf on a regular basis. Sometimes I play just for enjoyment, but other times I play in competitive tournaments.” When asked about what he loves about his sport, he replies, “I love to be outside, and I walk the course when I play, which is great exercise.” Schieferle has been an athlete his entire life, and says he “Enjoys competition.” Not only does he play for fun but he also is the head of a golf club with about thirty players. He says, “I really enjoy the camaraderie of the club and I enjoy the competition of playing golf against others.”
Daniel Guerrero is a Spanish teacher at redwood. Guerrero has been playing soccer for thirty five years, making it a major part of his life. He says, “Soccer is a sport that helps create an environment with the ability to lead to happy coexistence. Guerrero not only loves the emotional aspect of the sport, but he also says, “It is a fantastic way to stay in shape.” Guerrero explains that he came from a line of long distance runners, so soccer was an activity he played with his friends and he continues to do so.
Victoria Wall is a physical education teacher at Redwood, so athleticism has always been in her life. Aside from instructing fitness all week, she also plays soccer in her spare time. Wall says, “I have been playing soccer since I was five years old. It has always been a fun, exciting sport for me.” Wall not only played all of her childhood, but she received the opportunity to play at the University of La Verne. Wall says Wall “Soccer has always been a huge part of my family, both of my brothers still play as well. My parents still love to come out and watch us.”
Emma Jenan
Emma Jenan is a '25 second year journalism member of the Redwood Gigantea. She is interested in writing any article, but sports stories are her favorite. Emma is a part of the redwood tennis team, and is a varsity member. You can reach her by email:
emma.je8807@vusd.us
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