In addition to acting as ASB president of student leadership and the potential salutatorian for the class of 2010, senior Tatiana Fontes devotes the majority of her time to her role as the varsity basketball team captain.

“Basketball has been the bulk of my high school career,” Fontes said. “It is my release for stress; something to fall back on when I’m having a bad day. I wish basketball was endless, but then it wouldn’t be special. Having it be almost over feels like I am done with high school and there’s nothing else to look forward to other than graduation.”

After participating in basketball for four years, Fontes says she has matured in several ways.

“I began playing in 6th grade and wasn’t good at all,” Fontes said. “In 8th grade at FC, people encouraged me to go out for the team because I was tall and I loved it ever since. I remember my freshman year I aspired to be like the senior players; I thought they were so cool and they were older then me.”

During her high school career, Fontes has taken many trips with the team that she says have left lasting impressions.

“All of our trips are amazing,” Fontes said. “I have loved the countless trips to Disneyland and Disney World [in Florida for a tournament], the tournaments in San Luis Obispo and traveling while deprived from sleep in playoffs.”

Over the years, teammate Chelsea Shuman, ’10, has been on multiple trips with Fontes, but one in particular sticks out.

“Last year, we went to Florida,” Shuman said. “We got back to our hotel room late and were told to stay there all night. We [Tatiana, Paige Maltos, Da Eun Sunwoo and Chelsea] snuck out late that night to get sodas from the cafeteria. On our way back the seniors called us to say that Tosland was mad and to get back to the room.

“We got caught and Tosland told us to go over to this road, which was really a river, and do 50 push-ups. Tatiana is my partner in crime and at the time was not funny, but now it is hilarious.”

Even though the girls have many trips geared towards fun, they also face serious face-offs with opposing teams.

“The most intense trip was the Mission Prep game this past year,” Fontes said. “The entire game was neck-and-neck, but our team’s focus was contagious. We blocked out the past [match-ups prior to the game], the crowd and we got business done.”

After years of playing, Fontes has developed relationships with her coaches.

“My coaches have taught me the skills I have on the court,” Fontes said. “Coach [Jim] White has coached me since junior high and taught me my strengths and weaknesses. [Josh] Tosland has not only influenced me but has taught my teammates and myself about life and disciplines that are larger than basketball.”

Fontes credits the varsity team’s success, including several league championships, to their off-court relationships.

“Our team has been successful because of our focus on unity and family,” Fontes said. “We take every game seriously and work hard in every practice. We are very open about talking about our mistakes, processing and learning from them.”

As the season approaches an end, Fontes’s senior status has sunk in.

“Having it be almost over feels like I am done with high school and there’s nothing else to look forward to other than graduation,” said Fontes. “I will miss the sisterhood of my team and the positive influence of the coaches. I will miss being part of something bigger than myself. ”

According to Fontes’ parents, basketball has taught her many life lessons.

“It is a joy to watch our daughter on the court,” Fontes’ dad, Cleber Fontes, a native of Brazil, said. “Basketball has taught her about teamwork, responsibility, commitment, and leadership. She works hard, and that is always a positive thing. Tatiana is unselfish and enthusiastic on and off the court. She also has the ability to adapt easily in all facets of life.”

Even though basketball reportedly consumes Fontes’ life, she often enjoys spending time with her friends, who enjoy obsessing over Harry Potter.

“We truly understand each other about our Harry Potter fetishes,” senior Kayla Haydock said. “One time we dressed up like Harry Potter by putting on fake scars and Harry Potter-like glasses. We tend to have Harry Potter marathons all the time. Sometimes we call our classes the same thing as the movie, chemistry – ‘potions,’ Bible – ‘defense against the dark arts’ and when we sing in Latin, we mumble like we are casting spells.”

After high school, Fontes plans to attend either Point Loma University, Biola or UC Santa Barbara, where she plans to pursue a career in math, and perhaps play basketball.

For more information, read the Girls’ basketball sport shorts, 2009-10, Part II or her Jan. 27 letter to the editor, Dress all-out at NOTS.