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SPORTS & FITNESS

 Mountain Views NewsSaturday, December 21, 2024

SIERRA MADRE RESIDENT MAKENNA DOMINGUEZ WINS D1 
WOMENS 2024 SOCCER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 

 Makenna Dominguez, playing 
for the University of North 
Carolina won a National title 
as a member of the University 
of North Carolina's Womens 
Volleyball team.. Last title 
won by the Tar Heels was in 
2012, the University's 23rd 
Title. After having most of 
the players leave the program 
in 2023, only four seniors 
remained.

Four seniors rallied a young 
team to win the National Title! 
Makenna Dominguez attended 
Sierra Madre Elementary 
and Middle School. She 
currently plays for the El Salvador 
National Team and will 
continue her collegiate Soccer 
career at LSU, while completing 
her Master's degree. 

 “We are thrilled to be adding 
a player of Makenna’s caliber 
and experience to our team. 
She arrives after being part of 
a national championship winning 
team this past season at 
UNC,” said head coach Sian 
Hudson. “Her level of experience 
will be invaluable to our 
team and the younger players 
in our program. She is a versatile 
player who can play in the midfield or attacking posi-tions. She is technically gifted, dynamic 
and has the ability to play the right pass, at the right time.”

 The California native has experience on both the collegiate and international soccer levels as she 
was also named to the Salvadoran National Team this year. 

At UNC, Dominguez appeared in a total of 40 matches, tallying 17 shots, two assists and 1,027 minutes 
on the pitch. She played in a career-high 22 matches in her senior season this year in the Tar 
Heels national championship run.

 Dominguez played in the Concacaf Gold Cup this past February and March, making her first na-
tional team appearance with El Salvador. During this time, she played in the group rounds against 
Guatemala, Canada, Costa Rica and Paraguay.

 In high school, Dominguez attended Flintridge Preparatory and played with Strikers FC, where she 
received All-American honors from TopDrawerSoccer.com. She entered college as a four-time first 
team all-league and all-area selection at Flintridge Prep, where she scored 105 goals and dished out 
87 assists in her first three seasons. She also served as team captain and earned team-MVP twice.


GOT THE HOLIDAY BLUES?

The holiday season is often celebrated as a time 
of joy, family gatherings, and festive cheer. But 
for some, it’s a season filled with sadness, stress, 
and loneliness. If you’re feeling more down than 
merry during the holidays, know that you’re not 
alone. Many people experience feelings of sadness, 
depression, or isolation during this time, 
even though it’s popularly regarded as the happiest 
time of the year.

It’s easy to feel like something is wrong when the 
world around you is glowing with bright lights, 
cheerful music, and images of smiling families. 
The pressure to feel happy, festive, and social can 
be overwhelming. The truth is, it’s perfectly okay 
to not feel upbeat during the holidays. It’s normal, 
and it can happen to anyone for any number of 
reasons.

The holiday season often stirs up a mix of emotions, 
and it’s not always about gifts and parties. 
For many people, this time of year highlights 
what’s missing or amplifies personal struggles.

One significant factor is the weight of high expectations. 
Everywhere you look, advertisements, 
movies, and music paint a picture of perfect 
holiday moments filled with love, laughter, and 
warmth. But reality often falls short of that ideal. 
If you’re dealing with personal challenges, the 
holidays may feel more like a glaring reminder of 
what’s missing in your life rather than a time for 
celebration.

Grief is another reason the holidays can be difficult. 
If you’ve lost a loved one—whether recently 
or years ago—the holidays can bring a wave of 
emotions. Traditions that once brought joy may 
now feel hollow, and memories of happier times 
can make their absence more poignant.

For some, loneliness is especially hard to cope 
with during this season. While many people are 
surrounded by family and friends, others lack that 
support system. If you find yourself alone, the 
contrast between your quiet holiday and the bustling 
family scenes depicted in media or among 
others can feel especially painful.

Even the winter season itself can play a role in 
dampening spirits. Shorter daylight hours, colder 
weather, and more time indoors can affect your 
mood. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a 
well-documented condition that can lead to sadness 
or fatigue, making the holidays even more 
challenging.

Have you ever felt out of place at a holiday gathering 
or party? You’re not alone. It’s natural to assume 
that everyone else is enjoying themselves, 
but many people feel disconnected at these events. 
Social gatherings, which are often portrayed 
as highlights of the season, can sometimes feel 
draining rather than uplifting.

One of the hardest parts of the holidays is the relentless 
pressure 
to be 
happy. 
From 
every direction, 
we’re reminded 
that this 
is “the 
season 
to be 
jolly.” 
This unspoken 
expectation 
to be 
cheerful, 
energetic, 
and 
full of 
holiday 
spirit 
can feel suffocating, especially if you’re already 
feeling low. It’s important to remember that it’s 
okay to admit when you’re not okay. You’re not 
obligated to force yourself into a festive mood, especially 
when life’s challenges feel overwhelming.

If the holidays are tough for you, there are ways to 
navigate this season with self-care and kindness.

Start by reaching out to someone you trust. 
Whether it’s a friend, family member, or professional, 
sharing your feelings can help you feel 
less alone. Sometimes, simply talking about what 
you’re going through can bring relief.

Setting boundaries is another vital step. If social 
events feel like too much, it’s okay to say no. You 
don’t have to attend every party or gathering. Prioritize 
your well-being over societal expectations.

Finally, be kind to yourself. Allow time for rest 
and recharge from the holiday hustle. Engage in 
activities that bring you comfort and joy, even if 
they don’t align with traditional holiday celebrations. 
Whether it’s reading a book, watching your 
favorite show, or enjoying some quiet time, small 
moments of peace can make a big difference.

The holiday season isn’t always easy, and there’s 
no shame in acknowledging that. If you’re feeling 
overwhelmed, sad, or disconnected, those emotions 
are valid and deserve attention. Whether 
you’re experiencing a small dip in mood or a deep 
sense of loneliness, it’s okay to honor where you 
are emotionally.

You don’t have to fit into the mold of a picture-
perfect holiday to find meaning or comfort. Let 
go of the pressure to pretend everything is fine. 
Your well-being is what truly matters. Give yourself 
permission to experience the season in your 
own way and remember—it’s perfectly okay to 


Michele Silence, M.A. is a 37-year certified fitness 

professional who offers semi-private/virtual fitness 
classes. Contact Michele at michele@kid-fit.
com. Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness 
Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness.

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