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SPORTS & 

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 Mountain Views NewsSaturday, March 1, 2025

LA SALLE TENNIS EMBRACES THE CHALLENGE: 
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS READY 
FOR THE SEASON

As the defending Del Rey League and CIF champions, the La Salle tennis team is no 
stranger to high expectations. But rather than letting the weight of last season’s success 
hold them down, the team is choosing to embrace it with a different perspective. Their 
word for the season? Pressure.

"Pressure is not a weight to hold you down, but a foundation to lift you up," says head 
coach Javier Djeu. This mentality is shaping the way they approach their matches, 
practices, and preparation for the regular season.

The Lancers have played three preseason matches so far and have a record of 2-1, and 
the team is feeling confident going into the regular season. Despite losing some key 
players from last year's lineup, they have successfully filled those gaps with athletes 
who have been part of the program and have now stepped up into bigger roles.

"As a team, they have all improved in different ways," the coach noted. "But the biggest 
standout is Evan Loh, an 11th grader promoted to captain this season. He has been a 
great leader and a huge benefit to how our team operates." Loh’s leadership and on-
court presence have played a key role in keeping the team motivated and focused as 
they prepare for the challenges ahead.

Looking forward, the regular season presents new tests for the Lancers. While they 
carry the pride of being reigning champions, they also understand that every opponent 
will be eager to take them down. Staying focused and continuing to improve is 
at the heart of their strategy.

"We know there will be challenges, but this team is ready to embrace them," coach 
Djeu added. "We’re not looking at pressure as something to fear—we’re using it to 
push ourselves to be better every single day."

With strong leadership, a growth mindset, and a hunger for success, La Salle is poised 
for another exciting season. As they step onto the courts, they do so with confidence, 
knowing that the very pressure they face is what will drive them toward their ultimate 
goal—another championship run.

Match Scores: 

Loss- Temple City 8-10 

Win- Duarte 12-6 

Win- Marshall 17-1

Box scores can be found here: 

https://highschools.usta.com/state/california/school/4d4e3818-cd74-4795-9666-f8360f505c74/
roster/6972e451-3eca-4d86-abd7-582db7527b0d

EXERCISE BARRIERS

If someone you care about struggles to exercise, it’s hard not to 
worry. You might feel tempted to remind them how much better 
they’d feel if they got moving or to suggest yet another workout 
plan that “really works.” But if they’re not exercising, chances are 
it’s not because they don’t know it’s good for them. It’s more likely 
that unseen mental, emotional, or practical barriers are standing 
in the way.

Consider what might be going on beneath the surface. Do they 
believe they need to be fit before they can start exercising? Maybe 
they think workouts only count if they’re long, intense, or leave 
them sore the next day. They might avoid the gym because they 
feel self-conscious or they believe they’re just not “an exercise 
person.” If you’ve ever heard them say, “I’ll start once I have more 
energy, more time, or the right plan,” you’ve seen how easy it is 
for good intentions to get stuck in limbo.

Lifestyle challenges can be just as powerful. Is their schedule so 
packed that exercise feels like an impossible addition? Do they 
have a job, commute, or caregiving responsibilities that leave 
them drained every day? Maybe they don’t have easy access to a 
gym, safe outdoor space, or enough room at home to move comfortably. 
When life feels overwhelming, exercise often falls to the bottom of the priority list.

But practical obstacles aren’t the only thing standing in the way. Emotional barriers can be even trickier 
to navigate. Have they mentioned feeling embarrassed about being out of shape? Do they seem discouraged 
from past experiences, like trying a program and “failing” to stick with it? Sometimes, the hardest 
part isn’t the workout at all, it’s the mental battle beforehand. Thoughts like “Why bother? I’ll never stick 
with it anyway” can quietly chip away at motivation until they stop trying altogether.

For many people, the problem is just not enjoying exercise. If someone finds every workout boring or 
exhausting, it’s no wonder they avoid it. Maybe they’ve only ever exercised for weight loss, stopping the 
moment they hit a goal. Or perhaps they’ve never found an activity that feels fun or rewarding. Without 
enjoyment, staying consistent becomes nearly impossible.

Health issues can also play a role, even if they’re not always obvious. Chronic pain, fatigue, joint problems, 
or even lingering effects from past injuries can make exercise feel like torture. Mental health challenges, 
like depression or anxiety, can sap motivation and make the smallest tasks feel overwhelming. If 
someone already feels physically or emotionally drained, the idea of working out can feel like climbing 
a mountain.

If you know someone this applies to you might be wondering what you can do to help. The truth is, pushing, 
reminding, or warning usually backfires. Exercise is personal, and change has to come from within. 
What often works better is curiosity and compassion. Instead of asking, “Why don’t you exercise?” try 
something gentler, like “What makes it hard to get started?” or “Is there any kind of movement that actually 
sounds fun?” Sometimes, just acknowledging their struggle can make it easier for them to take that 
first step.

Also consider that their idea of exercise might need an update. Many people think exercise only counts 
if it involves a gym, a formal class, or a structured plan. But movement comes in many forms. Walking 
the dog, dancing, or even stretching while watching TV all contribute to physical health. If traditional 
workouts feel overwhelming, encourage smaller, more manageable ones.

Another helpful approach is to offer to join them. Sometimes, the thought of exercising alone can be 
discouraging, especially if one feels insecure about their fitness level. A simple invitation like “Do you 
want to go for a short walk together?” can feel less intimidating than “You should really start working 
out.” Making movement a social activity not only provides motivation but also strengthens relationships.

Maybe you realize that some of these barriers apply to you too. That’s OK. We all face roadblocks when 
it comes to exercise. Whether it’s your journey or someone else’s, the first step toward change is understanding 
what’s really standing in the way—and confronting it with patience, not judgment.

In the end, the best thing you can do for someone you care about is to meet them where they are, not 
where you think they should be. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and pushing too hard can make 
someone dig in their heels even more. Instead, offer support, understanding, and hope. Because when 
exercise stops feeling like an obligation and starts feeling like an opportunity—even a small one—that’s 
when real progress begins.


Lori A. Harris

THE FEAR OF OUTSHINING

Ever caught yourself holding back your true brilliance? 
Perhaps you've downplayed your achievements, minimized 
your talents, or made yourself smaller to avoid 
making others uncomfortable. Maybe you've even 
stopped yourself from sharing good news because you 
didn't want to seem boastful or "too much."

If this resonates, you're in good company. The fear of 
outshining others is surprisingly common.

This hesitation often has deep roots in our childhood. 
Remember those well-meaning messages? "Don't brag." 
"Stay humble." "Don't make others feel bad." These instructions 
stick with us long into adulthood. But here's 
what I've learned: Dimming your light doesn't actually 
benefit anyone.

As Marianne Williamson powerfully reminds us: "As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously 
give oth-er people permission to do the same." The world doesn't need a watered-
down version of you—it needs your full, authentic brilliance.

When that fear of standing out too brightly begins to creep in, try these approaches:

1. Acknowledge It. Simply notice when you're holding back. Ask yourself, "Am I doing 
this be-cause I'm afraid of outshining someone?" Awareness itself is a powerful tool.

2. Reframe It. Instead of thinking, "My success might make others feel inadequate," try, 
"My will-ingness to shine might actually inspire others to embrace their own gifts."

3. Lean Into Your Purpose. When your focus shifts to serving, inspiring, and uplifting 
others, your brilliance becomes a gift to share—not something to diminish.

Remember this truth: Your success doesn't diminish anyone else's potential. There's abundant 
room for all of us to shine. When you show up fully as yourself, you silently give others permission 
to do the same.

Here's my invitation for this week: Find one opportunity to step into your greatness without 
apology. Say yes to that opportunity you've been hesitating about. Speak your truth in that 
meeting. Share your ac-complishments without minimizing them.

And if you're feeling particularly courageous, send me a note: Where have you been holding 


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