Sporting her signature headband, Zara Achondo, four-year varsity basketball player, is known for making a quick splash three at just the right moment or sneaking in a drive for a powerful layup. Surprisingly, she has only been playing since sixth grade, starting off as many Claremont athletes do in the local community basketball program, Claremont Youth Basketball (commonly referred to as CYB), and went undefeated in her first season there.
“I decided to continue and play at El Roble where we went undefeated again,” Achondo said. “I figured I liked playing, and it was fun so I just continued from there. I joined a travel ball team (Edge) and tried out for the Filipino basketball team to represent my country.”
Although these constant perfect seasons of wins might cause anyone to embrace a sport based on success, winning was not on Achondo’s mind when asked about what she truly loves about basketball.
“Most of my friends are from the sport and it’s a nice getaway from the usual ‘go to school and study routine,’” Achondo said. “I like to work out too, so that’s my main form for how I stay fit.”
This is very prominent, as during a basketball practice, she can be seen perfecting her layups while simultaneously having fun with her teammates—whom she considers some of her closest friends. Even more impressive is that although basketball can be her escape from the regular, somewhat tedious routine, Achondo still manages to score in both the academic and athlete arenas. Although it is a challenge, with the four years of practice on the skills of time management, Achondo is able to get all her school work, community service time, clubs, and basketball practice in without burning out. Her impressive extracurriculars include being the president at Claremont’s esteemed California Scholarship Federation and creating as well as publishing children’s books (Barry the Brave) with the same artistic skills she implements in the Wolfpacket as a contributing artist. As a senior, Achondo plans on attending a four year college after graduating this upcoming June. She hopes to follow her mother’s path and major in kinesiology before obtaining her masters in occupational therapy. Achondo would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her through the years of basketball. She leaves us with her final words of wisdom that she has gained through her experiences: Play with passion.
“Genuinely playing with intent and a goal, to either win or to improve as a player overall,” Achondo said. “Time flies by really quick, and playing with a purpose ensures that you’re not wasting your time.”
So, as the time flies by in the last few games of her senior year, Achondo has made sure not to let any game go to waste. She has helped lead the team to Palomares League Championships and they are now entering CIF in Division I. Good luck Pack!
