By: Tanya Chang and Tori Schubert

Sports Editor and People Editor

Former Danish national ice hockey player Theo Bournonville joins Los Gatos in his junior year with an adventurous spirit and a contagious sense of humor. Confident yet down-to-earth, Bournonville is not afraid to take risks, whether at ice hockey practice or school, and is ready to make the most of his time here at LGHS.

Bournonville, a citizen of Copenhagen, Denmark, was faced with the decision to attend boarding school or take a gap year. Ultimately, he chose to come to California, thrilled to be a part of the American high school experience. Born and raised in New York until the age of five, Bournonville has experienced living in a variety of international locations, enjoying the peaceful ways of Copenhagen compared to the lively culture in New York City. Now in Los Gatos, Bournonville has made some major adjustments, such as overcoming language barriers and meeting new people, while still adapting to certain aspects of small-town life. He hopes to leave California with a non-Danish accent and “have fun experiencing the American lifestyle.” 

Adjusting to the US education system has been one of Bournonville’s biggest obstacles. He juggles a schedule that keeps him both challenged and curious, including Chemistry, Chinese 1, English 11, US History, Algebra 2, and Introduction to Engineering Design. In Denmark, teachers typically rotate per subject while the students stay in one classroom. However, Bournonville faces a major shift in America, where students change classes each period. He pointed out, “Everything is just bigger here; the campus, the number of students, even the hallways.” He also noted that while Danish schools typically have longer days with less homework, the structure in California encourages more independence. Despite the workload, Bournonville has embraced the changes, as each class gives him another window into the culture he came to experience firsthand.

When not in class, Bournonville can often be found on the ice. He has rekindled his passion for hockey after a short break from competitive play as a left defender. Back home, he played on Denmark’s U-16 National Team, an experience he described as both exciting and challenging due to the limited number of players and resources. Now, as Bournonville joins the LGHS team, he is rediscovering his love for the game. Although he describes his current performance humbly, Bournonville’s willingness to jump back into competition after a year away reflects his adventurous spirit, the same openness that brought him to California.

Navigating his year in America with big aspirations, Bournonville leads with his outgoing personality, whether on the ice or in the classroom. Despite a unique course load, he makes time for his personal interests, embodying a strong balance between an inquiring and passionate individual, always encouraging others to “put [themselves] out there” whenever possible.