By: Jane Wilde and Megan Saul

Humor Editor and Editor-in-Chief

Senior Jisoo Hong is finishing her time at LGHS strong by skillfully balancing a rigorous course load with the challenges of being a student-athlete. Throughout her four years, she has consistently shone on and off the field hockey pitch. 

Hong started playing field hockey in seventh grade, following in the footsteps of her older sister, former captain Jiwoo Hong. The two sisters played alongside each other during Hong’s freshman year. After her sister graduated, she passed down her number (2) jersey, an honor that continues to motivate her through her field hockey career. 

Carrying on the tradition, she now plays with her younger sister, sophomore Jihyung Hong. Describing their bond, Hong shared, “We get to relate to each other on an emotional level, which brings us closer together.” Despite field hockey connecting Hong to her sisters, it also connects her to her role model: co-captain and senior peer Leaya Cleary. Hong notes, “She motivates me when I’m feeling down. I could talk to her, and she’ll help me out and put my head back in the game, and she’s there whenever I need her.” 

Before games, Hong enjoys the silent run around the field, adding, “It is so nonchalant. We always have Ric Flair Drip playing in the background.” Hong plays forward on the field, dribbling through the opposing team and putting points up on the scoreboard. She enjoys this position, saying, “I feel like I get more engaged in the games, and I like scoring goals.” 

Hong describes the field hockey team as a tight-knit community, which is a necessary part of a winning team. Currently, she is looking forward to CCS and savoring each minute of her senior season with her teammates. 

Although Hong has spent numerous years in the US, she was born in Korea and stayed there for nine months before moving to Montreal, Canada. She spent the majority of her early childhood there before moving to Los Gatos in second grade. Montreal is where she first developed her love for French, which she continues to this day, through taking French at school. She is currently enrolled in French 5 AP with Mr. Timothy Gaylord. Moreover, Hong can also speak Korean, making her trilingual.

Looking to the future, she aspires to be a nurse, spending her time at the Terraces of Los Gatos helping senior citizens. Hong commented, “We do fun activities and entertain them. I kind of step out of my comfort zone and experience what nursing is like a little bit.” She plans to major in nursing in college and continue nurturing her passion for helping others. 

When Hong is not spending her free time playing field hockey or helping out senior citizens, you can find her jogging, playing pickleball, or watching the sunset. If you ever see Hong running around, be sure to give this senior a big smile, as she will likely shoot you one right back.