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PASSION PROJECT: Portillo has built work-ethic in pool
Emily Portillo is as laser-focused as it gets.
The Hastings senior has been around the Bears swim program since her freshman season, sort of by accident.
“When I was a freshman, I received my schedule and it had swim on it,” she laughed. “I didn’t remember signing up for swim, but I went to the class, saw the pool and just jumped into the program. I didn’t even know we had a natatorium at school. I’ve stuck with it ever since and just love being in the water.”
Last season, she took a bit of a break from the actual pool and served as the team manager.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
“I was taking so many dual-credit, accelerated classes and had a job, so I couldn’t commit to practice,” she said. “I asked coach to be the manager where I could keep the team organized, help out at meets and I also swim when my team needed me.
“I’m a very committed person so when I start something, I finish it. I’m proud to be a part of something like swim for four years. It’s one of my biggest passions.”
Outside of the pool, Portillo has another passion that she hopes to make a career out of.
“I love to sketch,” she said. “It allows my mind to go wild. Whenever I get an extra minute, I’m drawing. I want to go to UT (Texas) or UTSA and study architecture. I am very headstrong, so I feel like that will be my future.”
With an unmatched work ethic in place, nurtured by her time in the pool, Portillo is on her way to building her future.
THE ALPHA: Bernal has toughness, respect to lead Bears in 2025
Giovanni Bernal is that dude inside the Hastings basketball program.
The senior guard is the alpha in the locker room for coach Darrell Collins, who will be relied upon to lead the young squad.
VYPE caught up with the leading scorer for our 411 Feature.
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VYPE: What lessons have you learned during your time at Hastings?
BERNAL: "Leadership, for sure. We have stuck together through the hardships and I want to leave the program better than when I came here."
VYPE: How do you feel your teammates view you?
BERNAL: "I think I have their respect. I can get to them by talking to them a certain type a way. They know I want what’s best for the team, so they will follow my lead."
VYPE: Who is your all-time favorite player and why?
BERNAL: "I love LeBron, of course. But the way Allen Iverson could handle the ball, score and set up his teammates was incredible. He is my size, so I can really relate to his challenges."
VYPE: What do you do off the court?
BERNAL: "I like to be outside and hanging with my family. I also love to watch anime... mostly One Piece."
VYPE: What does your future look like?
BERNAL: "I definitely want to go to college for Business. There are so many options out there as far as a career."
VYPE: What is the best piece of advice you have received?
BERNAL: "My coach always preaches to surround yourself with good people. That is so true and it has worked for me."