Pierce College team captain Jhan Loninia swims on his 400-yard individual medley championship at the Western State Conference Championships at the Los Angeles Valley College pool at Los Angeles, Calif., on April 17, 2026. Photo by Abraham Elizalde.
Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup
Game rooms provide stress relief for students
Game room centers at USC, UCLA and California State University, Northridge (CSUN) are more than a place where students on campus kill time. Students can also find community. A game room would allow them to engage with their peers and make new friends. It would have a positive impact on Pierce College students, who are looking for a place of belonging. At CSUN, each console contains a variety of games that allows students of different interests to find common ground with each other. This would allow students to practice social skills outside of the classroom.
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Students carry heavy burdens beyond academics, such as financial stress, family responsibilities and
work loads. Having a game room would give them a healthy and fun outlet to relax and relieve their stress, and allow them to return to their studies with better focus.
Many community college students are busy with work or have family responsibilities, which means they miss activities and hanging out with friends. These places would act as hubs for group activities that are convenient to each student.
Many places similar to these are either not near Pierce or too expensive for the average college student. If the school could create this space, students would be encouraged to stay on campus and interact with friends or other peers.
These spaces offer no judgment, which allows
students to be themselves compared to clubs and classrooms, where there are performance expectations.
According to Springer Nature, “Active video games can effectively improve college students’ poor mental health, such as stress, anxiety,and depression, as well as increase their happiness and psychological satisfaction.”
Community college students often struggle to make friends and socialize with their peers. Having games and interactive activities would help break the ice, which would encourage them to communicate and learn more about each others.
When a college invests in space that helps students’ mental health, it sends a powerful message that they care about more than just
academic performance.
Having a space they can go to and have a sense of belonging would reduce dropout rates, which is a concern for community colleges, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Pierce has the opportunity to build a place where students can engage with each other and learn important social skills.
As a community college it would invite more students to stay after lectures to engage with the community and support mental health simultaneously. Students would be proud to be a part of the campus community if it encouraged students to have a place to relax or socialize.
In 1982 the Roundup news reported on Pierce College spotlighted student Sheryl Weiner and her journey to the Special Olympics. The article followed Weiner, a 22-year-old born with cerebral palsy, as she prepared to compete at Mammoth Mountain after training on the campus ski ramp.
Weiner began skiing three years earlier with guidance from instructor Lynne Haile. What started as a struggle with coordination gradually turned into measurable progress through consistent practice and encouragement from classmates and faculty.
The article also highlighted Pierce’s adaptive ski program, which brought together disabled and nondisabled students. Weiner’s improvement reflected both personal determination and the impact of inclusive programs that support confidence, skill development and student success.
Copy by Daisy Aguinada
Do student and teacher protests disrupt class time?
PRO: Student and teacher protests can cause students to miss important instructional time
By James Mondares Reporter
Student and teacher protests can interrupt class lessons and subsequently put the class behind. In the face of growing political polarization, there are a plethora of issues that students could possibly protest for.
However, doing this may cause negative effects that one might not have considered at first. As previously mentioned, these protests can coincide with class schedules which often drags classes behind schedule.
missing a class or a school day would be an unexcused absence.”
Not only will students miss class time, but it’ll put a strain on their attendance records.
The LACOE also stated that, “Schools have a responsibility to protect all students from threats and harassment, and to prevent discrimination due to a hostile learning environment… Some things that would not be protected include: a protest during class time that interrupts teaching (i.e. doing a walkout during class).”
CON: Short-term
disruptions may lead to long-term improvements in school policies
By Gisele Donan Reporter
Whenteachers partake in protests and walkouts with the expectation to increase their wages and working conditions, their strikes provide an opportunity for students to learn about civil engagement.
on student achievement, on average, up to five years poststrike. However, consistent with both theory and the prior research, exploratory dosage analyses reveal that strikes lasting two or more weeks are associated with declines in math achievement. These declines are not sustained beyond the first year after a strike.”
Do you think fidget toys help with stress? Why or why not?
BestColleges reports that, “47% of students believe such protesting activities disrupt the learning environment.” Even students believe these protests are more of a hassle to their learning environments.
Along with intercepting class instruction, most schools aren’t liable to protect students who protest.
Additionally, BestColleges also reported that, “... around 1 in 3 students (34%) also say protests and encampments have made them feel less safe on campus.” For some students, their issue with protests goes beyond just that of scheduling, but also of safety, especially now when police forces and government responses are less forgiving.
Logistically speaking, if students were to miss an entire school day due to protesting, it wouldn’t be considered “excused.”
According to the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), “Excused absences definitions do not specifically include absence due to protesting. Being tardy,
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), New Jersey elaborates on the point of protests not being in disruptive times, “Remember that your school can adopt reasonable rules which regulate the ‘time, place, and manner’ of exercising your free speech rights. Thus, you cannot organize a protest if it will substantially disrupt the orderly operation of the school…”
Generally speaking, students can walk out and protest for causes they believe in, but there has been substantial evidence that also proves the ramifications that these actions could possibly have.
Participating in protests can reduce the amount of class time a student receives, which can put a strain on how they’re progressing in a class.
Overall, if protests happen during school time, it will affect their trajectory and learning environments moving forward.
Though the curriculum is not being taught and the whiteboard is empty, the classroom is not at left behind. Class is still in session as some teachers use the protests as a lesson for students to partake in history and learn about why it’s important to hold these rallies.
Broadcast and journalism teacher Mary Dunn told PBS News, “The opportunity for my students to practice their photojournalism skills with their teachers at the Capitol was only going to happen once. They were going to get that hands-on, real-world experience that no one can simulate in a classroom.”
By turning the fight for proper funding and
education into a lab for her students, Dunn was able to use what would be seen as time away from learning instead as an experience for students to practice their subject material in the real world and engage with civil matters personally.
Strikes usually take only a small section of the school year, a short strike often lasting three days. That leaves plenty of room for students and teachers to jump back on course.
Teachers taking to the streets to protest raises attention for important issues and pushes the administrations for
solutions.
Concerns of teachers’ being absent due to the walkouts creates the assumption that students will quickly fall behind, leading to a lasting effect in their educational careers and productivity. While this may be true following a short time after the no-school period, long term effects are yet to show on the grades or the overall education of students who have experienced a teacher strike in the U.S.
According to National Bureau Of Economic Research, “Despite effects on both compensation and working conditions, we find no evidence of sizable positive or negative effects
According to neaToday, “Strikes also improved working conditions, with student-teacher ratios decreasing by 0.5, on average, or 3.2 percent. They also caused an approximate 7 percent increase in spending on non-instructional staff, like social workers, nurses, etc.”
Teacher protests are not done without the student in mind. Rather than harming the classroom, they set an example of how learning can go beyond a campus and can be created through standing by your community.
“I do agree that fidget toys, especially other kinds of toys, are really helpful for people who have a hard time concentrating or paying attention. Due to the fact that it does trick your brain into thinking that you are doing something. It allows your brain to learn to multitask.”
EishleyRomero-ComputerScienceMajor
““I think it does help with stress because personally, I really can’t sit still. I need to always fidget with something.”
SarahMariaTanios-Biology Major
“I do think fidget toys can help with stress, especially for someone that has ADHD because it can help you try to stay focused.”
Ulysses Trinidad - English Major
Interviews by Lesa Greenfield
Photos by Lesa Greenfield
Pierce receives a grant to help students in their academic careers
Surprise $1.53M donation to Pierce Foundation will be divided across several years
By Gisele Donan Reporter
Witha $1 million grant, the Pierce Foundation is looking forward to supporting the Pierce community through communication and addressing student scholarships.
Pierce College received a 1.53 million gift from the Ronald L. Gordon trust from the proceedings distributed of two Burbank properties sold in 2024.
The donation came as a surprise to the Pierce Foundation, a nonprofit program that partners with donors to provide resources that the college can benefit from long-term. Their main goal being to provide a balance in income and fundraising.
Pierce Foundation Chairman Ryan Taylor, emphasized the goal of the foundation and how transformative the gift from the trust was in helping aid students in their academic careers and future.
“Our mission statement is that we’re committed to providing scholarships, funding innovative programs
and supporting students to achieve their goals.” Taylor said. “This gift could be a $1,000 scholarship every year for the rest of the foundation’s existence.” The board has a set funding amount that is available each year for specific initiatives, making communication between the community and the board important for allocations to be made in regards to specific programs or resources that require funding.
“Being involved in the foundation means being aware of when those budgets become available.” Taylor said. “We have a fiduciary requirement
can connect the board to more donors to help build lasting connections that have Pierce in mind.
“To create donations for people who have graduated through Pierce and developed their careers as a result of scholarships, they can then move it forward by supporting and helping the careers of more students.”
Edward Albrecht Former chair of the Pierce Foundation
Taylor said as a foundation it can be difficult when many people need money and fundraising so by staying informed through the foundation, it can improve the collaboration between programs and get to the shared goal of a higher quality education.
to communicate our budget and income for these specific programs and scholarships. It’s all collaboration and communication.”
Alumni of the college have an important role in making a difference and offering support through careers that
Former chair of the Pierce Foundation Edward Albrecht said that recognizing alumni and bringing in their effort strengthens the ability to give back to students as well as fortifying the cycle of helping students grow in academics to come back with success and a desire to give back to the community.
“It’s the Alumni that really make a difference and create the best opportunity.” Albrecht said. “To create donations for people who have graduated through Pierce and developed their careers as a result of scholarships, they can then move it forward by supporting and helping the careers of more students.”
Glow up: New LED brightens up Winnetka entrance
In 2026, The Foundation for Pierce College has awarded $60,100 in scholarships, and holds 54 years of impact on the community through efforts to improve on and contribute to the success of students.
Biology major Leyla Rosas said that knowing there’s a non-profit program like the Pierce Foundation makes her feel reassured about the thought behind the organization and what it means to her.
“With big organizations that feel out of my reach, I always hold off my trust on their intentions to do good by the student.” Rosas said. “To see that they’re an organization that talks to the community and helps because they want to, reassures me that their heart is in the right place to help me grow as a student.”
The board appreciates donations and encourages students to get involved with the foundation by welcoming volunteers that have a passion for growing the college and interest in learning investments.
Crew members Jose Orejel, David Orejel and David Arriaga from Premier Sign Service make repairs and updates to LED sign on the corner of Winnetka Ave. and Victory Blvd. at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on April 13, 2026.
Javier Ramirez / Roundup News
Javier Ramirez/ Roundup News
David Arriaga from Premier Sign Service hammers to make adjustments to fit a new LED screen for the existing sign on the corner of Winnetka Ave. and Victory Blvd. at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on April 13, 2026.
Guitarist performs in campus recital after years way from stage
By Josue Aguilar Photo Editor
TheAssociated Student Organization
Concert hosted a recital on Tuesday, April 14, highlighting Applied Music Program instructor Barmey Ung on guitar and accompanist Michelle Do on piano, each doing solo pieces.
Hearing the sound of the flamenco guitar reverberate throughout the Performance Arts Building, one would never guess that Ung hasn’t played it professionally in eight years. With each pluck of the guitar strings, he shook off the rust and wowed the crowd with his undiminished virtuosity.
“I was kind of burned out, I just wanted to try other things,” Ung said. I was like, it’s hard to be a musician at least the way that I was doing it and making a good living out of it and that kind of weighed on me.”
Ung performed three pieces of music during his set.
Ung also added his piece “Wait for Me,” which Ung played for his AMP audition and got him into Pierce.
“Fuoco” was Ung’s closing piece and showed his expertise
of the flamenco style of guitar, ending the set with intensity and conveying the emotion of the piece.
Do’s piano performance also showed off her skills.
Do’s set featured “Andante Spianato and Grande Plonaise,” by Frédéric Chopin, a polonaise being a Polish dance.
The piece started with the quiet and intimate Andante Spianato and had a fanfare transition into Grande Polaise, which featured a more elegant sound.
Do’s choice of this piece was influenced by her history with it when she was a teenager and was discouraged from playing it.
“I found a score and I learned a little bit of it and I took some to my teacher who was horrified and was like, why are you learning this? it’s way too hard for me and so I was heartbroken and cried many teenage tears,”
Do said “And then I picked it up again, like I don’t know, last year and it was just like, oh, I remember this thing, It gave me trauma, learn it. So I learned it and this is the first time I performed it in a public setting like this.”
Anton Batac, an accounting major, sat in the front row through the performance and
Josue Aguilar / Roundup News Music Department Instrutional Assistant Barmey Ung plays a musical piece on classical guitar for the ASO Concert in the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College on April 14, 2026.
was in awe of Ung’s and Do’s skills.
“It was Barmey’s first concert in eight years, so it was a treat to see him play,” Batac said. “I’d never seen him play before that and it’s just amazing how he just got on there and just played on.”
“To see them play is just very inspiring,” Batac said. “That makes me want to push myself even harder to get
better at the guitar, for me specifically, just like one day maybe get to that level.”
During a Q&A after the recital Ung’s explained his eight year break from music, after having played professionally in Chicago for 10 years, writing his own music for his band.
When the Covid-19 pandemic happened, Ung decided to take a break from
music and work at Covid testing sites
“It was like such a crazy time and they promoted me and I kind of had this mini career in Covid,” Ung said. “I started to manage the whole mass vaccination roll out for the city of San Fernando and after that I went around the country, I did Covid work for musical theater production and then I ended up doing quality Covid work for Pasadena City College for a few years.”
The break from music gave him more financial stability, allowing him to transition to being a professional photographer and making a podcast.
“So now I’m a professional photographer and I go around the country photographing dance, actually,” Ung said. “I started a podcast from photography as I was getting to know my subjects and then again, I was coming back to music. It’s always been really difficult to juggle all of the things that you did, so you know everything happens for a reason.
“I definitely enjoy telling that story and being an example of how not everybody’s path is straightened up,” Ung said. “Like taking more twists and turns and I’m happy that I’ve done those things.”
Former educator and activist runs for LAUSD school board seat
By Anthony Adams Reporter with Environment
WhenAnkur Patel first ran for Los Angeles United School District LAUSD
Board seat 11 years ago, he was aware that there are some communities that are well represented and there are other communities that have been poorly represented.
Patel, a former English teacher, said he ran because he believes representation matters.
Now running again, Patel could become the first Indian American elected to any LAUSD seat in 122 years,” Patel said.
He is running as a nonpartisan for Los Angeles United School District (LAUSD) Board District 4 includes Pierce College, Tarzana, Topanga, Pacific Palisades and Woodland Hills area.
Patel’s desire to public service came after watching Al Gore’s documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth,” while still in college. He did research and started getting involved
California CalEPA, and other activism, such as raising money to lobby elected officials.
From Patel’s experience as an educator, he believes in challenging the students in the classroom and holding them accountable for classwork.
“Transparency, accountability, following the money, seeing where it’s going,” Patel said.
“This is why I’m running, because this conversation wouldn’t be happening if I wasn’t in this race.”
Patel said he wants to be able to learn from the inside issues regarding the LAUSD budget and declining student enrollment.
“LAUSD has a budget of $18 billion,” Patel said. “And our enrollment has declined. Last year there were like 470,000 students. This year 393,000 students. So, the budget is huge but the enrollment is declining, and this is causing a whole lot of confusion.”
Patel is a product of the District system, having gone
Ankur Patel, candidate for the 2026 LAUSD Borad of Education in the 4th district, at Los Angeles Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on April 1, 2026.
to elementary, middle and high school in Los Angeles. He graduated from high school in 2003 from North Hollywood High School. While in high
school, Patel attended Pierce College taking extra courses such as math.
He attended UCLA and received a B.S. degree in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution in 2007. While at UCLA, Patel got connected to activism and really into the environment. After UCLA, Patel then taught English in South Korea for a year and then later in China for six months from 2008 to 2010.
Patel came back to the states and enrolled at CSUN for his M.A in Interdisciplinary. He completed his graduate program in 2014.
He gained further teaching experience by becoming a graduate assistant to civil rights activist the Rev. James Lawson. Lawson helped organize the Nashville sit-ins to desegregate the lunch counters and was strategist and organizer for Martin L. King, Jr. Patel was a substitute teacher in Sylmar from 2018 to 2023. During that time, he actively contributed to the educational community as a member of United Teachers Los Angeles. Since 2023, he has been
the director of Outreach at the Hindu University of America. Prior to his role as the Director of Advancement from 2019 to 2023.
Political science student Brian Villarrael shared his sentiments of what it means to have Patel’s support at Pierce College. Villarreal is coPresident of Pierce Democrats Club.
“As an organization, it’s significant that we’re recognized by public figures,” Villarreal said. ”I know Ankur Patel doesn’t currently hold any office, but it’s just like he’s involved in the community. And when people like that, running for positions of power recognize you as an important group. I think it:s very validating.”
Political science professor Denise Robb on Patel and his impact on Pierce campus.
“I met him years ago, and he’s very progressive and he has some great ideas,” Robb said. “He came and spoke at the Pierce College Democrats club meeting. I believe that Ankur is a very genuine, decent candidate.”
Javier Ramirez / Roundup News
Creativy blooms during arts and crafts event at Rocky Young Park
By Mia Greer Reporter
After starting off the week with rain and hail, the skies cleared and the sun shined on the Associated Student Organization’s (ASO) Arts and Bloom event on Wednesday, April 15, at Rocky Young Park.
The casual nature of the event allowed participants to engage at their own pace, whether that meant painting for a few minutes or staying for the entire event. No sign-ups, no requirements, just free fun. Students could find blankets covered in art supplies such as canvases, paint, pipe cleaners and more sprawled out next to the booth handing out juice pouchesto help people cool off.
ASO Senator Melody Hernandez said events like Arts and Bloom are part of an effort to build campus community and support student well-being. By offering simple, accessible activities, ASO aims to create spaces where students can recharge and create.
“We have origami paper, pipe cleaners and paint,” Hernandez said. “We’re hoping students just come to relax, hang out and make art.”
The event drew a steady flow of students throughout the afternoon, many stopping by between their classes or lingering
to unwind. Music filled the park as small groups formed around each blanket, some focused on carefully painting while others chatted and enjoyed the warm weather.
ASO President Emma Ortega spoke about midterms and finals approaching, so she hopes students continue to take advantage of opportunities to relax and connect with others.
“It’s actually pretty hot outside,” Ortega said. “It’s midsemester, you’re thinking about midterms and finals, overall it’s a stressful time, so I think it’s the perfect time to do this.”
For many attendees, Arts and Bloom offered more than just a chance to create art, it gave students an opportunity to connect with others. Small groups formed naturally around each blanket, with friends sharing supplies and ideas while others introduced themselves to new people. The event fostered a sense of belonging that was more than the event and its activities.
American Sign Language Interpreting major Wuenceslao Lopez compared the event to a well-known music festival, highlighting the atmosphere and sense of community it created.
“I saw these blankets and thought it looked so aesthetically pleasing, now I’m with my friends and we’re painting,” Lopez said. “It feels like a free Coachella.”
Pierce College hosts Biocom Institute’s Life Sciences Exposition
By Elizabeth SantanaZavala Reporter
Students and young professionals gathered to learn about job opportunities during Biocom Institute’s Life Sciences Exposition at Pierce College in Building 600 on Wednesday, April 15.
The event featured a job fair with several industry employers, a networking talk and a career panel that introduced attendees to a range of job pathways.
Biocom Institute is a nonprofit founded in 2008 and aims to bridge the gap between employers and job seekers in the life sciences sector by organizing networking events, offering training programs and preparing students through its fellowship opportunities.
Workforce and partnerships manager for Biocom Casey O’Neill said the event helps create an ecosystem that benefits both employers and job seekers. Although she is not a scientist, she said she enjoys helping
students jump into such an important field.
“I always wanted to make a difference, and when I found Biocom, I didn’t realize that it was such a catalyst for the life sciences,” O’Neill said. “We are aiding an industry that helps people with everything from rare orphan diseases to conditions as common as diabetes, and it’s really rewarding. We’re helping scientists do their job.”
Biocom Director Mikayla Ortega-Donahoo emphasized how essential it is for students to build contacts and develop a strong network. As a former scientist and college faculty member, she said her work now feels like an extension of her time teaching.
“Here, I get to do what I did in my classroom, which is inspire people to pursue their dreams, create space for people in science, and helping them understand their place in the industry,” Ortega-Donahoo said.
Director of the Pierce College Career Center Judy Lam echoed the importance of connections and the College’s role in helping students make them. She added
that she also wants to help students avoid the mistake she once made.
“I didn’t gain a lot of experience while I was in college, and I really paid for it after I graduated,” Lam said. “So my goal is to help our students gain the experience while they are here.”
Hannah Greenwald, a senior from the University of Southern California, said she initially found the event intimidating but was glad she attended because it offered insight into what life after college might look like.
She said she not only wanted to learn how to apply the skills she learned in her education but also appreciated that the expo created space to discuss issues affecting the industry.
“The job field is a little daunting right now, especially with the lack of funding in research, public health and medicine,” Greenwald said. “It’s a bit of a scary time, and events like this bring people together not only for career aspirations but to talk about the state of the world, which is really comforting.”
Javier Ramirez / Roundup News
Toni Valdez (left) and Ashly Garcia (right) shares a laugh while painting at the Arts In Bloom craft event held at Rocky Young Park at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on April 15, 2026.
Jake Gregory / Roundup News Biocom Institute Career Hub Employee Emery Mann speaking with attendees during the Life Science Career Expo at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on April 15, 2026.
Losing streak continues following baseball game against Pirates
By Anthony Adams Reporter
The Pierce College Brahmas were defeated by the Ventura College Pirates with a score of 24-2 on Tuesday, April 14, at the Joe Kelly Field.
Head coach Bill Picketts was positive, yet optimistic with his perspective while addressing the large margin of defeat in today’s game loss. He acknowledged the team’s poor performance but placed it in context of the larger season, noting that it only counted as one loss.
“Not much good, I can say about today’s game,” Picketts said. “You know what? Thankfully, and I said this to Dave [Soliz], the head coach over there, thankfully it only counts as one loss regardless of how much we got beat by. So, we’re just going to have to regroup.”
Outfield player Andrew Naves shared his sentiments regarding today’s game loss.
“We’re a much better team than how we played today,” Naves said “And I feel that we just bounce back tomorrow, work hard. Then we just get over this and go back to a nice little win streak. I feel like it was due after a cool win streak like that. Sometimes you just get a little cold, but we’ll bounce right back.”
In the seventh inning, the Brahmas were able to put a point on the scoreboard when freshman utility player Mays Borgmeyers grounded out to second base, outfielder Juan Tirado advancing to third base and outfielder Andrew Naves coming in to score.
The Brahmas scored again in the 8th inning when Freshman Utility Player Micah Klotz hit a home run to center field.
Baseball game attendee Erik Palos gave his thoughts on the Brahmas performance in the game. It also happened to be Palos’ first Brahmas’ game.
“Overall, it wasn’t a great showing,” Palos said. “Everyone has one of those games and it’s a series, so you come back the next day, do it again, and hopefully get better results.”
Freshman Utility player Braden Sellz briefly expressed his thoughts regarding the game loss.
“Not how we wanted to come out and play today,” Sellz said. “But looking forward to what we’re able to finish this week and next week.”
Picketts on the team moving forward, ending their winning streak, and going into the playoffs.
“We put ourselves in a good situation with a 14-game winning streak,” Picketts said. “And we still are in control of our own destiny in regards to the playoffs.
So, we just have to kind of flush this one and regroup and come back on Thursday and get ready to play.”
The Brahmas are hoping to redeem themselves at the next scheduled game on Thursday, April 16, at Allan Hancock in Santa Maria at 3 p.m.
it towards first in an
TOP: Pierce College Infielder Dylan Simon (#6) grounds a ball and tosses
attempt to make a play in a game against Ventura College at Joe Kelly Field on the Pierce College Campus in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Photo by Nick Crabtree.
BOTTOM: Pierce College Infielder JJ Fagfoomsintu (#1) swipes the bag and tags out a runner during an unsuccessful steal from first to second base in a game against Ventura College at Joe Kelly Field on the Pierce College Campus in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Photo by Nick Crabtree.
Pierce College swim team places seventh in WSC Championships
By Abraham Elizalde Managing Editor
The Pierce College swim team made a statement at the Western State Conference championships, delivering record-breaking swims and multiple first-place finishes across the three-day meet.
Led by men’s captain Jhan Loninia, the Brahmas overcame injuries and stellar performances to earn a spot in the State Championships.
The Brahmas started hot in the conference, setting records and winning finals, according to head coach Judith Terhar.
“Couldn’t be happier with the kids, they have been a real team,” Terhar said. “Everyone has been busting their times by a lot, I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Loninia was an example, setting a new school record in the 500-yard freestyle finals, where he finished with a time of 4:46.86, dropping a little over four seconds from his previous year. Loninia spoke on the
importance of his medal and his dedication to set his new time, proving what he had to bring for the Brahmas.
“I worked very hard for it. Going into the finals, I knew I had something to prove,” Loninia said. “And that’s what I just did. I had a swim, so I swam.”
The winning didn’t stop there for Loninia, as he went on to place first place in all of his other individual events, winning in the 400-yard Individual Medley (IM) and the 1650-yard freestyle.
These placements earned Loninia the WSC Most Valuable Player.
Loninia wasn’t the only athlete succeeding in the meeting. On the women’s side, women’s captain Baran Ebrahimi won sixth place in the 200-yard freestyle, seventh in the 1650yard freestyle and sixteenth in the 500-yard freestyle.
Although the Brahmas are proud of their performances, some difficulties arose when a men’s swimmer couldn’t participate in the event and caused his teammates to take his spot due to a foot injury, according to assistant coach
Bryon Lacelle.
“One of our swimmers, Alexey [Ischenko], unfortunately, broke his foot, he was making huge progress,” Lacelle said. “It is always unfortunate to see a swimmer work really hard, do everything right and something like that happens but all the boys know it’s next man up.”
Lacelle also highlighted the races from Madison Lata, placing third in the 400-yard IM to start off day two. Lata finished with a time of 5:17.98, dropping “around 26 seconds” from her previous attempt, according to assistant coach Mircea Pitariu, and men’s swimmer Matteo Podesta placing sixth on his 200yard freestyle.
Lata continued to place fifth in the 200-yard Butterfly and seventh in the 100-yard Butterfly while Podesta placed fifth in the 1650-yard Freestyle and eleventh in the 500-yard Freestyle.
Both men’s and women’s teams ended the conference both in seventh place in their respective divisions and will make an appearance in the State Championships at Orange Coast College from April 30 to May 2.
MIDDLE:Pierce College swimmer Delvin Zambrano dives to continue the race at the Western State Conference Championships at the Los Angeles Valley College pool at Los Angeles, Calif., on April 17, 2026. Photo by Abraham Elizalde
BOTTOM: Swimmers and supporters of the Pierce College swim team cheers on team captain Jhan Loninia on his 400-yard Individual Medley championship at the Western State Conference Championships at the Los Angeles Valley College pool at Los Angeles, Calif., on April 17, 2026. Photo by Abraham Elizalde
Pierce College swimmer Matteo Podesta swims at the Western State Conference Championships at the Los Angeles Valley College pool at Los Angeles, Calif., on April 17, 2026. Photo by Abraham Elizalde
Pierce College swimmer Sofi Charnelle swims at the Western State Conference Championships at the Los Angeles Valley College pool at Los Angeles, Calif., on April 17, 2026. Photo by Abraham Elizalde
