Here’s a firsthand spill from Proviso East Athletes – they show their personalities and give you TRUE responses throughout these interviews. Please sit back and read, see if you see one of your teammates or classmates!
Daviyan Shields – Sophomore
“You must have a nice balance in your life to succeed.’’
Balancing school and athletics isn’t easy, but Shields has figured out an upbeat rhythm that works for him. “I would finish my work in the classes that I have and then I’d go to practice,’’ he explained. Although he admits the big games can get ‘’a lil’ bit distracting,” football provides him with a kind of structure that helps him stay focused and on top of his work.
Shields has been playing football for about two years and holds down the D-line position, a role he loves for the adrenaline it gives him. ‘’What I love about it most is the rush you feel when you’re on the line,’ he said. One of his proudest moments on the field was when his team took the win against Lyden High school.
Keeping calm and staying focused are key strategies that keep him grounded both on and off the field. When asked what football has taught him, he shared, “You must have balance in your life to succeed.”
More than just a sport, football is a passion for Shields. “Yes, I have a deep love and connection for football” he said.
He believes in staying true to yourself and focusing on what really matters the most. His goal is clear: “Make sure that my grades are good and make sure my team is on point.’’
He describes himself as the “ride or die cousin” of the team who will always have your back no matter what.
Shields also credits his peers with shaping his high school experience: “Y’all (my team) are the reason that I am who I am, without y’all, high school would be boring.”
Football will likely remain a part of his life, as he sees its lesson in everyday tasks.
Reflecting on his journey, he adds that playing in middle school and high school are very different. In middle school football is like you are allowed to make mistakes and it isn’t as looked at, while in high school you have to know what you’re doing because you are more likely to get hurt if you don’t. Middle school is like trial and error; high school is about pushing until you get better.
Jordyn Upchurch – Sophomore
“Cheer taught me to be open about my emotions and be confident in my body.’’
After nearly a decade in dance, Jordyn Upchurch made a transition into cheerleading. “At the time I had just quit dance, which I was doing for around 9 years of my life, so it felt so natural and normal’’ to transition into cheerleading. That decision sparked a whole new journey – one full of growth, challenges and unforgettable memories.
Upchurch currently serves as a back spot on the team, a position she embraces not just for its responsibility but to guide others. “I do enjoy my role, I could help others learn new things,” she shared.
Among the toughest skills she stacked so far? “My back tuck and full lib,” she said without hesitation.
One of her favorite cheer memories is competing for State with her teammates. Going to State strengthened their bond. “We are very welcoming and have a tight bond which grew tighter over time,” she said. “Our closeness and ability to come to each other with challenges has helped me mentally.’’
While cheer will hold a special place in Upchurch’s life, this isn’t something she would like to pursue in the future. “Girls who usually go to cheer professionally tend to fall in bad habits to fit in stereotypical images.’’
Beyond sports, cheer has given her lessons in leadership, confidence and teamwork. ‘’You quickly learn that there must be one leader leading, especially in a stunt. Teamwork is also important. Without it, your routine and stunt will fail.’’
Having performed since the age of 3, nerves are a non-issue for Upchurch. “I just try to remember to keep smiling through everything,” she said.
To anyone considering cheer, her advice is simple but wise: ‘’Learn before you teach; in the end, the coach has the last say.’’
And when it’s time to get into the zone, she turns to R&B artists like Jhene Aiko, Summer Walker, and Brent Faiyaz to get her game ready.
Naveah McFall – Sophomore
‘’Don’t give up on yourself or your teammates – stay committed, on and off the court.’’
Neveah McFall has been playing volleyball since 7th grade and has grown into a powerhouse libero known for chasing down tough saves and bringing energy to the court. “I love chasing down balls and making amazing saves,” she says proudly.
What she values most about being part of the team is the shared journey. “My favorite part about being on the team is the memories we make along the way.’’ One highlight that sticks with her is a saved game point that lives on a video she has saved, which is visual proof of her commitment and hustle.
McFall plays both school and club volleyball and sees the difference. “Club season is more intense and more pressure,” she said, adding that it’s a key place for college exposure.
Balancing academics and athletics are a serious task, but McFall knows how to make it work. “You must really stay disciplined and take opportunities to do work where you can, like doing homework on the bus ride to a game.’’
For her academics come first, she says, ‘’If your grades are bad in school, then there’s no sport; I won’t allow myself to fall behind like that.’’ McFall plans to keep playing volleyball after high school and is currently focused on improving her skills such as her out-of service system and making her serve more aggressive.
When it’s game time, her go-to hype song is, “Thuggish Ruggish Bone’’ by Bone Thugs-n- Harmony.
Her personality shines through in everything she does. “I think I’m the loudest and I’m pretty sure I make all my teammates laugh,” she joked.
Her advice for future volleyball players and other athletes? “Don’t give up on yourself or your teammates no matter how hard it gets. Stay committed to it because there are going to be things you cannot control, but don’t quit. Keep pushing on.”
Yasaira Remirez – Sophomore
Yasaira Remirez, a goal-getter soccer player, who’s been lacing up her cleats for nearly a decade of her life, knows firsthand the highs and lows of competitive sports and how it shapes life beyond the pitch. “I’ve been playing soccer for like eight to nine years now” she said. Adding that although her preferred role is winger/striker, she currently plays midfield. What does Remirez love most? “Seeing everyone’s abilities and working together to become one big, strong group.’’
Remirez’s proudest moment came early. “I was trying hard one game and I ended up winning a big trophy when I was little.’’
Yet it hasn’t been all smooth rides. When the team hits a losing streak, they rally and say, “This is showing us we need to work harder and together so we can come back two-times harder for our next game, LETS KEEP OUR HEADS UP!”
And even when academics get tough, Remirez, manages to stay strong in both. ‘’It’s hard to maintain my grades, but knowing I need good grades for soccer, I push myself, no matter how late it is, I will stay up late to do schoolwork.’’ This shows real commitment.
Looking ahead in life, Remirez plans to keep competing at the next level. “I plan to play soccer in college. Right now I’m looking at soccer clubs to join.’’
Remirez is sharpening her reaction time and shooting, and they keep the energy high in the locker room with hype songs such as ‘’Singapur’’ and ‘’Bing Bong.” Even though her chemistry with her teammates isn’t boiling yet, she still gets along with them and looks at them as family.
Here is Remirez’s advice to future athletes: ‘’Don’t try so hard to be already good, because it’s going to take a lot of time, you need a positive mindset. And don’t give up if you feel like you can’t do it, because you can!”
