LEGACY: Athletes Keep It In The Family

Several students practice a common sport with siblings who have attended, currently attend or plan to attend Peninsula. Seniors Connor Hance and Will Abele are two of many students who share the same interests as their siblings. Both students hope to leave legacies that highlight their achievements at Peninsula as competitive athletes.

Connor grew up in a family in which tennis played a significant role. Hance’s parents are tennis coaches and run a tennis center together. His background led him and his siblings to play tennis competitively from an early age. Just like Connor, his older sister, Kenadi, played varsity tennis at Peninsula. Since graduating, she continues to play competitively at the University of Washington.

The high rankings he has achieved has greatly impacted Peninsula’s tennis. Through his accomplishments, Connor hopes to leave a legacy for future tennis players to experience the honor of being a part of the tennis team.

“I believe that a legacy is something that should be remembered about a specific person or object,” Connor said. “The legacy that I would like to leave behind is representing my school and setting an example for what current and future Panthers can accomplish throughout high school.”

Will and his siblings all share a passion for swim that started at a young age. He has been swimming for over ten years and is in a family in which swimming was a big part of their lives. His younger sister, Lucie, is a sophomore and is currently on the swim team. Genna, his older sister, was also on the swim team during her time at Peninsula. He also has another younger sister, JJ, who is in seventh grade, and hopes to also swim at Peninsula.

“From competing in the pool to racing in the ocean, we have seen it all since swimming is a big part of our family’s lifestyle,” Will said.

Swimming has brought Will and his siblings closer together, creating a way for them to bond.

“I think we may stand out because there are four of us, and we all swim,” Will said. “I am proud to share a wonderful sport with fantastic siblings.”

He hopes that future swimmers at Peninsula will see his impact on the team and attempt to do the same in representing the Panthers.

“I can honestly say that swim has given me some of the best moments of my life,” Will said. “I hope my siblings and I are remembered as team players who always gave 110 percent.”