When the names Shaheem Sama and Joaquin Sterling are announced at a game, they are met with cheers. Four years ago, they were freshmen trying to find their place. Today, they are senior athletes who have rewritten their personal records and their reputation in both football and track.
At Shadow Hills High School, Sama and Sterling have become standout leaders defined by their determination. Throughout their final season, their hard work, discipline, and refusal to settle for less than their best have consistently paid off.
From the start of their high school careers, both athletes showed potential, but teammates say it was their consistency, staying late after practice, pushing through tough losses, and always giving full effort, that separated them from the rest.
“He shows up, studies videos, and asks for help with everything he needs to do to make himself better,” said Coach Richard Detamble, reflecting on Sama’s growth.
As a freshman, Sama was still adjusting to the speed and intensity of varsity competition. Over the years, he committed himself to improvement, setting goals each season and earning three NCAA Division III offers for football. Now, underclassmen watch him to study his discipline, confidence, and leadership.
“Overcoming two injuries and being named All-League for the past two years has been my proudest moment of high school,” Sama said.
Sterling’s journey mirrors that determination, though he faced the added hurdle of battling chronic tendinitis. Rather than stepping back, he focused on recovery, conditioning, and refining his technique. Despite the injury, Sterling recently broke an 11-year-old school record in the shot put with a throw of 59 feet, 4 inches.
Coach Javier Martinez, who has watched Sterling since his freshman year, expressed how impressed he is by the athlete’s dedication to his craft. Martinez offers one piece of advice to the senior: “Always be kind.”
Sterling, who once looked up to upperclassmen for guidance, is now the athlete others seek out for advice.
“Going to CIF for track back-to-back has been my proudest moment of high school,” Sterling said.
Both athletes credit their success to physical training and mental growth, learning how to handle pressure and balance academics with athletics. From unknown freshmen to respected seniors, Sama and Sterling have proven that progress is earned. While their records may eventually be broken, their impact on teammates, coaches, and the culture of their programs will last far longer than any number on a scoreboard.
