LOS ALTOS
SUMMER SPORTS CAMP
2026
Group 1
ELLIE W
Hi, my name is Ellie, and this is my 13th summer at camp. I started attending when I was 6 years old after hearing how much my older brother loved it, and I’ve come back every summer since. This is my fifth year on staff and my second as a counselor. I always have a great time with my group and love getting to know each camper.
I’m from Mountain View, California, where I grew up playing a variety of sports including softball, gymnastics, soccer, volleyball, and basketball. In high school, I focused on basketball, playing all four years on my school team, and also spent a season playing flag football.
I recently completed my first year at the University of Oregon, where I’m studying sports business and administration. I’ve loved my experience so far, especially getting involved with the Women’s Basketball team as an analytics assistant and continuing to play basketball for fun.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends, being outdoors, staying active, and cooking. I’m excited to be back at camp for another great summer and look forward to making more memories!
NOAH C.
Hello! I am Noah Chan, and this is my fifth summer at Decathlon! I am from Los Altos and finishing my sophomore year at Mountain View High School. I have two brothers, both who are younger than me. Some sports that I have played included soccer and volleyball, but my favorite sports now are golf and basketball. This past year I was on the Mountain View Junior Varsity team for basketball, and the Varsity team for golf. In my freetime I enjoy origami, because I like the complexity of making shapes with the result being art. My ideal day would be going skiing, coming home, eating ramen and watching some football! I can't wait for a great summer this year, and spending all the time with the campers!
CATE G
Hi! My name is Cate Grunewald, and this is my 11th summer at Decathlon and my third summer working here as a Junior Counselor. I just finished my junior year at Saint Francis High School and I can't wait for another fun summer at camp! Growing up I played almost every rec sport imaginable (soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball, etc.) but now I am on my school's Varsity Swim team. Another fun fact about me is that I babysit a ton! On a typical week I babysit for at least 3 different families in the Los Altos/Mountain View area and I love it! Some of my best memories were made at Decathlon, and I am so excited to help your kids have the best experience possible!
SHANNON C
Hi! My name is Shannon Cox, and I am excited for my first summer as a counselor at Decathlon! I am an incoming junior at Biola University in SoCal, but have spent most of my summers in the Bay Area. I attended highschool in Tanzania, where I played an assortment of competitive sports, including basketball, track and field, rugby, cross country, and netball. However, the love of my life is volleyball, which I have played competitively since 9 years old. I played on club and school teams, coached younger students, competed in beach and indoor, and even spent a semester on a team at a University in South Africa. I am looking forward to coaching and spending time getting to know Decathalon's athletes this summer!
Group 2
MAYA M.
Hi my name is Maya. This is my first year as a counselor at DSC, but I’ve been a counselor many times before at other camps. I taught swim lessons for over 5 years. Teaching swim lessons I had to be very creative at 15 years old coming up with games to help kids learn to swim. I nannied kids for a few years. When some parents needed someone to start their kids learning phonics and prepping for preschool; I researched and trained myself. I care a lot for others, I am very observant, and I put a lot of effort into my job like every day is as important as the last. During the school year I coach sports. On my free time I enjoy nature and my family; including my dog Thor.
ILAN G.
Hi, my name is Ilan, and I am a rising Senior at Mountain View High School. I have very fond memories of going to Decathlon when I was in elementary school, and I loved working as a Junior Counselor last year. I am super excited to work as a JC again this year! Sports are my biggest hobby; I am a huge fan of the local teams, especially the Sharks, Warriors, Giants, and 49ers. I've played basketball, baseball, and soccer, and I currently run track and cross country at MVHS. Academically, I strive for success and am very interested in engineering or computer science as a career path. I am so excited to have a fun summer with my campers, and I can't wait to bring more energy and enthusiasm to the camp. My goal is that every camper will feel included and have an amazing time!
WES C.
Hi! My name is Wes Calhoun, and I am a rising senior at Los Alto High School. I have been at Decathlon for over 10 years now, and some of my best memories of summer have been with this amazing camp! I am a third year junior counselor, and I couldn't be more excited for this summer. I am and always have been a very active kid, and this camp is perfect for me! It's allowed me to meet new people I never would have otherwise met, and I have made new friendships and bonded with counselors more than I ever thought I would. Some of the amazing staff have become my role models, and I've looked up to them for years. Outside of camp, some of my favorite sports are basketball and baseball, both of which I have played for all my years at Los Altos High. I have also been a part of karate, swimming, soccer, and wrestling, and have loved to stay active.
Group 3
MATT S.
Hello campers, my name is Matt and this is my fourth year as a Counselor at Decathlon Club. However, I was previously a camper at Decathlon Club over 15 years ago! I earned my Teaching Credential in Physical Education in September of 2023 from San Jose State University. I graduated from Monta Vista High School in 2011 and from Washington State University in 2015 (the same school Klay Thompson went to, Go Cougs/Former Warrior). I am super excited to continue to be part of this community as I have very fond memories. As a former camper, what I enjoyed most about Decathlon Club was the friendly and energetic staff that truly cared about having a safe and fun environment. My favorite activity at Decathlon Club is Capture the Flag because I enjoy running. While I enjoy a variety of sports (football, basketball, street hockey), my favorite sport is baseball. I am also a big San Francisco Giants fan. Go Giants!
An interesting fact about myself is that I was a Personal Trainer. This is where my love and passion for physical activity started before becoming a PE Teacher. I love to exercise! Outside of school, sports, and exercising, I am a huge book worm. I am always reading a book and enjoy a variety of genres: fantasy, science fiction, sports, and nonfiction.
My goal is that you have a fun and memorable summer at Decathlon Club and will find at least one activity that you learned and played in camp and will continue to enjoy after camp ends. Oh, and make lots of friends of course!
NOA R.
Hi, I’m Noa Rochkind! I attended Decathlon for two years, and I’m so excited to return this summer as a counselor. Sports have always been such a big part of me, and growing up I loved trying everything from tennis and soccer, to basketball, softball, volleyball, etc. In high school, I really focused on competitive volleyball, playing both club and varsity. One of my greatest memories was traveling to Chicago in 2023 for Nationals after placing 10th in NorCal!
Now at Tulane, I play club volleyball, where I get to play games against Emory, LSU, and more! I just had an amazing freshman year, meeting new people, playing my favorite sport, and studying marketing. I also grew up nearby in Palo Alto, and graduated from the Kehillah School. Throughout high school, I loved working with kids through coaching volleyball at Phoenix Volleyball Club, helping out at Bowman School, and volunteering at Friendship Circle!
Something that makes Decathlon so special is how it deepens a passion and excitement for sports and how it fosters such sweet friendships. I see how excited campers are firsthand in my little sister, as she waits for camp all year long! As a counselor, I am so excited to contribute to this awesome camp and have the best summer with your children by bringing energy, encouragement, and positivity every single day!
ETHELLE B.
Hi! My name is Ethelle, and this will be my sixth summer at Decathlon and my second summer as a junior counselor. I started as a camper when I was little, and immediately fell in love. I love getting to try all the different sports, making new friends, and sharing memories with everyone was definitely always some of my top summer highlights. Some of my best summer memories come from Decathlon—the crazy spirit days, awesome games, and the counselors who made everything feel so fun and special. This camp meant a lot to me growing up. It was a place where I could be myself, try new things, and make great friends.
Now I go to Los Altos High School, where I play water polo in the fall and swim in the spring. I’ve always loved being active, and I’m super excited to bring that same energy and enthusiasm to camp this year as a junior counselor. It feels really special to be on the other side this summer, helping create the same kind of unforgettable summers that meant so much to me as a kid. I’m looking forward to meeting all the campers, getting loud for spirit, and making this summer one to remember!
Group 4
KIAN B.
Hi, I'm Kian! Adding up my time as a camper and as a staff member, this will be my 15th summer at Decathlon. I grew up in Los Altos and played a lot of soccer, football, and basketball growing up. I attended Mountain View High School, where I played football. I went to the University of Washington for undergrad, majoring in physiology and minoring in nutrition. In June 2026, I will be graduating from the University of California San Francisco with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Before starting my career as a physical therapist, I wanted to come back to Decathlon and experience the immense joy of being apart of this camp one more time. Decathlon played such an incredible and positive role in shaping my summers as a kid, and I strive to ensure all our campers can experience that immense joy as well!
LIAV S.
Hi, my name is Liav Shanava, and I’m thrilled to be a Junior Counselor at Decathlon for the second time this summer! I’m 16 years old and will be a junior at Los Altos High School this coming school year. My favorite sports are tennis and volleyball, but outside of sports I also love backpacking, hiking, baking, and spending time with my friends and family. Decathlon has been a part of my summers since I was in kindergarten, and every year I’ve looked forward to the fun activities and the amazing people I’ve met. After having such a great experience as a camper and then as a JCIT, I’m so excited to continue being a Junior Counselor. I’m dedicated to helping your children have an unforgettable summer full of fun, growth, and new friendships, just like I did!
Group 5
ASHER D.
Hi! My name is Asher Darling. Decathlon has been the highlight of my summer every year since before I started kindergarten. This will be my 13th summer at camp and my fourth as a counselor. This June, I graduated from Menlo School and in the fall, I will be attending Washington University in St. Louis to study political science. I have a younger sister, Elise, who is a rising junior at Menlo and a junior counselor.
In high school, I played on the varsity basketball and golf teams, but growing up I played every sport I could get my hands on. I am also a huge University of Michigan and Bay Area sports fan. Outside of my passion for sports, I love history and current events and served as the Editor-in-Chief of Menlo's student newspaper, The Coat of Arms. As a counselor, I look forward to recreating the amazing atmosphere that made camp unforgettable for me!
ELISE D.
Hi, my name is Elise Darling and this is my tenth summer at Decathlon. I have been going to camp since I was six and it has always been the highlight of my summer. I am a rising junior at Menlo High School where I play basketball, golf and run track. Growing up, I played just about every sport imaginable and having a very athletic older brother meant that there was always an intense game awaiting me. Decathlon has been a fun way for me to play the sports I love, try new ones, and most of all make a ton of friends. I am super excited to make sure your kids feel the exact same way!
KHALIL M.
Hi, my name is Khalil Manjoo. This is my 7th year at Decathlon and first as a JC. I've been going to Decathlon since I was 8, and it has always been the highlight of my summer. I have lived in Mountain View my whole life. Growing up, I was very competitive and played almost every sport. This past year, I was on the Mountain View High School baseball team and also played baseball outside of school.
I look forward to being a JC and having a lot of fun this summer.
Group 6
CARLOS A.
Hi there!
My name is Carlos Acosta, and I was born and raised in Colombia, where my passion for sports took root at an early age. Soccer has been a constant in my life since I was 7 years old and I also began training at Compensar, a well-regarded sports academy in Colombia. Two years later, I expanded my athletic journey by taking up basketball as well. Through Compensar, I had the opportunity to compete nationally in the "Pony Fútbol" league, a formative experience that shaped me both as a player and as a competitor.
Over the years, I've continued to grow on and off the field. Most recently, I competed at a semi-professional level representing my university, ECI, in Colombia, a proud milestone in my athletic career. I am currently pursuing a degree in Foreign Languages at Uniminuto University, where I continue to challenge myself academically.
This will be my fifth year at camp, and I couldn't be more excited to return. Each summer brings new connections, new memories, and new opportunities to grow and I look forward to making the most of every moment.
RYAN B
Hi my name is Ryan Babayan and this is my ninth summer at Decathlon. I started when I was six years old. Every summer I looked forward to camp. I am grateful for all my counselors and JC’s and Jeff who have helped me get to this point. I am a freshman at Homestead high. I play basketball and run track. A fun fact about me is I am ranked 130th in the United States for the JV 65m hurdles. I’m looking forward to spending the summer working at Decathlon Sports Club. I wouldn't want to spend my summer any other way.
MATTEO B
I am a 14-year-old freshman at Los Altos High School and a member of the class of 2029. I am excited to be returning for my seventh summer at camp. Over the years, camp has become a huge part of my life, and I want to help make it an amazing experience for all of the campers. I love the people who work there, all of the sports and activities, and the great food that they provide.
I am a Star Scout and enjoy spending time outdoors, fishing, and hanging out with my friends. I also wrestle and play lacrosse, but honestly I enjoy almost every sport. One thing that is important to me is building personal connections with everyone and making sure people feel included and welcome. Being involved in sports and scouting has taught me teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and perseverance. I hope to make camp a fun and welcoming place for all campers, and I would love to become a counselor someday.
Group 7
SAMAY S
Hi! I’m excited to be spending another summer at Decathlon. This will be my 8th summer at Decathlon and my first as a counselor. My journey began as a camper many years ago, and Decathlon has given me the chance to play all the sports I love, build lasting friendships, and create memories I’ll never forget. My goal this summer is to give every camper, regardless of athletic ability, an unforgettable experience filled with fun competition, new friendships, and great memories.
I’m currently a rising sophomore at Indiana University studying finance. Outside of school, I spend most of my free time on the golf course, on the lacrosse field, or out fishing whenever I can. Whether it’s a round of golf, a pickup lacrosse game, or just talking about a recent fishing trip, I’m always down to chat about any of it.
I can’t wait for an action-packed summer at Decathlon and getting to know all of my campers!
LANCE FISS
Hi, my name is Lance, and this will be my first summer working with Decathlon! I was born and raised in San Jose, and I recently graduated from Saint Mary’s College of California, where I earned my degree in Justice, Community, and Leadership along with my teaching credential. Over the past two semesters, I’ve worked with students for more than 600 hours, and I’ve also spent the last five summers as a camp counselor—so creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment for kids is something I really care about.
My love for sports started early, thanks to my dad signing me up for just about everything. The sports that stuck with me the most were baseball, flag football, and soccer, which I played for over eight years. These days, I still follow sports closely—especially baseball, basketball, and football—and I’m always up for a good sports conversation.
I’m really excited to meet everyone this summer, get to know the campers, and make sure we all have a safe, fun, and memorable experience at Decathlon!
ELI ROCHKIND
This will be my first summer working at Decathlon! I’m excited to be a JC this year.
Group 8
CHARLIE P
Hi! My name is Charlie Premo, and I’m a local Bay Area kid from Willow Glen. I graduated from Bellarmine in 2023, and I’m now entering my Junior year at Gonzaga University where I am majoring in Finance and Data Analysis with a minor in Sports Management. Sports have always been a very important part of my life, starting when I was a young kid attending my older brother’s games and watching the giants dynasty start. I was a very energetic kid and loved running around, so my mom signed me up for every sport she could think of (probably so I would stop annoying her)! I played little league baseball, soccer, flag football, and my eventual favorite sport basketball. I played other sports throughout my life, including volleyball and running cross country, and participated in various sports for fun with my friends and family like pickleball, tennis, and hockey. However, basketball will always be my favorite, and I joined travel basketball teams in Middle and High School and played for my school. Around Covid, I lost a lot of motivation and passion for sports and basketball, and ended up falling out of it for a couple years, before getting back into it now that I’m at college. My friends and I play every intramural sport we can, and for basketball I’m our designated “player coach” because of my background experience. I am a diehard Bay Area Sports fan and love attending as many Giants games as I can while I’m home. This will be my second year at camp
CARTER L
Hi my name is Carter Leban and I’m 17 years old. I'm a rising senior at Los Altos High School. I’ve been a camper at Decathlon for 7 years, and this summer will be my second year working as a Junior Counselor. My favorite sport is football, I played flag football for 8 years before transitioning to tackle at high school, playing at a varsity level as a sophomore. I also played club soccer for 7 years. As a camper, Decathlon was something I looked forward to every summer and I can't wait to spend more summers at camp.
Group 9
LUIS G
I’m Luis Gonzalez, an 18-year-old graduate of Adrian C. Wilcox High School in Santa Clara, Class of 2025. During high school, I was actively involved in athletics, competing in football, track, baseball, and soccer, where I had the honor of serving as captain during my senior year. I currently attend Mission College, where I am studying Communications. Born and raised in Sunnyvale, California, I continue to take pride in serving and giving back to my local community. I am also a Mountain View Police Cadet, where I have completed over 150 hours of community service assisting with local school and community events throughout the Mountain View area. Through this experience, I have developed a strong passion for mentoring and supporting younger generations, not only as a role model, but also as someone they can trust and rely on. In addition, I attended a Mock Police Academy at the College of San Mateo, where I earned certifications in First Aid, CPR, and AED. The academy also provided me with valuable knowledge about the fundamentals of policing, leadership, and serving the community with integrity and respect. Soccer has always been one of my greatest passions. I have played for numerous clubs throughout Santa Clara County and continue to enjoy the sport through weekend leagues and competition. My love for working with children began during my high school years while babysitting as a side job, and since then, my passion for helping and guiding kids has only continued to grow.I hope to use my experiences in sports, leadership, and community service to positively impact the lives of young people. Above all, I want every child I work with to know they are supported, valued, and never alone.
CHARLIE S
Hi, my name is Charlie Sah, and this is my ninth summer at Decathlon, and for the past two summers I've been working as a JCIT, and I'm excited for my first summer working as a junior counselor. I have had two older brothers work at decathlon before me who started my love of sports and made me decide to be a Junior counselor. For the past 9 years I've played basketball for both school teams, and outside of school on a CYO team. I’ve also played lacrosse for 5 years, playing for my high school and middle school, as well as on a summer travel team for the past 2 years. I go to Head Royce School in Oakland, where I am now a rising sophomore. In my free time I like to hang out with friends, play video games, and play sports. My favorite sports at decathlon are basketball and gaga ball. I’m looking forward to working at Decathlon Sports Club this year, and I hope I can make this summer fun for your kids!
Group 9.5
TYLER H
Hi, my name is Tyler Hallada, and this is my second summer at Decathlon. I just finished my first year at the University of Oregon as a sports business major. I was born and raised in Palo Alto and have been involved in many sports growing up including basketball, football, soccer, baseball, and volleyball. In high school I played basketball, volleyball, and football. On top of playing sports I also coached three boys basketball teams at JLS middle school. My goal at decathlon is to give the campers an amazing experience that will create memories and build themselves as an athlete. I am super excited to be working at Decathlon, and I wouldn’t want to spend my summer any other way!
EVAN D
Hi! My name is Evan DeNardi, and I just finished my sophomore year at St. Francis High School. This will be my second summer as a Junior Counselor, and I’m excited to be back at Decathlon Sports Camp! I’ve been part of Decathlon since first grade, so this camp has been a huge part of my life. I have so many great memories here, and I’m looking forward to helping create those same fun and memorable experiences for this year’s campers.
I’m a graduate of St. Simon Parish School and the older brother of Liam, who is currently in fifth grade. I play both basketball and lacrosse at St. Francis, and I was honored to earn High Honors as a Scholar Athlete. Lacrosse is my main sport, and I can’t wait to spend the summer with all of you and help make this an awesome camp experience!
Group 10
DANIEL S
Hi, my name is Danny Swank and this will be my 16th year at Decathlon and my 6th year being a Counselor. I graduated from Saint Francis in 2024 and now I am about to be a Junior studying Marketing at Arizona State University. I am super excited to be working at Decathlon again this summer. Sports have been an immense aspect in my life ever since I was young. I loved competition and team work. I have played more sports than I could count but my two favorites are football and rugby as I played both all throughout high school. I was also born and raised in the Bay Area and I truly love it there. One of the reasons I love coming back every summer is because I get to spend my time working with such a great community of people here at Decathlon. Seeing so many familiar faces every summer brings a huge smile to my face. I want to be able to give your kids the same experience I had when I was a camper and I can’t wait to meet you all. Let's have a great summer.
ROMAN S
Hi, my name is Roman, and this is my seventh summer at Decathlon and my second as a Junior Counselor. I was born in Los Altos and now attend Homestead High School where I will be a senior this upcoming year. I have a passion for sports which started at a young age. I started out playing soccer, and then got more interested in basketball where I played until 8th grade. At the same time, I was playing baseball for fun, but I got more serious about it freshman year and am currently on the Homestead team where I play outfield and first base. In my free time I like to socialize with friends by playing golf, going out to eat, and playing video games. I also enjoy watching football and basketball and my favorite teams are the 49ers and Warriors. I am excited to be a junior counselor and make the experience for the campers as great as it was for me!
Group 11
FAITH C
Hi, my name is Faith, and I’m so excited to be joining the Decathlon team for my first summer as a counselor! I grew up in San Jose and recently earned my Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education. This fall, I’ll be transferring to California Baptist University to continue my studies in the same field. I’ve had the opportunity to work with students as a swim instructor and as a counselor at Hume Lake, both of which have strengthened my passion for mentoring kids and creating fun, positive learning environments. Sports have always been a huge part of my life. I grew up playing volleyball and softball, and in high school I discovered a love for competitive swimming and water polo. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my family and being outside. I have 4 siblings and a crazy dog named Bane! I am super excited to be able to work at the Decathlon Los Altos and am looking forward to meeting all of your athletes!
TAMARA R
Hi, my name is Tamara, and I am going into my freshman year at Chapman University. This is my sixth summer at Decathlon and I have loved being a part of it for the past five years; it has become one of the highlights of my summer and a place where I can make so many memories. Over the years, I have enjoyed doing gymnastics, but I recently finished my last year of my high school volleyball season. When I'm not playing or coaching volleyball I like to hike, listen to music, watch sunsets, hang out with friends and spend time with my family. I also really enjoy getting to meet new people and being outdoors! I am super excited to be a part of the amazing staff this year and overall, have an incredible summer. I cannot wait to make this year at camp the best one yet!
ELLIE K
Hi! My name is Ellie Katsav, and I’m going into my senior year at Los Altos High School. This will be my seventh summer at Decathlon and my third year as a JC. I have two brothers who both came to Decathlon, and my younger brother will be a J8 this year. I’ve played sports since I was little, and outside of camp I love spending time with my friends and family, being outdoors, and watching the sunset. I’m really excited to be back this summer and can’t wait to make camp fun and memorable for the campers!
AMIYA G
Hi! My name is Amiya and I’m a rising junior at Mountain View High School. I’m so excited for this session and to be a JC!
This is my 6th summer at Decathlon, I was a camper for 2 years, a JCIT for 2 years, and now I’m thrilled to be a Junior Counselor for a second! I attended camp with my two younger sisters, Nayana (a JCIT this year) and Jaya (who will be in Group 16!).
I’ve played a bunch of sports over the years including volleyball, track and field, and basketball. I was on the Junior Varsity Basketball team at Mountain View High, and I also play club basketball outside of school.
Outside of school, I love art and sports! I even run a small business where I sell handmade items like friendship bracelets, earrings, and now T-shirts. Making friendship bracelets at camp is one of my favorite things to do, and I’d love to teach anyone interested how to make fun patterns!
I’m so excited to be back as a Junior Counselor and can’t wait to meet and get to know every camper. I’ve made so many amazing memories at Decathlon, and I can’t wait to help you make some of your own!
Group 12
OLIVIA B
Hi, my name is Olivia. I will be starting my Senior year at Indiana University in the fall. I am majoring in Film, TV, and Digital Production with a minor in Theatre. This is my 12th year at camp and I have enjoyed every last second of it whether I was a staff member or camper. This is one of my favorite places to spend during the summer due to how fun the camp is and the community that comes with it.
AYLIN O
Hi, my name is Aylin, and I am 16 years old. This will be my tenth summer at Decathlon and my second year working as a Junior Counselor. When I first started at Decathlon, I was super shy and scared to talk to anyone. My Counselor and Jc at the time helped me make so many new friends. They helped me learn how to play sports I have never tried before and grow in the ones I love. I’ve loved Decathlon and the energy everyone brings to camp. Decathlon helped me make so many memories that I cherish to this day. For example, playing Gaga Ball with my friends, tie-dying my camp shirts, and eating popsicles. Decathlon helped me grow not just in sports but also in kindness and in being a good teammate.
All of my life, I have lived in a mountain view until recently. I just finished my freshman year at a boarding school in southern California. I'm enjoying my new adventure and all of the new friends I have made. During school, I played volleyball, soccer, and track. While volleyball was a new sport for me, I enjoyed playing it and learning how to improve my skills. During the winter season, I was on the Varsity girls' soccer team, and we had won CIF and made it to state. In the spring, I ran track and also made it to CIF in one of the relays. I am so excited to see what my sophomore year at boarding school has in store for me, and I can't wait for another amazing summer at Decathlon. I hope I can help your kids have so much fun and feel right at home while at Decathlon.
EVANGELINE S
Hi my name is Evangeline, and I am going into my sophomore year of high school and this will be my second year at this camp, and my first year as a JC at Decathlon. I have been playing club volleyball for three years now, which has helped me build teamwork, dedication, and leadership skills. In my free time, I enjoy shopping and swimming with my friends, as well as baking. I love staying active and trying new things, and I’m excited to take on this new role at Decathlon, meet new people, and help make this summer a great experience for everyone.
MIA J
Hi! My name is Mia, and I am currently going into my sophomore year at Los Altos High School! This will be my fifth and hall of fame year at Decathlon, and I am so excited to be working with your kids this summer! Throughout my life, my life has always revolved around sports, from when I started playing soccer when I was 3, and now competitively, to learning how to play volleyball, basketball, field hockey, and run track throughout middle school and my freshman year. Outside of school, I enjoy both nature and sports photography, and I also enjoy spending time with my friends. I also love singing in choir, and have been in my school's choirs for 4 years now, and will continue throughout my high school career. I hope to have a career working in sports physical therapy someday, and that has been reflected deeply through the classes that I take at school. I am so grateful to be a part of this team of amazing staff, and I can't wait to have an amazing summer!!
Group 13
RILEY W
Hi! My name is Riley Walukiewicz and this is my first year as a counselor at Decathlon. I graduated from Saint Francis High School in Mountain View in 2024 and I’m now a rising junior at Penn State University where I am majoring in criminology with a minor in legal studies and intend to go to law school after graduating. I have always loved being involved in sports and played soccer for 15 years of my life and ran track and field in high school. I love weightlifting, hiking, and anything outdoors along with listening to music, going on drives and spending time with family and friends. I’m so excited for my first summer at Decathlon!
MICAELA R
Hi! My name is Micaela and I am a rising freshman at George Washington University. I have been part of the Decathlon community for 6 years, and I always look forward to coming back each summer. In my free time, I love to dance, go shopping, bake, and hang out with my friends. I'm so excited to be working here this summer, and I can't wait to make this the best one yet!
ADITI R
My name is Aditi and I’m an incoming junior at Homestead High School. This year is my tenth year at camp and I’m so excited to be a junior counselor! I have played softball for nine years, and I love swimming— whether in the pool or at the beach. I’m in a tutoring program at Homestead where I tutor young kids in ESL and Mathematics, and I love it so much. Being a camper was so exciting and fun, and I’m so stoked that I can be a part of my camper’s happy summers this year!
NICHOLE N
Hi, my name is Nicole and this is my second summer at Decathlon! I am so excited to be working as a JC this summer and can't wait for the exciting memories. In the fall, I will be a sophomore at Mountain View High School. I love staying active and working with kids, which is why I'm thrilled to be back at Decathlon this summer. I have tried and enjoyed a wide variety of sports throughout my childhood. Currently, I play on my school's lacrosse team and am excited to be a part of the cheer team next school year. Outside of school, I have participated and competed in taekwondo for the past 6 years, and recently earned my black belt! In my free time, I love hanging out with my friends, being outside, and spending time with my family. I look forward to having a fun summer!
Group 14
YARDENNE S
Hi! My name is Yardenne Sternheim. I’ve grown up in Palo Alto my whole life, but aspire to travel the world someday. This will be my tenth summer at Decathlon, and I’m just as excited as all the previous ones. I just graduated from Palo Alto High School. I enjoy history and English, as well as journalism, and I’m on one of my school’s publications, Verde Magazine. I can’t wait to work with the campers and play all the sports during camp. I play mostly water sports, swimming and water polo, but with two brothers and an active family, you can find me playing other sports during my free time. Every year I look forward to coming back to camp, and am so happy to be working at Decathlon this summer.
EINAV G
Hi! My name is Einav Garten, I am 17 years old, and this is my fifth summer at Decathlon. I am going into my senior year attending Los Altos High School, where I will play varsity field hockey for the fourth year. I have lived in the Bay Area my entire life, playing volleyball, soccer, basketball and track in middle school and winning valley finals in high jump in the 7th grade. Growing up with a younger sister and an older brother, I have always had a positive role model around the house and learned to become one too. I enjoy spending time with kids, mentoring them and watching them develop. Before Decathlon, I worked at an all girls summer sports camp and an arts and crafts shop for kids. Last summer at Decathlon, I loved getting to improve my leadership skills and learning how to connect with kids while encouraging their love of sports. I got to experience the amazing environment of inspiration and motivation that Decathlon offers, so I can't wait to come back and have another amazing summer this year, not only succeeding as a counselor but also having fun myself!
Group 15
PAIGE L
Hi, my name is Paige Leban, and this is my 10th summer at Decathlon. I’m 19 years old, and I just finished my first year at Macalester College in Minnesota, where I’m majoring in biochemistry. My favorite sport is soccer, and I have been playing since I was 6 years old. I currently play soccer for my college's club team. Outside of sports, I like to do photography and hang out with my friends. This is my fifth year working as a camp counselor, and I am very excited! When I was a camper, Decathlon was always a highlight of my summer, and I can't wait to continue my time at camp for another year. I'm looking forward to spending another summer working at Decathlon!
MYRIA M
This is my first year as a JC at Decathlon! I’m looking forward to a great summer in group 15.
JANE W
My name is Jane Westgate and I just finished my Freshman year at Mountain View High School. This will be my 9th year at Decathlon, and I started asking to go with my older brother and sister when I was only 3 years old. I love going back every summer, seeing my friends and meeting new friends. Some of my closest friends today are people I met at camp when we were younger.
I started doing gymnastics when I was 2 years old, and by the time I was 11, I was competing for the team at Goldstar. I reached Level 6/7 before I retired from the Goldstar team. Then I competed for MVHS Varsity Gymnastics this year, and my scores helped our team win 2nd place in CCS. For the last 2 years, my primary sport has been competitive dance, including jazz, contemporary, tap and hip hop. I dance with a studio and also for MVHS Dance Spectrum.
When I was younger, I played soccer, basketball and tennis. But gymnastics was always my favorite. And I love all of the fun games and sports we play at Decathlon. I am so excited to be back this summer and be a Junior Counselor for the first time. I’m looking forward to meeting all the campers and having fun together!
Group 16
CAMI M
Hi! My name is Cami, and I am so excited to be back for my 6th summer at Decathlon. I grew up in the area and just finished my sophomore year at the University of Colorado Boulder.
I have been involved in sports for as long as I can remember. My parents encouraged me to try everything early on, including tennis, swimming, dance, and even aerial silks, before I eventually fell in love with soccer. Along the way, I also spent time playing basketball and water polo, which gave me a great appreciation for all types of team sports.
I love working with kids because they always bring a fun, new energy to the day. Decathlon has been such a big part of my summers for the past few years, so I’m looking forward to being back working with the people who make camp possible. I can't wait to get started and help make this another great summer for all the campers!
ZOE T
Hi! My name is Zoe, and this will be my 10th summer at Decathlon! I'm currently a rising junior at Nueva High School, with a highlight of my time there being a part of the sports teams. I played indoor volleyball, soccer, and beach volleyball during my freshman and sophomore years, while also playing soccer for my club team. In my free time, I like to draw, paint, hang out with my friends, play with my dog, as well as go camping, rock climbing, and exploring the outdoors. Some of my most fond summer memories as a kid involved trying anything I wanted for a week, like a high-adventure camp in Tahoe, a soccer-sleepaway camp, or a makers camp. Today, I still enjoy trying new things. Even so, I've always enjoyed returning to Decathlon, and there was always something new to learn and do. As a camper, my favorite sports were gaga ball, soccer, and CTF. I love being a part of the Decathlon community because everyone is so welcoming and kind, and the teachings are educational about sportsmanship. If I could go anywhere right now, the decision would be a tie between scuba diving at the beach and shredding the mountain slopes, because I love traveling and the outdoors. I enjoy working with kids, and I frequently volunteer at a family friend's preschool when I'm available. I'm so grateful for this opportunity, because I enjoyed being a JCIT and JC the last couple of summers, and I love trying new sports. I can’t wait to work with your kids!
Group J8
Tapan Dave
Hi, my name is Tapan Dave, and this is my third summer at Decathlon as a Director. I was born and raised in San Jose and am proud to be able to be a part of Decathlon! Having a twin, younger brother who was extremely competitive prepared me for the many sports that I would play in the future. I was more than ready to play sports as early as 5 years old. I played volleyball, basketball, and track throughout my schooling. When college came, I completed my tenureship with both Bachelors and Masters degrees with the goal of teaching. Most of my time in college was spent mastering my craft in teaching students various skills and topics while also fostering a growth mindset. I am also an Athletic Director who strives to give students an opportunity to grow and experience sports in a positive environment. I’m looking forward to spending the summer working at Decathlon Sports Club. I wouldn't want to spend my summer any other way, and I hope to make your kids feel the same way! Let's have an amazing summer!
Extra Staff
ANNIE
This is my first year at Decathlon! I’m excited to be helping out with pictures, groups and anything else the camp needs!
YANIV
Hi my name is Yaniv Koritzinsky, I am a freshman at Kehillah. I have been attending Decathlon for the past three years after starting in Group 10, and it has become a big part of my life. I enjoy staying active and playing sports, especially volleyball and basketball for my school, while also playing tennis outside of school. Sports have taught me teamwork, discipline, and how to push myself to improve every day.
Outside of athletics, I am very interested in photography and currently take sports photography for my school. I enjoy capturing exciting moments from games and events and combining my love for sports with creativity. I also enjoy listening to music, spending time with friends, and trying new experiences. I wouldn’t want to spend my summer any other way, and I hope to make your kids feel the same way!
JENS
Hi, My name is Jens Tissera, and this is my second summer at Decathlon, one summer as a J7 and this being the first year as a Camp Photographer in training. I was born and raised in Mountain View and attend Mountain View High School. I grew up playing sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, track & field and cross country but soccer really stuck with me and I still play today. Additionally I started playing lacrosse as another main sport. When I was 13 I taught myself how to use a camera and from then on I developed my photography skills and niches into something just a little more than a hobby. Outside of photography or sports, I love to skateboard and explore the outdoors with my friends. I'm excited for this summer to be able to work with Decathlon and have the opportunity to capture a fun summer through my lens!