Damian Sandoval

Photo courtesy of Parsons Photography

Cascade High School (CHS) wrestling captain, Kodiak boys' soccer captain, and one of the most friendly and open people at cascade Damain Sandoval (12) helps bring the energy up in the hallways and to all the people around him. With a hilarious sense of humor and caring personality, it is easy for him to make friends with anyone. 

Wrestling has been a big part of Sandoval’s athletic career. Sandoval is a three-year wrestler for the Kodiak boys wrestling team where he has gone to the state tournament twice at the Tacoma Dome where he competed his senior year and placed fifth his junior year.  

“I definitely performed better on paper my junior year, but my senior year was equally as hard. I did improve,” said Sandoval. “For me, I learned that hard work pays off. I mean you can put all the time you want into something but if the effort is not there then there’s not going to be any progress shown.” 

Sandoval is a four-year soccer player and captain for the kodiak boys soccer team. Sandoval has been to state three times where his freshman and sophomore year the team was knocked out in the early rounds. His junior year, the team finally made it to the final four placing third in the state. This year, the team is 4-1 and has State potential.  

“I love the sport, I love the team. It’s more than just a team; it’s a family of some sort that I found at CHS. They are always open arms, I love what we have here at Cascade,” said Sandoval. 

Sandoval also participated in cross country for one semester his junior year where Mr. Massey, the astronomy, planets, and mathematics teacher influenced him to join. “My flex teacher, Mr. Massey inspired me to get out there and try new things. He put such a good name to it, I thought, what could go wrong?” said Sandoval. 

Sandoval has also helped out in the community with hours of community service put towards teaching younger wrestlers. “They’re the next faces of Cascade if they stay. I kinda want to bring what I know to them,” said Sandoval. 

Sandoval has made many good friends throughout his four years at CHS and his athletic career. His energy and genuine personality inspire people.  

"Damian always knows how to lighten up the mood and be the life of the party. He is always considerate of others; he’s such a positive person with good morals,” said Cascade alumni and friend Maverick Miller. “One of my favorite memories is when we had soccer tournaments together, we would always have so much fun at the hotel. One memory that sticks out to me the most is when I said, ‘You’re not my friend anymore’ and it is something that we talk about to this day. We also love bonding over slimer from Ghost Busters.” 

“A word I would [use to] describe Damian as is hardworking. He is a leader in everything he does. In basically every sport he plays, he is a captain,” said Frank Rosario (12) a friend and teammate. “He pushes us in everything. He helps us out and he is always honest about being on time.” 

Sandoval plans on going to college on the next step of life. He is uncertain of what college he plans on going to. Wherever Sandoval goes, he will be remembered at CHS and will bring joy to any college he plans on going to. Damian has inspired many students at CHS to work hard. Sandoval will be missed.