The Student News Site of Menlo School

The Coat of Arms
The Student News Site of Menlo School

The Coat of Arms
The Student News Site of Menlo School

The Coat of Arms
Lexi Friesel

Lexi Friesel, Sports Editor

 

Number of years in The Coat of Arms: 4

Favorite aspect of journalism: taking photos and writing about sports.

Interests outside of school: lacrosse, weightlifting, photography, spending time with friends and family

Class of 2023

All content by Lexi Friesel
51.1 Sports CC_ Angelica (Credit_ Lexi Friesel)

[Photo] Committed Corner: Angelica Chou

Alyssa McAdams, Print Editor
November 6, 2024

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[Photo] Baseball Beats Saratoga 7-6 in Nail-Biting Extra-Inning Win

Jacob Reich, Social Media Director
March 14, 2024

Boys' Basketball fell short for the third time against Sacred Heart. Staff photo: Lexi Friesel

[Photo] Boys Basketball Falls to Sacred Heart, Looks on to Playoff Opener

Jake Lieberman, Staff Writer
February 15, 2023

Boys' Basketball fell short for the third time against Sacred Heart. Staff photo: Lexi Friesel

Senior Lucas Vogel takes a shot over Sacred Heart’s J.P. Kerrigan. The game ended 61-59 in favor of the Gators. Staff photo: Lexi Friesel

[Photo] Knights Fall to Sacred Heart, Remain Focused on League Play and Revenge

Jake Lieberman, Staff Writer
January 26, 2023

Senior Lucas Vogel takes a shot over Sacred Heart’s J.P. Kerrigan. The game ended 61-59 in favor of the Gators. Staff photo: Lexi Friesel

Labatt prepares to hit a ball in a Menlo tennis match. Staff photo: Lexi Friesel

[Photo] Female Athlete Profile, Sofia Labatt

Annie Stent, Copy Editor
January 5, 2023

Labatt prepares to hit a ball in a Menlo tennis match. Staff photo: Lexi Friesel

Football Passes King’s Academy, Will Head to Live Oak for CCS Div. III Semifinals

Football Passes King’s Academy, Will Head to Live Oak for CCS Div. III Semifinals

Lexi Friesel, Sports Editor
November 17, 2022

The varsity football team began their Central Coast Section Division III playoff run with a 37-20 victory over The King’s Academy on Saturday, Nov. 12th...

Senior Ty Richardson runs the ball in the 2021 Valpo Bowl. Menlo looks retain the trophy and repeat their success from last season. Staff Photo: Lexi Friesel

[Photo] Football Meets Sacred Heart in 20th Annual Valpo Bowl

Jake Lieberman, Staff Writer
November 2, 2022

Senior Ty Richardson runs the ball in the 2021 Valpo Bowl. Menlo looks retain the trophy and repeat their success from last season. Staff Photo: Lexi Friesel

Junior Cormac Mulloy rises up to pass the ball. Staff photo: Lexi Friesel

Boys Water Polo Begins a Successful Season

Lexi Friesel, Sports Editor
October 13, 2022

Junior Cormac Mulloy rises up to pass the ball. Staff photo: Lexi Friesel

Senior Tommy Kiesling led the Knights with seven goals. Staff Photo: Lexi Friesel

[Photo] Boys Water Polo Emerges Victorious in Electric Comeback

Erica Fenyo, Head Copy Editor
October 14, 2022

Senior Tommy Kiesling led the Knights with seven goals. Staff Photo: Lexi Friesel

Wide Receiver Brady Jung sheds a tackle, leading to his second touchdown of the day. Staff Photo: Lexi Friesel

Menlo Wins Bittersweet Homecoming Football Game 30-10

Lexi Friesel, Sports Editor
October 12, 2022

Wide Receiver Brady Jung sheds a tackle, leading to his second touchdown of the day. Staff Photo: Lexi Friesel

Richardson crosses the fifteen yard line on his way to the endzone. “Coach [Barry McLaughlin], the new offensive line coach, introduced us to a new return,” Richardson said, “Thankfully my teammates [executed it].” Staff Photo by Lexi Friesel.

Football Opens the Season with a Dominating 47-7 Win

Lexi Friesel, Sports Editor
August 29, 2022

The Menlo Knights football team defeated North Salinas 47-7 in a season-opening blowout on Saturday, August 27. In the team’s first game since 2019 without...

Senior Alex Volgin prepares to return the ball. Staff photo: Lexi Friesel.

[Photo] Boys Tennis Aces Bay Area Classic

Erica Fenyo, Assistant Sports Editor
March 21, 2022

Senior Alex Volgin prepares to return the ball. Staff photo: Lexi Friesel.

Menlo students attended the girls basketball game against Pinewood for their senior night. Staff photo: Lexi Friesel.

[Photo] How COVID-19 Has Impacted Attendance at Sporting Events

Ty Richardson, Staff Writer
February 20, 2022

Menlo students attended the girls basketball game against Pinewood for their senior night. Staff photo: Lexi Friesel.

The helmets of the opposing teams and the Lombardi Trophy. Creative Commons photo: Robert Carr on Getty Images.

Crash Course: Super Bowl LVI

Lexi Friesel, Social Media Director
February 13, 2022

This Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3:30, marks the date and time of this year’s Superbowl where the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams will face off to...

The team celebrates together after the win. The Knights defeated SHP 3-0. Staff Photo: Lexi Friesel.

[Photo] Menlo Boys Soccer Defeats SHP 3-0

Chase Hurwitz, Sports Editor
February 7, 2022

California high school basketball players are still required to have masks on their face, although almost all players have worn them under their chin to prevent fatigue, shortness of breath or loss of consciousness. Despite no medical advantages, this routine continues to be mandated and practiced across the state. Staff photo: Lexi Friesel.

[Photo] Two Years In, It’s Time To Start Living Freely

Alex Levitt, News Editor
February 3, 2022

California high school basketball players are still required to have masks on their face, although almost all players have worn them under their chin to...

Senior Daniel Solomon dribbles past a defender. Solomon finished the game with 11 points. Staff Photo: Lexi Friesel.

[Photo] Menlo Varsity Boys Basketball Overpowered by Sacred Heart Prep

Chase Hurwitz, Sports Editor
February 2, 2022

Junior Cort Halsey boxes out a defender for a rebound. The Knights were largely unable to stop SHP’s strong offensive performance. Staff Photo: Lexi...

Borders and her horse take on a fence in her jumpers class. Photo courtesy of Emma Borders.

Menlo Equestrians Do Not Receive Sports Credit

Lexi Friesel, Social Media Director
December 16, 2021

Several Menlo students are competitive equestrians and dedicate substantial amounts of time to their sport. However, they do not receive sports credit...

Junior-Ryan-Bratt-takes-a-chicken-for-a-walk-during-the-juniors_-Random-Act-of-Fun-staff-photo-by-Lexi-Friesel

[Photo] Random Acts of Fun Spark Joy Within Menlo Community

Erica Fenyo, Assistant Sports Editor
December 14, 2021

Menlo senior Gregory Hilderbrand rewinds to shoot during the varsity boys water polo game against Menlo Atherton High School in the CCS quarterfinals. The game took place on Saturday, Nov. 6. Staff Photo: Lexi Friesel.

[Photo] Menlo Sports Teams Succeed in Recent Tournaments and Games

Jake Lieberman, Staff Writer
November 16, 2021

Menlo senior Gregory Hilderbrand rewinds to shoot during the varsity boys water polo game against Menlo Atherton High School in the CCS quarterfinals....

The boys celebrate the Valpo Bowl victory. No player on the team had experienced winning the rivalry game before. Staff photo: Lexi Friesel.

Menlo Football Emerges Victorious at Valpo Bowl for the First Time in Four Years

Lexi Friesel, Social Media Director
November 11, 2021

After four straight years of the Sacred Heart Preparatory Gators bringing home the Valparaiso or "Valpo" Bowl trophy, the Menlo Knights finally had the...

Players prepare to walk onto the field following a performance of the national anthem by the Menlo Chorus. Staff photo: Lexi Friesel.

Menlo Varsity Football Remains Undefeated After Homecoming Game

Lexi Friesel, Social Media Director
October 12, 2021

“We put in the work, and we're not going to allow Hillsdale to come onto our field and win on homecoming,” quarterback Sergio Beltran said. Beltran’s...

As students return to campus, they must make several adjustments to their daily routine. Staff image: Lexi Friesel.

Nine Tips for the Return to 100% of Students on Campus

Lexi Friesel, Social Media Director
May 3, 2021



The cover for sophomore Maya Debnath’s recent single, “Christmas in Quarantine.” Debnath released the song in December 2020. Photo courtesy of Maya Debnath.

Sophomore Singer Maya Debnath Shares About Her Music Journey

Lexi Friesel, Social Media Director
March 17, 2021

In December 2020, sophomore Maya Debnath released two holiday-themed singles on several streaming platforms. The two songs, titled “Christmas in Quarantine”...

New science teacher Mary McKenna enjoys cycling, scuba diving and traveling in her free time. Photo courtesy of Mary McKenna.

New Teacher Profile: Mary McKenna

Lexi Friesel, Social Media Director
January 28, 2021

New science teacher Mary McKenna is teaching both Conceptual Physics and Conceptual Chemistry at Menlo. McKenna is also a co-advocate with college counselor...

Kiang skydives as a hobby. To read more about Kiang's skydiving adventures, see the last page of the December 2020 Coat of Arms print edition, titled "Experiencing Freefall," at our Print Archives page. Staff illustration: Grace Tang.

New Teacher Profile: Douglas Kiang

Lexi Friesel, Social Media Director
January 8, 2021

Although this is his first year working at Menlo, computer science teacher Douglas Kiang has been teaching for nearly 30 years. “I started as an English...

Academic Support Coordinator Lily Lam recently started her first year at Menlo. Lam has worked in education for 16 years, teaching English and facilitating professional development. Photo courtesy of Lily Lam.

New Teacher Profile: Lily Lam

Lexi Friesel, Assistant Sports Editor
November 18, 2020

Academic Support Coordinator Lily Lam recently began her first year on the Menlo faculty team. “I work frequently with students who have diagnosed learning...

During the Knight Games on Oct. 30, students in Menlo athletics pods competed against each other in a friendly skills competition. For each sport represented at the event, every pod selected several student-athletes to participate. Staff photo: Chase Hurwitz.

Video: Athletics Pods Compete in Knight Games

Lexi Friesel, Chase Hurwitz, and Laura Artandi
November 13, 2020

History teacher Katina Ballantyne is new to the Menlo teaching staff this year; she is already a senior co-advocate and is advising two student clubs. Photo courtesy of Katina Ballantyne.

New Teacher Profile: Katina Ballantyne

Lexi Friesel, Assistant Sports Editor
November 11, 2020

This past August, history teacher Katina Ballantyne began working at Menlo, teaching ninth grade Modern World History and 10th grade U.S. History. On campus,...

Prior to joining the Menlo staff this year, Orangio taught at Miramonte High School. At Menlo, she is teaching biology and environmental science; she is also the new Director of Sustainability. Photo courtesy of Menlo School.

New Teacher Profile: Chrissy Orangio

Lexi Friesel, Assistant Sports Editor
November 3, 2020

Upper School science teacher Chrissy Orangio began her first year at Menlo this fall, teaching biology and environmental science. In addition to her teaching...

Spanish teacher Justin Carunchia started working at Menlo this year after studying in Mexico and teaching Spanish at an independent school in Michigan. Photo courtesy of Justin Carunchia.

New Teacher Profile: Justin Carunchia

Lexi Friesel, Assistant Sports Editor
October 29, 2020

Note: In the first print edition of each year, The Coat of Arms includes short features of new Menlo faculty members throughout the issue. This year, instead,...

Football players now practice in distanced pods of up to 12 athletes. These pods, as well as the implementation of other health measures, have allowed sports practices to resume this fall. Photo courtesy of Pam Tso McKenney.

Menlo Student Athletes Begin Skill Work and Strength Training on Campus

Lexi Friesel, Assistant Sports Editor
September 27, 2020

After an abrupt ending to all athletic events this spring, student athletes and coaches are finally able to return to campus in the form of athletic pods....

The Asian Giant Hornet, or the "murder hornet," in comparison to a human hand. Creative Commons image: Washington State Department of Agriculture on Flickr.

Asian Giant Hornets Arrive in North America, Pose Threat to Humans, Honeybees and Ecosystems

Lexi Friesel, Assistant Sports Editor
June 2, 2020

Several Asian giant hornets, frequently called “murder hornets” because of their deadly nature, have been found in the Washington state area. According...

Menlo track team runners Lauren Hamilton and Michelle Louie finish their race in the 2019 WBAL meet at Sacred Heart. Photo courtesy of Robert Tomkinson.

Menlo Coaches and Trainers Face Challenges During School Closure

Lexi Friesel, Staff Writer
March 26, 2020

With the closure of school also came the suspension of all games and practices for Menlo student athletes until the school reopens. For the athletic department,...

The Kingsway School's online system. Creative Commons photo: The Kingsway School on Flickr.

10 Dos and Don’ts for Online School Success

Lexi Friesel, Staff Writer
March 17, 2020

Do plan for the next day’s work the night before. This will help you maximize the time you have to work every day. Pay attention to all emails from the...

To freshman Dylan Gold, Kobe Bryant's death taught him to "focus on the little things in life." Staff Photo: Alex Levitt and Alexa Friesel.

Video: Students and Teachers React to Kobe Bryant’s Death

Alex Levitt and Lexi Friesel
February 13, 2020

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