Every year, roughly 15 students from foreign countries are placed at Sandpoint High School through an exchange program, many traveling from across the globe, leaving behind their culture and language to begin a new adventure at SHS. For many of these students the task of making friends and establishing new connections is difficult. The variety of athletics available to Sandpoint High students can help solve this problem.

Both Juan Brizuela (11) and Juan Olaso (10) (pictured above) have taken advantage of Sandpoint’s successful soccer and football programs. Such rapid change can be difficult for some students yet Olaso and Brizuela both have adapted well and are excited for the rest of their season.

“Being on the football team helped me meet new people before school started so I felt more comfortable,” Olaso said. “Many of my friends on the football team have introduced me to new people and helped me transition smoothly.”

Brizuela is also finding success on the field, making the varsity soccer team within days of beginning practice. Along with this achievement comes the opportunity for new challenges and a chance to test oneself outside of the classroom. Brizuela has already encountered a fair share of challenges, everything from the name of the sport to the style of play is different from his home country Spain.

“Some things are different, but I have been able to adapt to the changes because of the new friends I have met,” said Brizuela. “The first friends I met in Sandpoint were through soccer.”