Pali’s boys lacrosse team became the first sports team to return to the Stadium by the Sea on March 20–more than a year since the Palisades Fire damaged the facility. For these athletes, their return to Pali was a testament to the resilience and brotherhood they built during their last challenging season.
“It feels great,” junior goalkeeper Charlie Balatbat said. “Finally, to be back where we all belong.”
Last season, despite having played every game on the road because of the fire, the team managed to secure a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Los Angeles City Section Championship.
Senior captain Krishu Chopra said that the team persevered by remembering what mattered most, saying, “We [were] playing not just for a field or just for a school, but for each other.”
That sense of brotherhood became the foundation of motivation for the team, many of whom lost their homes and witnessed loved ones struggle in the aftermath of the fires. Nonetheless, shared difficulties brought the team closer together.
“The fires even made our community a little bit closer,” said sophomore attackman Aiden Wong. “Many of our players’ houses burned down, but it really brought us together as friends and teammates. The experience helped contribute to the brotherhood we have in lacrosse.”
Head boys coach and lacrosse program director David Bucchino added that aside from brotherhood, the players’ daily commitment represented their resilience most.
“I knew the kids really wanted to play. They really needed it so just showing up every day… that was the biggest thing,” Bucchino said.
Through the uncertainty of having an unstable team environment, the team found support from Brentwood High School who extended a branch of kindness by offering them much-needed practice space.
“They’re like brothers to us now, especially to me.” Balatbat said. “We went through practices, tournaments, and our box season with them–So it’s pretty awesome.”
When the boys lacrosse team returned to the Stadium By the Sea, spirits were high; parents filled the stands and decorated fences with balloons and banners.
However, even after the team’s initial return to Pali, their journey to normalcy proved to be long and difficult as much had to be reorganized.
“Not having a home base is really tough,” Bucchino said. “We have equipment mixed in among other equipment, spread across different [facilities]; we’re still figuring out where our gloves and sticks are.”
Chopra described the importance of perspective when discussing his experience over the past year. “You can always look at something from a negative point of view, but if you take a step back, you really find things that you’re grateful for.”
Today, the Stadium by the Sea looks like it used to; it showcases the words ‘PALISADES DOLPHINS’ in its endzones once again. Nonetheless, for Balatbat, a return to the field is a much deeper symbol of both perseverance and unity.
“I’m not playing just to play lacrosse,” Balatbat said. “I’m playing for my teammates, and I’m playing for Pali.”
