Setting the Standard: A Wildcat Q&A With Senior Ivan Haluska

Raina Kim and Zoey Szary • April 13, 2026

Ivan Haluska (’26) in the Wildcat gym, a setting very familiar to the varsity volleyball and basketball star.

Whether he’s in the Wildcat gym grabbing rebounds or spiking volleyballs, taping an athlete’s ankles on the football field sidelines, or studying for AP exams, Ivan Haluska (’26) embodies the term “student athlete.”

Through his involvement in varsity basketball, varsity volleyball, the athletic training internship program, and leadership roles in the Gusher yearbook and Photography with Analog Film Club (PAFC), while also completing 15 AP courses, Haluska’s four-year high school career is defined by tenacity, discipline, and athletic and academic success.

Haluska’s accolades in basketball include First Team North Hills All-League, Team MVP, and the league’s top rebounder.

As co-captain of boys’ varsity volleyball, Haluska, last season, led the team to its most successful season ever: their first CIF Southern Section playoffs appearance since 2009, first CIF win, and first CIF state championships appearance. Currently, the Wildcats sit atop the Freeway League with a 5-1 record.

With graduation looming, Haluska is looking ahead to his future as a statistics major, with ambitions of either working for an NBA team or in a career in medicine.

The Wildcat caught up with the 2026 Mr. Brea nominee to talk about his commitment to athletics and academics, his interest in sports medicine, and his plans for the future.

From left to right: athletic trainer Ken McCall, athletic training interns Christine Kim (’26), Beckman Giang (’27), Emma Kim (’28), and Haluska (’26) before the Homecoming football game Oct. 10, 2025. (Issabella Garcia)

Wildcat: What first got you interested in playing both basketball and volleyball?

Ivan Haluska: My parents started playing me when I was six and since I was really tall it became something I naturally gravitated toward. It was a lot of fun, and I liked the physical aspect of competing. A lot of my friends also started playing around eighth grade, so I decided to try it out. Over time I started getting better, and competing with friends and other schools made it even more fun.

Wildcat: When did you become interested in sports medicine?

Haluska: In junior high one of my friends fell and scraped themselves, and all we really know is to put water on it, clean it, and put a band-aid on it. But I wanted to know what’s the most efficient way to do stuff, what’s the best way to get someone better. Curiosity made me want to figure out how to get them back into playing shape.

Wildcat: How has being involved in athletics and sports medicine shaped your experience at BOHS?

Haluska: The hard work and focus from sports made me want to take harder classes because I know that I can show myself on the court, then why can’t I just challenge myself in high school and [reach] my full potential.

Wildcat: What does a typical day look like for you during the season?

Haluska pulls in a rebound against Pacifica High School Jan. 9. (Issabella Garcia)

Haluska: I have school from zero period through fifth period. After school I go to basketball or volleyball practice until about 5 p.m., and from there I go to internship training until around 8 p.m.

Wildcat: Who has been your biggest supporter or influence?

Haluska: My parents are my biggest supporters. They allow me to be involved with everything, and they support everything I do as long as it comes from a reasonable source and explanation for it.

Wildcat: What are your favorite BOHS sports memories?

Haluska: Sophomore year when we went [to Santa Rosa Academy] and won by 20 and it was the first time that I made CIF. For volleyball, the whole CIF run last year, going to the championships, and going to round two of state.

Wildcat: What are your goals for volleyball this season?

Haluska: My goals are to win league, make another deep run in CIF, and just go as far as we can while still having fun.

Wildcat: Do you have any superstitions or game day routines?

Haluska: Before basketball games, I like to pace around a lot, listen to music, and get in the zone.

Wildcat: What are your plans after graduation?

Haluska: I want to go to a four year university and study statistics. I don’t currently plan to continue playing sports in college.

Wildcat: What do you hope to do with a statistics degree?

Haluska: Ideally, I would want to work for an NBA team and work on their statistical analysis. If that doesn’t work out, I’d also be interested in using statistics in health care.

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About the Contributors

Raina Kim, News Co-Editor

News editor Raina Kim (’28) is excited to use journalism to inform, connect, and uplift the community. She’s more than happy to lead coverage that not only delivers timely and accurate news, but also sparks awareness and engagement on campus. When she’s not writing or editing articles for the Wildcat, you might catch her chasing her dream of a career in medicine – whether its spending afternoons volunteering at a senior health clinic, frantically cramming for the USA Biology Olympiad, or contributing as an avid board member of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) program and the BOHS Red Cross Chapter. In between her many commitments, you can catch her bouldering at the gym, working on her latest crochet project, or envisioning her future in her Notes app at 2 a.m. For the next few years, expect her to enjoy every bit of high school life, from joining new clubs to making lasting friendships and discovering what she loves along the way.

Zoey Szary, Staff Writer

Zoey Szary (‘28) is a staff writer for the Wildcat. She is a member of the cross country, water polo, swimming, and track teams. She is also a member of Midvalley Waterpolo Club’s 16’s and 18’s teams. Zoey likes to compete and hopes to play water polo in college. Outside of class, she enjoys eating, spending time with her family, and playing with her two cats.

Issabella Garcia, Photo Editor

Issabella Garcia (’27) is thrilled for her third year being on the Wildcat staff. As Co-Photo Editor, she is passionate about visual storytelling and committed to leading the photography team with creativity, collaboration, and a focus on developing their skills. Beyond her passion for photography, Issabella is deeply involved in her community and school. She’s a proud member of the National Honor Society (NHS), serves as a board member for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and holds the position of secretary on the Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.) at her local library. She competes in both cross country and softball at the varsity level, showcasing her dedication and athleticism across multiple sports. Additionally, during the summer, Issabella volunteers as a Counselor in Training (C.I.T.) at a summer camp for children in elementary school. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, taking walks, and discovering new TV shows. Looking ahead, Issabella plans to remain engaged in athletics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. After graduation, Issabella plans to pursue studies in psychology with the goal of becoming a developmental psychologist, helping young people navigate emotional and developmental challenges.

Rio Zamora, Photographer

Rio Zamora (’28) is excited to join the Wildcat as a photographer. He hopes to hook the viewers with his photography skills and creativity. Rio is the owner of his sports photography page on Instagram (@shotzbyrio), where he captures the moment in all of your favorite sports. You can also catch him balling out on the soccer pitch or just having a laugh in the quad with his friends. As a sophomore, Rio is focused on improving his photography skills tremendously this year and getting A’s in all of his classes. He’s also eager to meet new people and make some more lifelong friends.