Senior Nikolaus Yamamoto’s four-year journey at BOHS has been influenced by a lot of factors, but one of the most motivating is his curiosity; curiosity about sports, public service, medicine, and most of all, the world around him.

Yamamoto’s curiosity about medicine, for example, led to his participation in BOHS’s medical programs, including competing with Future Health Professionals (HOSA), interning for the Athletic Training Internship program, and serving as co-president of the National Honor Society of Sports Medicine chapter (NHSSM). On April 3, Yamamoto was recognized as the Orange County Department of Education’s Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Student of the Year.

Yamamoto’s volunteering with the American Red Cross club was motivated by altruism. As vice president of the club, Yamamoto helped organize blood drives, created cards for veterans, and participated in Sound the Alarm, an event that installs smoke alarms to promote fire safety. 

The senior’s fascination with soccer — he’s been competing since he was six-years old — led to a slew of successes on the pitch. Along with serving as boys’ varsity soccer captain for three years, he earned accolades such as First Team All-Freeway League, Freeway League MVP, Wildcats Team MVP, a Man of the Match Award, and All-CIF Southern Section Division1.

As reward for this lifetime of curiosity, leadership, community service, and athletics, Yamamoto was named as one of six valedictorians.   

The Wildcat spoke with the multi-faceted senior to gain insight into the busy life of one of BOHS’s most accomplished student-athletes.

The Wildcat: What aspects in your childhood have shaped you into the student–athlete you are today?

Nikolaus Yamamoto: Two major aspects of my childhood that shaped me into the person I am today are my curious nature and my siblings. From early on, I was always curious about everything, and I remember asking my parents question after question trying to learn more about the world. My parents supported my curiosity, and bought me books and showed me videos about science and history and everything in between. By encouraging me to continue learning and always stay curious, they allowed me to become the student I am today. However, I don’t know if I’d be as motivated as I am without my siblings, specifically my older brother. He was one of the Valedictorians for the Class of 2024 at [BOHS], but beyond that, he’s always been someone I look up to and aspire to be like. I’m naturally very competitive as well, and having my older brother as someone to compete with has pushed me to become a better student and athlete. 

W: How have BOHS staff – from teachers to coaches – supported your journey as a student and athlete?

Yamamoto: In everything I do at BOHS, the staff has cultivated an environment where I feel supported, challenged, and confident to learn and grow. In class, I’ve felt the freedom to be inquisitive without the fear of judgment or ridicule. Whenever I’ve struggled with certain topics or ideas, my teachers have always been willing to take the time to help me understand completely. In athletics, my coaches, specifically Coach [JP Wilson], have trusted in my abilities to lead and create a competitive team environment, and in doing so helped me grow as a leader tenfold. 

W: What does your typical daily routine look like when you are in season?

Yamamoto: In season, I’ll wake up anytime from 6 to 7 a.m. depending on if I have homework I was unable to finish the night before. I’ll try to eat something in the morning, then I head to school. This year I had periods one through five, so after my classes, I would go to practice, which would end around 4:30 p.m. On a day when I’m interning, I’d change in my car and go to my shift until eight, helping out at various sports or aiding athletes in the athletic training room. If it’s a game day, I wouldn’t have practice so I’d get something to eat for lunch and go to the game. Depending on the start time, the game would end by seven or eight. After either situation, I’d go home, shower, eat, and then hopefully start my homework by 9:30 p.m. I go to bed right after I finish my homework, and if I have a lot, I’ll sleep by 12 p.m. and wake up early to finish the rest. Usually, I can make it in bed by 11p.m.

W: How do you balance sports with your school workload?

Yamamoto: I’m able to balance sports with my school workload because each activity is a break from the other. When I’m at soccer practice, it allows my mind to rest and recharge while I work out my body. When I am doing schoolwork, it gives my body time to rest while I exercise my mind.

W: Who is your biggest supporter?

Yamamoto: While I have so many loving supporters, I think my biggest is my mom. No matter how busy she is, she always makes time to help me with everything and anything I need. She smothers me with encouragement whenever I’m feeling down, and always gives much-needed advice. Without her support, none of my achievements would have been possible.”

W: What is your role in NHSSM, and what responsibilities does that entail?

Yamamoto: In the National Honors Society of Sports Medicine, I am the co-president of the BOHS chapter. This year, my fellow co-president and I decided to completely revamp the meeting structure and function of the club, aiming to better prepare our members for our annual AACI Sports Medicine competition. Thus, my roles this year included general president roles (leading meetings, organizing activities, communicating with our advisor, etc.) as well as teaching various sports medicine topics to members of the club. When it came time for our competition, I facilitated team member selections (only 9 of the 30+ club members get to compete). Alongside my leadership role, I also competed with our team at the AACI Sports Medicine competition, where I am proud to say we placed fourth out of over 40 other schools.

W: How many Advanced Placement (AP) classes have you taken and what motivated you to tackle that course load?

Yamamoto: I’ve taken 13 AP classes, and two things motivated me to tackle that course load are my desire to challenge myself and my curiosity.

W: What college do you plan on attending and what do you hope to study?

Yamamoto: I plan on attending UCLA, and I hope to study biology with the intention of pursuing a career in healthcare.