The gavel hasn’t dropped yet, but Campolindo’s Mock Trial team is already simmering with excitement. It’s murder trial year. This year’s fictional case centers around a deadly reality cooking show.
For the team, it’s the perfect stage for sharpening arguments, bold public speaking, and finding success in the courtroom.
Already, Captains senior Cassidy Woo and junior Mia Beraudo are excited for the upcoming year. Woo believes this year’s team dynamic will be strong with a better balance between the veterans and rookies. “We have more understudies, and also we have a better mix of upperclassmen and lowerclassmen.” Beraudo agrees that this year feels different. “We’ve had the most auditions we’ve ever had in the club’s history,” she said.
The surge in interest has forced the captains to dedicate additional hours to ensure everyone gets a fair audition. But Beraudo says the recruits are already showing promise. “These new recruits are looking really strong, and I know that it’s a possibility that we can make it to State this year.”
This year, many returners are stepping into familiar roles, allowing the team to form last year’s foundation. “A lot of us are refining our skills from last year,” Beraudo said. “We already have that drive–that’s what it takes to make State.” Both Beraudo and Woo recognize the importance of preparation as the key to success. Starting earlier, with extended practice times, the team hopes to optimize their time in order to prepare their rookies in the preseason. “We’re just making sure that for the newcomers, we’re going over the basics, and for the returners, they’re really fostering a family within the club.”
Beraudo has high hopes for the season, “I expect us to do really well,” she said. The team is implementing new systems within their program to foster long-term success. “We want to make sure that next year we continue progressing, instead of having to do another rebuilding year,” she explained. One goal the captains have for the team is to get everyone in the courtroom. Beraudo hopes that all the newcomers get a chance to go into trial to make sure they get to practice their public speaking skills. “I was able to do that my freshman year and I think that’s what set me up for success in this club,” she added.
But the team’s journey to state is not without its challenges. Both Captains agree that California High School will be their greatest competitors. “They win it almost every year,” Woo said. Despite this, as Campolindo Mock Trial dives into the season, with strengthened leadership, a deeper roster, and the drive to get to State, win or lose, one thing is certain: this team has what it takes. Through focus and preparation, they’re ready to turn hard work into results when it matters most.
