Starting the week of Sept. 19, the chess team will begin its annual participation in the fall Santa Clara Valley Chess League, designed specifically for high schools throughout the Bay Area. This year the team members will use the league as an opportunity to encourage incoming freshmen and sophomores to contribute more to the team.

“I am trying to pull more underclassmen into these matches to support our team in the future,” Chess club president Evan Ye said. “Personally, I hope to see both freshmen and sophomores taking up a larger role in both practicing chess and leadership.”

The team won six straight state championship titles until it took second place to Mission San Jose High School in the state tournament last May. The team now hopes to re-establish itself at the league, county and state levels. But perhaps the most important goal for the year is that members will focus their efforts building a new, strong foundation for the team to continue to thrive despite the loss of three dominant players who are graduating this June.

Anticipating the loss of seniors Ye, Sankash Shankar and Brian Wai, the team is now looking for new members. The members have hopes that newcomers can make a positive impact.

“Playing with our team is special because the competition binds us together emotionally. Even though we play individual matches, we compete as a team. Each competition is a mental adventure we all share,” Ye said.

The team holds lunch meetings on Monday in room 107 and has supplemental meetings on Friday at lunch for anyone who cannot attend the Monday meetings. Any students who enjoy chess are welcome to join the team and practice their skills during the lunch meetings.