El Camino Real athletics had two significant milestones to commemorate this fall, and both were orchestrated by Mia Beardsley. Beardsley turned the aspirations of numerous high school athletes, who aim for a CIF championship, into reality. She not only secured two CIF L.A. City Section championships but did so in two distinct sports—tennis and flag […]
El Camino Real athletics had two significant milestones to commemorate this fall, and both were orchestrated by Mia Beardsley.
Beardsley turned the aspirations of numerous high school athletes, who aim for a CIF championship, into reality. She not only secured two CIF L.A. City Section championships but did so in two distinct sports—tennis and flag football—within the same season.
Achieving success in doubles
Tennis was Beardsley’s initial passion. She learned the sport at an early age from her mother.
As time progressed into high school, she quickly claimed the title of No. 1 singles player for the Royals during her freshman year. This season marked Beardsley’s fourth and final year on the team, concluding with an impressive 8-1 record (7-1 singles, 1-0 doubles).
Despite her remarkable record and experience, Beardsley graciously accepted a supporting role following the arrival of freshman star Bailey Perry, who took the No. 1 singles position for ECR this season.
However, just before the City individual tournament commenced, she expressed to Royals girls tennis head coach Jason Grider her desire to team up in doubles with Perry.
“Recognizing Bailey’s talent, I couldn’t pass up the chance to play alongside her,” Beardsley remarked. “It ended up being a fantastic decision.”
The duo worked seamlessly together and clinched the City doubles title on Nov. 21, marking Beardsley’s inaugural City tennis championship.
Her choice to compete in doubles was unsurprising to anyone familiar with Beardsley’s competitive nature.
“Mia is a generational talent,” noted Grider. “Her athleticism is unrivaled compared to anyone I’ve encountered… She’s an exceptional athlete, an outstanding leader, and is genuinely respected as a generational player.”
“When I assumed the coaching role last season,” Grider continued, “Mia was my indispensable support. She was the liaison, effectively communicating with the team, who responded positively to her. She made coaching straightforward and has the capability to excel at any level.”
Transitioning from the court to the field
Beardsley’s athletic prowess—stemming from her agility developed in tennis to her skills in catching from softball—enabled her to swiftly establish herself as a force in flag football.
She was among the ECR athletes who suggested the formation of a flag football team to the school’s athletic director.
“I believed there was no better sport for an athlete to engage in,” Beardsley stated regarding the initiation of a flag football program at the school. “I knew many athletic girls, so I thought if we could assemble a solid group from various sports, we would excel, and that’s precisely what transpired. I attended tryouts, caught my first ball, and it was an exhilarating experience.”
This year marked Beardsley’s initial foray into the sport, as she fully committed while continuing her tennis matches this fall.
“If you aspire to build a program, Mia is the person you would want on your team,” remarked Royals flag football head coach Rick Hayashida.
“Her athleticism is impressive, but it’s her competitiveness that distinguishes her. This trait shines not only in games but in practices and everything she undertakes. She embodies a highly competitive spirit that as a coach you wish every player possessed. We were fortunate to have her since tennis is her primary passion; she has since developed a love for football.”
The Royals’ girls flag football program secured an L.A. City Section championship on Nov. 25 by triumphing over Cleveland with a score of 26-0.
While most athletes aspire to achieve one title, Beardsley accomplished two within a week.
This was a landmark achievement for Beardsley, and her complete potential is still unfolding. Currently, she is still contemplating her college options.
“The key is having the desire and determination,” Beardsley stated. “If you are passionate about your pursuits, nothing can impede your progress. Even when I felt anxious, I would look in the mirror and remind myself that this is my life’s work, something I love deeply. Then, nothing could obstruct my path.”
