Crossing major lines: Athlete of the Week, Alani Lorange

Alani Lorange books it to the end zone, September 2nd, 2026 (Daisy Riley / The Puma Prensa)

By Daisy Riley, Staff Writer

An exceptional safety and wide receiver, sophomore Alani Lorange, on Maria Carrillo High School’s flag football team, has showcased traits of athletic dominance, leadership, and electricity after her outstanding performance at Carrillo’s home game on September 3, 2026. For  Lorange’s hard dedication on and off the field, the Puma Prensa recognizes her as Athlete of the Week for the week of October 4.

The highlight of Lorange’s award-winning week came during a thrilling match against the tough San Marin High School. She scored a game-changing touchdown in the third quarter against the top ranked flag football team. Lorange started flag football in her freshman year, and it boosted her “confidence and friendships.” She is a triple sport student athlete, playing flag football, school basketball, and club soccer, with her favorite part being the “competitive nature” of the games.

She is the definition of a student athlete, consistently proving herself with an impeccable balance of academics, personal responsibilities, and athletics. She shares that she pushes herself to “find extra time for homework, doing it whenever I can.” Lorange doesn't just assist her teammates to the endzone; she is also responsible for watching her brothers and cousins, keeping good grades, and helping her community.

Lorange is the glue that keeps Carrillo's shining sports bond intact, and her teammates sophomores Lola Picard and Ivana Dajalos shout out their teammate as “the goat,” stating that Lorange is “really nice, hopeful, hardworking and never on the bench.” Senior flag football and basketball teammate Savannah Houts kindly said “having her there makes practice, games, and everything easier.” Houts and Lorange have a lot in common, making their connection blossom across athletics, also helping each other in so many ways.

Whether she’s locking down opposing receivers, hauling in insane touchdowns, or prioritizing family and studies, she displays what it means to be a standout student athlete. As the Pumas continue through their season, her leadership on and off the field will undoubtedly keep Maria Carrillo’s flag team in the spotlight.