The Cycling Team is powered by more than just gears, it’s driven by the thoughtful leadership of co-captain David Porto ’26. Together with his co-captain Emily Wu ’25, they’ve fostered a team identity rooted in support, connection, and helping athletes of all experience levels thrive.
For Porto, stepping into a leadership role didn’t come out of nowhere, it came from the influence of the captains before him.
“There wasn’t this dramatic moment where I thought, ‘I want to lead,’ it just came from seeing how much those older riders cared. People like Yasmine Tazi [’24] made the team feel like a family, not just a group of athletes. Now, I try to do that, checking in with people, staying after to help out, making sure no one feels left behind,” said Porto.
Whether he’s chatting during warm-ups or helping a teammate catch back up to the pack during a group ride, Porto’s leadership is grounded in steady, small moments that build trust. He believes it’s these quiet connections that hold the team together, especially on long rides where silence can kill the mood. Frank Hu ’26, a returning rider, said Porto’s guidance is especially noticeable on race days, when nerves run high.
“David is the kind of person who notices when someone looks unsure and steps in without making a big deal. Before a time trial, he’ll walk you through the course and make sure you know the plan. And during the race, he doesn’t crack under pressure. I was chasing him down today, and instead of panicking, he kicked into another gear. That energy’s contagious,” said Hu.
While Porto’s leadership leans towards a technical and composed approach, Emily brings warmth and ease, allowing the co-captains to lead dynamically and work effectively as a pair of leaders.
Because the team often splits into groups for outdoor rides, the co-captains divide and conquer. One leads a group tackling longer climbs while the other manages pacing on flatter routes, ensuring all riders, from seasoned racers to first-timers, get individual attention. Jasjit Hargun ’27 remembers feeling intimidated at first but says the captains made all the difference.
“David was the first upperclassman I noticed. He worked like a varsity athlete, super serious, focused, intense, but then he cracked a joke and made the whole ride feel lighter. And Emily made me feel like I’d been on the team forever. She checked in every day, remembered details from conversations, it really helped me settle in,” said Hargun.
The captains act as crucial bridges between the riders and the coaching staff, helping advocate for their teammates’ well-being. Hargun spoke about how the captains were able to discuss training with the coaches on the team’s behalf.
“At the start of the season, some of us were struggling with how hard the training was. We talked to the captains, and they passed it onto the coaches. Since then, we’ve had more check-ins, and people are feeling heard. That kind of leadership really matters,” said Hargun.
Now, with championship races looming, Porto hopes to bring home results, but more importantly, to leave a legacy if that be from the race itself or the friends made because of it.
“I want us to win Boys B this year—that’s a big goal. But what matters just as much is that everyone finds something meaningful here, whether that’s the thrill of a sprint or the friendships you make riding side by side. I want people to walk away loving this sport,” said Porto.
