This feature originally appeared in the 2020-21 Winter edition of the Cal Sports Quarterly. The Cal Athletics flagship magazine features long-form sports journalism at its finest and provides in-depth coverage of the scholar-athlete experience in Berkeley. Printed copies are mailed four times a year to Bear Backers who give annually at the Bear Club level (currently $600 or more). For more information on how you can receive a printed version of the Cal Sports Quarterly at home, send an email to CalAthleticsFund@berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-2427.



Sophomore Will Lavanakul found his passion for computer science through hands-on experience at Dublin High School.
 
Towards the end of his junior year, his school hosted an engineering competition, and Lavanakul's group finished second in the contest, submitting a program that summarized YouTube videos into notes.
 
"I was super motivated to really put my all into the project," Lavanakul said. "It was then where I knew that computer science was the field that I wanted to go into. That project is the one I'm most proud of. Not necessarily because of the technicality of the project or the achievement of placing high, but because it stands as the beginning point for where my interest in the subject began."
 
His passion for computer science was a key component in his decision to commit to the Cal's men's gymnastics program.
 
In addition to his dedication to gymnastics, Lavanakul donates his time as a volunteer with Cal's Athletic Study Center (ASC), tutoring fellow student-athletes with their introductory computer science classes.
 
"In only one year on the team, Will has shown tremendous initiative and insight in the gym," men's gymnastics head coach JT Okada said. "This type of leadership and proactivity has extended into how Will approaches academics. As a tutor, Will attempts to help others just as he does in the gym. A true team player, Will is not one to boast or brag, yet he displays a quiet confidence in himself and simply puts in the work. Although these are tremendous attributes and accomplishments, I believe this is just the start for Will and expect he will excel much further in gymnastics, academics and his future career."
 
Lavanakul enjoys working closely with other student-athletes to broaden their scope in the subject and help them understand computer science better. His goal at the ASC is to show his fellow Bears how interesting and fun the subject matter can be.
 
"People often shy away from computer science as it can get difficult and confusing," Lavanakul said. "I care a lot about their experience in these classes as it's often the first experience they've had with programming."
 
The leadership at the study center has taken notice and appreciates his expertise. Tony Mirabelli, the ASC's assistant director of academic support, credits Lavanakul with effortlessly shifting sound academic practices to a remote learning environment.
 
"Will began tutoring for us this fall in STEM-related coursework, but has already demonstrated the requisite acumen to be an effective tutor, particularly during training seminars where Will's contributions reflect a depth and thoughtfulness that rivals even professional educators with multiple degrees," Mirabelli said. "Will understands how to motivate and engage his fellow student-athletes, and how to promote the skills, disciplines and practices of being a high achieving student-athlete at a Division I elite academically competitive institution."
 
Currently working on a new project, although it's too early in the planning stages to reveal details, Lavanakul hopes to explore areas such as theoretical computer science, security and graphics.
 
Interested in the research side of the discipline, Lavanakul hopes to push the boundaries and brand new concepts as he continues his own studies, tutoring and helping his teammates on the mats.