For MiraCosta College students Sascha Shapiro and Analiyah Castillo, music isn’t just something they do, it’s who they are. Now, they’re getting the opportunity of a lifetime, stepping onto the big stage to sing the national anthem in front of thousands of fans at the first-ever MiraCosta Nights at Frontwave Arena.

Shapiro will perform on Wednesday, March 5 before the San Diego Sockers take on the Empire Strykers, while Castillo will take the mic on Friday, March 14 ahead of the San Diego Clippers' game against Mexico City. For both students, this moment represents years of dedication, passion, and courage to pursue what they love.

Shapiro has been singing since she was eight years old. She picked up the guitar, joined cover bands, and performed across North San Diego and Riverside County, but she never imagined her journey would bring her here. When she first enrolled at MiraCosta in 2020, it wasn’t even for music, it was to earn a yoga teaching certificate. But music kept calling her back. She changed course, is now working toward an associate degree in Voice and Performance, and has flourished under the mentorship of MiraCosta’s music instructors. When one of her professors encouraged her to audition for MiraCosta Nights, she jumped at the chance.

For Castillo, the decision to audition came at a deeply emotional moment. She had just returned from the funeral of her close friend, Ethan Ramos, when she saw an Instagram post about the opportunity. He had always encouraged her to go for things, to take chances, and she knew what he would have told her to do. Inspired by his memory, she submitted her audition tape and was selected. A theater major, Castillo has been singing for as long as she can remember, growing up in a home filled with music. She graduated from Rancho Buena Vista High School last year and is exploring different career paths while soaking up everything MiraCosta has to offer. Last fall, she took the stage in MiraCosta’s bilingual production of Our Town and has found the college to be a welcoming place to grow as a performer and as a person.

Both students are ready to step onto that arena floor, not just to sing, but to represent their college, their journeys, and the power of believing in yourself.

Now, it’s your turn to support them.

MiraCosta Nights isn’t just about the game, it’s about celebrating our students, our community, and our Spartan pride. Exclusive MiraCosta x SD Sockers|SD Clippers swag are available for the first ticket buyers.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic event. Special group ticket pricing is available, so grab your friends, family, or colleagues and make it a night to remember.

Buy your tickets today and be there to cheer on Sascha, Analiyah, and the entire MiraCosta community!

For more info, contact France Magtira-Cruz at fcruz@miracosta.edu or call 760.795.6857.