Rising Stars of Sherwood High: Outstanding Story of Dharani Patel and
Stories of hard work, perseverance, and achievements frequently echo through the halls of Sherwood High but sometimes some stars shine brighter illuminating the pathway for many more to come. This time we have not one but two inspiring journeys- Reneeka Gupta and Dharani Patel. Two budding footballers whose exemplary grit and determination have earned them a spot in the national arena.
Both the students have emerged as remarkable footballers and recently represented the Karnataka Football Team at the CISCE Nationals Girls Football Championship 2024 securing an impressive third place. Although they share the same foundation of resilience and unwavering determination along with family support, each of their journey has its unique essence and joy of well-earned success.
From Skates and Neighborhood Fields to the National Stage
Dharani Patel was on a roll before she discovered her love for football. “I started with skating,” she recalls. However, when she moved to a new apartment with her family, an impromptu game with her neighbors set her on a different course. “One day, someone brought a football, and we all joined in. That’s how it all started,” she says.
Reneeka Gupta, was fascinated with football since childhood which she watched as a kid in her neighborhood. “Near my old house, there was an empty field where a group of elderly guys played football daily,” she shares. “They encouraged me to join in, though they often made me the goalkeeper,” she laughs. Being the youngest member and the only girl on the team didn’t deter Reneeka’s love for the game and she kept at it.
Sherwood High served as a catalyst. The school provided both the rising stars with a nurturing ecosystem to raise their passion to new heights. Dharani says she was ‘mesmerized’ by the school’s magnanimous football ground and knew that this was where she wanted to play.
For Reneeka the formal training started at the Bangalore Football Club (BFC) something which she wouldn’t have been able to do without her parents’ support.
The road to Nationals
Making it to the CISCE Nationals was a challenge. Dharani joined Bengaluru Football Club in 2023, training under a very strict routine that pushed her limits. Although she admits that her coach was very tough and the practice sessions were extremely intense, what kept her going was the deep knowledge that not everyone would get this exclusive opportunity. Reneeka didn’t have it easy either. For her balancing her sessions with academics pushed her to a gruelling schedule that involved her waking up at 2 am to study, training for football at 5 am, and then rushing to her school for exams. “It was exhausting, but I never let go of my dream.” says the budding champion.
This undying perseverance was rewarded when both the girls were selected to play for Karnataka at the CISCE Nationals. Dharani has registered the precise moment when she received the good news. “I was half-asleep when my parents woke me up and said, ‘You’ve been selected for nationals.’ It took a while to sink in.” Reneeka remembers she was playing Monopoly with her friends when her mother came in with the exciting piece of news.
The championship which was held in Uttar Pradesh, has been etched in their memory eternally. “The first match was nerve-wracking, but once the game started, everything else faded away,” recalls Dharani. Although the team lost to Maharashtra by a narrow margin, the penalty shoot-out in the semi-finals helped them bounce back in the game to grab third place in the championships.
The Pillar of Family Support
The families of both the stars have been the rock-solid support that they could lean on at all times. Dharani’s mother, Pushpa Patel, a Physical Education instructor at Sherwood High, played a defining role in helping her daughter shape her passion for football. “She used to accompany me to school and watch the games. I told her, ‘I want to play football here,’ and she never doubted me.”
Her father, who works in the aerospace and defense sector, and her older brother, an engineer, have played significant roles too. “My brother used to train with me, running 3 km daily and helping me perfect my passes.”
Reneeka’s parents, Karuna and Gaurav Gupta, who are both engineers say they never pressured her to pursue a specific career path. “We let her choose her passion,” Karuna says. “When she showed interest in football, we ensured she got the best training.”
Despite her parents not being from a football background, they stood by their daughter against all odds unconditionally. “We never marked her based on ranks or trophies. Our only expectation was that she be a good human being first.”
Oscillating Between Academics and Sports
The passion for the game hasn’t been a deterrent for both students in the pursuit of their career aspirations. Dharani aspires to join the Indian Air Force and says that football has taught her the discipline she needs to follow her career and serve her country.
Reneeka hopes to align her love for football together with pursuing biomedical sciences. Driven by her grandfather’s confidence in her she aims to clear the UPSC exams and make him proud one day.
Achieving the intricate balance between studies, training, and personal lives has set a benchmark for all aspiring young sportspersons.
A Message to Young Aspirants
Dharani and Reneeka have an inspiring message for all the young aspirants.
“If you want to pursue something, let it come from within. Don’t do it just because others are doing it. You need passion, dedication, and hard work to succeed.” says Dharani.
While Reneeka shares, “Believe in yourself. Don’t listen to the haters. If you’re passionate and dedicated, you can achieve anything.”
Their parents also have a message for fellow parents.
Karuna & Gaurav Gupta urge parents to trust their children and always support their dreams. They reiterate that education is not defined only by marks but by overall development.
Pushpa Patel believes that sports teaches discipline, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that help in every aspect of life. She encourages parents to motivate their children to discover their true passion without being judgemental.
Dharani Patel and Reneeka Gupta’s journeys remind us that success isn’t always about talent alone. It is a healthy mix of hard work, persistence, and undying support from loved ones.
Sherwood High takes immense pride in their achievements and looks forward to many more milestones in their journey that will continue to inspire many more generations to come.
