As spring begins, our school’s athletes bring heat and excitement to the new season. Tennis, soccer, softball, and baseball players are gearing up to compete. From swinging bats to using racquets and kicking soccer balls, and trading winter routines for practices, these athletes are ready to show their pride in our school. This new season marks major milestones for some teams as they enter a new district with new competition.
“We are in a new district with better players. We also have more players to achieve our end-of-season goal,” Annabelle Rusinek (10) said.
As Ruisnek reflects on the new changes to this upcoming season, she also develops more confidence in her teammates and coaches. Joining a new district, our softball team faces bigger and brighter competition and challenges. Rusinek puts her full trust in her teammates and coaches to start and end their season strong. As softball and baseball are only days away, with scrimmages starting, the student-athletes are getting in the zone for the season.
“So, the first thing would be the pace at play. Basketball is faster, baseball is slower, and it works on fundamentals. One thing that is also hard is that you get no break in between,” Hunter Click (12) said.
Click is preparing to make the switch between basketball and baseball; the transition has mental and physical setbacks for a player. As basketball season ends, he is focusing on finishing the season strong to bring the momentum into baseball. Meanwhile, freshman Griffin Lanham prepares for his first season playing soccer.
“Probably just meeting new people and getting to know my teammates. Also trying to be more confident in my game and stay out of my head,” Griffin Lanham (9) said.
Lanham is ready to show up for his teammates during his first season playing soccer at the high school. Mentally and physically preparing for the challenges that come with being a student athlete. From kicking balls to swinging racquets, nothing stops our student athletes. As Lanham prepares, another student is also getting ready for the challenges that come with playing tennis.
“The scoring, because it is weird, when we practice, we don’t have to serve. It isn’t my best skill,” London Lyles (10) said.
Every athlete faces challenges in their sport, but Lyles is ready to tackle anything that comes at her. With perseverance and strength, Lyles tackles this new season through her love of tennis, while sharing her favorite moments with her teammates from last season and preparing for the next.
“I’m most excited for the snacks she gets us, and the Lululemon uniforms because they are so cute,” London Lyles (10) said.
As Lyles reflects on what has brought her joy through her sport, it shows other athletes her panther pride. Each athlete from each sport brings new heat, new competition, and new pride for our school. Underclassman or upperclassman, every athlete is ready to show their competition what they’re made of. With the combinations of each sport and panther pride, each student-athlete shows their determination on the field or court, and every student is ready to support and watch.
