This basketball season marked a major turning point for the program as the team delivered one of its strongest performances in years. Varsity finished with an impressive 15-3 record, proving the team’s dominance throughout both preseason and league play. Their only losses came against Pinewood HS and Woodside Priory HS. These competitive matchups tested the team’s resilience and highlighted areas for growth. Despite these setbacks, the players consistently bounced back with focus and determination.
A highlight of the season was the team’s success in the league, where they performed exceptionally well and established themselves as a serious contender. Their preseason also set the tone, as the team went undefeated and quickly built chemistry and confidence on the court. A standout moment came when the team travelled to Santa Cruz for a series of games and returned undefeated, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Varsity basketball player and senior Lizzie Johnson reflected on the season.
“Our biggest highlight this season is our amazing performance in league and how we went undefeated in the preseason,” said Johnson. “It’s probably the best that our team has been in a long time. We have grown closer as a team as we have this season by having team dinners every Thursday, and we had Friendsgiving and even a Christmas secret Santa party.”
While the season was filled with major success, there were still areas identified for improvement, just like any sport. A few technical aspects were noted as lowlights. However, these were recognized as manageable adjustments that can be easily addressed moving forward.
Overall, this season was a reflection of hard work, discipline and teamwork. With the progress this year and small refinements ahead, the team has set an incredibly strong foundation and raised expectations for the future seasons to come. This season showcased the program’s growth, chemistry and competitive edge. With confidence built through league successes and strong team culture, the players have set a new standard, leaving momentum and high expectations heading into future seasons for the program.
Soccer has taken off this season with 20 outstanding players putting in effort and hard work. The team began practice on Monday, Nov. 10 and opened preseason play with a scrimmage against Burlingame HS on Thursday, Nov. 20. With new players and captains, the team adapted with working to stay consistent. After eight preseason games, they found their rhythm and played as a unit. League play began Friday, Jan. 2 and is still in progress as of this writing.
“One of our biggest highlights was performing really well in the Grass Valley tournament at the beginning of the season,” said varsity soccer player and senior Nelly Hickson.
Hickson added, “My team has grown a lot throughout the season because … in every game, we are improving at a new thing and becoming a more bonded team, both on and off the field. One of our biggest challenges was learning to play as an entirely new team with 11 freshmen.”
As the season comes to a close, the team can look back on months of steady growth, resilience and commitment. From their first practice in November to the final league matches, players showed improvement not only in skill, but also in teamwork and communication. Each win reflected their hard work, while losses provided lessons that helped them regroup and improve. Finishing second in their tournament was a major highlight and demonstrated the team’s potential when they played with confidence and unity. As the program advances next year, the foundation built this year sets a strong tone for future seasons and continued successes on the field.
Overall, with 11 new freshmen, this soccer season has adapted quickly. With many games and tournaments, they have learned to work together and fight as a team. As they look ahead, the experience and chemistry built this season will help set the team up for continued success in the years to come. With a season defined by growth, adaptability and teamwork, this group has laid a solid foundation that will carry the soccer program forward. These athletes look forward to continuing their soccer careers in either high school or college.
Wrestling has continued to grow this season, as a small, but determined team of five athletes who take on a demanding schedule. This team currently sits at 11-12 in WCAL dual meet competitions, a result largely influenced by roster size. With 14 weight classes in a dual meet and only five wrestlers, the team often faces automatic forfeits, putting them at a disadvantage before matches even begin. Despite this challenge, the athletes have remained committed and competitive throughout the season.
In addition, the team has competed in five individual tournaments, including the Bristow Brawl, the Dennis Solis Invitational, the Brittany David Invitational, the Colt Stampede and the MidCal Classic. These tournaments have provided valuable mat time and experience against a wide range of opponents, helping each wrestler develop confidence and skill in a sport that is still new to many of them. Coach Jeff Sereni highlighted the team’s progresses this season, emphasizing both individual success and overall growth.
“Every single lady has posted a win and a pin this season and continues to make strides in a very demanding and new sport for all of them,” said Sereni. “Having three returning wrestlers from last season’s inaugural team: senior Cat Dorf, junior Taylor Hom and sophomore Kathy Dinger. Gaining two first-time wrestlers: sophomore Sophia Jubb and freshman Giuliana Malaspina.”
Despite their progress, the team faced several challenges this year. A late-season knee injury sidelined Sophia Jubb, temporarily setting back her progress as she recovers. The team remains hopeful she will return in time for league finals. Sereni mentioned, “Having Sophia Jubb sustaining a late-season knee injury and setting back her progress a bit, while she recovers, we are hoping to have her back on the mat for our league finals.”
Another difficult moment came with the loss of senior Cat Dorf at the end of the season due to graduation. As a team leader and one of the most experienced wrestlers, her departure marked an emotional transition.
This season has been defined by perseverance, growth and resilience, as the team supported one another and built a strong foundation for the future of the program.
