As spring sports season kicks off, the focus is on teamwork, perseverance, and setting ambitious goals. Local athletes are ready to shine on the field and track. They share their expectations, training regimens, and the bonds they are forming with each other.
Soccer Spotlight: Isla Eaton (11th) and Grace Garza (10th). Isla Eaton, a junior on the varsity soccer team, emphasizes the importance of chemistry within her new team. “There are no expectations,” she reflects, “because it’s a new group, but we are a good group that will work well together.” Preseason practices and a team retreat have been instrumental in building camaraderie. Isla is determined to succeed this season through teamwork, hard work, and effective communication on and off the field. She identifies the main challenges as differing playing styles and the need for everyone to familiarize themselves with one another. Must-watch matches include their showdowns against Rampart, and Isla encourages her teammates to maintain a positive mindset, reminding them to “lift their heads when they lower it.”
Grace Garza, a sophomore who played varsity soccer as a freshman, echoes Isla’s sentiments regarding team chemistry. She hopes to see her team advance far in the playoffs, aiming to win the league. Grace highlights the significance of the preseason, where coaches have diligently worked to improve their skills and methods of play. For her, the social aspects of being on the team are equally rewarding, describing it as a sisterhood forged through teamwork and school spirit. However, she acknowledges a challenge in communication that the team must overcome. The upcoming game between Pine Creek and Rampart is one to watch, as both teams are known competitors, and Grace reminds her teammates of the importance of support and positivity, both on and off the field. Track Stars: Jens Jorgensen, Evelyn Jeffers, and Tucker Campbell
On the track, varsity runners are equally motivated. Sophomore Jens Jorgensen anticipates a competitive season for his team, aiming to qualify for state. He emphasizes the rigorous offseason training that has honed their conditioning and prepared them for the intensity of upcoming meets. Jens acknowledges that some weeks will be challenging, yet he believes in maintaining focus and composure to push through tough workouts.
Fellow sophomore Evelyn Jeffers aims to foster a friendly atmosphere while demonstrating good sportsmanship. Her offseason commitment to indoor track training helped her transition smoothly into the current season. For Evelyn, the goal is clear: winning her meets. Her typical training days are filled with high-intensity sprints and weight training, helping her adopt a strong mentality to overcome challenges.
Tucker Campbell, another talented sophomore, shares similar aspirations, with a focus on making it to state. His offseason efforts centered on weight training and plyometrics to develop quick-twitch muscle fibers necessary for sprinting success. As the season progresses, Tucker aims for steady improvement and aims to place in the top five during his competitions. To prepare for rival teams, he emphasizes the importance of being fully focused and giving his all during races.
As these determined athletes step into a new season, they underscore the value of teamwork, communication, and personal goals. With their sights set on achieving success, they remind us all of the spirit of sportsmanship and the bonds formed through shared pursuits. Whether on the soccer field or the track, it’s clear that this group of young athletes is ready to make their mark this season.
