Varsity Spring Sports Previews: Track & Field, Volleyball, Baseball & Softball

Our boys' volleyball, baseball, softball and track & field teams are primed for the 2018 spring season! Read brief preview capsules on each team below.
SOFTBALL

Team strengths: "Our sportsmanship and respect for one another," coach Shannon Nicholson said. "Our first game was yesterday — and even though we aren't very experienced skill-wise, the girls continued to support each other on the bench. They are cheering for each other when a teammate is at-bat and helping each other with different skills."

Goals for the season: "I just want the girls to improve individually skill-wise," Nicholson said. "I'm not too concerned with our overall record — although wins would be great — but I want to see each of them growing individually and improving upon their skills batting and fielding. Hopefully, they will continue with the program from ninth through twelfth grade. We have a lot of freshmen, so I'd love to see them all four years."    

BOYS' VOLLEYBALL
Team strengths: "Outside of our strong offensive presence, the team is working on running a particular system on defense, which will be the base and driving force behind our wins," coach Chanel Flowers said. "The returning senior core — and their drive to leave the program with a legacy — has created a solid foundation for the younger boys in the program."

Goals for the season: "The team has put nothing on the back burner in terms of the the goals they've set and want to accomplish," Flowers said. "One big goal is to not only make it to state finals but to bring home the crown!"

TRACK & FIELD
Team strengths: "Our throwing — discus and shot put — should be dominant," coach Jam Shakwi said. "Sanaa Shakwi has been the best in our conference and should continue to dominate, along with Emily Madrid, Maya Asante and a few other new girls. I am also most excited by our new skills development, specifically hurdles with (athletic trainer) Ryan Wagner's assistance and both the long and high jump."

Goals for the season: "My goal for the team is two-fold. First, I want to create an environment that is truly track & field-oriented — where students buy into the system," Jam Shakwi said. "Second, I am looking to develop a well-rounded program. We want to be competitive in not just the sprints and/or distance events, but in all disciplines, including the throws, jumps, hurdles and even the steeplechase."

BASEBALL
Team strengths: "I feel like we have a really solid group — freshman through senior year," said senior Stephen Boe, who serves as a team captain alongside Michael Fitzgerald, George Corrigan and Michael Margolis. "A lot of the young guys are stepping up — especially on the mound. We have a couple of sophomores who will be some of our ace pitchers. We also have seniors who have been on the team all four years, like Fitzgerald. He will hold it down as catcher. I think our biggest strength will be an improvement in batting. From the one through nine spot, we have solid hitters all around."

Goals for the season: "I'm looking forward to developing our underclassmen, winning some competitive games and sending our seniors off on a high note," coach Dale Mueller said.


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