After an incredibly successful winter season at Woodgrove, the focus is shifting towards the various spring sports. The athletic department offers many spring sports including baseball, softball, track and field, lacrosse, tennis, and soccer. Considering the amazing winter season that our athletes have given us, it is likely that we will be one of the top schools in the county, and maybe even the state for the spring season as well.
A popular sport that Woodgrove offers is Girls Lacrosse. Coach Taylor Saville-Sears has high hopes for this season, explaining, “We as a team have many talented seniors that have been with us since the beginning, and it is likely they are going to bring our team far up the ranks.” Senior Riley Evans, who has been on the team for all of her high school career, shares this sentiment, stating, “Once we get used to playing with each other again, we will be able to do great things.” Both the coach and the players advise new athletes trying the sport to condition very well, and to practice outside of school. Since last year, they have lost our seniors who played a very important role on the lacrosse team, however Saville adds, “I am optimistic that we have a group of girls that are ready to take their place.”
Another staple at Woodgrove is Track and Field. Senior Kale Haaland, who has been on the track team since his freshman year, is fired up for this season, expressing, “We have strong individuals that are running this season, and they are going to make sure this will be an amazing year!” Coach Kent Staneart agrees with this statement adding, “Our athletes just may be as good as last year’s, and are great at many things.” Haaland advises teammates, “Don’t give up! Sometimes you may feel that you are not getting better, but keep pushing and trying and soon greatness will come.”
Baseball is a classic spring sport that is offered at Woodgrove. Coach Russel Smith is expecting a good season, stating, “I have high expectations that we will have a great year; We have a number of older guys that have been in the program for a while, and younger guys that have a lot of potential.” He further added, “Fifty percent of our pitchers have returned, as well as our four best hitters.” The goal of this year’s athletes and coaches is to be the district champs. Smith explains, “It is up to the players and coaches to step up to the plate and get us there.” Smith really empathizes that it is a sport that should be taken seriously, instead of having a fun time. “In order to be great players, you have to stay focused,” Smith expressed.
Practices are two hours a day for six days a week, so new players should be prepared to work hard.
Even though Woodgrove has lost many of last year’s talented athletes, both players and coaches alike are ready to pick up where they left off to give Woodgrove the amazing last season of the year that it deserves.
