The end of the semester signifies the start of several exciting milestones. Spring sports teams have begun preseason preparations for another great year of athletic achievement. This year will look slightly different as Western completed its jump to Class 4A, meaning postseason opponents will be new. Despite this change, with the talent spread across all teams at WAHS, we’re all looking forward to another year of outstanding Spring Athletics.

Baseball 

Western Baseball will be looking to improve on their 9-3 regular-season record and loss in the regional semifinal.  Head coach Skip Hudgins has a talented group of athletes to utilize this spring, including District Player of the Year James Meenan and Pitcher of the year Ben Winslow. Rounding out the list of impact players are seniors Isaac Sumpter, Michael Holzwarth, Andrew Barrese, Nate Titus, Cooper Nelson, Joey Burch, Brendan Quigley, Ross Hardy, Luke Craytor, and Austin Zimmerman.“We expect each one of these young men to have a great year,” Hudgins said. 

Girls Lacrosse 

After finishing last year with a perfect 8-0-0 but falling to Dominion High School in the State Championship game, girls lacrosse will look to rebound after the loss of multiple  D1 commits. Seniors Mallory Greene and Sophie Lanahan and junior Kennedy Buntrock are among the many talented players returning to Western this season. Buntrock is excited to get started. “We need to work hard in order to build a foundation of trust within the team,” she said. Although the team will face an uphill battle back to the state championship, this talented group has the attitude and skill to propel the team to lofty heights.

Outdoor Track Girls 

With Jenna Stutzman winning the 1600m run and the 800m, Abby Huemme placing fifth in the 400m, and WAHS getting fourth the girls 4x400m and first in the 4x800m, the Western’s girls outdoor track team has proven they are a force to be reckoned with. But unfortunately, this outstanding performance wasn’t enough to give them the win in last year’s states, finishing in third with 56 points. But this definitely has not broken western’s spirit. New teammate Sadie Adams is ready to face the competition, running 3:20.92 on her latest 1000m race, the fastest time in the state for a freshman.

Outdoor Track Boys 

The boys’ outdoor track team wishes to continue their streak, winning first place in states last year with the help of runners Henry Sullivan, who won the 100m hurdle and got second in the 300m hurdle. Owen Shifflett placed fourth in the 1600m and second in the 3200, Jonathan Kumer placed second in the 800m. Though losing a few seniors, the team will continue to push themselves in hopes of another victory this summer. 

Girls Tennis 

A triumphant season last year saw girl’s tennis bring home a perfect regular-season record, and both the 3A Region and State Championship. After the success of the prior year, the standard has been set. Seniors Austin Winslow, and Grace Nolasco, the two top-seeded players on the Western team, will lead the way as girls tennis seeks to attain sequential state titles this Spring.

Softball 

Softball faced a tough year in 2020-21, finishing 2-8 and failing to qualify for the postseason. However, despite the tough season, highlights included completing the season sweep of Albemarle winning 17-4 in their first matchup and 14-11 in their second. This year, seniors Macy Miller, Emma Shifflett, and all-district outfielder Hannah Varner will provide an invaluable veteran presence for the Warriors as they compete for a chance at the postseason.

Boy’s Soccer

Boys’ soccer saw exceptional success in the regular season finishing 9-1-0 last spring. Unfortunately, their season ended in heartbreaking fashion at the hands of Spotswood in the Regional Final. Sam Vigilante, Will Graham, Embry Pulich, Gavin Harris, Keaton Gumlock, and William Reifenberger make up a talented senior class that will likely lead the Warriors back to the postseason this spring. Despite the loss of ten graduates, head coach Milo Oakland has no shortage of talent, and Western will likely remain a competitive squad. 

Girls Soccer

Coming off a season that saw the team lift their fourth straight state title, the girl’s soccer team will look to continue its streak of dominance this coming Spring. Despite the loss of seven seniors, a strong core remains in the form of returning seniors Nikki Bilchick, Cat Domecq, Kayleigh Long,  and Gabi Andres. Although last year was an unequivocal success, the team will look to avenge their results against crosstown rival Albemarle High School after facing a 3-0 defeat to end their regular season.