The fall of 2023 has been filled with many unforgettable moments and milestones in the world of UHS sports. As the season comes to a close, let’s take a look at some of the accomplishments of fall sports teams and athletes.
Every Friday night, students come together to watch what is widely considered the biggest fall sport of all, boys’ football. Although the team ultimately fell short of their goal of making CIF, they accomplished many amazing feats throughout the season.
Playing through adversity of all kinds and numerous injuries on the team, the Trojans were still able to finish with a 4-6 record, including a three-game win streak at the beginning of the year and a huge victory against the Trojans’ rival, the Woodbridge Warriors. This success marked the first win against the Warriors in 12 years, allowing the graduating seniors and the rest of the team to leave a permanent mark on UHS history.
“It was amazing to be able to do that for the school and for the younger classes,” senior Captain Brooks Beckmann said. “Hopefully, they will be able to carry our legacy on and set a record of their own.”
Senior Blaine Anderson was also given the honor of the Pacific Coast League Specialist MVP, a prestigious award for the best player of multiple positions. He bounced around the field, playing wide receiver, defensive back and even quarterback.
Boys’ Football was not the only football enjoyed by the students of UHS this fall, as girls’ flag football had its first season as an official CIF sport, led by senior captains and founders Leah Schulman and Riley Hertstein. The team went 15-11, ultimately losing in the semifinals but making an important mark on the future of girls’ flag football. The journey to flag football becoming officially recognized by CIF has been very difficult, but the future of the sport is very bright. The girls even made it to Sofi Stadium, representing Orange County in a Los Angeles Chargers-sponsored All-Star Game against a team from Los Angeles.
While girls’ flag football has started what is sure to be an inspiring movement, UHS Varsity Girls’ Tennis has continued to dominate the Pacific Coast League, boasting an impressive 12-0 record.
“This season was another memorable one for the books,” senior Captain Ava Bocek said. “With a lot of hard work, we claimed second place in the league and made it all the way to the quarter-finals of CIF. It was amazing to see how much effort every girl put into the sport on our way to the top.”
Boys’ water polo also had an extremely successful season, finishing with an impressive record of 19-11. Unfortunately, they fell short of a CIF championship, losing in the quarter-finals. The team will look to return next fall stronger than ever as they hope to have a long CIF run.
Girls’ volleyball also had an exhilarating season, racking up wins against tough schools such as Sage Hill, Irvine and Laguna Hills. While they fell short of making CIF, the memories they made are sure to be cherished for a long time to come.
“This season showed the true determination and grit our team had,” senior Captain Jesse Niedwick said. “No matter if we won or lost, we always walked around with a smile. I’ll miss the high energy we brought to every practice and game and especially my teammates who I could always count on to make my day better.”
Girls’ golf also fell short of CIF, as they did not have as successful a season as they had hoped. However, they still brought energy and spirit to every game, led by senior Captain Chloe Lin.
“Chloe would always support our team with the sweetest smile and she’d always spread positivity,” junior Ally Kim said. “Next year our biggest hope is to continue this positivity and play our best.”
And that’s a wrap on the fall sports season for UHS! Every athlete gave their best efforts this fall and represented the school in great ways, from breaking records and winning games to creating new friendships and showing true sportsmanship. As the winter season approaches, sports will only get more exciting and intense, with each team hoping to bring success to UHS.
