Spring Sports Roundup

By Lucy Wing, Content Editor

Two years after the initial COVID-19 shutdown that suspended spring sports and a year after the modified season in 2021, spring sports are back in full swing. The spring season at Vashon Island High School (VHS) contains the most sports, encompassing girls tennis, boys soccer, softball, baseball, track, and golf. Lacrosse is also a popular sport among VHS athletes but it is independent of the school.

DRIBBLE. Senior Jamie Pereyda takes the ball up the field. The boys soccer team is looking forward to team bonding (photo courtesy of Spencer Mazur).

Kicking it off with boys soccer, the team is enjoying being back with each other and playing together. The current VHS team is the first to have played not only recreational but club soccer together since middle school.

“I’m looking forward to the team atmosphere, we have pretty good team spirit this year,” junior Oliver Churchill said.

Meanwhile, the boys lacrosse team is excited for a high-performing season and is hoping to go all the way to state.

“We are looking good, we have a lot of seniors and some strong leadership. We are looking forward to winning state, we have the drive [to win] this year,” senior Ryder Jones said.

The girls’ program didn’t have enough players to form a competitive team last year and is more than ready to take the field again.

“We haven’t had a real season in a long time so it’s exciting to be back on the field. We’ve got super awesome players this year and it’ll be cool to get closer and play as a team,” junior Ninabelle Mullins said.

Over at the Vashon Island Golf & Country Club, where the VHS golf team practices and plays, the small group is excited to have the opportunity to play and improve.

“We haven’t played yet, but practices are fun. I’m excited to just learn how to play golf,” sophomore Taj Holloway said.

Taking it over to the diamond, both baseball and softball welcomed many new players and are gearing up for their first full seasons as well.

“[Our season] is looking great, we have a great team and a great group of guys. I’m most looking forward to getting the rust off and playing that first game,” sophomore Jack Harvey said.

The girls softball team has a different set of goals this season, most of the team having graduated last year.

“We have a lot of new girls [this season], I think it’ll be fun and it’s nice to see everyone having fun at practice and being happy to be there,” senior Lola Kuyper said.

CATCH. Freshman Morgan Godwin fields a ground ball in practice. The softball team takes the pitch this year with lots of new players(photo courtesy of Cassie Gasser).

Out on the court, girls tennis is in a similar boat, as much of their team doesn’t have experience in competitive play.

“We are all having fun so far and our new coaches, Rick and Todd, are going to help us become better players and get into better shape. We’re all excited about that because we’re already learning a lot,” senior Lila Kramer said.

Finishing out with track, which the most VHS athletes participate in out of all the spring sports.

“[Our season] is looking good, we don’t have a super big team this year but pole vault is looking good, as well as our relay team, and high jump. I’m [excited to] create new relationships with friends and be able to compete and go to districts and leagues and [I’m] excited for the sun soon!” senior javelin thrower Emerson Dunn said.

All spring sports teams host home games that are open to the public, schedules can be found on govashonpirates.com