Insight on how coaches and players are preparing for the 2025-26 season

Autumn is not only the time of Halloween and pumpkin pies. It is also the time of fall sports at VHS. From football games under the lights to afternoon tennis practices, let’s highlight the coaches and players preparing for the season ahead.

Starting with VHS’s varsity football team, it is anticipated their season will be nothing short of what it was last year. According to last year’s statistics, they were undefeated in league and were able to keep the trophy once again from the Backyard Brawl. Under the field lights is where they can put into play and showcase everything they have practiced for. Pedro Ibarraran ‘27 said,”[What I am looking forward to most this season is] mostly playoffs, CIF.” 

Last year the boys waterpolo team came in third at the Channel League championships and finished in the second round of CIF. Greg Raney said, “[Key ingredients to success are] hard work, teamwork and accountability, holding each other accountable, holding your teammates accountable for their actions and behavior.” The coaches give them motivation and constant feedback that helps the players improve their technique. Beck Maxwell ‘27 said, “This season, what I am looking forward to is that this year’s team will make it to CIF and we will show that we are not afraid of anything that will come in our way.” 

In addition, flag football is starting off their third year here at VHS, where they were previously ranked first in Channel League and 51 overall in California. Regardless of it being a newer sport, they still get recognition for their skills and wins. Shaylee Torres ‘26 said, “[A technique I have learned is] leadership generally with my team and I think having a lot of seniors on our team helps us be good leaders and kinda learn how to be teachers to younger girls especially JV.”

As the weather cools and the leaves turn red, fall athletics here at VHS kicks off the school year. To the athletes, Raney said, “Any sport requires some goal setting, some purpose setting and then it requires sacrifice and effort to achieve those goals and most of the time, you need support and help and encouragement from your teammates and coaches along the way.”