Fast forward to this past Saturday, finishing up our Fall season at the State Cross Country Championships, we look back on our Fall season and recognize two things: incredible energy and pride for HCES sports, and huge momentum heading into our Winter season.

 

Our volleyball squad consisted of three teams. Varsity (11-7), JV Red (4-3), and JV Blue (3-4) really set the tone for the future of our volleyball program. We won our Preseason Tournament at HCES, and had season-highlight victories over many in-town rivals. We had the highest turnout we've ever seen for volleyball, with 31 girls competing. The stands were packed and loud for home games, and all three teams were extremely competitive each and every match.

 

Crusader Golf continued an unprecedented undefeated streak, finishing 7-0 (24-0 over the past three years) and county champions for the third straight year. Our golf team was made up of 14 boys and girls. We had great 8th grade leadership, and all signs are pointing to continued success from our 6th and 7th graders.

 

Cross Country did what they do best - finish as a top 10 school in Florida. Our boys and girls teams achieved multiple first, second, and third place finishes across Northwest and Central Florida, and were the 9th place overall school in the State Championship. Our boys team finished as county champions for the second year in a row, while our girls team was county runner-ups. With 34 runners on the roster, and 33 active in Lower School's Crusader Running Company, this program continues to thrive and be a consistent force in Middle School Cross Country.

 

We are so proud of our Crusaders. 45% of our Middle School played a Fall Sport, which statistically has been our slowest season (only three sports in session). We, at HCES Athletics, are incredibly encouraged by the enthusiasm our student-athletes show and we are proud to display the Crusader Culture on the court, course, field, or track.