3 minute read
A Preview of the Winter Sports Season
Written by Emma Hew.
As the fall sports season winds down, attention turns to the upcoming winter season at Providence Day, where 19 teams will represent the Chargers. Nine Upper School teams and 10 Middle School teams will compete across eight sports: boys and girls basketball, dance, indoor track, swimming, and wrestling.
Expectations are high for both the boys and girls varsity basketball teams after both finished as runners-up in the 2023-24 NCISAA state championships. Boys head coach Ron Johnson will look to build on last year’s success as he aims to guide his team to their first state title since 2016. The team is bringing back four of its five starters, providing a solid foundation of senior leadership that could be key to a deep postseason run.
On the girls side, head coach Josh Springer has his sights set on an 18th state championship. The girls team, which last won a title in 2020, is known for its history of success, with 17 state championships. They are once again poised to contend for the top spot in the NCISAA. Both teams are expected to make significant noise this season as they seek to add to that impressive total.
In addition to basketball, the varsity dance team will perform during halftime of both boys’ and girls’ home basketball games. The team’s high-energy routines and synchronized performances are a crowd favorite and a key part of the game-day atmosphere.
Head coach Ben Hovis and the indoor track team look to continue their tradition of excellence. Hovis, who was inducted into the North Carolina High School Track & Field and Cross Country Hall of Fame last February, returns to guide the team through another competitive season. Under his leadership, Providence Day’s track program has flourished, and this year’s team aims to build on that success.
Wrestling and swimming are also expected to bring competitive energy to the winter season. The wrestling team will aim to build on its past success, with individual athletes looking to compete at the highest levels in state tournaments. The swimming team will dive into its season with a mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented newcomers.
With so many teams gearing up for competition, Providence Day’s winter sports season promises to be an exciting one. From championship-caliber basketball teams to standout individual performances in sports like wrestling and track, Charger fans have plenty to look forward to. As these athletes take the stage, one thing is certain this winter season is shaping up to be a memorable one.
