HS_Fall_Sports_Preview_2026

SPECIAL SECTION

Thursday, September 10, 2026

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS FALL PREVIEW

PHOTO BY KATHY PLONKA THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

ON THE RADAR Led by QB Connor Collins, the Cheney Blackhawks won’t be sneaking up on anyone in 2026

INSIDE: FOOTBALL | SOCCER | VOLLEYBALL | CROSS COUNTRY | SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL

T2 • Thursday • September 10, 2026

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS | FALL PREVIEW

NO MORE SURPRISES

QB Connor Collins, Cheney welcome greater expectations

By Dave Nichols

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

The Cheney Blackhawks football team might have been able to fly under the radar a little bit last year. They won’t get that luxury again. In his first two years in the program, coach John Graham has taken the Blackhawks from zero wins to three, to eight wins and the State 3A playoffs last season.

“We might be marked on a few teams’ calendars this year,” Graham admitted.

How does one combat that?

“Just keep doing what we’ve been doing. From Day 1, take care of what we do and keep working hard,” he said. “Trust the process that we’ve got here. Trust the standards, the expectations, and accept the challenge.”

That process starts in the weight room, something that Graham made a priority from the day he was hired. It’s the only way, he feels, to build a foundation for competing year-in and year-out.

“Hopefully we’re getting to a point in the program with our weight training year round that the young kids who are next are ready to step up,” Graham said.

“We’re going to play some sophomores that have been in the weight program, a junior that didn’t play much last year on the line. We’ve got some kids that are ready to compete because of the work they put in.”

Those “kids” will be important, as the Blackhawks lost several impact players on offense, including a couple of linemen.

“We can draw up all the fancy plays and the routes, and everything looks cool on paper. But I always say, ‘Can we protect it?

Can we block it?’ ” Graham said.

“Because if you can’t protect it, can’t protect the quarterback, you can’t block the run? Then all the fancy plays and skills you’ve got doesn’t matter.”

With the buy-in Graham has received from the school and the success he’s had to show for it, the program is attracting more athletes than it used to. And not just the football team – Graham said 280 athletes at Cheney participated in summer weight conditioning.

“We had the biggest freshman class we’ve ever had, 40-plus kids. Hopefully we’re going to see it down the road because the seniors, you know, they are the smallest senior class we’ve had.

That ship kind of already sailed

JAMES SNOOK/FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Cheney QB Connor Collins throws a touchdown pass against Ferndale in a 2025 State 3A Round of 32 playoff game at Roos Field in Cheney. before we got here,” Graham said. “It’s a culture we’re not only trying to get (in football), but for the entire athletic department.

You know the conditioning, the weights – it all matters, and it’s going to allow us to have sustained success.”

And that success translates to the halls at school and reverberates into the community.

“I like to think it does,” Graham said. “I had kids I’ve never met come up to me in the hallways and just say how much fun it was and how exciting it was. And you know, I think in the community there was a different feel. I had teachers come up to me. It’s just a different feel. And if you start off your school year with a good football team, it helps. I mean, I believe that.”

“The stands are a little more packed when we’re winning,” returning quarterback – and reigning Greater Spokane League offensive player of the year – Connor Collins said. “And yeah, a little more respect around the halls. It’s a nice feeling knowing that so many have our backs. ...

There’s definitely more expectations than we came into last year, but it’s because we had a great year last season, so I’ll take it.”

Collins said the key to all of it is Graham.

“His input has been massive. I mean, he changed (the culture) fully,” Collins said. “We were 1-27

FOOTBALL AT A GLANCE

By Dave Nichols

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Capsules for the 2026 Greater Spokane League 4A, 3A, 2A and Northeast 1A League football teams.

In alphabetical order by classifications.

Records compiled from 2025 season.

GSL 4A

Ferris (0-10, 0-9, 10th): Former Washington State standout and longtime area coach Billy Newman is the latest head coach to try to turn around the Saxons’ fortunes.

Ferris has been winless in league the past two seasons and owns four league wins since the pandemic – with three coming in the 2021 season. “We have a very capable team, but we are light on numbers so we don’t have a lot of room for injuries,” Newman said. “By the end of the season, if we were able to make this year a bridge to start a transition into a new outlook and new culture for the program, I think we could call it a success.”

Gonzaga Prep (11-1, 9-0, first): The Bullpups were undefeated last season until

as a program my freshman year.

So I mean, it’s just everything. He completely changed everything.

He’s awesome on the field and off field.”

Despite the successes, last season ended in bitter disappointment as the Blackhawks were stuffed at the 1-yard line on a two-point conversion attempt with 27 seconds left in a 35-34 loss to Ferndale at Roos Field in the Round of 32.

“It was definitely a heartbreaker, with all the work we put in all season,” Collins said. “But we’re not going to let that one loss define that season. But I mean, it’s time to come back with open eyes and expectations.”

Collins is the key to those expectations. He easily led the league in passing yardage last season with 1,641 yards on a 66.1% completion rate. In nine league games he threw 24 touchdown passes against just two interceptions.

Collins isn’t the tallest quarterback in the league, and might not have the biggest arm. But Graham calls Collins a “sneaky athlete,” and cites his strength, preparation and field vision as traits to make up for any perceived deficiencies.

“I feel like defenses maybe didn’t respect me a little last year, and that was surprising,” Collins said. “But I know I’ll have a target on me this year, for sure.”

Maybe that respect level made

running into Graham-Kapowsin in a state quarterfinal that ended in a 42-35 defeat at home for G-Prep. No other team in the league was hit harder by graduation though, as 29 letterwinners moved on and only two starters return – and in different positions. Senior Andrew Yarno takes over at quarterback after playing defense last season, though he performed admirably at QB in one game last year.

Lewis and Clark (5-5, 5-4, fifth): Second-year head coach David Chambless hopes to build on last season’s five-win team, but only has 14 letterwinners and five starters back to work with. Among those, though, are strong-armed quarterback Sully Sandusky and all-league honorable mention wideout Calvin Killian, both just juniors. And kicker Jackson Spitz, headed to University of Montana, will be a strength. “For us to be competitive, we will have to embrace our identity and play a gritty, physical, disciplined, style of ‘Tiger football,’ ” Chambless said.

Mead (6-4, 6-3, fourth): The Panthers lost six starters on both sides of the ball, so there have been some position battles in camp this fall. But they have a couple of good options to carry the ball in seniors Kayden Koohns and Benaiah Faggau, and Lee Columb stretches the

it more satisfying when he was named offensive MVP. “Getting the coaches recognition (postseason) – I appreciated it a lot. I mean, it’s big. But it means more that the team did well too.”

“He did not miss a day in the weight room all summer. He’s probably the hardest working kid we have in the weight room. So it starts there,” Graham said of his QB. “That’s just his work ethic – his want to be great. He has proven that he is our leader, on and off the field. Great kid, great family.

So, yeah, it starts and ends with him. If we can protect him, we’ll have a chance.”

It helps if the best player on the team is also the hardest worker.

“He’s only 170 pounds. But he benches 260, squats 375, deadlifts a ton. He’s one of the faster kids we’ve got,” Graham said.

“You know, if he wasn’t quarterback, he’d be playing safety or something for us too.”

Graham likes Collins’ mental game as much as his physical.

“We started putting more and more on his plate on the mental side, making checks on the line, getting us out of bad plays, checking the protection. So he bought into that,” Graham said.

“He ran for 200 yards last year, and none of it was designed. It was him just being an athlete and taking off and making positive things happen.”

defense on the outside for second-year head coach Kyle Snell. “I think we have great depth at receiver and linebacker, and if we are able to stay healthy in the positions we don’t have as much depth we will have a chance to have a lot of success this year,” Snell said.

3A

Central Valley (2-8, 2-7, eighth): The Bears were in a couple of games that could have gone the other way last year, so 11th-year coach Ryan Butner feels they’re primed for a bounce-back season. “We had a good summer where we re-established the run and found some consistency in our offense again,” he said.

The coach’s son, junior Ben Butner, will get a bulk of the carries while Noah Krogh and Mason Harken will be the outside targets.

Cheney (8-2, 8-1, second): Under coach John Graham, the Blackhawks have gone from winless in league to the state playoffs in three seasons. They lost some significant starters to graduation but have six starters and 32 letterwinners back, including GSL offensive player of the year QB Connor Collins returning for his senior season. Joining him are fellow seniors TE/LB Ashton Huse and OL Karson Palmer – both all-league picks.

Mt. Spokane (7-3, 7-2, third): Coach

“I think people think I’m lots slower than I am, which I take advantage of,” Collins said. “I got a lot of my running against defenses that dropped and didn’t ‘spy’ the QB. ... I feel like the position of quarterback is definitely more mental. I mean, the physical – you need it. But it all comes down to the mental side.”

Maybe Collins’ biggest challenge this year is breaking onto the varsity squad on Cheney’s state championship golf team in the spring.

“I mostly played JV last year,” he said. “But that’s the goal.”

Collins, who has a few offers – most notably from Eastern Oregon and Whitworth – lost two of his most prominent security blankets to graduation in receivers Mason Stinson and Tank Best, both of whom earned firstteam all-league honors.

“It’s gonna be tough (to replace them),” Graham said. “We basically had three kids that were allleague on both sides of the ball, so that’s six positions and three kids. But then, we lost four offensive linemen too – four seniors that were just tough, gritty, been in the program that we could count on.”

Graham hopes the program has progressed to the point where “next man up” isn’t just a slogan.

“We’ve got a couple of big See CHENEY, 9

Terry Cloer starts his 12th season at the helm with the Wildcats with 25 letterwinners and eight starters back, including senior quarterback Cade Strocsher and senior WR/DB Jax Kelly.

“Our team did a good job in the weight room in the offseason, especially with our lines,” Cloer said. “We are thin in some skill positions so staying healthy is essential.”

Ridgeline (4-6, 3-6, seventh): Coach Andy Olson settles in for his first season in charge with 20 letterwinners and 10 starters back for the Falcons. Linemen Colten and Caleb Kuhl and Jared Jones, all seniors, will be counted on to lead in the trenches. Kicker/ DE Braxton Dickerhoof is sorting out Division I offers to kick at the next level. “We are looking to be more consistent this year and working to become better at the basics,” Olson said. “We are hoping to be able to run the ball better. We need to be tougher in order to compete in this league.”

Shadle Park (1-8, 1-8, ninth): It was a tough season for the Highlanders, who suffered from injuries and attrition for the second consecutive season while having to play at the 3A level. Coach Jim Mace, in his 12th season at Shadle, has 19 letterwinners and eight See FOOTBALL, 3

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

September 10, 2026 • Thursday • T3

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS | FALL PREVIEW

Talented East Valley senior Marvin Zauana-Kavezeri, who was an All-Greater Spokane League first-team wide receiver a season ago, could see some time at running back and on defense for the Knights this season.

JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

PLUG AND PLAY

By Dave Nichols

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Every team needs a “Swiss Army knife” type of guy – one you can plug into almost any situation and succeed. For some sports, that’s easier said than done.

In football, especially as a skill player on offense, playing multiple positions means learning the responsibilities of five or six different positions on every play in the playbook.

It’s even more daunting if that player also plays defense and is counted on for special teams as well.

For the East Valley Knights, those responsibilities fall to senior Marvin Zauana-Kavezeri.

Zauana-Kavezeri was an All-Greater Spokane League first-team wide receiver last season. This season, coach Adam Fisher will have him line up at any of his receiver or running back positions, as well as defensive back, kick returner and punt returner.

“He’s the type of player that other teams must account for on every play,” Fisher said.

Zauana-Kavezeri was flattered to hear his coach say that.

“That makes me feel great, honestly,” he said. “I try to do my best in practice and on the field when I play. Just – I’m glad he said that about me.”

Zauana-Kavezeri was part of the Knights team last year that bounced back from a one-win GSL season in 2024 to 4-2 inleague in 2025 and qualified for the WIAA state playoffs for the first time since 2021.

“We’re trying to impart a sense of urgency to this squad to un-

derstand what is expected and to rise up to that,” Fisher said.

“The job every year is to try to get yourself into the postseason, and then you never know.”

“We showed ourselves on the field of how good a team we are, and how we played ‘East Valley’ football,” Zauana-Kavezeri said.

“Like, our style of football that we played and the success we had attracted crowds and got other students to come out and join the team as well. I mean, who wouldn’t want to play football?”

That type of joy about the game was evident last Tuesday as Zauana-Kavezeri and his teammates prepared to host 1A Riverside in their Week 1 opening game, a 2719 win in which Zauana-Kavezeri scored two rushing touchdowns.

Zauana-Kavezeri was in near-constant movement, bouncing around or dancing in place between plays while practicing with the defense. He was the first with a hand slap or fist bump after a good play by a teammate, and when he missed an assignment, he listened attentively to an assistant coach with a “Yes, sir,” afterward.

“He is a guy that is always upbeat and very energetic,” Fisher said. “At practice, you know, he’s always bouncing around in a positive, energetic, infectious way. ... He’s a very coachable kid. He wants to be coached. He takes well to it.”

“My main goal, really my only goal, this season is heading back to state,” Zauana-Kavezeri said.

“That’s my mindset heading into this season. ‘What can I, as a player, do and help our team to get back to the state playoffs?’

We want to make that the stan-

FOOTBALL Continued from 2

starters back, but feels a “major rebranding” needs to happen within the program. “We have recommitted to our summer conditioning program and feel we are stronger and in better shape,” Mace said, noting a big freshman class out this season.

University (5-6, 4-5, sixth): The Titans qualified for state for the first time since 2012 last season and have 33 letterwinners back for third-year coach Joe Ireland. “We are more experienced at the skill positions and have talented, but newer, linemen,” Ireland said. The coach expects three junior backs – Toby Thornburg, Grant Petersen and Hunter Jorgenson – to all get a fair share of carries while moving around in the offensive backfield.

2A

Clarkston (1-8, 1-5, seventh): The Bantams had a rough go of it last year in coach Kyle Fox’s first campaign but they return 10 starters and 20 letterwinners, led by senior RB/ WR/DB Niko Ah Hi and junior quarterback Kendry Gimlin. There’s also some size up front with four returning linemen, three of whom are

dard. If that’s keeping it light, I do that. If it’s helping a guy out, I’ll do that. ... If I have to do something to help out the team, I’ll do it with a smile on my face.”

“We always say, ‘Team is always No. 1,’ ” Fisher said. “For (Zauana-Kavezeri) to say ‘State is my only goal’ speaks volumes of his character and his understanding of the big picture.”

Zauana-Kavezeri really enjoys the idea that he might line up in a different position every play of offense.

“Gotta find (No.) 11,” he said.

“As soon as you start to worry about me, you’re gonna overlook someone else.

“And that’s the fun part about football. It’s hard, because you have to think about it and your responsibility, and you have to understand the game from different angles. Me being able to play anywhere, wherever coach puts me at, where I can actually like thrive in the offensive system ...

I’m just happy to be part of the offense, honestly.”

“That is such a ‘Marvin’ comment,” Fisher said. “We try to get the ball into the hands of our best playmakers. ... But he knows the domino effect of that. We have a lot of other guys. He’ll get attention, but we have a lot of other skill players who will shine because of the attention that he brings on offense wherever we move him around.”

The scary part is that Zauana-Kavezeri – a self-described “film room junkie” – is still relatively new to the game, having started playing in the seventh grade, and in the system, at his second high school. He’s picked up a lot in a short amount of time.

seniors.

Deer Park (3-6, 2-4, seventh): Did not respond to survey.

East Valley (5-5, 4-2, second): The Knights qualified for the playoffs last year for the first time since 2021, earning 21-year head coach Adam Fisher GSL 2A coach of the year in his second stint with the team. Fisher has 24 letterwinners and 11 starters back from that squad, so everyone is primed for a repeat trip. “We’re hopeful that last year’s success of being the second team in the GSL to make the playoffs after three years back as a coaching staff raises expectations as a team,” Fisher said. “We have good team speed in our skill positions.”

North Central (5-5, 2-4, fifth): The Wolfpack program is coming off a 2025 campaign that saw NC win 5 games, the most the program has seen in more than 25 years.

But only eight letterwinners and six starters return, so it’s already rebuild mode for coach Aaron Woods, entering his fifth season with the Pack. Junior QB Kadence Dennis and league honorable mention receivers Makai Love and Kamden Rancourt are good places to start though. “We will be a young team, relying on key returners at the skill positions and on the offensive line, while playing a sophomore-heavy

Zauana-Kavezeri, a doit-all senior, hopes to lead EV back to state

But the best part, for him, is the camaraderie with teammates.

“That whole bond that you get to build with your brothers, just like the whole friendship is what football is all about,” he said.

“That (bond) fills me up. I just get to go out there to go play with my brothers and have fun.”

This is Fisher’s second stint as head coach with the Knights.

He was coach from 2000-17, then took five years off while his son, Rodrick Fisher, played college football. He rejoined the Knights in 2023 and is in his fourth year back at the helm.

A former coach and still teacher at the school, Cajun Smith – who Fisher has known since middle school – reached out when the job came open again.

“He goes, ‘Hey, if you want to jump back in, now’s the time to get back on board,’ ” Fisher recalled. “So I started putting a staff back together.”

He was quite familiar with most of the names he gathered.

Seven of his nine paid assistant coaches played for him at some point at East Valley, and the two who didn’t are a former college quarterback and high school head coach (Logan O’Neill, Tekoa-Rosalia) and a former NFL player – Joe Dahl, who played across the highway at University High before stints at Montana and Washington State and a 44game career with the Detroit Lions.

Head coaches often espouse the idea of his staff “being on the same page.” For the Knights, it’s Fisher’s book.

“This staff that we have this year, we’ve got four new faces, but a lot of them are former play-

class on both sides of the ball who will have to grow up quickly,” Woods said.

Pullman (4-6, 3-3, fourth): Third-year coach Kevin Agnew has 16 letterwinners and 12 starters back including one of the top defensive players in the league, junior two-way lineman Siua Fotofili. “The strength of this team will be our lines, and the overall athleticism and leadership of our junior class,” Agnew said, noting the Greyhounds have yet to settle on a starting quarterback.

Rogers (5-5, 3-3, third): Fourth-year coach Ryan Cole counts senior QB Coby Spurgin among 16 letterwinners and seven starters returning for the Pirates. When he throws, Spurgin will look to connect with speedy Hands Warrick, a first-team all-league selection last season. “We enter the 2026 season with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement,” Cole said. “With returning players ready to take on expanded roles and a talented group of athletes stepping into the program, the Pirates have an opportunity to establish their identity and build something special throughout the season.”

West Valley (9-2, 6-0, first): GSL 2A MVP in football and basketball, senior Nathan Zettle, leads 11 returning starters and 44 letterwinners for veteran coach Craig Whitney,

ers, and they all want to give back because they love our community,” Fisher said. “They love what East Valley football did for them when they were a player, and they want to now give back to this next generation.”

“Some of these coaches actually played – and played at a high level – so they know exactly what they’re talking about,” Zauana-Kavezeri said. “So, it’s great to get notes from them and learn from them because they’ve been where I’ve been, and they’re just telling me how to be even better as a player and a person.”

The East Valley pride that brought Fisher back is strong throughout the community. Zauana-Kavezeri grew up in the area through middle school, moved to the West Side with his family at the start of high school, but transferred back to East Valley after his sophomore season.

“I won’t play anywhere else in the city than this,” he said. “The whole community of East Valley is just like a grateful community.

And you know, I’m really grateful for them. Not only are they accepting, but they’re also very knowledgeable about football.

It’s kinda beautiful, honestly. I wouldn’t rather be anywhere else than East Valley, to be honest with you.”

“That’s lost a little in today’s society,” Fisher said, “Of course, I sound a little ‘old school’ now.

But there’s something about playing high school football with all your buddies you grew up with and you’re gonna have great memories. ... We tell these kids, ‘If you’re good enough to play at the next level, they’ll find you – no matter where you are.’ ”

in his 22nd year with the Eagles. Zettle is 20-3 as a starter the past two seasons and could graduate as the winningest QB in West Valley history. Starting RB senior Eli Newman will get help from key newcomer junior Ernesto Figueroa.

1A

Colville (7-3, 3-0, first): Third-year coach William Benbrook has 16 letterwinners and eight starters back from last year’s league champion, including first-team all-league senior lineman Toby Fowler, who leads four starters and seven varsity linemen, and junior QB/LB Gunnar Baker.

Lakeside (4-5, 2-1, second): Casey Monahan takes over as coach of the Eagles with 15 letterwinners and five starters returning, including five all-leaguers led by senior QB/ MLB Tanner Cummings and RB/OLB Kannon Almond.

Medical Lake (0-8, 0-3, fourth): Did not respond to survey.

Riverside (2-7, 1-2, third): Ninth-year coach Buddy Wood returns 22 letterwinners and seven starters including two-way allleaguer seniors Triston Lebsack (line), Zach Schneider (RB/LB) and Javontae Chambers (WR/DB).

T4 • Thursday • September 10, 2026

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS | FALL PREVIEW

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Mead girls cross country runners (from left) Ava Philips, Claire Philips, Maddy Lane, Adrienne Holden, Hannah Olson and Avery Parker all ran at state a year ago.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Mead girls cross country embraces ‘team’ aspect in individualized sport

By Dave Nichols

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

The Mead girls cross country team took third at state last season, a remarkable feat considering the Panthers didn’t have a runner finish in the top 20 – one of just six of the 16 teams which qualified for the team title not to do so.

But the spread of Mead’s top five finishers was 42 seconds, third only to seventh-place Tahoma’s 23-second spread and State 4A champion Issaquah at 30 seconds.

In a sport of individual achievement, coach Dori Whitford preaches “team” above all else. Anything else, really.

“There’s a huge team factor because if somebody’s not running well, I can’t substitute her.

There’s no timeouts,” Whitford said. “They have to do it (on the course). It hurts a lot to run, and it’s not really very fun, and it’s not that rewarding. Like, there aren’t fan clubs. They run for each other. They really, really do. I mean, it’s not like there’s not rivalries.

We have a very close group of girls, time-wise, and that causes, you know, things sometimes. But they care about each other a lot.”

“We’ve definitely changed it from being an individual sport to a being a team sport,” senior Adrienne Holden said. “We all just see each other as family in

this sport and we all race for each other. When we’re out there, I know I definitely think about how I need to do better because my team is out here racing and they’re all doing the best they can.”

Asked if having that kind of depth – and returning six of the seven student-athletes that ran at state – is a luxury, Whitford was succinct.

“There’s no such thing (as depth),” she said. “I mean, it’s a luxury to have nice kids.”

She reconsidered.

“Yeah, we have a luxury, but one injury...” she trailed off. “I mean, a luxury is having like what (Central Valley) used to have, where they had 100 girls out and they had lots of good ones fighting for (varsity).”

But Mead does have the luxury of returning six of their seven state runners: Sophomore Claire Phillips (25th at state), her sister senior Ava Phillips (56th), and fellow seniors Avery Parker (35th), Holden (65th), Maddie Lane and Hannah Olson.

“We were all (ranked) in the top 30 or 40 or 50 or something like that,” heading into state, Whitford said. “Any one of them could be No. 1 on any given day. ...

I think Claire (Phillips) was No. 1 at state. I think she was pretty much No. 1 most of the second half of the season, but we had Addy (Chaffins), who some days

CROSS COUNTRY AT A GLANCE

By Greg Lee

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Cross country in the Greater Spokane League has a rich history. Another chapter featuring competitive individuals and teams will be written this fall.

In alphabetical order by classification.

GSL 4A/3A

Central Valley: No sport at CV has been affected more by the opening of a third school in the district than cross country. Returning state qualifiers Axton Magloire and Henry McNeilis lead the boys along with Trent Robertson.

Junior Aubrey Harvey is the lone state qualifier back in the girls. Other letterwinners back are Alexa Munn, Lucy Patshkowski, Hailey Joswick, Palina Blagikh and Adalyn Depew.

Cheney: The Ward twins, Anthony and Carter, return to lead the boys. The Blackhawks don’t have the developed depth to compete for a 3A state berth right away, but hope to make big strides as the season progresses. In the girls, state qualifiers Isabella Adaszewski and Abigail Scharosch return.

Ferris: Triniti Ramos and Ellie Apatow are the lone returning state qualifiers among the girls. Other returners are Callista Lind, Addison Wolff, Ava Anderson and Paloma Lopez. The boys are thin on experience. Top returners are Ben Harwood, Tate Wolff, Parker Lemmon, Reese Mahar, Tanner Wolff and Jackson Danaraj.

The Saxons boys have 19 letterwinners returning, including senior Parker Lemmon, who placed third in the 800 and 18th in the 1,600 at the State 4A track meet in the spring.

was No. 1. We had Ava (Phillips) – any one of them could run No. 1.

“This is an incredible group, from first to – I don’t even know who is last is right now,” Whitford said. “But an incredible group of kids.”

And to hear the girls tell it, they don’t really care what order they finish in from race to race.

It’s more about the team’s unofficial mantra: “Have fun, and run hard,” Whitford said.

“We set goals before races, so we’re thinking about those,” Ava Phillips confessed. “But usually, it’s just ‘How far can I push myself.’ “ Phillips played “all the sports” as a youth, but started running in the sixth grade and switched to it full-time her freshman year.

“I found an environment that I loved and the girls here were super sweet. ... Running, for me, is a stress reliever. It just feels good to get outside, move your legs, move your body and sweat.”

Ava’s younger sister Claire said “running is hard on your body,” but leans on teammates when she doesn’t feel her best. “We all just push each other to go as far as we can and encourage each other, no matter what.”

Parker has been running since she was “seven or eight.” Older siblings were competitive runners and she joined in. “It’s been part of my life for so long. It’s just a big thing in my family, which is cool.”

Holden got into running through family, too. Her grandfather was a runner, and it’s a way for her to stay connected to him.

Gonzaga Prep: Geoff Arte has switched from boys head coach to girls head coach. The Bullpup girls are led by returning state qualifiers Erin McMahon, Claire Gee, Lucia Ladum, Bella Buckner and Bayler Fix. They hope to challenge Mead for the league title. In the boys, Erik Coffin takes over for Arte. He’s the father of the top returning runner in the league, sophomore Miro Parr-Coffin, who placed fifth at state and will challenge for an individual state title. Also back are Marshall Loew and Henry Ehrbar. G-Prep hopes to contend for a league title and a trophy at state.

Lewis and Clark: The Tiger boys and girls have much work ahead to be competitive in league. In the boys, senior Elijah Tobin returns. Tobin took 10th at state last fall and will challenge for a much higher finish this fall. Also back are Peder Gauss and Isaac Stachofsky.

Leading the girls are junior Samantha Kernie and sophomore Emma Anderson.

Mead: The Panthers boys dominated the 4A state meet last year, winning going away.

Gone are three seniors who were key to Mead’s success. But the Panthers return junior Stejer Franklin, who took fifth, along with seniors Aaron Pooler and Carter Edwards and junior Drew Dingis. State alternates Anderson Williams and Brendan Smart will push for spots among the top seven. A tight pack was key to Mead’s title run and the Panthers will endeavor to develop that again this fall. Mead is ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll. “I really think a podium run (top four finish) is 100% on the table, but where they want potential to be is going to be really up to how the crew evolves,” coach Austin Stuchell said. The girls, meanwhile, are ranked eighth in the preseason poll and return their team intact that finished third at state last year. They are heavily favored to repeat as GSL champs and to finish higher at state.

Leading the way are Claire Philips, Avery Parker, Adrienne Holden, Maddy Lane and Ava Philips.

“It’s just his personality,” Holden said. “I did it partly because I wanted him to be able to watch me do it, but also partly because I just love this team. I love the girls on it and I’ve always been best friends with them.”

Lane started running in “fourth or fifth grade” because some family friends were runners. “One time I just ran a mile with my friends, and I just fell in love with the sport and I’ve been running ever since.”

When the topic of goals for the season arose, Whitford was – as she often is about these things – protective of her student-athletes.

“I have hopes. I have hopes that they realize whatever their dreams are,” she said.

“I’m not really zen, but we talk a lot about not being able to control things,” Whitford said.

“We control what we can control. We can’t control that you’re sick today, or we can’t control this or that. One of the girls had a thing last year that she couldn’t run until the day of districts. She couldn’t control that, and she ran really well. She just kind of relaxed and was like ‘I’m gonna do the best I can.’ So, yeah. Maybe I am kind of zen.”

There’s no real secret behind the success the Mead’s girls program has enjoyed the last few years, starting with the State 3A title the Panthers brought home in 2021. Other than, you know, “Have fun, and run hard.”

“It’s just good girls, really talented girls who also love each other,” Whitford said. “I think

Mt. Spokane: The girls have been a perennial state trophy contender in recent years, but they have much work ahead if they want to be there at the end. Senior Frances Rein is the top returning state qualifier. Also back are Claire Withrow, Malya Schwarz, Mia McGlocklin and Courtney McKell. The core returns in the boys. Leading the way are Gaitlin Michaelsen, Asher Thomas, Eli Hewa, Logan Nave, Grant Lange, Jackson Miller and Cole Julian.

Ridgeline: The Falcons boys and girls are anticipating more growth this fall and could be competitive in league duals. The boys are led by returning state qualifiers Keean Huntsinger and Grant Summers. The Falcons return their team intact. The girls are led by returning state qualifiers Emery Sevy, 14th at state as a freshman, and sophomore Kalia Blanchard, 23rd at state a year ago. Other returning state qualifiers are Erika Bell, Myranda Evans, Kayla Jensen and Mary Pollman.

Shadle Park: The Highlanders qualified no girls to state last year. They’re top returners are Camryn Tellez and Siena Rolwes. In the boys, senior Becks Bird is back. Bird took fifth at state last year. Also back are Kyle Biernat, Nicholas Perkins, Nate Haugen and Caleb Young. The boys hope to challenge for a top finish in league if not a state berth.

University: Sophomore Alissa Rennaker, a state qualifier a year ago, headlines a girls team that suffered graduation and other losses. Also back are state qualifiers Mariah Denney, Morgan Sulpizio and Ainsley Miller. The boys graduated their lone state qualifier and that explains the Titans’ inexperience. Juniors Braylen Dill and Colton McArthur return along with sophomore Conner Menasco.

GSL 2A

The smallest schools in the GSL have struggled as of late, and it doesn’t appear things will change much this season. The biggest

liking each other is huge. I’ve had two good groups of girls come through, with that group that graduated a couple years ago, and they just loved to run.”

The Panthers are taking a trip to California later in the month to participate in the 45th annual Woodbridge Cross Country Classic Sept. 18-19, before gearing up for league and districts later on.

“We get to have a little bit of fun in Woodbridge, but everything after that, it’s a business trip,” Whitford said. “We just take care of business, and we’re never, ever disappointed in anybody. They’re doing their best they can for that day. Relax and have fun and run for each other.”

And that point was driven home by each of the six runners. “(Running) is a great way to hang out with these amazing girls,” Parker said of her teammates. “I love this team. These are my best friends. We are super, super close and we’re just doing this for each other.”

Asked if she had any goals this year, Parker replied, “Have fun.

Do our best.”

Of course.

“I think it’s a really cool dynamic that we have in that on any day any of us could win,” Lane said. “But I also feel like we don’t really focus on that. We all just know that we’re going to give our 100% every race, no matter what that looks like in that specific circumstance.”

“We don’t really have any big strategies,” Holden said. “I think See MEAD, 5

change is the addition of North Central, which has officially dropped from 3A in all sports.

Wolfpack senior Elliot Yegge is immediately the clear top runner among the boys.

Clarkston: The Bantams didn’t field full teams at the district meet last year. In the girls, Elisa Stoffregen is the top returner. Avery Peters and Miles Bouterse lead the boys.

Deer Park: Leah and Ally Ellingson and Kaelin Newsom return to the lead the girls.

Sophomore Mason Dean led the Stag boys last fall. Riley Wilson, Chase Bates, Keith Schick, Zac Gardner and Jax Wilson also return.

East Valley: The Knights boys finished last in league a year ago. Ethan Wilson led as a freshman. Also back are Kaden Isom, Thomas Scott and Caden Higel. In the girls, Katelyn Scharff, Nellie Goggin, Peyton Fisher and Hazel Ebert are back.

North Central: Yeggie finished 12th in the 3A state meet and immediately pops to the front of the 2A GSL pack. Also back for the Wolfpack are Miles Watson, Emrin Steele, Marcus Vander Giessen and Tripp Anderson.

The girls return no state experience. They’ll be led by Matilda Parker, Alexandra Aden, AnnJoelina Avila, Elliott Eubanks and Callia Pettis.

Pullman: The Greyhounds return the most experience in the league. In the boys, Cade Udy, second at district, is back along with Quinn Bartley-Peck, Jack Armstrong, Aaron Swenson, Jude Newbold and Leonid Matveev. In the girls, sophomores Aubrey Lightfoot (second at districts) and Randi Mattix (fourth) return, along with Rebecca Kwon and Eisa Johnson. The girls are defending district champ.

Rogers: The Pirates return one state qualifier in the girls in Addy Steppe. Also back is Alyia Hill-Haywar. The boys bring back state qualifiers Tyson Harris and Trenton Kurle. “We See CROSS COUNTRY, 5

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

September 10, 2026 • Thursday • T5

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS | FALL PREVIEW

LIGHTNING FAST

G-Prep’s Miro Parr-Coffin making name for himself running, wrestling

By Greg Lee

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

On the surface, his name is a mouthful, almost a tongue twister – Miro Parr-Coffin. Now throw in the fact that the Gonzaga Prep sophomore has two middle names and it’s a lot to roll off the tongue.

The birth certificate says Miro Thelonius Lightning Parr-Coffin.

The second oldest of seven children, all the Parr-Coffin siblings have two middle names. Which begs the question: Why? “I reached out to my father and asked do you think we should use two middle names,’ ” Miro’s father – and cross country coach – Erik Coffin, said. “He said ‘Are they free?’ I said yes. He said OK. We felt like there was something nice about it.”

“I like it. It’s definitely unique,” Miro said.

A name doesn’t make a person. It’s the character and life of the person that makes a name memorable. To that end, Miro Thelonius Lightning Parr-Coffin is off to a fantastic start.

As a freshman last year, the standout cross country/track runner and wrestler put his best foot forward, to be sure.

Parr-Coffin finished the cross country season by placing fifth in the State 4A meet. Then he had a golden finish in wrestling, winning a state championship at 106 pounds. In track, he took sixth in the 3,200 meters.

He has his sights set on gold this year, beginning in cross country.

Parr-Coffin is the third-best runner returning from state. He posted the top overall time in the state last year, winning the Mook Invite in Tillamook, Oregon, in 14 minutes, 29.6 seconds on an excessively flat 3.1-mile course that he and his father believe was short and not measured properly.

By comparison, Parr-Coffin finished the 3.1-mile state meet layout at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco in 15:16.3.

He doesn’t put much stock in the time at Mook. The elder Coffin, who begins his first season as Gonzaga Prep’s head cross country coach, isn’t taking his team to the meet this season.

His son was the top runner in the Greater Spokane League, winning three of four dual meets and capping his first season by winning the District 6 championship.

Parr-Coffin headlines a talented group of GSL runners this fall. Mead junior Stejer Franklin, Lewis and Clark senior Elijah Tobin, Mt. Spokane senior Gaitlin Michaelsen and junior Asher Thomas and

MEAD

Continued from 4 we all just focus on our race.

Some of us will create race plans – where we’re gonna go a little harder, where we might go a little easier. But for the most part,

Continued from 4

are a very small but motivated group of three girls,” first-year coach Maegan McCurdy said.

West Valley: The Eagle boys are defending district champs. They return defending district champ John Kiernan III and Evan McKenzie. In the girls, one state qualifier returns in Aviana Marek. Reese Andrews, Zionna Kieffer and Julia Berube also return.

Colville’s boys and Lakeside’s girls won district titles last fall.

athlete

Shadle Park senior Becks Bird will push Parr-Coffin for individual honors.

It’s obvious that Parr-Coffin has budding potential to be a collegiate runner or wrestler. Which sport that will be remains to be seen.

Is he a wrestler who likes to run or a runner who likes to wrestle?

“I’m not either,” Parr-Coffin said. “I’m just myself trying to do both. I like them both.”

When he’s in the middle of a season he’s laser-focused and in love with that particular sport.

Two summers ago, he won freestyle and Greco-Roman national championships at Fargo, North Dakota. He found the competition and a different age bracket more challenging in July, taking fifth in Greco-Roman and just missing out on All-American status in freestyle.

After a brief break, Parr-Coffin has transitioned back to preparing for the cross

we don’t really talk about that as a group. ... We keep it pretty separate, other than just running for each other.”

“Sometimes we’ll work together to pass people,” Parker said.

“But we kind of don’t really try to think about that too hard.”

The “have fun” aspect and

CROSS COUNTRY

Northeast 1A

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Gonzaga Prep standout cross country runner and wrestler Miro Parr-Coffin poses on the school’s track with his wrestling shoes.

community spirit might simplify, and probably undersells, the sheer amount of effort each athlete on the team puts forth to succeed – and that of their coach guiding them to that success.

But it’s a formula Whitford, who retired from teaching in 2022 but continues on as girls

Colville: Defending boys champ Malik Ortiz, who finished fourth at state, returns. Also back are Jerrin Patrick, Daniel Aguilar, Isaac Ballance and Layden Moore.

Lakeside: The Eagles bring back Ava Meusy, Isla Dotson, Isabella Egolf and Kaylee Orgill in the girls. In the boys, Joshua Fagerholm, Josten Simons, Tanner Wagner and Remmington Hatch lead a young boys team. In the girls, Paxton Jones, Madelyn Andres, Grace Suiter, Amaryllis Nokes and McKenzie Mittchell return.

Medical Lake: Juniors Merecury Bergquist and Steven Shotts lead the returners. In the girls, sophomore Aya McNeill is the top returner along with Autumn Trout, Feodora Lalicker, Teagan

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and 3,200 – but he’ll also be training on the side for summer wrestling.

He can’t cut weight and run as well as he’d like. He found that out last spring.

Which made the fact that he ran under 9 minutes in the 3,200 (8:59.25) at state all the more impressive.

Parr-Coffin got a head start on the upcoming cross country season, winning the grand opening community race at The Course in Spokane Valley in 15:37.02 in mid August.

He ran at about three-quarter speed, using it to feel out the new course.

Parr-Coffin plans to work on speed so he can have more of a kick finish in his distance races. That would prove beneficial in both cross country and track.

Adding a kick could put him in a class by himself.

Suffice to say Miro Thelonius Lightning Parr-Coffin is making a name for himself – one that will be long remembered.

cross country and track and field coach, has used throughout her vastly successful career – one that should eventually see her inducted into multiple halls of fame.

“We work really hard. We had a quote on one of our shirts, I think it was 2020. It was ‘Choose

Cadman, Allison Appel and Angelica Bowman.

Riverside: Alyssa Riek is back to lead the girls. Also back are Amelia Morris, Delilah Ceparano, Emmah Hare and Nicole Lee. In the boys, Taegen Hart is the top returner along with Mica Northrup, Gavin Hurst, Elias Marquardt and Michael Turner.

Northeast 2B/1B

Senior Eli Vlietstra of Northwest Christian, third at the 2B state meet last year, headlines the top returners. Freeman brings back Micah Bessire, sixth at state, and Elijah Beck, ninth at state. Justice Whittekiend of Chewelah took seventh at state last year. In the girls, senior Amber Eppel of Chewelah, third at state a year

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country season. He’s averaged about 60 miles per week the past month, building a base to start the season.

He will chase a state title this fall. And he wants to crack 15 minutes at state.

Both father and son were pleased with fifth at state last year. They didn’t know what to expect going into the season.

Miro went from competing in 3,000-meter length races in middle school to 5,000 meters.

“He peaked early,” Erik said. “Either he peaked early or he got run down with fatigue and just kind of maintained (through state). It could have been the freshman body wasn’t ready for it. It could have been a combination.”

Miro wants to be a four-time state champ in wrestling so it’s obvious he wants to repeat in the winter. He’s not sure if he’ll cut weight to be at 106 or bump up a class.

Spring presents a challenge. He wants to challenge for state titles in the 1,600

hard,’ ” Whitford said. “And so we ‘choose hard’ all the time. ...

I wish you could come to a hard workout day where they get excited about hard work, and then it just spreads to the ones that don’t like to run, and then they work hard. Every one of them does.”

ago, returns. Senior Delaney Nachreiner of Saint George’s, fourth at state last year, is back.

Audrey Santman of Freeman, fifth at state, returns.

Idaho

The Coeur d’Alene boys will try to do something no other big-school team has done in four decades – win a fourth straight state title.

The Vikings are heavily favored. Senior Wyatt Carr, a three-time state placer coming off a runner-up finish, will seek to cap a decorated career with a state title. Also back are Rowan Henry (third at state), Wyatt Morganstern (sixth), Gabriel Heule (14th), Blaise Howard and Andrew Grady.

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(509) 558-5400 | www.cvsd.org

T6 • Thursday • September 10, 2026

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS | FALL PREVIEW

MADISON MCCORD/FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Ridgeline seniors (from left) Sophia Campbell, Brynlee Allred, Ryan Libey, London Pulsipher and Bailey Hillman hope to bring the school its second 3A volleyball title in three years. Fellow senior Mia Bjorklund is not pictured.

DIGGING THE PRESSURE

click a lot earlier for us leadership on the team is this in the state quarterfinals – Abell Led by six seniors, Ridgeline volleyball things this year I think.” year, the talent is just as good. expects the competition to be as It also helps that the Ridgeline She’s also complimentary of her tough as ever this fall. likes challenge as State 3A contender senior class is one of the more players’ abilities to do everything “I don’t think some people get

By Madison McCord

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Experience goes a long way in all high school sports, but in a league as competitive as Greater Spokane League volleyball – experience can make all the difference.

At least that’s what Ridgeline coach Whitney Abell hopes will be the case come mid-November as the Falcons will look to win their second State 3A volleyball title in three seasons – powered by the leadership both on and off the court of six key seniors.

“They’re competitors, and I think that they’re well aware that they are a really good team and that the target’s on their back,” Abell said. “But we’ve been talking as a team that that target is something that’s earned. And it’s not gonna go away. And so

they have two choices – embrace the challenge or give in.”

That challenge will be to continue the recent success the Ridgeline program has had, going back to their state title in 2024, followed by a fifth-place finish at last year’s tournament.

But having an experienced group led by seniors Ryan Libey, Brynlee Allred, Sophia Campbell, Bailey Hillman, Mia Bjorklund and London Pulsipher has helped the Falcons take what they believe is the next step ahead of the upcoming season.

“After our title year we lost a lot of seniors, so that really taught us how important it was for us to step up,” Libey said. “It’s made us realize that we have to understand that we are playing for each other and that we are not just six individuals out there.

That approach has just made

VOLLEYBALL AT A GLANCE

By Madison McCord

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Capsules for the 2026 Greater Spokane League and Northeast A volleyball teams.

In alphabetical order by classification.

Records and standings from 2025 season.

4A

Ferris (7-12, 3-6, seventh): No information submitted.

Gonzaga Prep (19-3, 8-1 GSL, first): GSL 4A/3A MVP Mara Sandberg is back for her senior season and will look to lead the Bullpups on a state title run before leaving to play at Tennessee next year. Coach Nikki Gilbert also brings back Oklahoma commit Jayna Humbert for her junior season. The Bullpups are coming off a fourth-place finish at last year’s State 4A tournament. “Strengths are key returners in various positions, high level hitters and an experienced libero on defense,” Gilbert said.

Lewis and Clark (8-10, 6-3, fifth): GSL co-coach of the year Kara Tate will have to reload after the Tigers lost five starters from last season. LC does return All-GSL secondteam selection Jennavieve Roberts and senior middle Presley Barkstrom. “Although we will be a young team, we have a lot of talent and are excited to compete,” Tate said.

Mead (15-8, 6-3, fourth): First-team All-GSL outside hitter Mercedes Gilroy is back for coach Karrie Delp. The Panthers also return setter Zuri Gonzales and libero Sage Hattenburg. “We are returning a large group and having tons of experience on the court will be a key factor in our season,” Delp said.

3A

Central Valley (5-13, 2-7, ninth): First-year coach Caitlyn Johnson has three returners she’ll lean heavily on this season: senior outside Freya Tresidder, senior middle Naomi VanderLouw and junior opposite Emily Pounds. Senior setter Pia Buratto is a key

talented groups in the GSL, as evidenced by the fact that four of them will continue their volleyball careers in college.

Libey – a first-team All-GSL middle last year – and Allred, a second-team All-GSL selection, will both play Division I volleyball in the Big Sky Conference for Northern Arizona and Utah Tech, respectively. Campbell and Hillman have committed to play at the NAIA level for Arizona Christian and Providence, respectively, while Bjorklund and Pulsipher are uncommitted.

“I think we’re realizing how much fun it is going to be having this last run together,” Allred said. “And then there are like seven or eight girls on our club team that are playing in the Big Sky along with Ryan and I, so that’s been a lot of fun to talk about and get ready for as well.”

Abell believes as good as the

newcomer to the program.

Cheney (6-9, 1-8, 10th): Senior Mairyn O’Regan will look to lead the Blackhawks under new coach Mollie Doyle. Juniors Tenli Best and Jillian Hoover will also be relied on as they take over starting roles. “We are young, but we believe this group has the talent and work ethic to have a strong season,” Doyle said.

Mt. Spokane (18-4, 7-2, second): The Wildcats return two key starters from last year’s State 3A runner-up team in libero Kela Williams and senior setter Emery McMurray.

Coach Darcy McMurray will also lean on seniors Bella Morris and Elayna Butters to play big roles after the Wildcats lost five starters to graduation. “We lost a lot of powerful great offensive players, but still have strong defensive players. We are rebuilding on a good foundation,” McMurray said.

Ridgeline (16-7, 7-2, third): Six seniors will play key roles for the Falcons, who are coming off a fifth-place finish at state last year. All-GSL selections Ryan Libey and Brynlee Allred will play large roles for coach Whitney Abell before moving on to play in the Big Sky next season. Read more about Ridgeline in our fall sports preview section.

Shadle Park (5-12, 2-7, eighth): Brooke Meyer enters her 27th year at the helm for the Highlanders, who return three starters from last season. A quartet of seniors – Chloe Hampton, Shea Krotzer, Maya Brunette and Quincy Brandon – will look to be impact players for Shadle this season. “We are small and incredibly fast to the ball, so we will be in more games with our defense. We will need to be smart and aggressive on offense and finish games,” Meyer said.

University (9-12, 3-6, sixth): Thirdyear coach Kiendra Tesmer returns a core group of players led by senior Sierra Myers, who is committed to play next year at Whitworth. The Titans will need to fill the void of losing All-GSL outside hitter Ashlyn Aaron, who is now playing at Weber State. “For us to be successful, we need to be disciplined and consistent together as a team. We want to be a team that competes hard for every point, communicates well, and is

on the court, while not being pigeon-holed into a specific position or role.

“With this group we’ve been able to drill down more into the why of things this year and less about the how,” Abell said. “And I think against the more competitive teams that’s an advantage for them because the more you know about the game, the more you understand.

“Not only what’s going on on your side of the net and why people are aware, but who’s on the other side and how to pick them apart,” she said That ability to understand high-level tactics will be key for the Falcons to compete this year in a tough GSL. With key returners back at Gonzaga Prep, Mead and fellow 3A foe Mt. Spokane – which defeated Ridgeline three out of four times last year, including

comfortable in any pressure situation,” Tesmer said.

2A

Clarkston (10-9, 8-4, third): New coach Hannah Winter returns four starters from last season’s team, led by senior outside hitter Roxie Rogers and junior outside Laney Augir – an All-GSL first-team selection last season. “Our offense is speeding up tempos and growing their hitter toolbox,” Winter said.

Deer Park (10-8, 6-6, fourth): All-league honorable mention Hailee Orgill is one of five starters back for the Stags and coach Kirsten Pinkney. Fellow junior Avaree Ingwaldson and sophomore Autumn Marich will also be relied on to make an impact for a young squad.

East Valley (5-13, 4-8, fifth): Seniors Ashlynn Deaton, Alexis Varney and Jayd Blize hope to anchor a strong group of returners for second-year coach Justine McGlasson. “We have a young roster with a handful of returners ready to take on bigger roles this year,” McGlasson said.

North Central (1-16, 1-11, sixth): New coach Stephanie Lerma returns three starters for the Wolfpack, led by seniors Selah Gadda, Charlize Hall and Jaidyn Tonasket. Junior outside hitters Marie Ryakhovskaya and Paetyn Scriven will provide the offensive spark for NC. “Transfer students and new freshmen bring a fresh look to the NC varsity team,” Lerma said.

Pullman (17-4, 12-0, first): Two-time All-GSL setter Camber Wolfe is back for her senior season to lead the Greyhounds, who are looking for their fifth straight state tournament appearance this fall. Fellow seniors Kitty Keane and Lexi Doumit will also start for Pullman and coach Megan McNannay. “Most depth I’ve ever had in a roster. Also, the tallest roster I’ve ever had with three girls over 6-foot. If we can stay healthy and pass consistently, we can make a big run this season,” McNannay said.

Rogers (1-16, 1-11, seventh): Senior libero Molly Kifer and junior outside Eva Krebs are back as coach Caitlin Greeney hopes the Pirates can continue to make an impact in her

the picture of how tough this side of the state is,” Abell said. “But in a lot of ways it’s great for us because every match is preparation for the postseason. There are no pushovers, so that only helps us and the league as a whole do better come November.”

But for this group of seniors, before they can think about state success or moving on to their college team, they are soaking up these final few months of getting to take the court together.

“We’ve all become so close since our freshman year and some of us before that,” Campbell said. “And in so many sports, we’ve played with or against each other since we were kids.

It’s built this bond where we love each other and want to push hard for each other. It’s made our connection as strong as it is, and now we want to leave it all on the court.”

second season. “With several key offensive and defensive returners, and a strong newcomer setting this season, our team is looking to be scrappy and competitive on the court,” Greeney said.

West Valley (16-5, 10-2, second): Second-team All-GSL setter/opposite Tala Gilcrist is back for the Eagles, joined by allleague honorable mention Audri Gardner and fellow senior Avery Spunich. West Valley will hope that group can help replace the loss of three first-team players to graduation.

“Replacement of three first-team all-league players will be difficult, but we believe not impossible. Sophomore Kolbie Colyar will provide needed punch on the outside and several strong role players from last season will allow the squad to be very competitive for the 2026 season,” coach Mark Weis said.

1A

Colville (2-13, 0-6, fourth): Michawn Vining takes over the Colville program after spending time as an assistant coach. Colville will be led by all-league outside hitter Georgia Beardslee, who played at nationals with her club team this summer. Emily Danekas, Taya Kinney, Amika Neuneker and Britta King round out a strong senior class.

Lakeside (13-4, 6-0 NEA, first): Former Eagle Olivia Mikkelsen returns for her first season as coach at her alma mater and brings experience she gained on the 2016 state title team. All six starters from last year’s state qualifier are back, led by NEA co-MVP senior middle Sienna Weinberger along with senior outside Bella Tobeck and junior outside Layla Jones – both first-team all-leaguers.

Medical Lake (9-11, 4-2, second): No information submitted.

Riverside (6-14, 2-4, third): Coach Amanda Clow embarks on her third campaign with the Rams. “We want to show up each and every day doing the little things,” she said. “If we can be disciplined in the little things the process can help us reach our goals.” Clow has to find replacements for all-leaguers Anna Pace and Addison Rice, who graduated.

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

September 10, 2026 • Thursday • T7

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS | FALL PREVIEW

REBUILDING OR RELOADING?

Emme Bond, Avery Fox fill leadership void as Mt. Spokane slowpitch seeks fourth straight state title with eight new starters

By Dave Nichols

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

The word “dynasty” is thrown around a lot in sports. It’s used primarily to generate clicks or start debate among competing teams in the big leagues.

But there’s really no other word to describe what the Mt. Spokane slowpitch program has been able to accomplish the past eight seasons.

The Wildcats are on a streak of three consecutive State 3A/2A championships – the past two with identical 21-0 records – and two more titles, with two thirdplace finishes in the prior four seasons.

They’ve lost two games total the past three seasons and have gone 150-21 in the eight-year stretch.

“You know, the success we’ve had recently certainly garners the attention of other folks in the league for sure, and around the state as well,” Carl Adams, who is head coach for both slowpitch and fastpitch at Mt. Spokane, said.

“There’s definitely pressure,” four-year starting shortstop Emme Bond said. “I think this team’s just taking it one game at a time, just worrying about the next game one after another. It would be fun to win again, but right now we’re just taking a day at a time.”

“Our goal is to come out that first game really hard and work our way up,” senior Avery Fox said. “We’ve won three years in a row and it’d be amazing to do it a fourth time. ... I admit I’d be a little disappointed if we don’t, but I just want to have a fun senior year.”

Last season, the Wildcats won both the slowpitch and fastpitch state titles – the program’s first fastpitch championship – but also saw a core group of eight seniors graduate. The cupboard isn’t bare, by any means, but it’s the first time in a few seasons where position battles were still going on with the season’s first game approaching.

Still, Bond hit a grand slam and the Wildcats beat Rogers 19-1 in five innings in their season-opening game last week.

“We have some new faces this year,” Adams said, “but also some really good senior leadership who understands what it takes to be successful and are trying to bring the other folks along to that level.”

That senior leadership Adams alluded to is Fox, who pitches in slowpitch and plays third base in fastpitch, and Bond. Both were named first-team All-Greater Spokane League in both sports.

Fox and Bond are tight friends, but couldn’t be more opposite.

Fox is bubbly and energetic, Bond is quiet and stoic. Adams thinks it’s the best of both worlds having them emerge as leaders of the team.

“We’re hearing more from

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

From left, Mt. Spokane’s Emme Bond, head coach Carl Adams and Avery Fox have great expectations for the 2026 slowpitch softball season despite the loss of eight seniors.

(Bond) at practice and in those types of situations,” he said.

“Certainly, leadership comes in different forms. Hers is more ‘lead-by-example.’ But she does exactly that. She works hard in practice, shows up every day. You know, gives her all in those things that leaders can do aside from being vocal. But she’s growing into the vocal side as well.”

“I try to stay even, stay the same player no matter what,” Bond said.

Then there’s Fox. “She’s that kind of kid who you know other people are kind of going to glom onto in the positive kind of way. The type of leadership from that perspective that we need as well.”

Fox came to pitching for slowpitch on something of a whim, but Adams said she has “grown into the role” and that she “just has a feel for it.”

“I started (pitching) on JV my freshman year,” Fox said. “They needed another pitcher so I just said, ‘Why not?’ And then Mr. A (Adams) was like, ‘You’re doing pretty good.’ So I got pulled up to varsity and yeah, been doing it ever since.”

Adams lauds Fox’s ability to lo-

Mt. Spokane slowpitch dominance

Year, overall record, league record, state place 25: 21-0, 13-0 (first) 24: 21-0, 13-0 (first) 23: 20-2, 11-1 (first) 22: 16-6, 8-4 (third) 21: 22-3, 11-1 (third) 20: 9-3, 7-3 (no state tournament) 19: 21-2, 15-1 (first) 18: 20-5, 16-4 (first)

cate, to work in and out, and add some spin on occasion to keep batters off balance.

“Pitching for slowpitch is a big deal,” he said. “Not everyone gets it. I think any good team will tell you that making the ball tough to hit for the opponent is an important skill for any pitcher, and she does a great job of that.”

“I do try to spin it. Sometimes it doesn’t work out all that well,” Fox joked. “But if it’s a pull hitter, I try to work outside. Then if they

SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL AT A GLANCE

By Dave Nichols

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Capsules for the 2026 Greater Spokane League slowpitch softball teams.

In alphabetical order by classification.

Records and standings from 2025 season.

4A

Ferris (10-10, 5-8, ninth): First-year coach Rich Carver has six letterwinners – all starters – back, including senior 1B/P Frankie Schone and sophomore catcher Ellie Robinson, a first-team all-league pick last year. “We have some great talent in the field for defense and some really consistent hitters at the plate,” Carver said. “The best part is we have some great, young, talented players coming up.”

Gonzaga Prep (1-16, 1-12, 12th): Did not respond to survey.

Lewis and Clark (9-10, 6-7, eighth): The Kilgore sisters – Rhiannon and Beibhinn – have been three-year starters and embark on their senior seasons as all-league selections. Seventhyear coach Jason Wederspahn has six starters returning. “Half of the lineup is full of newcomers so depth and experience is minimal,” he said. “But the returners have a lot of experience and should be producers in this league.”

Mead (14-4, 11-2, third): Eight starters graduated from last year’s team, so 10th-year coach Tiffany Casedy has to “create a whole new team and team chemistry,” she said. “I am excited to see the ones who haven’t had the opportunity yet to come out and work hard and show what they can do.” Senior OF Jill Buchmann and senior third base Stella Petrie are ready to lead and take the new group as far as they can.

3A

Central Valley (13-7, 9-4, fourth): The Bears enjoyed a resurgence in 2025 and could be primed for more in 2026 with 10 letterwinners and eight starters back for coach Joe Stanton entering his 20th season – though they’ll have to make up for graduated league MVP Ella Bendele. Seniors Shilo McCoy (SS) and Whitney Hollen (2B) combine for a formidable double-play combo.

Cheney (4-12, 3-10, 10th): The Blackhawks have six starters returning for thirdyear coach Makayla Shay, including secondteam all-leaguers in senior UTL Amelia Beito and sophomore OF Annie Beito. “We are a very young team, made up mainly of sophomores,” Shay said. “We need to make sure the basics are settled before anything.”

crowd the plate, I just jam them in and try to work from their stance.”

It helps that playing third base for fastpitch has trained her in how to cleanly field line drives – and if not, to at least protect herself.

“She gets some lasers hit back at her in the fall here,” Adams said. “But she’s able to field her position really well, so we don’t have any worries about her defensively out there.”

Bond has started since she was a freshman, but had some growing pains initially having never played slowpitch until high school. You might not think the adjustments would be that dramatic, but for a player who tends to pull the ball a lot in fastpitch, she’s learned that patience is a virtue at the plate.

“I swing pretty fast, so I’m really early on everything, even in fastpitch,” she said. “I couldn’t even hit the ball my freshman year. ... I gotta stay back even longer in slowpitch, so that’s definitely a weakness of mine.”

“She’s grown a lot offensively.

She’s learned,” Adams said. “I know she says that, but I’ve seen her hit the ball the other way just fine. She’s capable of doing that,

Mt. Spokane (20-2, 11-1, first): The Wildcats won their third consecutive slowpitch title and fourth in the past six years last year but graduated eight letterwinners and seven starters. Seniors Emme Bond (shortstop) and Avery Fox (pitcher) will be leaders. “We have outstanding leadership and kids who are willing to work hard,” 14th-year coach Carl Adams said.

Ridgeline (14-7, 8-5, fifth): Eight letterwinners and five starters return for coach Lori Maupin, entering her fifth season, including senior first base Millie Dobyns.

Shadle Park (12-8, 8-5, sixth): Scott Harmon enters his eighth year as slowpitch coach with the Highlanders with six letterwinners and four starters returning, including a trio of seniors: SS Abby Smith, UTL Ava Edgar and 1B Regan Peterson – though they lost three first-team all-league picks to graduation. “We’re in a bit of a rebuilding year,” Harmon said. “If girls move up from JV and contribute, we hope to compete for a postseason berth.”

University (18-4, 12-1, second): For the second straight season, the Titans fell to league rival Mt. Spokane in the State 3A/2A title game. Will this be the year they flip the script?

“We will lean heavily on our three returning seniors (2B Grace Schneider, SS Ella Jensen, 1B/C Cheyenne Kinswa) who have been with the program the last four years,” 16th-year coach Jon Schuh said. “Defensively, we need to make

and she’ll put a good swing on a good pitch, and she can use the whole field if she needs to.”

Defensively, the ball gets put into play a lot more than in fastpitch, so Bond must expect every play to go to her shortstop. That, too, has been an adjustment.

Often, there’s more topspin on grounders during slowpitch, adding another degree of difficulty in fielding the ball.

“My freshman year coming to shortstop, I definitely knew nothing,” she admitted. “Like, I was trying to get used to it and trying to build a connection around the players and everything. ... Defense in slowpitch – it’s much scarier because people just beam it at you any moment, and the hops are terrible compared to fastpitch. You just have to be on your toes the whole time.”

“The ball is in play all the time,” Adams said. “You might have one at-bat (during a game) when there’s a strikeout, but other than that, it’s 20 outs via ground ball, fly ball. You got to make a play somewhere. ... I think any (fastpitch) coach will tell you, (slowpitch) is really good for your team defensively because you get so many reps out there.”

significant improvements, as that has been our Achilles’ heel over the past couple of years.”

2A

Deer Park (9-9, 8-5, seventh): Did not respond to survey.

East Valley (3-12, 3-10, 12th): Coach Justin Sinn starts his third season with the Knights with three letterwinners, all starters, back. Senior P/OF Ivy Sullivan, senior OF/SS Kaylyn Wilson and junior INF Sam Halvorson are key returners.

North Central (0-16, 0-13, 13th): Wolfpack coach Ashley Bartels has six starters back and is getting an influx of fastpitch players to her fall squad this season. “Our team this year has quite a bit of athleticism compared to previous years,” she said. “I think they will be able to respond to adversity well. We have a lot of players that can play all over the field.”

Team MVP senior SS Akiala Luna returns, as does senior OF Autumn Faison, who missed last season after losing multiple teeth to a line drive.

Rogers (4-11, 4-9, 10th): The Pirates return as many starters as anyone in the league, with eight coming back for 23-year coach Cris Coffield – led by seniors Autumn Whitacre (OF), Lexi Rhoads (SS) and pitcher Shay Crawford.

“We can score runs and have great pitching, but we need to work on defense,” Coffield said.

“We will need our freshmen to step right in and contribute.”

T8 • Thursday • September 10, 2026

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS | FALL PREVIEW

PHOTOS BY JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Ferris girls soccer seniors Hailey Orellana, Sami Asan and Leah Weller have been varsity players since their freshmen seasons.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Ferris seniors have sights set on making their first State 4A girls soccer tourney

By Liam Bradford

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

For four years, Leah Weller, Hailey Orellana and Sami Asan have shared just about every chapter of their soccer journey for the Ferris Saxons.

They arrived as freshmen, played varsity soccer and learned from the older players who came before them. They grew into regular contributors, then AllLeague players, and now into the seniors Ferris will lean on most heavily as it tries to take the next step.

What they want most from their final season is straightforward: They want to get to state.

“I’m so excited for this senior season,” Weller said. “This year will give me a chance to really make a difference in the program and lead the team to success.”

For Weller, Orellana and Asan, though, the significance of their senior season extends beyond the possibility of a postseason run. They have spent four years building the kind of relationships that make a final season difficult to measure strictly in wins and losses.

They have grown up together in the Ferris program. Now they have one season left to see what that experience can produce.

“We have gotten to grow together and help lead this team even since we were freshmen,” Orellana said.

That experience could be the difference for Ferris this fall.

The Saxons went 6-7-3 overall last season and 4-4-2 in Greater Spokane League play as a young team then. This year, they return 10 starters, and coach Alex Bray expects that experience to give Ferris a different look.

“With their experience they are ready to compete with every team,” Bray said. “They work hard for each other every day and have a fantastic positive team culture.”

The three seniors earned AllLeague recognition last season, and all three have been four-year varsity players. But their importance to Ferris goes beyond what appears next to their names on an awards list.

Bray has watched them

Ferris senior Hailey Orellana is pictured at a late August practice. change since they first entered the program.

“They have developed from meek freshmen to all-out vocal leaders,” Bray said. “Their skill has always been there but it’s their character growth on and off the field that has been the most impressive.”

That growth is something the three seniors recognize, too.

Orellana, who can play anywhere in the midfield, describes herself as a creative player who invents opportunities and moves the ball forward.

“I think I have changed greatly and grown in a positive way,” Orellana said. “I’ve learned how to adapt to a different environment compared to club soccer and my love for the sport has grown greatly.”

Weller has come to view her own development in a similar way.

The striker describes herself as creative and attacking-minded, but said the Ferris program has taught her lessons that extend beyond the field.

“When I look back on the last three seasons I can see how much this program has taught me about resilience and teamwork,” Weller said. “Every difficult moment has been a lesson for me about believing in myself and my team, and that is a lesson that has helped me in all areas of my life.”

Asan, a defender who can play

both center back and outside back, said her four years at Ferris have changed her on and off the field. Coming in as a freshman, she looked to older players for guidance. Now she is one of the players younger teammates can turn to.

“My four years of playing for Ferris and for this team have helped me grow both on and off the field,” Asan said. “Coming in as a freshman … getting to play with older girls helped me develop my game.”

That cycle is part of what makes this senior class important to the program. The players who once served as examples for Weller, Orellana and Asan have been replaced by younger players looking to them for the same kind of support.

For Asan, that responsibility is something she welcomes.

“The idea of being a senior leader to me is exciting and fun,” Asan said. “I had always looked up to the seniors and looked to them for support, and I hope I can be that person for our underclassmen this year.”

Orellana wants to do the same.

As a senior, she said, her job is not simply to perform on the field. It is to help create the environment she wants her teammates to experience.

“It means I have to continue to be a strong leader for the younger players on the team,” Orellana said. “It means helping drive the

team’s energy and enjoy the last year with the girls I’ve come to love as family.”

Weller has a similar vision.

“Being a senior leader means an opportunity to create a supportive team culture and be a good example for all the younger girls,” Weller said. “I’ve thought more about what can I do on and off the field that makes every girl know that they belong on the team and are part of a soccer family.”

Bray sees that leadership every day.

The three seniors hold their teammates accountable, he said, but they also understand that leadership does not have to come at the expense of enjoying the experience.

“They are vocal about holding girls accountable at practice in a loving way – but not letting mediocrity slide,” Bray said. “They set the tone by playing hard and expect the team to raise to that level as well.”

They also praise one another, laugh together and check in on younger and newer players. That balance is part of what Bray believes makes the three so valuable together.

“They are completely aligned in their goals and drive for the season,” Bray said. “They want to lead the team by example, hold everyone to high standards at practice and games, create a positive and welcoming environment, and ultimately compete hard and win close games.”

Each brings something different to that equation.

Weller gives Ferris a physical presence in the attack – able to fight through double teams, maintain possession and score from different areas of the field.

Orellana provides the technical presence in the midfield – taking defenders on, finding the right pass and organizing the team in transition between attack and defense.

Asan provides stability behind them – Bray has trusted her since her freshman season to make the right defensive decisions and deal with opposing forwards.

Last season, Ferris lost 2-0 to Richland in the opening round of the District 6 4A tournament.

The Saxons responded by beating Hanford 5-0 in an elimination game, earning another chance to extend their season.

That meant a matchup with Chiawana, the tournament’s top seed, in a loser-out. Ferris won 2-1 on Nov. 4.

The victory became the defining postseason memory for the seniors, not simply because

it kept their season alive, but because of how much adversity they had to overcome to get there.

Weller remembers falling behind early, finding an equalizer late, sending the game to overtime and eventually to penalty kicks. Ferris won the shootout.

For Weller, the memory is less about any individual play than what happened immediately afterward.

“We ended up winning the shootout and I’ll never forget the joy I felt running back to my team and celebrating with everyone,” she said.

Coming into this season, Ferris has experienced both sides of postseason soccer. The players know what it feels like to win a big district game, but they also know what it feels like to come up short before reaching state – four days after knocking out Chiawana, they were shut out and eliminated in a rematch with third-seeded Richland 3-0.

That last part is what continues to drive the seniors.

“A goal that I’ve had since freshman year is to make it to state, and this year, more than the others, I truly believe we can do so,” Weller said. “It will be a difficult journey for sure, but I know that if we keep working hard, as a team, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.”

The larger difference from a year ago is experience. Ferris now knows how to win in postseason soccer, and it knows what it feels like to lose a game that ends a season.

Orellana said the senior class playing together for four years has allowed the seniors to become unusually close, and that connection has helped them on the field.

“I’m extremely close with every one of them,” Weller said. “I know I can depend on them on the field and off the field. They are some of my best friends.”

That is why the three are approaching their final high school season with a sense of urgency – but also keeping everything in perspective.

“I will consider it a successful senior year if I look back on the season and everyone had fun,” Weller said. “Of course, I want to go to state and win all our games, but when I look back on past seasons, I don’t remember every good play I had or game we won. I remember the relationships I built and the fun I had with my team.”

Intern Liam Bradford can be reached at liamb@spokesman. com.

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

September 10, 2026 • Thursday • T9

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS | FALL PREVIEW

GIRLS SOCCER AT A GLANCE

By Dave Nichols

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Capsules for the 2026 Greater Spokane League and Northeast A girls soccer teams.

In alphabetical order by classification.

Records and standings from 2025 season.

4A

Ferris (6-7-2, 4-3-2; fourth): The Saxons lost a state play-in game last year after rallying for a pair of loser-out victories to stay alive in the tourney. That experience should bolster a strong returning core of 10 starters and 13 letterwinners for ninth-year coach Alex Bray. “With more maturity, an increased will to win, and knowing what it takes, the girls are looking to compete hard and find themselves towards the top of the table,” Bray said.

Gonzaga Prep (5-11-2, 2-52; ninth): Gonzaga Prep returns 14 letterwinners from last season, with three key players returning from 2025 injuries: senior midfielder Pearl Garabedian, junior forward Jazzy Arredondo and senior center back Sydney Bagley. “They are looking to make a big impact, together with a strong returning junior and sophomore class,” fourth-year coach Johnny Bartich said. Senior goalie Amelia Pielli is the anchor.

Lewis and Clark (11-2-4, 5-1-2; second): 11th-year coach Mica Lamb has 14 letterwinners and six starters back, including second-team all-league picks senior midfielder Kinlee Lutz and junior forward Charlotte Dix. “We will look to avoid significant drop-off despite the graduation of several key players,” Lamb said. Up front, they will need to replace four-year starter Keegan Tee and her 53 career goals.

Mead (11-4-6, 4-0-4; fifth): Coach Dave Ellis moved over to the Panthers after a very successful eight-year stint at Freeman with 118 wins , five league titles and a state championship during his tenure. There are six starters to help ease his transition, including senior forward Katie Montecucco and senior

CHENEY

Continued from 2 receivers on the outside that are going to surprise some people,” Graham said. “And I think we’ve got a kid that’s going to replace Tank in the slot who’s probably our most athletic kid on the team. So

midfielder Brooke Rogers – both of whom committed to Central Washington. Junior forward Rachel Groves is a crafty attacking player and goalie Myleah Puletasi returns after a strong season last year.

3A

Central Valley (4-12-3, 2-7-1; seventh): Senior defender Peyton Salter leads 12 letterwinners and six starters back for third-year head coach Anne Siebert. “We are heading into the 2026 season built around grit, reliability, respect, and service,” Siebert said.

“The squad is ready to compete in the GSL and push for growth on and off the field this year.”

Cheney (7-10-2, 2-6-1; eighth): Nine letterwinners and seven starters return for coach Nels Radtke in his 15th season with the Blackhawks, including all-state second team selection senior midfielder Kinley Collins. “We lost key players on all three levels from last year,” Radtke said. “But I believe we will have more depth than the past couple years and several freshman that should contribute right away.”

Mt. Spokane (12-2-4, 7-0-2; first): After four years coaching the boys side, Morgan Hartanov takes over duties with the girls team with 13 letterwinners and seven starters returning, including senior midfielders Avery Davidson (University of Portland commit) and Liz Campos, both of whom were members of the Wildcats ‘Elite 8’ team last season. “We feel we are a great team that is shooting for back-to-back to back GSL titles this year,” Hartanov said.

Ridgeline (13-7-1, 5-3-1; third): GSL 4A/3A MVP Quinn Mueller graduated after a decorated career, but 12 letterwinners and five starters return for fifth-year coach Tiera Como, led by forward Lydia Lynn, midfield Gianna Moriniti and defender Lily McKay – all seniors.

Senior goalie Aliana Vakaloloma returns from her duties with the Fiji National Team World Cup qualifiers.

Shadle Park (2-12-0, 0-10-1; 10th): Russell Davis returns for his second year at the helm with six letterwinners and four starters back, and is hoping to bounce back from a rough season that saw the Highlanders score just one goal in league play. “We are still a very

I think we’ve got some guys to throw to.”

“It takes a lot of work, a lot of time in the on the film room (to build rapport),” Collins said. “I always trust our receivers, trust our coaches that make it happen. We’ll see when the first game comes.”

One thing that won’t change is the effort. Across

the league the past couple of years, Cheney garnered the reputation as a “tough out.”

“I don’t know how many games we’re going to win and lose, but I can guarantee we’re going to play hard,” Graham said. “We’re going to show up with everything we have, no matter the score. We’re going to take care of that play and

inexperienced team, and we lost three out of our four starters on defense” he said. “But we are excited to work with and support these student-athletes.”

University (8-4-6, 4-1-3; sixth): Kara Sharpe starts her 10th season coaching the girls team after her third with the boys in the spring. Sharpe has nine letterwinners – but just three starters – back from last year. But that includes the goaltending tandem of senior Tayler Nordean and junior Haley Moore, who combined for eight shutouts last season. “To reach our postseason goals, U-Hi will count on returning leaders and ambitious newcomers to outwork opponents and win the physical battles across the pitch,” Sharpe said.

2A

Clarkston (3-13-1, 1-9-2; sixth): It’s a rebuilding year for fourth-year coach Mackenzie Bradshaw with just three starters and no other letterwinners returning.

Deer Park (7-8-2, 3-6-3; fifth): On paper, the Stags are the most experienced 2A team in the league with 10 starters and 14 letterwinners returning for second-year coach Scott Phillips, including four-year starter defender Avery Mitchell and senior secondteam all-league defender Katelyn Reiter. “Even with all the starters back, we have some great new faces joining the team,” Phillips said.

Freshman midfielder Samantha Cosner will provide an instant impact.

East Valley (10-6-4, 5-3-4; third): Tia Beck takes over as coach of the Knights with a solid core of four returning starters: senior GK Embree Kirby, senior center back Shiah Mullerleile, sophomore defender Olivia Berg and sophomore midfielder Collins Frates.

North Central (7-7-2, 6-5-1; second): Skyler Moore takes over as head coach after stints at Kettle Falls and with NC’s JV squad. The Wolfpack return four starters, including senior captain Sabrina Downey and sophomore Lily Shelley, who totaled 11 goals and six assists as a freshman.

“We have a young, loaded mix of freshman and sophomores with the experience of elite leaders as upperclassmen,” Moore said.

“It’s a smart group that can play in multiple formations and multiple styles.”

win that week as best we can, and go from there. The kids trust the process – don’t worry about the wins and losses.

“The work ethic we’ve established and the expectations we’ve set are going to allow us to compete. We might not, you know, be 8-1 again in the league. We might, you know, be 5-4. But

Pullman (7-5-4, 6-2-4; fourth): The Greyhounds return 12 letterwinners and eight starters for new head coach Hannah Fields, who was a two-year assistant with the boys team, including GSL 2A defensive MVP senior center back Alanis Bobo and junior second team All-Leaguers Andrea Wu (midfield) and Vicky Villarino (forward). “With the depth of knowledge from our returners and the excitement of learning from our newcomers, we are in a great position for growth this year,” Fields said.

Rogers (1-13-1, 0-6; seventh): First-year coach Jaimey Etten is getting her feet wet with the Pirates. “We are focused on building a strong foundation for our program,” she said. “We have a solid group of returning players with a high soccer IQ, along with many new players who are learning our system and expectations.” Senior defender Ellodie Flanagan and junior midfielders Hollie Liles and Braelynn Hathaway are key returners.

West Valley (22-0-0, 11-0; first): The Eagles had an historic season last year, going undefeated and unscored all season en route to the State 2A championship. Coach CC Collins, in her ninth season, lost her entire offense from last year, but returns the entire formidable back line, including senior center back Brielle White. “I believe that defense wins games and we are looking to get back to where we left off last season,” Collins said.

1A

Colville (4-11-2, 3-3): Did not respond to survey.

Lakeside (10-3-4, 6-0): Wayne Farris returns for his fifth year as coach of the Eagles with five letterwinners and just three starters returning, including senior goalie Kira Mace and senior defender Lauren Karl. “We’re young and inexperienced,” Farris said. “We will have to quickly come up to speed.”

Medical Lake (3-7-0, 1-5): Did not respond to survey.

Riverside (8-9-1, 2-4): Third-year coach Matty Smith has 11 letterwinners and six starters back, including leading scorer sophomore Annie Davis and senior captain defender Layla Baker.

as long as we compete and play hard, then everything else will take care of itself.”

Graham said the defense is “gonna fly around and hit.

We lost a lot of bodies there, but we’re gonna find 11 guys that are gonna be hungry and are gonna run to the football and get there with an attitude.”

Graham loves the idea

that playing defense is 90% “want to.” Last year, the Blackhawks were plus-24 in the turnover battle.

“That’s unheard of,” Graham said. “And the only way you do that is if you are physical and fast and nasty on defense. And that’s how we played, and that’s on our coaches. That’s just what we’re going to be.”

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