After 24 long months, Germantown Academy fall sports are back to normal with little exception. Spectators, out-of-league play, and celebration-hugs have returned, along with the ebullience of many eager fall-sports athletes.
The excitement of having a regular season is shared by all fall sports teams, which include Girls and Boys Soccer, Football, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Boys and Girls Waterpolo, Girls Tennis, Field Hockey, Coed Golf, and Volleyball.
Girls Soccer:
Mr. Christopher Nelson returns as the girls soccer team’s head coach. Mr. Nelson remarks the team embodies a “Great group of athletes who function incredibly well as a team”. He adds on, “From practice to the games, it’s great to watch them move the ball and create chances. I’m excited to see us compete in the league and to make strides in the PAISAA tournament”. Senior captain, Alexis Goodridge ‘22, describes “[While our] soccer season is one of my favorite times of the year…the most exciting part of the season for me is GA/PC day. The day itself is already super fun, but getting to play in one of our biggest games makes it ten times better!”
Boys Soccer:
On the boy’s side, the soccer team thrives under the eye of head coach Mr. Kurt Wetzel ‘88. Colin Leon ‘23 reflects on how the changes from last year “gave [him] an opportunity to play non-Inter-Ac teams, raising the level of play and competition”. Leon discusses the team “having a lot of talent and depth,” with the goal of “winning the Inter-Ac, then going on to win states”.
Football:
The football program is instructed by head coach Mr. Matthew Dence. Senior captain Jake Hsu ‘22 reveals, “I’m very happy that all of the sports are able to resume somewhat of a regular sports season. Last year, play was limited to league only, and we had very few games. Now, just seeing all of our teams compete daily is such a great sight, and I think it has brought excitement back to the community”. He continues on, “The talent and unity of this team is special. We have great leaders, great coaches, and most importantly great teammates that truly care about the success of one another”.
Boys Cross Country:
One half of the runners this cross country season are taught by head coach Mr. Peter Jennings ‘99. By the account of Chaz Murgia ‘23, the program strives to “accomplish team rebuilding” and “grow and bond together”. Murgia continues, “The team is really looking forward to the competition this season, and hopes to win a few titles”. Senior runner Dane Wetzel ‘22 adds, “the team morale is excellent with everyone helping each other”.
Girls Cross Country:
On the female side of the sport, Mr. Brent Freedland is the head coach. Senior captain Olivia Merrill ‘22 comments, “We have a really fun group of girls this year…one of the most talkative teams I have seen throughout my high school experience. The thing about cross country is our meets are all individual work and effort during the race, but the team aspect this year definitely gets people more enthusiastic about the sport”. Merrill adds spirit for GA/PC day, mentioning, “We get to set the tone for the day and then cheer on the other athletes”.
Boys and Girls Waterpolo:
In the pool, both the boys and girls water polo teams are coached by head coach Mr. Michael Koziol. Girls water polo player, Emma Merrill ‘24, describes the difference of “having 3 games last season and this year having 16 games bundled with 2 tournaments.” Mr. Koziol also comments on “the outstanding senior leadership on both teams”. He elaborates, “Their guidance combined with the enthusiasm of the underclassmen bodes well for the future. The two biggest keys will be staying healthy and having confidence in ourselves”.
Girls Tennis:
The girls tennis team is guided by head coach Mr. Jonathan Freeman. Senior captain Alexa Bear ‘22 remarks on the excitement of the new season. Bear highlights the team’s “desire to win GA/PC day and have a successful season”. The captain also conveys “how fun it is to bond with the underclassmen while simultaneously becoming better tennis players and a better program”.
Field Hockey:
Returning for her seventh season, Mrs. Jackie Connard ‘06 runs the field hockey program. Senior captain Sydney Cameron ‘22 shares her thoughts on the season: “I think gafock gets stronger with each game we play”. Cameron anticipates her team “ending the season with a winning record.”
Coed Golf:
Mr. David Martin 1760 oversees the golf program. Martin discloses his excitement for the team to “continue to work hard, have fun and let our record at the end of the year speak for itself”. Commencing his eleventh year coaching, he “never gets tired of engaging with the student athlete during practice and matches” and “looks forward to continuing that engagement during the rest of the season”.
Volleyball:
Mr. Chuck Doughtery makes his GA debut coaching the Volleyball program. Junior captain Ellie Smith ‘23 discloses, “How fun the team is especially because the girls always bring their energy and 100% effort!”
Athletic’s Office:
Mr. Tim Ginter, Germantown Academy’s Athletic Director, comments “It is worth mentioning how great the student-athletes and coaches have been over the last year and a half. They have pretty much done everything that has been asked of them to be allowed to play. We have great student-athletes and coaches, and it showed over and over again. I am thankful to the athletic community for their ‘buy in’”. In regards to the overarching question of GA/PC Day, he is optimistic and notes “I am expecting no restrictions”.
Every GA Superfan has missed the exhilaration of football games, student sections, and watching their classmates compete. With lesser restrictions, the joy these activities bring has already returned, accompanied by heightened school spirit. In my personal opinion, all athletes are simply happy to be playing, especially with the support from peers. The thought of having a regular GA/PC day is highly fantasized, and it will be celebrated regardless of the results . As always, go GA, beat PC!