The winter athletic season ended last week with the basketball team finishing as state runner-ups. Now, four teams are beginning their seasons, and all have high hopes for the year. Spring sports offer an opportunity to enjoy the weather and warmth of the season; whether its a ballgame for the baseball boys, cheering on the girls team at the Sports Complex, spectating the skills of the tennis team or enjoying a round of golf with some teammates, Carmel spring sports offers some fresh air for everybody.  

Men’s Baseball

The varsity men’s baseball team is coached by Heath McKay, Michael Owen and Christian Seelhorst.

The team has a loaded schedule this year with around 25 games lined up in the next two months. Florida International commit, Landon Boyd, came back to Carmel this year after playing at Hickory Grove for his junior season. Boyd has expressed his excitement for the season, stating, “It feels good to be back.” The team also acquired senior David Rodriguez [committed to Bluefield State] from Porter Ridge and sophomore Leyton Guhl from Metrolina. The baseball team is excited for their season, and they are already looking forward to playoffs in May. 

Key games: 3/18 @ Weddington, 3/20 vs. Metrolina, 4/10 @ Catholic, and 5/2 vs. Rabun Gap.

Men’s Golf

The men’s golf team is young and hungry to do some damage. The team made up for their lost

seniors last year by adding some new underclassmen to the roster. Sophomore Reid Huxley is the team’s ace, and he has continued to develop his skills since last season. Coach Bill Smith and Coach Motherwell are eager to see what the boys can do and how they will grow together as the season progresses. Daniel Guandolo is the only senior on the team, and he has shared nothing but excitement since starting with the team after basketball commenced. After knocking some rust off, the golf team hopes to be in good shape for the tournaments and matches they have coming up.

Key matches: 3/13 vs. Charlotte Christian and 3/28 vs. Cannon.

Girl’s Soccer

Coach David Fox begins his second year as head coach with the Lady Cougs squad, and there is much excitement surrounding the program. With the addition of a JV team this year, the program is able to develop more players. The team went 10-8-1 last year, but they hope to do even better this year in many different areas. Junior, Hallie Lacina, transferred to CCS this year and will be a strong addition to the Lady Cougs. The team was on the grind all preseason with 5:00 AM workouts which shows the dedication

that the girls have in making this season count. Sophomore Helen Russell says, “School soccer is a lot of fun, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we execute this season.” The Lady Cougs are looking to rally through their schedule this year and make a deep run in playoffs.

Key matches: 3/11 @ Latin, 3/13 @ Charlotte Christian, 4/9 @ Providence Day.

Men’s Tennis

This year, the varsity men’s tennis team is looking to continue the winning tradition of the program with the ultimate goal of winning a state championship. The team is led by senior Noah Daniels [committed to Anderson] and senior Ben Price. Daniels and Price have been on the team all four years of high school and hope to go out with a bang. Daniels shares, “I’m pumped to see all of the hard work we put in go to our advantage.” The tennis team has always been a tight-knit group of guys, and this year is no different. The team has shared how they are ready for any team and how they trust each other to play 110% every match.

Key matches: 3/7 @ Wesleyan and 4/1 @ Davidson Day.

These are four very exciting teams with so much potential this Spring. The Blue and Gold will continue to cover the various seasons and how each team progresses throughout the spring!