From the pull of a flag and the slap of a volleyball to the splashes in the aquatic center and the whip of a golf club, the fall season welcomes eight exciting fall sports and another season of cross-town competition and excitement.
Woodbridge High students, staff and families gather together in the Warrior Dome stands, football bleachers or their colorful lawn chairs, ready to cheer on their fall teams.
This fall was particularly special because the 2023 season brought great success, history-making achievements and a memorable collection of sports.
One particular highlight was the football season, which brought spirited Friday nights under the lights and decked-out student sections.
Home football games at the University High stadium were never truly home games, and Woodbridge High made efforts to deliver their first home football game on September 14, 2023. Hosted on the Woodbridge High turf, the varsity football game took place between Woodbridge High and Dana Hills High. Though Dana Hills defeated Woodbridge 32-21, the game was a success for the school and will be written in the history books.
Beyond the Friday night football games, the girls’ volleyball, tennis and golf teams celebrated new milestones.
The girls’ varsity volleyball team placed second in the Pacific Coast League finals against Irvine High, fighting hard to finish strong.
This fall season brought the bittersweet end to four years of athletics at Woodbridge High for many of the senior athletes, including volleyball co-captain and senior Sarah Giron.
“[My favorite moment this season was] probably senior night because there’s something fun about playing with and in front of friends that you have grown up with. It was a long time coming,” Giron said.
As for the girls’ varsity golf team, waking up at five in the morning for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) finals was a particular highlight, specifically for junior Claire Ahn.
“Although it was both physically and mentally challenging, it was one of the most memorable experiences from this season. The car ride there and back was super fun, along with the team dinner [afterward]. It was a great way to end our season and a good learning experience,” Ahn said.
This year’s fall sports season also brought the new CIF state-sanctioned sport of girls’ flag football. The girls’ flag football team had several incredible feats, nodding to many more in the future.
Having an undefeated 12-0 season in the Pacific Coast League (PCL), finishing as League Champions in the CIF PCL Finals, and becoming second in the nation, the girls’ varsity flag football season brought a series of new victories that will define the team’s success for years to come was nothing but memorable and monumental.
Along with their success were the achievements of the boys’ varsity water polo team. It was the first time in many years that the team made it into the CIF playoffs. Even more special was their accomplishment of placing second in the Division 4 CIF-Southern Section League.
“[My favorite memory of this season] was the bond we formed as a group and how well we worked together as a team, even if we played difficult and close games,” junior Robin Koehler said.
Moreover, student-athletes like freshman Aiden Antonio in boys’ cross country proved that age does not omit skill. Antonio was declared the fastest freshman in California, alongside fellow runner and sophomore Aiden Zavala, the second fastest sophomore.
The fall season was nothing short of success. As Woodbridge High fall athletes prepare for their next season of athletics, they can gather around to support their fellow winter athletes.
