Crossroads Athletics Director Bob Beatrice shares a wrap-up of an impressive season for the Current:
Girls’ Volleyball
The 2019 volleyball season was a total success for the Current. We accomplished many of our goals for all 3 high school teams, and 28 girls were able to have fun, learn, improve, and work together.
The C/JV team played a strong schedule, as all of the girls had an opportunity to play at the higher level. The object was to give these girls an opportunity to learn to play the game the right way and progress in their skill development. They did a great job! Members of this team include: Amelia Adams, Astrid Bliss, Trudy Cohen, Niejah Crump, Elizabeth Edwards, Jasmine Hughes, Tru Longyear, Mia Martinez, Meredith McWilliams, Lauren Moore, Ella Nolan, Helene Plumb, Jaila Smith, Camielle Wilson, Julia Wolff, and Hobie Wolff. All of these girls had an opportunity to play important games and help their development toward the Varsity team next year.
Varsity had an outstanding season, falling just short of their ultimate goals. The team finished 23-7-1 with an 8-2 record in the SCAA. The only conference team that beat the Current was the powerful MRH team who finished 29-2. Crossroads faced Ritenour in the University City Tournament Championship for the fourth year in a row. They lost in a hard-fought match in three sets. The team also got to the District Championship for the second year in a row before losing to MRH.
This team was very deep and had a great deal of experience with 9 seniors. Our seniors were good players, good teammates, and fierce competitors. We will miss their talent and leadership next year! Zoe Venable headlines this group and again was named 1st Team All-Conference as an outside hitter. Nya Steward was named 1st Team All-Conference following up her showing on 2nd Team last season, she was a true force in the middle. Catherine Birch was also named to the 1st Team as she continued to be one of the best all-around and consistent performers in the SCAA. Meg Corbett took over the libero spot and did a great job this season, earning 2nd Team All-Conference. Madison Fuller and Olivia Smith both provided strong play on our weak side. Sophie Cohen took over the setter spot and made it her own. Ashlyn Wiley provided great versatility off our bench and was extremely important. Grace Rogers was perhaps our most improved player on the outside. Our juniors will be very important next year as they must step up. Middles Claire Guest and Maya Ledbetter played well this year and should be a nice combo next year. Junior setter Helene Plumb got some experience this year and should battle for the setter spot next year. Sophomore VJ Shaw had a good year in the back row and should take over at libero next season. Freshman Maya Fuller had an outstanding first year and should be a force next season, wherever she plays.
We are very proud of these girls and know that next season should be another outstanding year!
Girls’ Tennis
The Girls’ Tennis team had a successful campaign under coach Ken King. With a small group, the team competed in some matches to improve while trying to build up numbers for next season. The team showed a strong level of determination, practicing hard and competing well in all of their matches and the District Tournament. With such a small squad, the girls bonded and provided great support for one another which should build momentum for next season.
There were no seniors on this team, so all of the girls provided different forms of leadership to the group. Junior Kate Sherman spent the offseason improving and proved it this Fall. She did a great job competing and showed that her hard work was well worth it. Sophomore Mia Schoengert was perhaps our most talented player. Mia is receptive to coaching and should be even stronger next season. Junior Grace Crow was a newcomer this season and showed excellent improvement moved forward. Freshman Sarah Herzog is an outstanding athlete who really came on by the end of the season and has a bright future.
Overall, we are so proud of our girls as they competed and performed all season.
Boys’ Soccer
The Boys’ Soccer team had a very competitive season, finishing with a record of 9-12. That record can be deceiving as the Current played very close contests with many strong opponents. The season did provide a bit of a roller coaster as the team hit an early-season rut, before regaining its traction and playing some good soccer at the end of the season. Crossroads advanced to the District Semifinal, falling to conference rival Brentwood.
The senior class provided a lot of the spark for the team. Jordan Caradine had a very strong season, leading the team in scoring and was named 1st Team All-Conference. The most skilled player on the roster, Jordan started putting together some touches and helped drive the offense. Russell Bigham has a knack for pushing through the ball. He was tough and consistent all season manning the back end as well as the midfield. Gianni Panzeri returned to the field this year and did a great job transitioning the ball to the offensive half. He proved to be a difference maker in transition and was named 1st Team All-Conference.
Many juniors played key roles as well. Harbor Wolff was a rock in the goal all season. Jackson Dobslaw was a very consistent player for the team all season. Dylan O’Brien, Addison Steinbach, and Kyle Tomasula worked very hard and will need to be counted on even more next season. Matthew Ritter had an excellent season on the back line for Crossroads. Perhaps our most improved player, Matthew was named 2nd Team All-Conference. He will be one of the stalwarts of that defense next season. had a great first year on the pitch.
Some key sophomores made important improvements this season and will help carry the load in the next few years. Sam Bigham has great energy and foot skills and figures to be one of the centerpieces of the team. Elek Borelli also has fine skills and is developing into a game changer for the team. We welcomed sophomores Thomas Drake, Julien Hanson, Wolf Stiegler, David Truman, and Tat Schmidt to the team this year. They should all contribute more next season.
Freshman Spencer Dirlik has outstanding skill and club experience. He played a key role this year and should be even more prominent next season. Tre Humphries has the potential to impact the game more with his speed and scoring potential. Ellory Steinbach and Jackson Turnage played some excellent minutes this season and will be counted on even more next year. Hanan Nathan-Slarskey did an excellent job and showed good improvement.
Overall, we are feeling confident that this soccer team is headed in the right direction and look forward next season.