Crossroads is extremely proud of our student athletes who competed this Fall for Crossroads College Preparatory School! We had a great deal of success on the courts as well as on the field. I am proud of the fact that nearly half of our Upper School students were active members of either our Girls’ Tennis, Boys’ Soccer, or Girls’ Volleyball programs. We value the fact that we welcome all students to be a part of our program, providing yet another way to learn through experience.
Our Girls’ Tennis program took great strides in its first year under Coach Todd Arneson. The team finished with an overall record of 3-10, but that does not explain the great job the girls did of working hard and developing their game from beginning to end. I especially appreciate seniors Abby Hirshman, Lorinn Knobloch, Tova Cohen, and Kayla Sullivan who provided steady leadership throughout their time in our program. Congratulations to sophomore Amadi MuseMorris, who qualified for the Missouri State Singles Tournament in Class 1 (only 16 qualify) and showed well in her first appearance in Springfield. I expect the team to pick up where it left off next season and continue to improve.
The Girls’ Volleyball program also enjoyed a great deal of growth this season. With Freshmen, JV, and Varsity teams, the girls got a good amount of court time and game experience. The Varsity finished with a record of 21-11-3, good for 2nd place in the SCAA. Seniors Lily Fitzsimmons, Essence Paige and Elizabeth Birch provided a good foundation for younger players, each in their own way. Birch went down with an ACL tear early in the season, which challenged the team on the court and provided an opportunity for others to lead. Highlights include winning our own Crossroads Tournament and getting to the championship of the University City Tournament. With 11 juniors, this team should enjoy even more success next season. The season ended with a tough 3 game loss to Crystal City in the District semifinal. Congratulations to juniors Kieren Uhlmansiek and LaTrese Robinson for being named 1st Team All-District and junior Annie Chappell who was named to the 2nd Team.
Our Boys’ Soccer program had another stellar year under Coach Ben Birch, finishing with a record of 13-5 and winning the SCAA Conference Championship. Although their season came to abrupt end with a 3-2 overtime loss in the District semifinal, this team accomplished quite a bit. Two of the team’s five losses came against KC powerhouses Pembroke Hill and Barstow. After facing the KC teams, our boys rang off 9 consecutive wins. This team’s members have been instrumental in putting Crossroads Soccer on the map when it comes to State relevance. We are happy to have had 11 seniors who have contributed more than I could tell you in this paragraph. The seniors include: Peter Hamilton, Ivan Boyers, Will Nichols, Dominic Rubio, Joe Foersterling, Tyler Doll, Nicholas Drake, Gabe Felsher, Daniel Hudson, Andy Zhang, and LaRenzo St. Clair. These men have left their mark on our program.
I also want to thank the parents and members of our Crossroads Athletic Booster Club which was formed this past summer. There are so many to thank for their hard work and dedication to our school and our athletic program. They have helped across the board, but were especially instrumental in home openers and Senior Nights. Thank you, your work is recognized by all of the coaches and players.
–Bob Beatrice
Athletic Director