Water Polo:
The Water Polo squad looks to have another successful season under coach John Ague, attempting to take their Runner-up season from last year one step further. This year, the team plans to play 12 regular season games under the leadership of four seniors who are all focused on dominating at the State Tournament, bringing another state championship to Pace Academy. Senior Asher Lubin said, “After a great season last year, we are really looking forward to getting after it and doing even better this year. I’m really excited to use what I’ve learned for my former teammates and show what it means to be a leader on this team. So far, we have been putting in a lot of work and now we have the opportunity to show it.”
Football:
The football team begins the season hoping to become Region Champions for the first time. The Knights began the season with a disappointing home opener against Holy Innocents, falling to the Golden Bears 24-14. The Knights would bounce back a week later, defeating the Westminster Wildcats 33-31 for the second time in a row (also the second time in Pace History). Senior Christian Johnson said, “After missing last season, I as well as the team have a lot to prove this year. While we have not gotten off to the most perfect start, I really think we can turn this season around and finish out the season on a high note.” The Knights would then lose another big game, losing to Lovett 27-14
Cheerleading:
This year’s cheerleading squad is led by a group of ten senior leaders: Katherine Davis, Holland Delley, Mary Ellis Irvin, Vivian Kohn, Charlotte Lemke, Reita Maguire, Josie Panzer, Selin Psaltis, Eva Tucker and Mia Williams. Kohn said, “being on the cheerleading squad, I’ve been able to become close with a lot of people that I would say I would not otherwise. While it can be a little hard to get the crowd to stand up, I love being on the sidelines leading the student section in cheering.” The team is looking forward to having a packed student section at the games to support the cheerleading squad as well as the football team.
Cross Country:
The cross country team is fresh off of its 2022 Region Champion sweep, while also placing fourth at state (boys) and, for the third year in a row, first (girls). This year’s girls’ team is led by five seniors who plan to respite their achievements from last year and win a fourth straight state title. Senior Sarah Proctor said, “I’ve spent a lot of time doing cross country throughout my high school career, and now I finally get the chance to pass down what I’ve learned. I can’t wait for the 5 a.m. wakeups to go run with my friends!” A focal point of the team is recent Duke commit, Caroline Hood. Hood is a year-round runner who has spent a lot of time preparing for the season in Crested Butte, Colorado. During the season, Hood regularly posts first-place finishes. On the boys’ side, the team looks to regain their glory and bounce back from their fourth-place finish. This year, the team is led by seven seniors: Matthew Wells, Henry Gaudet, Brody Matthias, Ted Miller, Jake Miller, Colin Curtin. Additionally, junior Matthew Wells is a bright spot for the team, being one of the most successful runners on the team, week in and week out. The goal for the team is the same as any previous year, to win another State Championship for Pace.
Volleyball:
This year’s volleyball team has a lot to up to, due to the fact that the 2022 team won the state championship for the sixth year in a row. The team is off to an extremely hot start, currently sitting at an impressive record of 17-2. The team also performed extremely well at the “Tournament of Champions” in Tampa, FL, winning the championship of the silver division. Additionally, the team has reached a national milestone of being ranked within the top ten on MaxPreps. Under Head Coach Catherine Monroe, the team is led by five seniors: Dhru Lalaji, Ellie Sisken, Gadit Bejar, Grace Agolli and Skyla Harris. Sophomore Britton McGurn said, ” We are always striving for success on and off the court, and hopefully can continue our streak of State Championship titles. As a younger member of the team, I’ve really enjoyed being able to create close relationships with some of the older girls while also learning new styles of play.”
Softball:
The softball team, led by diehard senior, Libby Jonas, is already off and running with ten games under their belt and impressive wins over Woodland-Stockbridge and Luella. Last year, the lady Knights made an appearance in the playoffs, ultimately falling in super regionals against Northwest Whitefield. Under the leadership of Jonas, the team plans to repeat its successful season and hopes to make it further in the state tournament.