Football :
Led by head coach, Coach Bach, the Pace Academy football team strives to make some noise this year in the state playoffs. The Knights have gone back to back years making the playoffs, but coming up short of victory in the first round. With intense training, and new staff hires they are looking to change that for this year. New coaches, Mark Sommerville II, Gary Wilkins, Tim Coleman, Pat Markwalter, Brian Miller, and Tres Houston, aim to guide the Knights to a successful season. Not only did Coach Bach bring in new coaches, but he also brought in new players that are excited to make a difference for this program. “We have a lot of new guys this year, and with new coaches as well we are going to be pretty good,” said Junior Roan Dutta. “It’s a different mentality this year; we are working harder at practice and we are looking really aggressive,” Dutta Said. In the Knight’s first game, they were successful with a game winning field goal by Dutta. “From the stands, it was a really fun time that first game,” Junior Dylan Nelson said. “Rain came down, but that only got the student section more into the game.” “They even gave the student section the game ball.” During the Knights game winning drive, Sophomore Quarterback Kaden Harley was extremely successful throwing the ball downfield. “Things were not looking good for me after the first half, but when I got back on the field and started completing passes it was the best feeling ever,” Harley said. “Seeing all the fans and their support was so rewarding.” After a rainy and successful first game the Knights played Buckhead rival Westminster. Although they fell short to the Westminster Wildcats, their season is looking very promising with many games ahead.
Cheerleading :
Head Coach and Pace First Grade teacher, Jordan Lee, leads the Pace Cheerleading team to another successful year. In the past couple of years, they have brought a lot of energy to the football games with some of their remarkable cheers. They are best known for their Rock with the White and Roll with the Blue chant. In a recent game against Westminster, the Knights Cheerleaders’ brought the Do It chant to the stands. “The student section didn’t stop asking for more of them,” Junior Brooke Forester said. “It almost got tiring because they loved it so much.” All four grades are represented throughout the cheerleading team, but they are led by seniors, Cami Crumbley, Cassidy Davis, Taylor Hastie, Meghan Keller, Ella Lynch, Abigail Richmon, Amelia Rucker, and Madison Williams. With high hopes of the Football team being victorious in their playoffs, the Knights Cheerleading team strives to support them along the way.
Cross Country :
The Knight’s cross country team who is led by Coach Julie and Steve Cunningham looks to win more state titles this year. In past years, they have been extremely successful at both regional and state events with many championships and trophies. “Last year I had a lot of fun and a lot of good runs,” said Junior Iliyan Hajiaini. They have practices in both the mornings and afternoons where they improve their stamina to prepare for early Saturday morning races. “We have to leave football games early to get to sleep,” said Junior Gabi Swartz. As the meets go on, and the Knights work on their craft, they have high hopes for winning region, making it to state, and then winning state.
Volleyball :
The Pace volleyball team aims for their 8th state championship in a row. Coached by Coach Catherine Monroe, the Knights are under fantastic leadership. They have been extremely successful in past years winning state championships year after year. The team is led by two seniors, Elowyn Allen and Sabrina Agharkar. “We are going to be very good this year and have a lot of good people on the team,” Junior Britton McGurn said before the season. “I think we are going to go undefeated.” Although the Knights fell short to Pope, they have been undefeated since with a record of 11-1. “That loss was not fun, but we are going to work harder and use that as motivation,” Junior Lawson Monroe said. As the season progresses they are getting better and preparing for another state championship run.
Softball :
Knights softball is having a fantastic start to the season. Freshman, Katie Wrigley, has been making a name for herself through her accolades so far. Coach Miller leads the team along with seniors, Kate Grice, Anna Kate Howell, and Livie Lynch. They compete at the Knights Riverview Athletic complex in Mableton, Georgia, and travel to other games against other teams in the state. Although she is not playing this year, Senior Ryan Wrigley loves to support her sisters Katie and Meghan on the softball field. “I decided not to play this year, but I am so proud of my sisters for all they are doing and the team looks really good this year,” Ryan Wrigley said.
Esports :
This year, the E-sports team is participating in Chess, League of Legends, and Super Smash Bros. Junior Doyle Rona and Senior AJ Conduah have been recognized for their abilities in Super Smash Bros. Upper School Computer Science Teacher Mr. Charlie Bryant leads the E-Sports team. They will travel to tournaments to compete against other high school teams.
Pace Club Sports:
Both Water Polo and Mountain Biking are Pace’s fall club sports. Coach Ty Nicholson along with Juniors Noah Eisenman, Issac Finn, and Mason Gregory lead the team. “Biking is a passion of mine and the team is really cool here for me,” Gregory said. They compete in Biking meets all over Georgia to compete individually and as a team. The Water Polo team is led by Coach John Ague and competes in weekend matches against other local schools. “I absolutely love this team and all the fun that we have,” said Senior Henry Bryan. Two years ago, they competed in the water polo championship and just fell short. This year they look to return to that game and win a state trophy.
