As temperatures drop, the energy on campus is heating up for the start of the winter sports season. With returning talent, new recruits and focused training, the boys and girls teams are preparing to make another run at Southwest Preparatory Conference glory. While winter sport athletes have been getting prepared for their spotlight, fans have been buzzing with excitement.
Boys Soccer:
After tearing his ACL last season, senior captain Humza Yousuf is working hard to recover before the first game of the season. Despite setbacks, optimism runs high for the team. With much of last year’s core returning, the boys are counting on experience and chemistry to carry them far in SPC competition.
“We’re looking really good this year,” Yousuf said. “We have more experience under our belt and a good shot at SPC.”
The team’s main rivals include Episcopal, St. Mark’s and Awty, and players are focused early in the season on improving fitness and drive.
What are Yousuf’s personal goals? “Win SPC, be leading scorer, and commit to play at the collegiate level,” he said.
Girls Soccer:
Coach Cassidy Williams is entering the season with high expectations and a strong returning group.
“We have a solid group coming back,” coach Williams said. “Graduating 11 seniors leaves us room for some players to come in and make a difference right away.”
The team expects several injured players to return to full strength by January, which could make this one of their most competitive seasons in recent years. With six seniors leading the way, Williams believes this team is “primed to be competitive in every game.”
Beyond talent, team culture is a major strength.
“This group buys into the work and comes together to have fun and enjoy the game of soccer and each other,” Williams added.
A talented class of freshmen ,including members of last year’s HJPC championship team and a few new students, are already making an impact.
Preseason training has focused on rebuilding endurance and sharpening technical skills.
Williams said the team is breaking the seasons into stages to refine strategy early on.
“We always want to go for the win,” she said. “This team is full of competitors who want to do the work to succeed.”
Boys Basketball:
Led by Coach Taylor Green, the boys basketball team is determined to secure a top-three SPC seed.
Green said he expects the team to “bring the best energy, effort and toughness in the city of Houston.”
This year’s squad will be led by several key returning players, including senior Drace Gomez, sophomore Rashard Lewis and senior Chase Flowers, who are expected to make a big impact on the court.
Alongside them, a talented group of newcomers – junior Maddox Davis, sophomore Maverick Curl-Okafor and freshman Malachi Cousinard-Smith – will bring fresh energy and depth to the roster.
“I’m most excited to watch the boys basketball team,” said sophomore Layton Vanek.
Rosser shared the same anticipation.
“They have revamped their team and spirit, hopefully making the games more electric,” John Rosser said.
When it comes to coaching, Coach Green explained that while his overall approach hasn’t changed, the team plans to shake things up strategically.
“My job is to hold players to the highest standard—both on and off the court,” he said. “Strategically, I won’t give away too much, but I can say that we plan to play at a much faster pace this season than we did last year.”
Balancing development and competition is also a key part of the program’s philosophy.
“We dedicate most of the summer to player development and improving individual skills,” Green added.
“At the varsity level, this time of year is about competing to win. However, my primary focus is still on developing players—at all levels—into not only great athletes but also good young men who will grow into great husbands, fathers and outstanding citizens.”
Key matchups later in the season include Episcopal, St. John’s and Houston Christian, which promise to test the team’s progress.
“Preseason afternoon practices have been lasting from 5:45 to 7:45 every day, followed by weight room training,” said sophomore Rashard Lewis.
Girls Basketball:
The defending SPC champions are hungry to repeat.
Junior Kamdyn Flora described how the team built chemistry through morning and afternoon workouts, as well as leadership meetings during lunch.
“Our chemistry is really good,” Flora said.
During their offseason the team has been working out three times a week, whether it’s morning or afternoon practice lasting for roughly two hours. When off the court, they spend other days in the weight room and working to stay fit.
The team sees Houston Christian as their biggest upcoming game in the season, but they’re eager for strong fan support at home.
Flora added that this year’s squad brings “the same competitiveness, maybe even more, and we’re excited for what’s coming.”
Swimming:
Athlete Olivia Overman has been training both in and out of the pool, playing water polo four days a week and even swimming five miles in the ocean over the summer.
Her current focus is cutting her 100 freestyle time from 1:06 to 1:03 to strengthen her water polo performance.
The swim team is also growing, with 32 students trying out for JV and varsity swim teams based on their times.
Although school takes a break for many weeks during the winter months, the athletes won’t. Practices will continue throughout Thanksgiving and winter break as teams stay focused on their goals.
