Because so many of our programs take a highly valuable Spring Break trip, the Colorado Academy student-athletes who compete in the spring have started off in fine fashion. During CA’s Spring Break, Boys Lacrosse, Baseball, Girls Lacrosse, and Girls Soccer traveled out of state to test their skill against quality opponents. The trips pay dividends for our athletes, offering competition against strong opponents, producing team unity, improving skills, creating a higher level of conditioning, and developing a deeper understanding of strategies and tactics.
Boys Baseball
This spring, Boys Baseball headed south to Arizona, led by Seniors Ari Fierer, Emmett Ela, Graham Osman, Davis Ebel, Peter Gastis, and Alex Mushkin. “We are off to a 2-0 start and have seen Osman and Ela combine to throw no-hitters in each of the first two games,” says Coach JT Putt. “With much tougher competition ahead on the schedule, we are going to have to work hard to improve every day, but the coaching staff is really excited about this group and the high ceiling they have as a unit.”
Girls Tennis
CA Girls Tennis, coached by Bob Ulrich, is poised to make some noise this year with close to 40 girls playing tennis this spring. Returning for this season are Senior Captains Mharie Brigham, Alex Ford, Lauren Preston, and Story Wolf-Tinsman, along with Juniors Natalie Gordon, Alexia Howard, and Charlotte Pulido. All of these players qualified for the state tournament in Greeley last year. Ulrich is “super excited to travel this 2019 tennis journey with a great group of players and coaches.”
Girls Lacrosse
CA Girls Lacrosse, winner of the last four Colorado State Championships, currently holds a pre-season #1 ranking in the West by U.S. Lacrosse. Led by Coach Steph Sanders, the girls travelled west to San Francisco during Spring Break where Sanders, who has been recognized at the national level for her coaching, pushed her group against top competition in California. Sanders declares, “After amazing leadership and successes last year, CA Girls Lacrosse is ready for a fresh start, with new challenges led by Captains Sloane Murphy, Cleo Smith, and Katharine Merrifield. We have an incredibly talented team this year with endless leadership, hard workers, and dedicated athletes.” Seniors Gracie Buyers, Maggie Silliman, and Aly Gallagher also add their talent to the team.
Girls Soccer
Head of Girls Soccer Sean Stedeford has numerous players to lean on in the 2019 campaign, including Seniors Mari Annest and Catie Groves. A well-balanced attack and defense will be beneficial for the young Mustangs, who boast Junior Juliet Cramer in goal. “The Girls Soccer program enters the 2019 season determined to build on the success of last year’s run to the state semi-finals,” says Stedeford. “The team got off to a strong start in March with shutout victories over Valor Christian (5A) and Steamboat Springs (4A). Armed with a potent attack, experienced defense, and great leadership, the team is primed to make the 2019 campaign a season to remember.”
Boys Lacrosse
Boys Lacrosse Head of Program Randy Colley also has terrific leadership in Senior Captains Conner Brook, Michael Colpack, and Mac Behrhorst. Colley will also lean on defenseman Carter Coatsworth and veteran attackman Jack Oberg to lead a well-balanced team. Colley’s team started the 2019 season with a convincing 10-6 win over Castle View, before heading out on their Spring Break to San Diego. “The captains and Seniors have set a great tone in the off-season,” says Colley. “The team is getting better every day as we prepare for a great schedule.”
Girls Golf
Beth Folsom, Head of CA Girls Golf, is confident her group will push for a third straight Colorado state title. Senior Caroline Jordaan and her sister, Junior Marie Jordaan, along with senior Emily Dawson will lead the way for the Mustangs. “The team is enthusiastic, determined, and ready to compete,” Folsom says. “We have a strong group of returning players, and the coaches have been impressed with their maturity and focus. Our depth should be an asset this season, and we look forward an exciting year.”
Spring is always a fun, hectic, and action-packed part of the school year. So many of our teams go on to post-season play, which provides opportunities for players, coaches, and teams to test their skills against the best. I believe we do athletics right at CA. We commit, we work hard, we compete, we win, and we have fun. Come see our CA student-athletes strive and shine this spring.