As Maggie Walker enters into the second half of the first quarter, fall sports are in full swing. The volleyball, field hockey, cross country, and golf teams are back and better than ever! Each of these teams has been proudly representing Maggie Walker on the court, field, track, and green since August 1.

After coming second in the VHSL state championship last year, the boys’ varsity volleyball team, coached by Connor Dixon, has returned stronger this year, according to senior captain Christian Walsh. “The boys team has been pretty successful,” Walsh said. “We’ve only lost one regular season match to Glen Allen.” A goal Walsh has for this season is to “win a state championship and destroy Patrick Henry,” a feasible goal given their team’s track record. Additionally, Walsh appreciates the student section because of the energy they bring to the games.

The girls’ varsity volleyball team won very few games last year, but Coach John Feeney reports that there has been “a lot of improvement and coming together as a team.” Senior captain Abby Simmons comments that they “are working really well together,” and that “every moment on the court is so exciting.” So far, the girls have won six games, but their most exciting game, according to Simmons and junior Bridget Plank, was their game against Nottaway, as they were finally able to win 17-15 in the fifth set. This team has improved greatly since last season and they have the ability to go far this time around.

The JV and varsity field hockey teams have been hard at work this season, win or lose. Varsity player Kalli Eam reflects that the “season has been really fun so far,” and that “[the team] has been communicating really well since the since [their] first game.” One of the varsity team’s most exciting games so far was against Deep Run High School. Even though they didn’t win, “both teams played very well and the Maggie Walker team was working so hard to win.” The varsity team has won all of their past three games, so it looks like they are on an upward trajectory and will continue to progress.

The school’s varsity golf team enters into another exciting year. This year, the team has seen sizeable improvements. One of the largest victories for the golf team this year has been against Deep Run High School. Most of the team is hoping to improve their distance and win more games. Junior Kate Lindley states, “I just want to have fun and hit some stuff really hard. I expect to see plenty of exciting games and an eventful trip to regionals from our team this year. I hope for bigger wins in the future!”

Last but certainly not least, you have likely seen the cross country team after school running around the city or in the hallways in the middle of a rock-paper-scissors game. Every day, the cross country team is pushed to their highest capabilities, and the training seems to be paying off. Many runners on the team have been hitting personal records this year. Junior Katherine Streeter says that, over the past couple years, the team has significantly improved. Streeter says that she loves to see all the new faces that come into cross country each year and can’t wait to see how it develops. One of the most exciting events this year for the team was the meet at RVA Relays. Working through early meets and bus rides, the cross country team continues to find success. This will be a very exciting year and we all hope that we can keep the winning streak alive.

Overall, Maggie Walker fall sports have been off to a great start. All teams have reported improvement from last year and we hope that these wins can be reflected throughout the season. Remember to show your support through upcoming events and games—we are bound to have another great year. Go Dragons!