With five state championship titles earned in the last seven months, the girls athletic department is a force to be reckoned with. The Spartan female athletes proudly hold state titles in girls golf, track, cross country, softball and volleyball.
The impressive winning streak started in the spring during the girls track & field season. Leading up to the state championship, the girls delivered an outstanding performance, claiming victory at the MAC Conference Championship with a total of 200 points and dominating the Drake relays with a total of 28 points.
The girls ended their historic season with an impressive 92 points across six events earning them the state championship title, the teams first since 2015. Alongside the state championship title, state records and school records were shattered.
The team of Kai Rebro, Jessie Clemons, Sophia Lewis and Ashley Hansen set an all time school record in the 800m sprint medley with a time of 48.86 seconds. Additionally, The 4×400 relay team of Jessie Clemons, Ani Wedemeyer, Aeriella Johnson and Grace Boleyn destroyed the IGHSAU state record with a time of 3:48.27.
Senior Ariella Johnson broke two state records while also earning the state title. “It felt so amazing to be a part of such a successful team, especially being new and not knowing what the future held. I never would have imagined breaking two state records and am so grateful I was able to do so with such kind and hardworking individuals,” said Johnson.
Following an impressive track & field season, the girls golf team did not disappoint. Leading up to the state championship, the girls held an undefeated record of 19-0 in conference meets. With All-State athlete Issabell Steele leading her team with a 9 hole average of 40.5 and 18 hole average of 75.
With three underclassmen contributing impressive scores, the girls golf team sealed their second consecutive state championship title with a season-best tally of 312, finishing scene strokes ahead of their competition.
“Winning state two years in a row has been a once in a lifetime experience. It’s really awesome to see that the consistent hard work and commitment that the team has out fourth had finally paid off. I’m so proud of everything that the girls have done for this sport,” shared senior Halima Talbi.
The winning streak continued into the early summer months with the softball team. The girls went 17-1 during regular conference play and eventually took the MAC title. The Spartans went into the state championship leading the state in home runs with an impressive 57. Star athlete Ashley Hansen led the team in hits with a batting average of .545.
Following their devastating loss to Ankeny Centennial in the 2023 title game, the Spartans were determined to win. Pulling through with a score of 14-11 the girls were able to secure their well deserved state title.
As the fall sports season rolled around the trophy collection continued to grow, with the addition of two state titles just six days apart from one another.
Leading up to the state championship, the girls cross country team held an undefeated record. The team, led by Senior Grace Boleyn, had a remarkable finish in the state championship, out-pacing runner-up Johnston by 25 points. Boleyn led the Spartans finishing in 6th place with a time of 18:23 followed closely by Senior Ani Wedemeyer finishing 8th.
“It was so exciting to win state in both track and cross country. Everyone on the team puts in so much work to be as good as we are and I’m really grateful to be a part of such a great team,” expressed senior Grace Boleyn.
The most recent addition to the decorated trophy case was earned in early November by the girls volleyball team. With an impressive season record of 35-2 and a 28 game winning streak this volleyball season showcased the immense talent on the court.
Building up to state, the girls came out on top in the Linn-Mar Invite and Westside Invite. During their time at the state tournament, the team defeated Waukee, Dowling Catholic and Waukee Northwest to bring home the second ever state girls volleyball title.
Junior Isabelle Kremer not only was able to help secure the volleyball state title but also made the all tournament team in the process.
“Winning the state championship was everything that I had dreamed of doing and getting to do it with my bestfriends made it even more special to me. Being on the all tournament team was a goal of mine from the start of the season and I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. Our hard work didn’t go unnoticed,” said Kremer.
