As the chants emanating from the Student section of Warkentin Stadium fade away, replaced by the sound of shoes squeaking on the gym floor, the first sports season of the 2025-26 school year comes to a close. With every athlete, team, or sport that put their best foot forward in Channel League or even advancing onto CIF, San Marcos’ fall sports have had an amazing season. The King’s Page wants to acknowledge and celebrate all the effort and time San Marcos athletes have put into their sports.
Flag football:
Flag football has had an incredible season this year. Despite Flag football only having been a CIF sport for the past 3 years, the program has flourished at San Marcos, establishing both JV and Varsity teams. The team was ranked in the CIF- Southern Section this season. Individual players also brought back awards for San Marcos. Players qualified for the All-Channel league first and second teams and honorable mentions. Rio Chesluk was named the League MVP; meanwhile, Peyton Sperling was awarded the Channel League Two-Way Player of the Year Award.
Girls Volleyball:
With a 13-0 league record, the all-senior Girls volleyball team was the undisputed Channel League champions. They advanced, placing as quarter finalists in division 2 and reaching the first round of state division 1. The girls swept awards across the board with Samanrha Fallon and Cora Bloomer placing on the All-League first team. Further, Gracie Stone, Alina Stapf, and Lila Westmacott earned spots on the All-league second team, and Isla McClintock and Avery Leck received Honorable Mentions. In addition, Charlotte Hasting won League MVP.
“We had an incredible season this year full of so much fun and success! This season full of 15 seniors was unforgettable and I’m so grateful for such an amazing program,” said opposite hitter Gracie Stone.
Girls Golf:
Girls’ Golf finished their season strong, making it to Channel League finals. Junior Chloe Belamy qualified for the All-Channel League First Team after individually placing 3rd at league finals. Mia Rocha, Simrin Singh, and Karenna Saleh followed her as All-League second-team members.
“We had a great season this year, it was more of a building year but everyone gave it their all and improved a ton which is what matters,” senior Hadley Schmidt commented.
Girls’ Tennis:
Girls’ tennis had an impressive run through league competition, securing Channel League runner-up. The team was consistent across singles and doubles games. Senior Kate Selby and sophomore Tate Jaeger received Doubles MVP in the All Channel League. Other team members also made all-channel league: Sabrina Rashti and Mya Shenoda made First team, followed by Riley Beainy-Johnson, Elana Rowan, Paia Lowry for second teams as well as Leah Shenoda, and Jacqui Wilson. With a 13-10 league record, the team has a season full of improvement and consistency.
We had an amazing season this year. We improved a lot and also strengthened our bond as a team. We traveled a lot and played at a very high level, which made this season one of the best yet,” said team captain Elana Rowan.
Boys’ Water Polo:
Led by seniors Will Stuart, Jake Magid, and Jack Kramer, the San Marcos boys water polo team built up their team and ended strongly. The team had a league record of 7-2, qualifying for CIF playoffs. After beating San Juan Hills in the first round, they advanced to the quarter finals, where they played a tough game against Loyola High, losing 13-10. The team played consistently throughout the season, standing their ground and consistently improving.
“I think we had a very good season despite having a young team. Our lower classmen came in clutch in big moments, and we had great senior leadership. Special thanks to
Peera for an amazing 4 years,” said senior Will Stuart.
Football:
With an exciting walk-off win against DP, football held its ground this fall sports season. Last year was the first time in 19 years that San Marcos made it to the CIF playoffs. The team continued the streak this year, making it to the first round of CIF.
“The football season was a wild ride but I’m glad I got to enjoy one last ride with my brothers,” said senior Cyrus Reid.
The royals were anchored by a strong group of seniors who pushed the team towards success in league games. Juniors and sophomores also supported the team in key roles. The consistent effort and improvement the team displayed this year is one of the strongest runs San Marcos football has seen in almost 2 decades.
Boys Beach Volleyball:
The San Marcos Boys beach volleyball team had a remarkable season, battling through Channel League. The team beat local rival Santa Barbara High School twice in the fall sports season.
“I felt this season was a very successful season, and it was an amazing feeling playing with my friends all summer and coaching. Our 1,2,3 teams are all very successful and talented, and I felt we made some amazing progress for our senior year,” said junior player Hector Mejia Cruz.
All of our San Marcos fall sports teams had wonderful seasons full of enthusiasm and improvement. The King’s Page looks forward to seeing San Marcos athletes continue to play well and represent our school in upcoming seasons.
