Even while winter weather delays are still a threat, spring sports such as baseball, lacrosse, soccer and tennis have long been preparing for their upcoming spring seasons. Many athletes have been working behind the scenes, both on and off the field. Here’s a peek at what to expect for the upcoming men’s athletic season.
Baseball
The baseball team is one of the more successful sports programs at FCHS. The varsity team finished the 2024 season with 12 wins and two losses in their regular season, securing them the top spot in the Jefferson District for 2024. Baseball is currently having offseason conditioning on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“These conditionings are a great opportunity to work on throwing and build strong bonds with my teammates. But being prepared for the season takes so much more than just two days a week. My teammates and I have been getting ready for the season since the fall. After we lost to a private school last season, other teams might think we are soft, but we’re going to shock everyone this season,” said senior baseball player Caden Harris.
Sophomore Noah Washington also has high hopes for this year. “I think if all goes well, we will go deep in the playoffs in the upcoming spring season. To prepare for the season, I lift, hit inside, and put in defensive work two times a week and on the weekends,” said Washington.
Boys Lacrosse
Last spring, the team finished with a winning record of 9-6. According to junior and multi-sport athlete Jack Jefferies, this offseason team members have been working hard every Saturday. “We have been bonding as a team. These practice sessions are so important because when players show up, they display commendable sportsmanship and commitment to the team,” he said.
Junior lacrosse captain and goalie Colton Ball stresses that preparing for a sport is not just about practice, but about having the right mindset. “This season, we hope to win at least 10 games to give us the first double-digit win total in Fluvanna lacrosse history,” he said. Ball hopes such aspirations will motivate teammates and encourage them to stay committed and work together.
Junior Brayden Johnson emphasizes that there’s more than what meets the eye to preparing for his sports. “In my free time, I tend to spend hours upon hours with a ball and a wall, honing my skills for the upcoming season.”
Soccer
In past years, the varsity and junior varsity soccer teams have tended to finish in the middle of the table in the Jefferson District. Last season, the varsity team ended in fifth place.
However, returning Head Coach Jason Davis hopes to change that for 2025, describing his upcoming squad with the word “potential.” “This season, we are going to grow and compete together. I am hoping we will continue to compete against the strong Jefferson District competition,” he said.
Freshman Zach Snoddy is one soccer player taking his commitment to the next level. He wakes up at 4 A.M., three times a week, to train with a semi-professional soccer team. “To be the best, you have to dedicate all of your spare time to your craft,” Snoddy said.
Senior soccer player Ivan Patchett is another player putting in the hours. “Preparation in the winter is a crucial part of success in the spring,” he said, noting that leading up to the season he works out six times a week at home, with the occasional run.
Tennis
In 2024, the boys tennis team had difficulty finding a win against their opponents, although they did win some singles matches. Sophomore Peter Folk hope this season will be different.
“I think in this upcoming season we are going to perform at a much higher standard due to the fact that many people have been showing up to our open court practice sessions. Tennis is such a fun sport. I hope the team finds success this year,” he said.
If you’re interested in joining a spring sport, tryouts will be Feb. 24.
