The spring sports season brings lots of opportunities to be active, meet new people, and become part of a team. With ten sports to choose from, there’s something for just about everyone interested in trying out for a team.

Baseball

   The Boys Spring Baseball Team tryouts will be held on February 11, at the upper baseball field from 11-1 p.m. Varsity Coach Richard Frink said, “Students should try out because baseball is a fun sport and a good opportunity to meet new people, develop new skills, and be a part of a team.” Some apparel needed to try out will be, a hat, glove, cleats/athletic shoes, baseball pants and a positive attitude.

Softball

   Girls softball tryouts will be held on February 11, from 11-2 p.m. at the upper softball field. “Players should try out for softball to compete and learn about the game, make friends and have fun,” said Head Varsity Coach Kelsey Jenkins Most players should bring cleats, tennis shoes, water, and a snack. If you do not have any items to try out, contact Coach Jenkins to borrow gear.

Boys Golf

   The boys golf tryouts will be on February 15, starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Tecolote Golf Course. There will be an invite-only round of tryouts the following day at the Balboa Golf Course, with the time yet to be determined. “Unlike many team sports, golf is personal. Every time you play you are trying to beat previous scores you have made,” said Head Coach David Asuncion. He recommended that those interested “…bring a positive vibe and be willing to work and be frustrated. Golf can always humble the best.”

Boys Volleyball

   The spring boys volleyball tryouts are scheduled for February 4 from 4:30 to 7:30 in the gym at UC High School. Varsity Head Coach Aaron Hartin said, “It is helpful to have volleyball experience before trying out for the Volleyball Team. If potential players don’t have volleyball experience, it helps to have experience in some kind of team sport like soccer or basketball.” Anyone interested in attending tryouts needs to wear the appropriate athletic apparel (t-shirt and shorts).

Girls Beach Volleyball

   Girls beach volleyball will be hosting their tryouts in three time slots. Students must contact Head Varsity Coach Mark Salata to fill out a Google Form to register. Tryouts will be held in three different time slots depending when players are available. The players will then be assigned into one of the three groups. Group one will meet on Monday, February 13 from 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. Group two will meet on the same day from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. Group three will meet Tuesday, February 14 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. There will also be an open play and training prior to tryouts during the previous week. “Beach volleyball is a great sport that one can play their whole life. It’s very useful for other sports. It helps improve your quickness, balance, vertical leap, and strength,” said Salata.

Girls Lacrosse

  The Girls Lacrosse Team is hosting tryouts on Saturday February 11 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the stadium. Head Coach Lizzy Des Enfants said, “We would love to get more people to come try lacrosse. It’s the fastest game on two feet and gives the players the ability to be creative and work together as a team.” Please bring cleats, goggles, a lacrosse stick, and mouthguard. Some of these will be provided if need be.

Boys Lacrosse

   Boys lacrosse tryouts will be held on Saturday February 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the stadium. The UC High Boys Lacrosse Team is coming off yet another terrific season in 2022, where they made it to League for the second straight year. In 2021, they won their first League Championship in the school’s boys lacrosse history. “We lost 12 graduating seniors last year so we are really looking for a strong turnout of new players,” said Head Coach CK Littlewood. All participants should bring cleats, mouthguards, cups, sticks, pads, and gloves if they have them. Equipment will be provided for new players.

Swim and Dive

  Swim and Dive Team tryouts will be held Wednesday, February 8 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Standley Aquatic Center. Head Coach Cassie Phillips said, “The goal of the UC High Swim Team is to help student athletes flourish and  provide them with a sense of accomplishment and ever-lasting memories. Most importantly, we are seeking the betterment and growth of the individual, recognizing the value of hard work, contributing to a team, and learning to never give up.”

Badminton

Badminton tryouts will be after February 11. Exact dates are yet to be provided but the team meets behind the activity room after school during the season. “Badminton is a game of endurance, strategy, and finesse. It is the world’s fastest racket sport and the second most popular, behind soccer,” said Coach Prat Mallawong.

Boys Tennis

  Boys tennis tryouts will be held February 8-10 after school at the tennis courts. “Tennis is fun. It’s a    good way to get healthy and also make new friends, as well as learn a sport that is very technical,” said Head Coach Justin Nguyen. All skill levels are welcome.

Track and Field

   Tryouts will be the week of February 6. There are a wide variety of events one can try out for, such as high jump, hurdles, pole vaulting, long jump, sprints, distance running, relays, shot put, and javelin.

   All sports require athletic clearance to participate. Visit the Athletics section of the UC High website for more information.