HAWK HEADLINES NEWSPAPER
SPORTS
“HSHS Men’s Soccer” by Maria Guta 10/20/21
As of Sunday, October 17, the men’s soccer team are 4-3-2 in conference and 8-4-2 overall, ranking them 4th in the SWAC 4A conference. The men are captained by Justice Dees, Cameron Ennis, and Levi Staub. The Burke twin duo, Cameron and Cole, lead the team in goal scoring this season with an impressive ten goals apiece. The team boasts a solid back line, a dynamic midfield, and a lethal attack under the leadership of Coach Will.
To honor this year’s graduating class, Hawk Headlines interviewed senior captain Justice Dees on his outlook as a leader this season. Dees is a midfielder who has been a part of the soccer program since his freshman year. Regarding his role as captain, Dees says the most gratifying part is “being able to lead a team that was not expected to be where we are now.” After the loss of several talented players this season to MLS Next, a high-level club development program, prospects for the team’s success were low. In spite of these expectations, players worked harder than ever to prove themselves on the pitch. After their first loss against South Garner, the men became “closer as a group.” The most challenging part of his role then, Dees remarks, was “making everyone a cohesive unit wanting to fight for each other.” The team went on to win their next three games.
Dees lauds the soccer program under Coach Will for teaching him to “work hard, be determined, and trust the process,” lessons he will carry on to college and life. He is grateful for all the memories made in his four years with his teammates and coaches.
Next week, men’s soccer faces Apex on Monday, October 25th. They go on to play Panther Creek on Wednesday, October 27th. Both games are home, so be sure to come out and support them!
"HSHS Volleyball" by Arabelle Kwiatek
Last Tuesday, Hawk Headlines received an exclusive opportunity to interview women’s volleyball head coach, Ms. Davis. She has dedicated herself to the student athletes at Holly Springs for four years so far and speaks fondly of students she has coached since their freshman year. She talked specifically about how her senior varsity players have grown and influenced their younger peers.
“I can honestly say that these girls have never given up. They can fight hard. If we win a set 29-27, that just shows me their heart, and that is when I’m the most proud of them. Even the games that we have lost, they have not given up. They fight for every single point. We have girls walking off the court, getting ice or going to PT, and they are not giving up.”
When asked about the effects of the pandemic on team sports, she said it was difficult for student athletes, as their season was cut short. For almost two years, many could not practice or play in a typical gym setting.
Coach Davis acknowledges the wins and losses that her team has endured over the recent season with a 10-4 record. Her players show amazing strive, like outside hitters Kylie Cackovic and Brooke Doherty.
“We have five seniors this year, and they have that level of expectation. They influence the younger girls and that has helped a lot. It’s been really cool to see them grow the past four years, not only as players, but as leaders. Their leadership skills have really shined this year.”
Coach Davis is optimistic about the future of her team, noting that although the competition has been fierce, she expects that they will overcome adversity: “I don’t think I have ever had a team that has worked as hard as they have. It has been the biggest struggle to change their mindset and get them to believe in themselves because they are good enough. I’ve had them do a worksheet on positive thoughts and competitive drills to focus on their mindset.”
The varsity team has made spectacular wins against highly competitive teams, creating new records that greatly impacts the future of the program. Coach Davis shows extreme pride in her team due to their growth as individuals.
“Our senior players know what it’s like to be the freshman or sophomore on varsity, and they really just want to leave this program the best that they can. Kylie made a comment the other day that she wants to be the girl that the other players can remember. They want to leave this program and be remembered as the people who have helped it grow.”