A look inside Fenton High School’s spring sports teams and how they are preparing and getting ready for the season.
This year, there are lots of spring sports being offered. Those include baseball, softball, boys’ golf, girls’ tennis, girls’ soccer, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, and boys’ and girls’ track and field. The weather is finally starting to feel like actual spring, and all of the spring sports teams are beginning to start their seasons.
Varsity Baseball
The team is off to a great start, sitting at 5-1 after beating Lakeland, Lake Orion, and sweeping Kearsley in three games. Despite a tough 10-9 loss to Williamston, they remain ranked high in the state. With a boosted roster and a deep pitching staff, expectations are high that they can make a run to districts.
Starting catcher Junior Ayren Edgar:
Q: “What are your goals for the season as a team?”
A: “Our goal is to win districts, but we’re going to try and make the state tournament this year.”
Q: “How is the team planning to make states?”
A: “Going all in every game, we have a ton of pitching depth this year, a lot of seniors.”
Q: “What’s your favorite part about this team overall?”
A: “I like the culture. We’re always supporting each other. We don’t get down on each other.”
Varsity Softball
Softball is dealing with schedule changes due to rain, but the young team is staying aggressive. Junior Lillian Tillier recently pitched a complete seven-inning game with seven strikeouts, while Sophomore Mariana Williams has already notched five RBIs and a home run.
Player Freshman Danielle Golen:
Q: “How do you feel the team’s going to do?”
A: “I think the team is going to do pretty well. Our plan is to try and go all the way to states.”
Q: “How has your team done so far?”
A: “We’ve only played two games, a lot of them have been canceled – we’re one and one.”
Q: “What’s your favorite part about the atmosphere of your team?”
A: “Everyone gets along.”
Coach Travis Craven:
Q: “How is your team planning on being the best you can be this season?”
A: “Our season has been off to a very wet start. We’ve only been able to play two games out of our possible eight. My girls are working hard.”
Q: “Does this team have enough depth, and what do they need to do to become the best version of themselves throughout the season?”
A: “I have great upperclassmen leadership. My plan for our season is to be very successful. This year, I have 14 girls on varsity.”
Q: “How has the team adjusted this season, and how have they earned their spots?”
A: “Every day is a tryout, so the girls are working hard to earn their spot. In our first two games, my underclassmen showed up and showed out.”
Girls Soccer
Currently 3-2-1 overall and undefeated in their division, the soccer team has figured out how to move the ball effectively against big schools like Hartland. Their defense, led by Senior Sophia Katsef and Sophomore Marcelle Lape, has become very hard to stop so far this season.
Junior Aeriana Bailey
Q: “Already winning multiple close games, what does that say about your team and how you guys play together?”
A: “It tells us we can all work together and unite and be a family.”
Q: “How have different strategies helped you guys get to where you are now?”
A: “We all have our own ideas to come together.”
Q: “How has your team experience helped you and others work together?”
A: “That we all got each other’s backs and know we can trust each other.”
Girls Tennis
The team is preparing for a big match against Holly. Under Coach Woody Brackney, players are adjusting to new roles, including many moving up to varsity doubles positions for the first time.
Senior Haley Jensen (First Doubles)
Q: “What is your team’s goal for this season?”
A: “Our goal is to get as many wins as we can and just to have fun.”
Q: “How will your team overcome any obstacles and find ways to win? What strategies have you guys worked on?”
A: “Over the season, especially in doubles, as we start playing together, people will come up with their own strategies.”
Q: “How has your team been able to adjust to the coaching change, and how can you guys take that and become better?”
A: “It has definitely been difficult, even though we still show up every day and we’re trying our best despite the challenges.”
Boys & Girls Lacrosse
The girls’ team recently celebrated a 15-14 overtime win against Walled Lake Central. The boys’ team is 1-3, but they have remained competitive, with all three losses being decided by seven points or fewer.
Senior Jacob Henson (Boys Lacrosse):
Q: “How has your team competed at a high level despite a slow start?”
A: “Our team comes out every day and practices, and we put in extra work off the field to try and improve, even though our record isn’t the best. We have a really strong work ethic.”
Q: “How have you been able to form friendships on the team and play together?”
A: “We go to team bonding. We had dinner last night as a team. We will all hang out as friends outside of school.”
Q: “With a long season ahead, how will you guys overcome any obstacles you face as a team?”
A: “Just going to keep working at it and not look at it as a disadvantage for our team.”
Freshman Charlie Livingston (Girls Lacrosse):
Q: “How has your team been able to play together this season?”
A: “We have had a lot of communication, and we get along really well.”
Q: “How has your team overcome any obstacles to become better this year?”
A: “Last year the team didn’t win any games, and this year we’re actually winning games and being able to hype each other up and just being there for each other.”
Q: “How has your team environment helped you guys get better?”
A: “Whenever I need help, it’s just not awkward, and we are all very comfortable with each other.”
Head Coach Isabel Greene (Girls Lacrosse)
Q: “How is your team planning on being the best you can be this season?”
A: “Just by keeping things simple & fun, while staying focused on what is in front of us.”
Q: “Does this team have enough depth, and what do they need to do to become the best version of themselves throughout the season?”
A: “Our team has a lot of depth to them from our goalie to our attackers. We have a big senior class but overall a talented group of girls. I have no doubt that our team can reach our goals this season and next season.”
Q: “How has team participation and bonding events helped you guys get to know each other more?”
A: “By having coaches’ dinners and team dinners before practice for the past couple years has made a big difference in how close our girls’ relationships are together. Also, incorporating small team challenges and exercises together before a practice or game. The stronger the trust the stronger the team is, but it’s obviously built over time and off-season training together.”
Boys’ & Girls’ Track and Field
Coming off the Davison Invitational, both teams are gearing up for matches against Flushing, Holly, and Linden. Standout leaders like Sophomore Gavin Katic and Junior Kate Hunt have helped the team a lot with the early-season momentum.
Junior Jackson DeFina (Boys Track):
Q: “How has your track team done as a team and playing together?”
A: “Personally, I think the track team has been doing great so far this season. We just had one of our hardest matchups in the Flint Metro League, and we did well. The team is doing very well and working wonderfully together.”
Q: “What are the goals for the season and how can you accomplish them?”
A: “My goals are to break ten minutes in the two-mile as well as going under 4:40 in the mile. I will accomplish these goals by trusting in the training plan my coach gives me and working when no one else is watching to become the best.”
Junior Isabelle Ice (Girls Track):
Q: “How has your team done so far this season, and what are your goals?”
A: “We’ve done okay, we usually win metros, I’m not sure if it’s going to happen this year because we don’t have many seniors and as many people on the team as we usually do. I think we all have to focus on being reliable, scoring-wise, and working on getting big points like in the relays.”
Q: “How have you guys been able to get to know each other as a team and play together?”
A: “I think it’s good that we are all willing to try any event to gain more points, and also, coach Larsen is the head coach for girls and guys, so as the Fenton track program, it feels more put together, like it’s all one team rather than the girls team and the guys team.”
Q: “How has the environment of your team helped you guys?”
A: “Larsen encourages us to stay and cheer each other on. It’s been fun being a team helper, but I’m glad to be back throwing.”
Boys Golf
The golf team is hitting the links as the weather clears, looking to establish its presence in the division rankings this spring.
Junior Chris Lewis (Varsity):
Q: “How has your team bonding helped you guys get to know each other and play more as a team?”
A: “We play together, playing helps us get more connected. The van rides are always fun.”
Q: “Because golf is more of an individual sport and also mental, how have you and your team specifically been able to overcome any challenges?”
A: “Just working together and even though it’s individual giving each other confidence, that helps for sure.”
Q: “How are you guys going to play your best to get to where you want to be?”
A: “Practicing every day, helping each other out when needed. Making it to states as a team is the final goal.”
Coach Brad Jones:
Q: “How is your team planning on being the best you can be this season?”
A: “We begin tournament play next week, which will be incredibly beneficial to make a run for the Metro title.”
Q: “Does this team have enough depth, and what do they need to do to become the best version of themselves throughout the season?”
A: “I am very excited about this year’s team. Preston Muntin, Nate Fuller, and Chris Lewis are three of the top golfers in the Metro League and provide us with a tremendous amount of depth in our lineup.”
