Spring sports are in full swing, and every team has their own goals and aspirations. They all look to build on last season’s campaigns and make deep playoff runs. Some teams have had more past success than others, but they all hope for similar destinations this year.
After placing second in the region and making it all the way to state quarterfinals last year, the boys tennis team looks forward to the 2026 season. After losing five seniors last season, the boys are ready to start fresh with new teammates. “For our team to succeed this season, it is important that we have faith in each other and always support each other,” senior Max von Schriltz commented.
The girls tennis team is optimistic about the season ahead, following their semifinal appearance in states last year. Freshman Mia Vuckovic is eager to contribute to the success of the team this season. “I’m looking forward to winning all the games,” Vucokic said. As the team improves, junior Sofia Moultrie-Martinez has been working on her net play. “I think I’ve gotten a lot more comfortable playing at the net compared to last season,” Moultrie-Martinez said. Overall the team looks forward to a strong season, and hopefully extending their playoff run past their previous season’s heights.
Despite last season’s impressive 10-4 record and playoff berth, girls lacrosse looks to improve again this season by shooting for the District Championship. The team certainly has the talent, but suffered a few losses with seniors graduating. “We definitely lost some key players to our team from the seniors last year, but I feel like our team has come together and rallied to create a new unit that is just as capable,” senior Zoe Gale commented. “Our defense remained intact from last year, so they are just progressing forward and becoming a stronger unit.” The team’s defense has already proven its worth just two games into the season, holding the John Champe Knights to just three points and pitching a shutout against the Broad Run Spartans, both dominant wins for the Mustangs.
Coming off last year’s 13-6 regular season record and a deep playoff run, the boys lacrosse team hopes to improve upon last season’s success and make a push for the District Championship. The increase in interest has been one of the most notable changes from last spring. “We’ve got a lot more guys this year, and that’s great,” junior Henry Hutchins noted. “Everyone is excited to play together and push each other.”
Last spring, girls soccer ended their season with a record of 11-7-1 and won a postseason game, before losing later in the playoffs. This year, the focus is on developing skills and competing at the highest level possible. “We’d love to make a strong postseason run and challenge for regionals and beyond, but our focus is on continuing to develop throughout the season,” head coach Megan Rerucha commented. “A few of our players are dealing with injuries, so another important goal for us is getting everyone healthy and back on the field.” Furthermore, the coaching staff will emphasize the importance of being a well-rounded team. “Success comes from doing the little things well in all areas,” coach Rerucha stated. “Our players are comfortable making tactical changes during games, sometimes even adjusting our formation midway through a half, so flexibility and game awareness are key.”
Under the leadership of the new head coach Ronald Cruz-Rivas, boys soccer looks to repeat last state championships winning season, as they come out of pre-season with a 0-0 draw against Yorktown. “The goal is to go back-to-back,” said senior Jackson Watt. “It’s not gonna be easy, but we’ve got a great group of guys, and we’ve got a winning culture in this program,” he added.
Meridian baseball looks to improve on their 9-13 record from last year under the helm of head coach Adam Amerine. The Mustangs goal of besting their previous season’s record seems in reach. “The team looks pretty good, and I think we have a very good chance of being a very competitive team,” freshman Nate Landers commented. The Mustangs team is formed around returning veterans and new talent. “I’m looking forward to bonding with the seniors.” Landers said.
Meridian softball looks forward to a hopefully successful season, after their back-to-back scrimmages on Mar 11 and 12. With the 2025 spring season ending in an unfortunate 6-15 record, the Mustangs hope to improve their record this upcoming season with new skills and players. “One of my goals for the team is for us to get back into competing with energy,” senior Anisa Frey commented. “I think we need to focus on clean fielding and minimizing errors as much as possible.”
Senior Maya Anderson expressed her pride in the Meridian track & field team’s response to adversity when their schedule was frequently interrupted for a multitude of reasons.“I think the team performed great last year, especially considering we faced a lot of challenges with weather, cancellations, and inconsistent practices.” The team has taken plenty of hits to its roster with several of their best distance runners graduating last year. However, Meridian has maintained a strong roster of sprinters. “Sprints are definitely our best events. We lack depth in most events aside from sprinting,” senior Ty Schmittel said. While the team may struggle in some areas, they still have some runners capable of making regionals and states. “Through ups and downs, the team has always maintained a strong sense of comradery. Our biggest strength is our support of each other. At meets, everyone cheers each other on in races, and I’ve never felt that there is any competition or ill will between teammates,” Anderson reflected.
