Fall Tournament 2023
TAKING PRIDE IN THE SPARTAN LEGACY
We are incredibly proud of our Fall Semester student athletes, especially those who participated in the Union College Fall Tournament this October.
Our Volleyball teams played with heart and soul. It has been so fun to watch them grow and to cheer for them throughout their season. With nine seniors between the two teams (management included), the court was alive with joy and laughter as well as spectacular saves and spikes. We will miss them next season. Coach Georgia Russell describes it this way:
“This season has been incredible working with these talented girls on and off the court. We set out this season to praise God in all we do while playing volleyball and while serving within our school. Watching the Varsity girls play together with enthusiasm and perseverance to go to the semi finals at tournament was something I was blessed to be a part of with these girls! I'm proud of the season we had.”
Our Soccer team had a great season. Led by eight seniors (including management), they represented SAA well both on and off the field. That representation was rewarded when they received not only the 2nd place tournament trophy but also the Sportsmanship award. Coach Chase Shireman explains:
“I have been dreaming of our Sunnydale soccer team winning the Sportsmanship award since my first year coaching. I have always told the boys that winning is fun, but never at the cost of our true purpose: representing Christ and showing other schools how Christians behave on the field. Other coaches always told me that winning it was just a dream for me though because top teams at tournament will never get that vote. This year we did both though: we played in the championship game and won the Sportsmanship award. I am so proud of my guys, they leave it all on the field every game but they do not sacrifice honor just to win.”
We are grateful and thankful to have two teams we can be proud to cheer for and who share Jesus with others both on and off the court. We pray that the lessons they learn in practice and play will lay a foundation of faith, tenacity, hard work and perseverance for their futures.
LET’S GO SPARTANS!
Union College Sportsmanship Award
The Union College Sportsmanship Award will be presented each year to the team that best displays the values of positive Christian sportsmanship and demonstrates that commitment through the actions, words and attitudes of players, coaches and fans. Sportsmanship Award recipients should demonstrate qualities such as friendliness, courtesy, graciousness in winning and losing, fair and honest dealing during the competition, and overall admirable conduct of everyone associated with the team.
To learn more about the Union College Fall Tournament 2023, click here.
You can see stats and view photos of all the games.
