Volleyball – Waverly Smith
Waverly Smith has been the “quarterback” for the East girls volleyball team all season, “setting the strategy” for the team on the court and leading the group to a 15-6 (10-2 Big 8) record so far.
Coach Rachel Kline says that Smith is “quick, athletic and gets the ball to [their] attackers with consistency and ease.” She also added on Smith’s reliability, “Her teammates can count on her to perform every practice and game.” She says her value to the team “goes beyond her performance on the court.
— Ryan Murphy
Football – Marquette Bowers
Marquette Bowers has been an integral part of the East football program as an offensive guard and defensive tackle over the first 8 games of the season.
According to Bowers, his best moment so far this year came in the Carrboro game. He made a crucial tackle in the backfield late in the game that caused a turnover and put the game in the grasp of East.
Bowers believes that “after [they] figure it all out, [they’ll] be a pretty dangerous team.”
— Ryan Murphy
Tennis – Christina Gao
Junior Christina Gao, No. 3 singles player and No. 2 doubles player, has fueled a great season of tennis, with their team having 14 wins and 2 losses. Ever since she started playing tennis, Gao played for fun more than anything else.
“I try to encourage my teammates to be excited about games and practices,” said Gao, who’s won 18 of her matches played this season. “Christina has been a really good leader of the team [and] shows a lot of emotion and ability to rally the girls around her.” Coach Walker said.
— Shay Wisdom
Cross Country – Irish Farrell
Senior Irish Farell has taken a commanding role on the East cross country team after the seniors of last year left. As a senior, he now leads the team as the top runner with a 5k time of 16:41.
“Our team isn’t as strong as it has been up front the last few years, but a few of us have stepped up to try to lead the team,” said Farell.
Irish commented on the cross country experience saying “It’s a fun sport….you can enjoy yourself while working towards your goals.”
— Paul Johnson
