The fall sports season is officially underway, with coaches and athletes balancing busy schedules while bringing the Northside community plenty of after-school thrills.
Sports at Northside are broken down into seasons — fall, winter, and spring — based on facilities and weather.
This fall, students have the opportunity to compete in Cross Country, Golf, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Tennis, Women’s Volleyball, Women’s Flag Football, and Women’s Swim and Dive.
Most fall sports require tryouts, usually two weeks before the school year begins. However, Cross Country, for example, allows anyone to participate, giving every student a chance to find their place within the athletic community. To compete, athletes must turn in both a sports physical (valid for 13 months) and a registration form on the NCP Athletics website.
Teams are already deep into practices and competitions, with Northside supporters rallying behind them and eager to see what the season holds. Behind the scenes, athletes and coaches are focused on preparing for the challenges ahead.
Northside’s Athletic Director, Mr. Subrinsky, is more than thrilled to see our Mustang Pride shown across fields and courts; more specifically, our very own courts and fields. He emphasized the energy and support that comes when students don’t have to travel far to watch their classmates compete. “Sports like soccer and volleyball, when they’re played on campus, are better atmospheres because more students watch.” Mr. Subrinsky is “excited to see the fall sports improve as the season progresses.”
For Coach Sell, head of the swim and water polo programs, coaching has become much more than just a job. A Northside alum himself, he’s now in his fifth year coaching. “The same way swimming and extracurriculars were an outlet for me as a student, they’re still serving that role for me as an adult,” he explained.
This year, practices look different. With Northside’s pool under construction, the aquatics teams have been training off-site. While the move has posed challenges, Coach Sell remains optimistic. In fact, he’s noticed stronger attendance and thinks later practices might actually help balance athletes’ busy schedules by allotting time for other after-school activities.
“In the fall, absences often come from clubs or I-Night. I wonder if starting at 5pm might help — giving students time to finish their activities and still make it to practice.” (Keep Up with Coach Sell’s Upcoming Swim Meets Here!)
For senior student-athletes, the fall season takes on a bittersweet significance. Volleyball captain Maia Khetani has been leading her team since her sophomore year, balancing the heavy load of academics, athletics, and now college applications.
“It hasn’t gotten easier since freshman year. It’s been the same amount of workload,” she shared. Late-night study sessions after games are part of her reality.
Throughout the years, Maia still sees volleyball as an anchor in her busy schedule. “When we start playing, I’m totally locked in on volleyball and all my worries about school don’t matter at that moment.” For her, the sport is a source of joy and community. That love for the game will carry her beyond Northside, as she looks forward to continuing her athletic and academic career at Case Western Reserve University next year. (Catch Maia’s Upcoming Games Here)
While seniors are preparing for their last fall season, freshmen are just beginning theirs. For Austin Yu, a member of the Varsity Boys’ Soccer team, joining a sport right away was nerve-racking as he didn’t know what to expect, but the team environment quickly gave him confidence.
“Through everyone’s love of the sport, soccer has made me many new friends. Without the passion for the game, I wouldn’t have met the amazing people I know,” Austin said.
Being on a team “has definitely made me feel more accepted and welcome here at NCP,” he added.
For Austin, joining the soccer team has been a key part of adjusting to high school and finding his place at Northside. Practices and games have helped him build connections with both teammates and coaches, making him feel “part of a bigger community.” (Watch Austin develop on the Mustang Field here!)
Ellis Korda reflects on his own experiences as both a fan and an athlete. “I feel a sense of school spirit and community with my peers when I’m in the crowd cheering with them. It’s a lot of fun to cheer on my friends in their sports and root against the other schools.”
He says, “I know what it’s like to play a sport with friends supporting on the sideline. It makes my hard work feel appreciated.”
As the fall sports season continues, athletes and coaches alike will keep adjusting to packed schedules, balancing practices, games, and academics, with audience members cheering them on. By the time the season wraps up on October 26, students may find themselves with more free time than they know what to do with. But for now, the focus is on the competitions to come.
Mustangs on 3! 1, 2, 3, Go Mustangs!
