From Frank Field to the Hoffman Gymnasium to the Alhambra Park Pool, this Westridge winter sports season offered a look into a bright future, as well as a sense of positivity after the devastating Eaton fire. After losing two weeks of competition to the emergency cancellation of schools in the area, the Tigers continued to work hard, with one team even fighting their way into CIF playoffs. 

Here is a round-up of the 2024-2025 winter sports season. 

Basketball: Does Not Advance to CIF Playoffs; Shows Adaptability With A New Coach. 

For the last few years, basketball has struggled to advance to CIF playoffs—a trend that the team was unable to reverse this year. However, basketball showed great perseverance throughout the season. The Tigers battled through tough adjustments, including the loss of their highest scoring player, alum Sarah K. ’24, which proved to be a difficult role to fill. This year, the team contained a fair amount of new players with four freshmen joining the roster.

The former basketball Head Coach and Westridge alumna Juliana Favela also left the team early in the season. Westridge Junior Varsity Golf Coach and Varsity Track and Field Coach Brett Washington rose to the occasion, taking on the role of Varsity Basketball Head Coach. Director of Athletics Coach Melanie Horn said the team “couldn’t have been any luckier” in gaining Mr. Washington, who previously worked as the team’s assistant coach. “[Mr. Washington] is not only well-versed in the game of basketball, but he’s really in tune with trying to keep a positive outlook and really encouraging the kids,” said Coach Horn.

Though the Tigers’ Prep League record stood at 0–10, they ended their last home game with a triumph against Southwestern Academy, winning 52–26. 

At the Winter Sports Recognition on February 26, Spyglass staff writer and basketball captain Ari E. ’25 was awarded Second Team All-League honors as the team’s top scorer. 

Soccer: Another Year of Consistency; Does Not Qualify for CIF Playoffs

Since the return to athletics normalcy post-pandemic, Westridge’s varsity soccer team has continued to place 5th in their league every year. While consistently beating or tying teams such as Providence High School, the Tigers have traditionally struggled against Prep League rivals Mayfield Senior School and Flintridge Preparatory School. This year, the Tigers put up a fight against Mayfield in their first duel of the season, only losing by two goals with a final score of 3–1. By the end of their season, the varsity team’s record stood at an overall 3–7–3 or a .346 winning percentage. Their league record on the other hand was 1–5, with their one victory coming against Providence High School at a score of 4–1. 

This year’s team featured seven freshmen debuting on the varsity roster, including Rookie of the Year Bennett T. ’28, who tied as leading scorer with Danica V. ’27. Freshmen Bianca P. and Kassandra O.-C. also proved themselves as solid defensemen for the Tigers, regularly starting games in the back lines. Although some games for the Tigers featured offensive droughts, when the team’s Most Valuable Player Danica V. was on her A-game, no one could stop her from scoring.

Another stand-out player from the varsity roster was Esperanza O.-C. ’26 who was recently selected to the U-17 Nicaraguan National Team. Missing part of the season to play for Nicaragua, her offensive talent and speed would have certainly helped the Tigers should she have been available. 

Despite another difficult season of league play, the Tigers’ future looks bright with the Class of 2028’s seven varsity players. 

Water Polo: Makes It to the Second Round of CIF Playoffs

Despite the previous season being riddled with tough losses, Westridge Water Polo bounced back to a season that is nothing short of spectacular. With a 10–5 season record, water polo placed third in the Prep League, allowing the team to advance to CIF Playoffs, beating Tesoro High School with a solid 12–5 in the first round. The game’s statistics proved water polo’s high skill level, with Mira C. ’28 scoring seven goals, Skye I. ’26 adding five, and goalkeeper Sloan C. ’26 making a whopping seven saves. However, in the second round of CIF, the team lost 9–13  against San Dimas High School. 

The water polo team’s chemistry was unmatched this year. Junior Skye I. returned stronger than ever after missing most of last season due to repeated concussions. Freshman Mira C. was a strong addition to the team carrying the title of the highest scorer with 105 overall goals. Sloan C. and MG N. ’25 made it to Prep League First Team, while Mira C. and Skye I. earned a spot on the Second Team. For honorable mentions, players like Josephine W. ’26 and Alana L. ’25 were dominant in the pool through their versatility in different positions. 

This winter season perfectly captured how many Tigers bounced back from team losses and hardship. In typical Westridge fashion, each and every team this season stepped up in times of struggle. Are the Tigers ready for another challenge? On to Spring Sports!