Girls Soccer
Having lost half of its starting line up to graduation, this season will be a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs. Co-captains Lauren Davidson and Lily Hansen will have to lead a team with a definite lack of varsity experience; for half of the roster, this is their first year playing at the varsity level. However, the news is not all bad. There is legit talent on the team in juniors Hansen, Sonia Giebel, and Tory Sheffield, and senior Davidson. Furthermore, the team will also rely on sophomores Rachel Keyser and Savannah Billedo for strong performances throughout the season. If the girls can come together under new coach David O’Neill, the Bulldogs may be able to reach their goal, the playoffs.

Boys Tennis
Game, set, match. The Boys Tennis team has an immensely impressive reputation to uphold this year, going undefeated in the past two years and sending several players to state. This year should be no different – the boys have the same starting lineup, with the exception of graduated senior Tomo Berry, and junior Riley Mulherkar. Look for juniors Frankie Pavia and Wilson Platt, both with state experience, as well as junior Ryan Killory and senior Neil Eddington to dominate throughout the season. A scheduling change forces the boys to play five extra matches this season, and the addition of a few schools to the league could throw a monkey wrench into the boys’ season, but nevertheless, expect a zero in the loss column at the end of the season.

Girls Swimming
The Girls Swim team had a stellar season last year, dominating throughout a season that culminated in a state championship. This year should bring more of the same success that the girls have become so accustomed to. Although the team lost standout swimmers Gabby Guieb and Alex Ernst, the team still has plenty of state experience. Sophomores Fiona Majeau and Louisa Dunwiddie, juniors Jordan Hanna and Maddy Morgan, and seniors Melissa Oishi, Carolyn Samuelson, and Stephanie Willis all bring state experience to a strong overall team. With uber-successful coach Emily Weber still at the helm, this team is set for another run at state.

Football
In the past, the Football team has always had the most hype, the most spectators, and the most… losses. This year may not be a playoff year, but the boys are hopeful for a couple wins this season. “I believe we can be good this year, better than the years past,” says starting quarterback Sean Foster. “We are much more focused.” Despite losing several seniors, this could be the best group of boys in years. The team also has a standout coach in head coach, Anthony Allen. Allen, a Garfield alum, has plenty of football experience, including winning a Super Bowl. With some serious hard work, and a little luck, the football team could finish out of the cellar for the first time in many years.

Cross Country
Look for the Cross-Country team to have an overall successful season this year. Last season was a blatant disappointment, with runners quitting in the middle of the season and numerous coaching changes. However, as unremarkable as last season was, it seems to be just that auspicious this season. Newly hired Coach Nicole Petty, a Garfield alum, has already served as an inspiration, as many of the runners who quit last season have come back to the team. Standouts Dylan Peterson and Anna Dailey are both well on their way to state, and with a strong new crop of freshmen, the cross-country team definitely has what it takes to go the distance.

Volleyball
The Volleydogs certainly have their work cut out for them this season. The girls have endured set back after set back in the months leading up to tryouts. The gym hasn’t been available, tryouts were held later, and the team has suffered the loss of five key seniors. Furthermore, the team is hurting for girls, as several girls from last years squad have quit volleyball altogether. Consequently, the squad has only eight returning varsity players. The girls from JV will need to step up if the Volleydogs hope to reach the playoffs.

Boys Golf
Possibly the most ignored sport of all the fall sports, boys golf hopes to make more of an impact this year. Peller Phillips coaches the team, which, in the past, has consisted of only five, maybe six boys. This year, that number has doubled, with ten boys making the team. Look for senior Phil McCarthy and junior Cody Moore to lead the team with impressive numbers. While the team may not be the most successful or the most paid attention to, as senior Danny Schwartz says, “We’re not gonna be great, but it’s crackin’. Free golf.”