By Jason Benedek, Sports Editor
As the 2022-23 Howard County fall sports season begins, River Hill’s football, soccer, volleyball, and field hockey teams look to add on to their long legacy of dominance throughout the years. The whole school is absolutely buzzing with excitement; competitive spirit is flowing through the air of the River Hill halls. Some teams are looking to make a name for themselves at the state competitions this year, while others are hungry for a revenge season. Each and every team is prepared to pour blood, sweat, tears and everything they’ve got into their upcoming season.
After a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Arundel in the Maryland state finals, River Hill field hockey is as ready as ever to steal their state championship title back. This team is absolutely star studded with two division one commits, Maddie Vasilious (University of Maryland) and Puja Nanjappa (Stanford), as well as returning 2nd Team All County players, Jocelyn Baker and Evelyn Dzubak.
Another impressive lineup this year is the football team. On the defensive side of the ball, opponent quarterbacks should be terrified of our defense with returning 2nd Team All County players, Dylan McCullough and Tyler Windsor, steamrolling towards them. The offensive side is looking just as scary with returning 1st Team All County running back, Ethan Burnett, and brand new junior quarterback Omar Hassan, who’s got a cannon of an arm.
Senior captain Nico Lancashire states, “I feel really good about the team this year. Our group of guys have been putting in maximum effort every day, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up on top in the county, and make a run for states. We really believe in ourselves this year.” The River Hill football team is going to be the team to beat this year.
The girls soccer team is also looking to dominate. Led by returning 2nd Team All County player Allie Lubitz and fellow seniors Allie Billups, Ella Ferrer, and Ellie Goldberg, this team is on pace to do major damage at states this season. With an astounding 13 state championship victories, River Hill girls soccer isn’t finished adding trophies to the collection just yet.
When asked what she’s looking forward to in the season, senior Allie Lubitz explained, “This season I’m looking forward to having a competitive and fun team. We are starting to work really well together and I am excited for a comeback season for states. Winning should be pretty fun.” The River Hill girls soccer team will be super fun to watch this year.
The boys soccer team is seeking revenge after losing to Centennial in penalty kicks in the semi finals of the Howard County tournament in the 2021 season. With similar success to the girls team, the varsity boys soccer team holds nine state championship victories. With senior captains Jai Khanna and Jason Jia, and junior captain Dylan Martinez, the team plans on starting off the season strong and finishing stronger.
Regarding the amount of younger guys on the team this year, Jai explains, “I like being one of the older guys who’s able to support and mentor them so they can grow as players. I’ll always look out for my little guys and I would hope they do the same for me when they’re in my shoes.” This team’s age will not hold them back from being one of the best teams in the league this season.
River Hill volleyball is going to be electric this year. With captains Paula Elguera, Brooke Laumann, and Maddie Antevil, the team has a ton of experience and is really looking forward to dominating the season. The big question is how will they fill the shoes of former star hitter, Shreeny Chikyala.
“I think the team has a lot of potential this season,” explained Paula. “Although we lost four important seniors last year, our starting lineup is strong. The team will have to step up this year, however, if we want to prove ourselves as a dominant team in the county. I am excited to see how the season goes for us.”
Everybody at River Hill is eager for the competition to begin, but the teams are almost nothing without their fans. Upcoming games and all information regarding them is continuously posted on the weekly announcements sent out by the administration. Students are encouraged to attend sports games to be able to demonstrate hawk pride and school spirit. Make sure you go and support all of the teams at River Hill, and show your hawk pride and spirit.