The weather gets colder and the nights get longer: As the sports season shifts from fall to winter, football games and cross country meets are now over. In the meantime, other athletics have been preparing for their time to shine. Now that fall sports have come to a close, take a look at what’s in store for our winter athletics season!

   Girls’ Water Polo: Winning their first game on November 16, the Girls’ Water Polo team has been off to a great start. Earlier in the pandemic they had practices and a couple competitions, but this year the team is finally having a proper season. Nervous excitement filled the air as Avery White (10), a Varsity player, prepared for her games to start. “We have a really full team this year, and because of COVID we haven’t had that many games – but we’re ready for the season,” she remarked.

   Boys’ Basketball: The Boys’ Basketball team began their season on November 15. Though Varsity did lose their first game, they won the two immediately after, putting their tally at 2-1 as of November 17. They are set to have a couple of home games in December, January and February, so be sure to show your school spirit and come watch!

   Girls’ Basketball: West High’s Girls’ Basketball team kicked off their season with a great start! They won their first JV game 64-10 against West Covina on November 15th and their first Varsity game 68-43 against Peninsula on November 17. This year’s team is currently very full. Varsity athlete Madeline Heinemann (10) explained: “Last year, despite COVID, I think everyone still worked really hard to make the most of the games we had. So I think this year it’s just about continuing the work and taking advantage of the full season. It’s going to be a great year, we have a great team!”

   Wrestling: Wrestling started their season on November 18. As it is a close contact sport, wrestling was greatly limited last year by the pandemic, but now practice has gone back to normal. The team has been preparing for the matches to come. Roger Ayad (9), a Varsity and JV player, is “excited for the experience and the opportunities that are coming ahead this season.” 

   Boys’ Soccer: Boys’ Soccer began on November 30 at Mira Costa with a 1-1 tie. They have been working hard to win many games this year and hopefully have a successful season. After tryouts, their roster now consists of 55 players for three teams. Last year was difficult for all sports, but now soccer practices have returned to normal. Though they don’t have many home games, be sure to look out for any fundraisers or charity events to help support!

   Girls’ Soccer: West High’s Girls’ Soccer started last out of all the winter sports with their first game on December 1. Varsity kicked off their season with a bang, taking a 5-0 win against Culver City. This year, Cherrie Cox (12), a Varsity player, notably signed to play with Long Beach State Soccer for next year.

   Last year was difficult for both West High’s Athletics Department and the school in its entirety. Sports had to cancel or change the way they practiced, many not even getting to compete when the time came. This year, come support West High’s winter athletics by showing up to games and cheering on our teams!