It only means one thing when you see softballs soaring through the air on Hunte Field, hear lacrosse balls hitting the back of nets, and spot splashes as swimmers dive into the pool: spring sports season is back at Bishop’s! 

Captains in each sport work hard to create uplifting atmospheres for the players and enter the season with strong goals.

The Boys’ Baseball Team captains Clyde Kates (‘26) and Henry Armstrong (‘25) emphasize the importance of setting a good example on and off the field. Clyde said that being a captain means driving younger players, such as Henley Willingham (‘28), to practices (which are held off campus at Spanos Field). “They look up to me so [the program] is more about them,” Clyde said. Henry added that as captain, “you have to accept when the team’s not doing well as kinda your fault and support others in tough times.”

The Boys’ Baseball Team’s goal this season is to secure the CIF championship. Clyde believes that while they have the talent, their drive makes the difference. 

The Girls’ Lacrosse Team shares this goal. “We won [the championship] in my sophomore year,” said one of the four captains, Kendall Kearney (‘25), “The feeling was irreplicable.” 

Kendall emphasized that the captains “will always be there for every single person that’s playing.” Laine Jeffery (‘25), another captain, agreed and added, “I wanna be that older sister for everyone.” Laine also mentioned other goals, such as increasing commitment level and fitness. 

Captain Jayla Stafford (‘25) reflected on her time on the softball team as “one of the most fulfilling experiences.” She said the team fosters “a very welcoming environment where it is comfortable for everyone, no matter their skill, to get better and be better teammates.” She aims  “to form unique bonds with every single one of the players.” Like many others, Girls’ Softball hopes to win the league and CIFs.

Captain of the Boys’ Volleyball Team, Giles Beamer (‘26), said the team is composed of boys who have already played together, which has “been awesome.” Giles said that while everyone is “super talented,” there is not one player this year who is “that guy on the team that everyone is relying on.” 

Giles looks forward to the future. Despite the desire to win, Giles hopes to expose the younger players to “high-level high school volleyball.” 

The Boys’ Lacrosse Team is made up of a close and talented group of players whose ultimate desire is also to win the CIF Championship. Much of the team’s power comes from the team’s culture of being “player-led,” as Captain Ryan Landa (‘25) explained. From captains to other players on the field, the boys help and support each other. Especially the captains. “Being a captain has meant taking on much more responsibility for the team and its future,” Ryan said. 

As for the Boys’ Tennis Team, while personal goals may vary due to tennis being a group and an individual sport, the joint team goals are bringing players together. Co-Captain Ryan Qin (‘25) said, “This season, we’re looking to hopefully qualify for the Open Division and make a run in the playoffs. Personally, I want to make it to the fourth round of the CIF Individuals tournament for either singles or doubles.” 

Ryan reflected on the duty as a captain, saying, “I’ve taken on many new roles, but most importantly, I’m trying to ensure that everyone is fitting in well with the rest of the team and feeling comfortable.” With 14 members, the team is ready for a challenging and rewarding season ahead of them.

Captain of the Boys’ Golf Team, Kayden Wang (‘25), is also excited for the spring season and loves the  “strong sense of camaraderie” on the squad, where he says everyone is “working hard and trying their best to play better for the team.” Kayden said the team hopes to win the Coastal League after falling short the past two years. Additionally, as captain, Kayden feels the need to “play well in order to represent the team.” He is excited for the season with “some great people and great golfers.”

The Co-Ed Swim Team also has a strong sense of camaraderie. One of the swim captains, Sophia Lampe (‘25), said that the team cheers each other on at different events. Caspar Lightner (‘25), another captain, added that “the team’s success rides heavily on individual success in each event,” though the “encouragement and support from teammates is still great.” 

The Swim Team wants to win CIFs, which can hopefully happen due to the experienced swimmers “who make [their] team especially deep and well-balanced,” Caspar said. Caspar also hopes to encourage younger swimmers. He said that as captain, he has “taken on an ‘older brother role,” striving to lead by example. 

Captain of the Track and Field Team, Ayanna Hickey (‘26), said that despite track being an individual sport, “From workouts that feel like hell to the nerves that come with racing, there will always be someone that feels the exact same way.” As captain, Aynna said, “We are really just in charge of making sure everyone is in the right place at the right time, especially when it comes to race days.” 

From the field to the pool and everything in between, spring sports have captains who are eager to win, support their teammates, and strive to create a supportive playing atmosphere. With captains who strive to lead a good example, the teams will flourish in the spring sun.