With the 2025 FHS winter sports season already underway, FHS athletes are gearing up for an action-packed season. The winter season comes with the beginning of some of FHS’s most competitive and high-energy sports. With returning athletes and fresh talent, the basketball, soccer and wrestling teams are ready to make their mark with ambitious goals.
As the season kicks off, the boys’ varsity soccer team has a newfound focus. Following weeks of conditioning and preseason practice, the team works to develop strong chemistry both on and off the field.
“This is a school program, not a club program,” FHS boys varsity soccer coach Demba Diallo said. “The priority is always the educational environment. Even if they don’t go on to play soccer, I want them to be better students and better young men.”
Demba emphasizes that a supportive environment is what allows the boys’ soccer teams to continue to grow and come back stronger after each setback.
“Even if soccer isn’t your favorite sport, just stopping by and supporting the team goes a long way. That kind of support helps build the environment we want.”
Basketball has also entered full swing as players prepare for a lineup of intense matchups. The FHS girls’ varsity team is working to refine offensive strategies, strengthen defense and maintain high energy during games. Many returning athletes are stepping into leadership roles while younger players bring new contributions to the game.
“Personally, I’ve been working on being more confident and consistent with my shots. I’ve also focused on my defensive footwork so I can guard tougher matchups,” FHS junior and varsity basketball player Ada Johnson said. “I’m mostly excited about competing again. ”
Athletes across all sports mentioned that support from classmates plays a big role in their confidence during competitions. Whether it is cheering in the stands or showing encouragement during school hours, student support helps create a stronger athletic culture on campus.
Meanwhile, the FHS wrestling team is preparing for a physically demanding season. Wrestlers have been training rigorously, combining strength conditioning with technique-building drills. This year, the team is emphasizing resilience and mental toughness just as much as physical skill.
“I’ve been doing more physical activity and trying to improve my fitness,” FHS varsity wrestler and sophomore Dwight Cahiga said. “We go through long practices that push us physically and mentally. I stay tough by managing my time and stress, [as] you will burnout and quit in this sport if you can’t handle the pressure.”
Across all three sports, athletes and coaches share a common goal: to represent FHS with effort, dedication and pride. Many teams are also welcoming new players who are eager to contribute to their programs, learn from upperclassmen and experience the excitement of high-school competition. Whether on the court, field or mat, FHS athletes are showing that preparation, passion and teamwork remain at the heart of the winter season.
