As the winter season comes to a close, Townsend Harris High School spring sports teams have begun practicing and preparing for games. The Classic spoke with members of several teams, who talked about their plans for this season. 

Girls Badminton

The girls varsity badminton team ended their season last year as city champions, defeating McKee/Staten Island Tech. Despite the loss of many experienced seniors, the team hopes to maintain its place at the top of the city standings. Senior captain Abby Chu said that this season will be focused on making sure “the underclassmen gain more experience and improve themselves.” Currently, the team is working on intensive footwork drills and practice on the courts to prepare for the season. With a younger roster taking the stage, the team is willing to put in the work to win. 

Boys Handball

The boys varsity handball team ended their last season at Round 2 of playoffs and with eight wins and two losses, an achievement they hope to repeat this season. To accomplish this, the team has increased the number of practices to focus on refreshing their skills, while also training newer members. Junior Albert Khyan said, “I feel like as a team, we support one another and give a lot of advice, so these practices we are having are most beneficial for us during games, especially because we have more players.”

Girls Handball

The girls varsity handball team finished its season in the playoff quarterfinals and first in the Queens III division last year with a record of 9-1. The team plans to perform well in its league matches this year by working hard in practice and developing a supportive atmosphere. Junior captain Emily Zheng said that her personal goals are “to make the kids feel like they’re having fun” and “to create an environment where every player feels included and learns something new.” She said that besides attending practices 4-5 days a week, she would like players to start participating in weekend clinics to develop their skills as the season begins: “I want players to be able to come to practice as much as possible…Practicing outside of practice time is just as essential to gain more experience and advice from more experienced players.”

Boys Outdoor Track & Field

The boys outdoor track team came in fifth place at the Queens Borough Championship last season. Despite losing five experienced seniors, the team is hopeful that hard work on the track and in the weight room will take them far this year. They have set their goals toward qualifying for the New Balance Outdoor Nationals, City Championship, and returning to the historic Penn Relays. Senior captain Shaw Williams said he hopes “that all of our athletes can feel accomplished as a team and that no matter if it’s a relay or an individual race, each runner can find confidence and passion for running.”

Girls Outdoor Track & Field

Last year, the girls outdoor track team placed third at the Queens Borough Championship and eighth in the City Championships. They earned points across a variety of events including the javelin, pole vault, 3000-meter run, 1500-meter racewalk, and 2000-meter steeplechase. Junior captain Fiona Loy Chan has stated that with the momentum of winning the Queens Championships in the fall cross country and winter indoor track seasons, the team is “aiming to continue working to try and win in Outdoor Track as well.” Additionally, junior Manyata Chhetri, a New York State Indoor Championship qualifier in the 1500m racewalk last season, said that the team’s goal for the spring is to “get personal records and show improvement throughout the new season—all of us really want to qualify for [the city championship].”

Girls Fencing 

Last season, the girls varsity fencing team placed third in the Queens Division, with a 6-4 record. This year, the team has shifted its focus to tryouts, training the newer members of the team, and expanding their access to equipment. Junior captain Madilyn Mercado said, “We are trying to get more gear for our fencers, so my co-captains, managers, and I have been focused on bake sales and raising money.” The team aims to put more effort into pulling off a successful season where every member is satisfied with their performance. They plan on achieving this by creating a safe, fun environment during practices to increase motivation among members.

This is part one of the spring sports preview. The Classic plans to publish a second part that covers the goals and aspirations of girls flag football, boys baseball, girls softball, and boys volleyball.