With the spring sports season officially here, teams including softball, volleyball, flag football, and baseball have begun competing in games. The Classic spoke to a representative from each team to provide a window into their team experience. This is the second part of this series, which focuses on all remaining teams. 

Boys Volleyball

Last season, the boys volleyball team dominated the Queens 1A division with a perfect 10-0 record. The team made a strong effort in the playoffs with 2–0 victories over Murry Bergtraum and the All-City Leadership Secondary School before a tight loss to the High School for Environmental Studies in the quarterfinals. Their performance highlighted the team’s skill and resilience, setting high expectations for the upcoming season.

According to boys varsity volleyball coach Christian Castillo, the team has built a strong foundation over the past three years by learning to value both wins and losses as meaningful experiences. In order to build a successful team, he looks for both team chemistry and athletic ability. Coach Castillo said, “Before making final decisions and cuts, we observe the interactions and sportsmanship of the players.” 

Flag Football

Last spring, the girls varsity flag football team finished with a 6–4 overall record. The team notched standout wins over Alfred E. Smith Campus (26–6) and Inwood Academy for Leadership Charter School (32–13) and concluded their season after Round 2 in the Division 1A playoffs.

Girls flag football coach Matthew Curiale highlighted the planning that goes into early season practices as players prepare for the upcoming tournaments. “The start of flag football is a very exciting time of year,” he said, explaining that practices initially focus on fundamental skills, such as catching, throwing, and running routes. He emphasized that as the season progresses, the team will transition into learning game rules and strategies, while continuing to prioritize fitness throughout the season.

Girls Softball

The girls varsity softball team finished their last season with a 10-3 record and competed in the first round of the Division 2A playoffs. Senior captain Emma Kremer shared her goals for the season. “Besides just winning and making it farther in the playoffs, I hope to build good team chemistry, as we… [have] expanded our team, and get to know one another’s strengths and weaknesses so we can back each other up.” 

Emma explained how she adjusts her routine and mindset in the beginning of the season when practices begin. “My love for the sport and my team keeps me motivated, especially when my other responsibilities and extracurriculars start piling up…I always look forward to playing, even when I’m tired or stressed out because my team not only makes it fun, but softball allows me to clear out my head and just focus on playing.”

Boys Baseball

Last season, the boys varsity baseball team finished with a 8–6 overall record in the Queens 1A division, ending the season after Round 1 of the playoffs. Townsend Harris earned some notable wins, including a 15–3 victory over Robert F. Kennedy, and a pair of wins against Queens High School of Teaching, showcasing the team’s potential for the new season.

Senior captain Kelden Hooker, who has been dedicated to the team for all four years, described his experience as an honor to represent the school and continue its athletic legacy. He emphasized that managing practices, games, and studying while still keeping up with responsibilities at home can be especially stressful. “It has been a struggle to juggle baseball games and practices with studying, homework, and responsibilities at home,” he said. Despite the stress and pressure, he explained that the support system at THHS aims to help student athletes succeed both on the field and in the classroom.