The Cougar sports teams excelled once again this past winter! Even in the midst of the pandemic, our young athletes were able to come together as a team and work towards a common goal of victory. 

The men’s soccer team had an incredible season. Although American Heritage took the win in the district semifinals, the team ended the season with the 25th ranked spot in the entire state! Some of the most notable wins were against much larger schools such as Park Vista, and a draw with Olympic Heights. We would like to give a huge thank you to our seniors Brandon Parades, Alain Diebra- Palafox, Lucas Busamante, Nick Hannah, and Fabrizio Guazotti for their incredible play and leadership during this difficult time. Although they will graduate this year, they will leave a mark with the inscription on what it means to be a Somerset soccer player. The Varsity team was coached by Eric DeSousa and John Quinto. 

The women’s soccer team hit the jackpot once again during the 2020-2021 season. This season was the second time ever that the team ended with a winning season. The top scorer was Allee Whipp, and a tie for most assists was Allee Whipp and Olivia Kwenskin. The Goalkeeper set a record for the most shut-outs in a season (6). Both Rachel and the defensive players, who were led by Freshman Angelina Rodriguez and Junior Shelby Demaline, recorded more shutouts this single year than in the past 4 combined! “I’d like to thank all the girls for believing in me and my craziness in my first year with them. I look forward to having the seniors come back and not be strangers to the team. This program is on its way up and it’s thanks to the hard work that they’ve put in. I wish them all success and happiness in the future.# RoadTo8”, the girl’s soccer coach expressed. 

The men’s Basketball team absolutely triumphed this season. For many players, it was their first time playing Varsity. “ As the coach, I had the pleasure of watching these young men make progress and develop a chemistry on and off the Basketball court. As adversary hit, they responded by coming together as a unit to not finish the season with a losing record”, Coach Horace Smith expressed.  In all statistical categories, Adren Roberts led the team. Jacob Abraham was a top scorer in Palm Beach County with 3 pointers made. 

Although the women’s basketball team only had 6 players this season, each player gave 100% on the court. Senior and captain of the team Ella Tocco ended her high school career as a determined and motivating leader. Kelsey Alvanez ( the only 8th grade student on Varsity), played as the team’s shooter. 9th grader Alaiyah Elien was one of our point guards and 9th grader Angelina Perez continuously displayed her hard work during practice. When Taylor Wilt endured an injury in the middle of the season, her sister Kaylee Wilt stepped up to the plate. Kaylee was the most improved player, while Taylor showed her dedication time and time again by coming to every practice despite her injury. With the exception of one senior, each player on the Girl’s Varsity Basketball Team was an underclassmen. These 6 young ladies used this season to grow, learn, and improve for upcoming seasons. Girls Varsity Basketball was coached by Devon Smith and Gianna Rebour. 

As for Girl’s Weightlifting, all the right steps to progress this newer program were taken this season. Each athlete on the roster reached a personal record this season! I am proud of being able to successfully finish our second season as a weightlifting program. The girls have been awesome this season despite with COVID protocols and progressed each day with Coach Dempsey. Coach Dempsey did a phenomenal job with each girl- he got them better, we are grateful for him and what he’s done with this year’s team. The future is bright here at Somerset for our girls weightlifting program”, Coach Gonzales stated.

While our athletes entered a season like no other, they were able to fight back and come out supreme. With a successful fall and winter season behind us, we look forward to the great season our spring sports teams will have.