By Sam Reed, Chief Sealth International High School,
Activity Coordinator / Athletic Director

The Spring Sports season at Chief Sealth International was one of the most successful in recent memory, with all programs making extended playoff runs and with a number of Seahawk student-athletes and coaches receiving individual honor for their accomplishments. In a season marked by doom and gloom weather-wise, it was especially gratifying to see our teams shine bright amidst the clouds.

Our track program was able to crown two Metro League champions this season behind the head coaching of Lorna Considine and Asosa Sailiai. Senior Devante’ Meullion and Sophomore Dominique Prater both took home the title in the Shot Put, also gaining the opportunity to advance to Districts (where both finished 2nd) and State. Junior Terry Jeffries also advanced to Districts in the Triple Jump. This season saw continued growth in the track program as more than fifteen of our athletes advanced to the Metro League tournament.

Behind Metro League Coach of the Year Ernest Policarpio, the baseball team pushed right to the end, falling one game short of making the State Tournament for the first time since 1985 and mixing in big wins over both Blanchet and West Seattle. The team melded experience and youth together nicely, getting key contributions from almost everyone that put on a uniform. Senior Pitcher/outfielder Keone Kela gained the most notoriety taking home Metro League Co-MVP and also being named a Seattle Times Athlete of the Week. Kela was joined in receiving league recognition by Junior Nic Layton and Senior Sam Young who were named to the All-League 2nd team.

Across the diamond, the softball team racked up a similarly successful season. Led by 1st team All-League Catcher Sara Schendel the girls were in the running for the division title until the last game of the regular season. In the end the girls finished 5th in Metro and came within two games of advancing to the State Tournament. For all the success, Coach Mike Depew was named Co-Coach of the Year. Other honors were given to Sophomores Chloe Behar, Alana Sullivan and Malia Dewey who were named to the all-Division team. Behind an experienced core, and with what is expected to be a strong incoming class, the softball team should be poised for continued success next year and beyond.

The successes continued on the soccer field as our boys team went down to the wire in competing for the division crown. Ultimately they earned a tie in the last game of the season and finished in 3rd place, a mere game out of first. That finished earned a first-round playoff match versus Seattle Prep on a cold and rainy night where the boys’ season ended in a 3-0 defeat. Despite that disappointment it was a season of growth. The young team graduated only three seniors, and with more than 60 boys in the program is building for long-term success. Head Coach Ron Johnson, in his fifteen year at the helm, led a squad featuring six all-division players - Luis Ramirez, Dillion Zang, Antonio Garcia, Abdinasir Galago, Mori Tsuchiya and Brandon Rosario.

Our tennis program gained valuable coaching when Coach Lew Kiner joined Denise Hagen. The two helped our tennis program grow in numbers and successes, highlighted by Vivi Nguyen’s appearance in the District Tournament, where she was the only female player advancing from a Seattle Public High School. Some of our younger players also received honors in the annual All-Comes tournament where Zoe Haywood, Maddy Twombley, Nina Cook, Tia Collins, Allison Steele, Randi Rankin, Sam Shih and Cody Horn all placed.

As you’ve now read, this season was an extremely successful one on the fields, courts and track. The season was marked by outstanding coaching, fantastic parental support and large group of dedicated and driven young men and women. Even more rewarding is to know that a large majority of our graduating Seniors will be moving on to colleges around the country, and while a few will have the opportunity to play at the next level, all will be better equipped to succeed because of the traits they gained from participating in Chief Sealth Athletics.