Tryouts complete season Falcon’s spring season set to begin

O'Neal Athletics

Spring sports tryouts were a success 

Varsity Boys Golf:  

The Falcons opened their pre-season with a match against Union Pines at the CC of Whispering Pines (River) Course. The unofficial 9-hole match was played on Holes 1-9, par 36. O’Neal’s scores included Andrew Hobbs (37), Jack Manning (44), Jacob Shepherd (46), Dylan Wolfe (38), and Zeyu Zhao (38). Max Pashley was unable to play due to sickness. The first official match for the team will be home against High Point Christian on Monday, March 3rd at Talamore Golf Club. 

 Varsity Track & Field:  

The O’Neal track and field team hit the ground running this week as they kicked off the 2025 season! The Falcons welcomed a dedicated group of middle and upper school athletes to their no-cut program, creating a team full of enthusiasm and determination. This year, 70% of the team is made up of returning athletes, while the remaining newcomers joined thanks to teammates encouraging their friends to step onto the track—some of whom are competing in their first sport ever! With a packed schedule ahead—four middle school meets, and eight upper school meets—the Falcons have started strong with focused conditioning and time trials to set a competitive foundation. The energy and commitment from the athletes have been outstanding, and the coaches are excited to see the growth of the team throughout the season! 

Varsity Girls Soccer:  
The O’Neal Varsity Girls’ Soccer team has completed their first week of practice, eager to build on last season’s success. With 10 returning players from last year’s roster, the team is blending experience with fresh talent as they prepare for the upcoming season. 

Returning senior captains Charli Bunder and Victoria York continue to lead the squad, now joined by defensive athletes senior Kaylee Crow and junior Kennedi Hamner. Practices have been filled with high-intensity scrimmages, allowing the coaching staff to experiment with lineups and develop a dynamic style of play. This year, versatility is a major focus, as players are training to be effective in multiple positions across the field. 

A key addition to the roster is goalkeeper Natalia Henderson, a talented multi-sport athlete who dedicated her offseason to refining her skills in goal. Her hard work and determination have already made an impact, adding depth to the team’s defensive strength. 

With a strong foundation of returning talent and an eagerness to compete, the Falcons are ready to take on the season. The energy is high, the work ethic is strong, and the team is prepared to make a statement on the field. 

Varsity Boys Tennis:  
The O’Neal Boys’ Tennis team is gearing up for the start of their 2025 season with a pair of away matches. They will face Caldwell Academy on Monday, March 3, followed by a matchup against Burlington Christian Academy on Friday, March 7. 

Leading the team this season are senior co-captains Noah Bass and Chris Walters, bringing experience and leadership to the court. Returning starters Eathan Kim, Nathan Reifenstahl, and Joseph Lucas add depth to the lineup, while Jacob Liam, Harrison O'Connor, and Hudson Harless are competing for the remaining starting positions. 

With a strong mix of veteran talent and emerging players, the Falcons are ready to take on the competition and build a successful season. 

MS & Varsity Baseball:  
O’Neal Baseball enters the season with new leadership and a focus on growth. The Middle School team, led by new head coach Josh Borrero, is full of first-time players eager to develop their skills. Meanwhile, the Varsity team, now under the direction of Tyler Beyer—formerly the assistant varsity coach—features a unique blend of Middle School and Upper School athletes stepping up to compete at a higher level. 

Both teams emphasize fundamentals, teamwork, and steady improvement at practices. The coaching staff is dedicated to building confidence and competitiveness within the program, ensuring that each player continues to grow throughout the season. Despite the obstacles, the Falcons are ready to put in the work, take the field with determination, and represent O’Neal with pride. 

contributed

photo by Wendy Hodges