Sports

The Thunderbirds continue their Cinderella run in the 2025 NWAC Men’s Basketball Championship, punching their ticket to the Final Four after back-to-back upset victories over top-seeded Skagit Valley and east conference No. 2 Spokane at Columbia Basin College.
With the victories, Highline advances to its first NWAC Final Four since 2014. The Thunderbirds will face a familiar opponent in west conference No. 1 seed Lower Columbia on March 15 at 5 p.m., looking to continue their magical postseason run.

Highline College’s women’s tennis team started their conference run, and found ease within the matchups. The team took on Bellevue College, winning 6-3 as a team. They also took on Spokane College, which ended in a 9-0 sweep for the Thunderbirds.
During the team’s home opener matchup against Bellevue, they found themselves focused on the court, no matter what was thrown at them. Standout players for the night included Sophia Crosby and Caley Buchan, who both took wins in their singles and doubles matches.

The recent trading of QB Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, the fulfillment of WR DK Metcalf’s trade request (he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers), and the release of Seahawks veteran WR Tyler Lockett, has sent many fans up in arms, as the Seahawks pursue a path of change in the 2025 offseason.
Lockett, a fan favorite, was released from the Seahawks on Wednesday, March 5, as a salary cap casualty – thus bringing an end to a decade of one of the best receiver careers in team history. Although this may be a shock to some fans, this move was not one that was unknown to Lockett.

The road to the quarterfinals was anything but easy, as the Thunderbirds struggled in the competitive West Region. The Highline College men’s basketball team will face Skagit Valley in the NWAC Championship quarterfinals on Friday, March 7 at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Wash.
Highline comes into the game with a 19-10 overall record, finishing 7-7 in conference play. The team showed off its progress with notable wins, including a resounding 118-103 victory over Olympic and a hard-fought 86-84 win against Mt. Hood during the Clackamas Holiday Showcase.

As Highline’s women’s basketball team closes out their 2024-25 season, they hold their heads high. The team found themselves in a new position this season, having the addition of new head coach, Emil Swain. The team was also assisted with the help of assistant coaches Vivienne McClean and Tiana Pye.
Swain was able to give a solid foundation to his team, and created energy within each matchup. The players kept 100% energy every time they entered the court, and maintained it even if they were losing.

The Highline College men’s basketball team has officially punched its ticket to the NWAC playoffs after a solid series of performances down the stretch. The Thunderbirds showed their talent, earning a well-deserved spot in the postseason.
On Wednesday, Feb. 19, Highline pulled off a resounding 81-66 win over Grays Harbor. Isaiah Vargas led the charge with a stellar 27-point performance, adding eight rebounds and seven assists to his impressive stat line.

Ahead of the team’s 2025 season, Highline’s women’s softball team is excited for a fresh start. Ending last season with only playing four games, they will come back with almost an entirely new team for the season.
Led by head coach Kevin Whitehouse, along with assistance from Genevieve “LU” Mederios, Bailey Hausenbuiller, and Julia Toone, the team has a steady core that will lead them to success this season.

The Highline men’s basketball team is facing the last of their regular games but the playoff qualification is slipping away, as the Thunderbirds find themselves ranked fourth overall. And with South Puget Sound already qualified, there is only one spot left.
The last few games have been a rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs. An overtime loss to Green River (82-79) set the tone for a challenging week, but they bounced back with a solid 74-67 win over Pierce. However, they couldn’t keep the momentum going and fell 78-68 to South Puget Sound. Despite the setback, they outlasted Centralia in a closely contested game (75-74) and cruised to a resounding win against Grays Harbor, 81-66, showcasing their ability to dominate when everything clicks.

The Philadelphia Eagles got their revenge on Sunday for their Super Bowl loss two years back, dismantling the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 for their second Super Bowl title in franchise history.
The game was not as close the final score may suggest. By the time the first half concluded, the Eagles had 24 points scored while the Chiefs had 23 total offensive yards, for 0 points. By the third quarter the Eagles commanded a 34-0 lead, the largest lead in the Super Bowl since the Seahawks led the Broncos 36-0 in 2014.

As the 2024-25 NWAC women’s tennis season approaches, Highline College is focused on building upon last year’s success and making a strong bid for the championship. The Thunderbirds finished the 2023-24 season with an 8-8 overall record and a perfect 6-0 conference mark, but fell just short in the NWAC Championship final against Spokane.
With having the largest team in program history, and a mix of returning standouts and promising newcomers, the team is determined to reclaim the NWAC title.

As Highline’s men’s basketball team gets into the groove of winter quarter, they continue to add to the excitement of their 2025 season. They have found themselves in nail-biter matchups that keep fans coming back for more.
On Wednesday Jan. 29, the Thunderbirds hosted an electric NWAC conference matchup versus Tacoma Community College.

The Highline College women’s basketball team has seen highs and lows in their latest outings. The team delivered a commanding performance to defeat Tacoma 67-43 on Jan. 29 before falling 63-56 to Green River on Feb. 5.
Against Tacoma, Highline took control from the start, leading 13-9 in the first quarter and extending their lead with a 14-4 second quarter. They outscored Tacoma 24-21 in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Though Highline’s women’s basketball team has struggled in the beginning of the season, they have found a way to win in conference matchups.
Currently sitting with a 3-11 overall record, two of the team’s wins have come from NWAC conference matches.

Universal Dance Association (UDA) dance nationals is the largest college dance showcase in the dance world and on Jan. 17-19 colleges and universities from all around the country competed in the 2025 UDA dance nationals in Orlando, Fla.
Qualifying universities and colleges compete in three categories: pom, jazz, and hip hop. They are then categorized by the size of school and NCAA status (D1A, D1, and open).

As we are halfway through the winter sports season, Highline’s spring sports are starting to get into action. Highline’s spring sports include men’s golf, women’s softball, and women’s tennis.
Women’s tennis is by far the most anticipated sport during the spring, with them ending last year’s season as the runners up for first place in the NWAC final championship. Last season, the team went undefeated in conference play, and went 8-8 overall.

Cheerleading, in all its many different forms, is a point of contention amongst sports fans. Some believe that all cheer includes is encouraging the actual sports teams from the sidelines, waving pom-poms about, and leading the crowd in chants. Others see the work and effort put into routines, as well as competition leagues throughout the country.
Cheer requires mastery at many different athletic skills like acrobatics, tumbling, jumps, and stunts. These skills are seen in gymnastics and dance, other competitive sports also contested as sports by the general public.

Sports are evolving, but sports fans have been resistant to growing alongside it. As fans of the game and the culture, sports fans must actively work to cultivate an inclusive environment and fight against bigotry for future sports fans and sports as a whole.
The Philadelphia 76ers were looking rough to start the 2024-25 season. Despite having lots of talent on the team such as league MVP winner Joel Embiid and All Star Tyrese Maxey, success has been hard to come by for this team.

While Highline’s campus was closed for winter break, Highline’s men’s basketball team has been busy in the gym. The Thunderbirds have played 10 matchups over their break, winning eight of those and achieving a five game win streak.
Highline currently holds a 12-4 overall record.

Despite the Seahawks season coming to an end with no playoff appearance, this season has been nothing short of exciting for the young team. The Seahawks ended their season with a 10-7 record, and ended up second in the NFC West division.
With a new head coach, Mike Macdonald, a young team, and a challenging schedule, the Seahawks have pushed through this season with grit. With the highs and lows this season brought, the playoff hunt has been exhilarating.

A cold winter break didn’t stop Highline’s women’s basketball team from continuing their grind on the courts. Over the break, the Thunderbirds participated in four matchups – a highlight was playing in the SWOCC Crossover in Coos Bay, Ore.
These ladies had some hard matchups over the break, and sadly did not win any of their matchups. However, they continue to show grit in their playing style.

Highline women’s basketball kicked off their 2024-25 season in the middle of November. The Thunderbirds got off to a strong start with a victory, but have struggled since.
Their first official game this season had them take on Shoreline Community College, where they picked up a 58-54 win.

In the Thunderbirds men’s basketball season home debut, they faced a thrilling matchup against Shoreline Community College and walked away with a comeback win at the Thunderdome.
Highline had a slow start to the offense, closely trailing behind Shoreline to send the Thunderbirds to the locker room at halftime with a score of 31-33.

After a successful season by Highline’s men’s soccer team, their season has come to an end in the NWAC playoffs. Facing off in a tight matchup against East Region second seed Walla Walla, this matchup was decided in overtime.
The Thunderbirds finish the season with an overall record of 14-2-1. They ended the conference with a 13-0-1 record, and remained undefeated at home.

The Decatur Gators’ undefeated winning streak finally met an end against the Mount Tahoma Thunderbirds – losing with a score of 23-21 in the first round of the State Tournament.
The Gators maintained a 10-0 record until now for the 2024-25 season, making it to the State Tournament for the first time in Gator history.

Highline women’s volleyball will continue their stellar season as they advance to the Elite 8 in the NWAC Championship.
This past weekend at the Thunderdome, the team battled through the regionals bracket, punching their ticket onto the next part of the tournament, earning the second seed for the NWAC West Region.

As Highline’s fall sports come to an end, athletes start preparing for the winter sports season. Here at Highline, the winter sports feature men’s and women’s basketball.
Men’s basketball is getting prepared for an exciting season, with high expectations for this year. While the women’s team is small but mighty team has a roster full of potential.

As fall sports come to an end at Highline, winter sports are just around the corner. A fan favorite, men’s basketball, returns to the court in less than two weeks for what will hopefully prove to be a thrilling season.
The 2023-24 season ended with an overall 15-14 record (6-8 in conference play) and landed fifth overall in the NWAC West Region standings. Building on their momentum from last year, the team is seeking to add even more success to the season this year.

Thomas Jefferson football recorded their first win of the season, when they prevailed over Kentlake 35-21 in a thrilling Friday night match.
The Thomas Jefferson Raiders and the Kentlake Falcons went head to head with both teams looking to get their first win of the season during this game and they were not gonna hold back.

For the third year in a row, Highline volleyball reigns as they clinched the Northwest Athletic Conference West Region Championship.
The Thunderbirds are currently 26-1 overall, 10-0 in the west region conference, and currently are on a 25-game win streak.

The Highline women’s soccer team is back and ready to win after not playing during the fall 2023 season.
The Thunderbirds have recorded an impressive 7-3-2 record (5-3-2 in conference) and currently sit in third in conference standings. This new team has shown tremendous pride in the program under new head coach, Marco Monzonhad.

As we come to the middle of the season, the Highline men’s soccer team has truly shown how powerful of a team they can be. With a new head coach, and a demanding set of sophomores, this team truly has what it takes to be a winning team.
The team is currently has an impressive 9-2-1 record this season, and have gone 8-1 within the NWAC west conference.

Decatur High School’s football team keeps turning heads in the local community by continuing their undefeated streak, beating Skyview, a consensus top ten 4A team, 15-14.
The game took place under the lights of Federal Way Memorial Stadium, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m., where we saw the Decatur Gators (now 5-0) face off with the Skyview Storm (3-2). The Gators managed to hold Skyview to two touchdowns while also coming out on top for a hard fought win.

In true Seattle baseball fashion, the 2024 Mariners season ended without a trip to the postseason. Finishing the season with a 85-77 record, the Mariners missed the postseason by one game – mirroring last season’s tragic ending of falling just short.
While their playoff aspirations were dashed before the contest, Sunday, Sept. 29, Marked the Mariners’ last game of the regular season. The Mariners went out swinging, ending a disappointing season with a win – beating the Oakland Athletics 6-4 at home.

Through the first half of the season, the Highline Volleyball team has shown how strong the core of their team is and that they are a powerhouse in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC). Thunderbirds have put up an impressive 19-1 record thus far, placing them squarely on top of the NWAC West Region
Highline Volleyball is currently in the middle of an 18-game win streak, while boasting an impeccable 13-0 record when playing at home and going a perfect 3-0 against conference opponents.

As the Highline Thunderbirds gear up for the upcoming soccer season, the team is buzzing with anticipation under the leadership of newly appointed Head Coach Skyler Roehr. Roehr, who served as the assistant coach last year, steps into his new role with high expectations and a deep-rooted passion for Highline soccer, having played his final season with the Thunderbirds in 2018.
Last season, Highline came heartbreakingly close to capturing the NWAC Men’s Soccer Championship. The Thunderbirds finished as runners-up after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Peninsula College. The match ended 2-2 after regulation and overtime, and the ensuing shootout extended to 11 rounds before Peninsula secured the title with an 11-10 victory.

Club América won consecutive championships and extended its record of Liga MX titles to 15 after defeating rival Cruz Azul 2-1 on aggregate in the Clausura 2024 final.
Thursday’s first leg ended with a 1-1 draw at Cruz Azul’s Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium. Sunday’s second leg at Club América’s Estadio Azteca ended with a score of 1-0 in favor of the team.

The Highline College men’s golf team concluded a commendable season with a notable performance at the NWAC Golf Championship, held at the scenic Apple Tree Golf Course in Yakima, Wash. Despite the tough competition, Highline standout player David Sibbett achieved a remarkable fourth place individually, underlining his skill and knowledge of the game.
This season, the Highline College golf team competed fiercely in several tournaments, building momentum and showcasing their talents. The culmination of Sibbett’s efforts was evident in the championship, where his performance was a testament to his consistency and ability to excel under pressure.

The 2024 season ends in a second-place finish for the Highline women’s tennis team, as they fell to a Spokane Community College with a 6-3 loss in the championship final. The season proved a rollercoaster of victories and setbacks, culminating in an exciting journey to the NWAC Championship.
Led by coach Laura Rosa, the season saw the team face tough opponents and made the six players truly prove their mettle on the court.
The season began with a dominant performance against Bellevue College, securing a solid 7-0 victory. Highline continued its winning streak with a convincing 7-2 victory over Spokane Community College. However, they faced tough losses against American River College and Menlo College, highlighting the challenges that awaited them.

Baseball was born as the perfect sport, which is at its essence, America’s pastime. A relaxing game where you can spend your whole day at the park with a beer in your left hand and a good friend sitting to your right as you complain to each other about the umpires.
Somewhere along the line someone got confused. Someone thought ‘big number good’ and decided that ‘no baseball is not a relaxing pastime, it needs constant scoring to satisfy the ever shortening American attention span – it needs more hits’.
This infectious idea, this poisoning of the mind started in 1973 as an experiment that went on for too long. Initially this contagion was confined to the American League. It was one of the beautiful oddities of baseball – where one league had the designated hitter (DH) and one did not.

After the recent string of North West Athletic Conference (NWAC) tournaments, the Highline College men’s golf team sits at sixth in the conference. These tournaments were an opportunity to showcase the team’s collective talent and individual prowess, boosting them to their current standing.
At the Olympic Invitational hosted in Port Orchard, Wash., David Sibbett led the charge with a standout performance, clinching first place after a thrilling playoff.

In a thrilling conclusion to their regular season, the Highline College women’s tennis team triumphed over Bellevue with an impressive 7-0 victory, clinching the top spot in their conference and securing a coveted place in the championship title match.
With their eyes set on the prize, the team displayed exemplary skill and determination on the court, leaving no doubt about their readiness for the challenges ahead.

Last Saturday, the Highline women’s tennis team embarked on a journey to Eastern Washington to clash with Spokane Community College, culminating in a thrilling 5-4 victory in favor of the Thunderbirds.
Spokane solidified its status as the toughest contender in the conference, showing its competitive prowess in recent matchups against Bellevue and Treasure Valley Colleges. With only one blemish on their record, a loss to Highline College on the road, this pivotal game determined the conference leader and secured the top playoff spot.

The Women’s 2024 March Madness Tournament will go down in sports history. It was the most attended March Madness tournament in history attracting a record 357,000 fans. If you wanted to get a ticket, good luck, it was harder to make it to this tournament than any Taylor Swift Concert – and it cost a lot more too.
This was the most viewed Women’s March Madness tournament period, and most viewed basketball game period since 2019. The Championship between Iowa and North Carolina drew a peak viewership of 24 million combined on ESPN and ABC marking the first time ever a woman’s final drew more attendance than the men’s final.

After beating Treasure Valley College with a final score of 6 to 1 in their last match, the women’s tennis team continues to be in a good position for a shot at the title this season.
In last Saturday’s regular season game, where Highline College played as visitors to Treasure Valley College, and emerged victorious, Henleigh Elder was the outstanding player of the match, with a 6-0 victory in singles and in doubles sharing the field with Sophia Crosby; they destroyed the local team with a crushing 8-1.

The Highline College tennis team is unstoppable, dominating the regular season with a perfect record and securing the top spot in the standings. In their final home game on Saturday, the women’s team trounced Treasure Valley College with an impressive 8-1 victory.
Highline’s singles players were on fire, with Sophia Crosby, Caley Buchan, Denali Terry, and Riley Cordova all winning their matches convincingly, with scores of 6-0, 6-0, 6-1, and 6-2, respectively. Treasure Valley’s Maggie Sharp put up a valiant effort but was the only player from her team to emerge victorious.

The quote “standing on the shoulders of giants” is a quote that was popularized by Isaac Newton as a metaphor for using the understanding and knowledge of those that have gone before us to make progress. It is a quote that can certainly be applied metaphorically to the 2024 Men’s March Madness Tournament.
Without the progress of Jim Calhoon bringing UConn into the national spotlight through his several title runs from 1999 – 2011 UConn would never have attracted head coaching candidate Dan Hurley, and they would certainly never be in the conversation as a NCAA men’s basketball Blue Blood.

Over spring break, the Highline tennis squad kept their rackets hot, notching three consecutive victories in conference matchups, solidifying their dominance on the court.
Adding to their impressive run, the team embarked on a crossover event in Sacramento, California, where they showcased their skills against junior colleges from across the region on March 21st, 22nd, and 24th.

The Highline softball team has had to end their season premature of their season’s commitments this spring. The team has been forced to withdraw from participating in the NWAC softball season.
The most notable reason was the concern that there were players who decided to withdraw from the team as the season had already begun.
The withdrawal from participating was due to reasons that have not been disclosed on the part of the players. The difficulty in reaching a mutual agreement between players and the management to find a solution that could have saved the season led to the season being canceled altogether.

In a resounding victory, the Highline College women’s tennis team dominated their home opener against Bellevue College, securing a 7-0 win.
Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, Sophia Crosby, a freshman hailing from Grantsville, Utah, shared her insights on the thrilling match and her experiences as a newcomer to the Thunderbirds. In an exclusive interview with the Thunderword, Crosby expressed her exhilaration at donning the Thunderbirds jersey for the first time on home turf.

Softball season is finally back for Highline supporters who have waited patiently. There are new faces on the team who are ready and excited to tackle the new challenges that come with this season’s schedule.
The team seems to have a good mix of fresh new faces and the more experienced players of the team. The roster currently hosts 11 players, with eight of them being freshmen and the other three sophomores.

In the realm of women’s tennis at Highline College, the past season went well enough, despite a challenging schedule. The team carved out moments of success, finishing with a 4-10 overall record and an admirable 4-2 record in conference play. Their journey culminated in a memorable run to the championship finals, a testament to their unwavering spirit on the court.
As the new season dawns, the Highline women’s tennis team stands at the precipice of opportunity, ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.

In their final game of the season, the Thunderbird’s basketball team displayed tenacity and commitment on the court, despite facing a formidable opponent. Highline College went head-to-head against Grays Harbor Community College in a closely contested, but ultimately unvictorious, matchup.
The game unfolded in two intense periods, with both teams trading baskets and demonstrating their competitive spirit. In the first period, Grays Harbor College took a narrow lead, finishing with a score of 37 to 34 against Highline College. Highline fought back in the second period, but were still edged out with a score of 49 to 44.

In the fight for glory at the Thunderdome, the Highline’s men’s basketball team split a pair of matches this past week. First, the Thunderbirds fell by the narrowest of margins to the Tacoma Titans, then they went on to best the Lower Columbia Red Devils.
On Feb. 21, the Thunderbirds faced off against Tacoma Community College in a game that kept spectators enthralled until the final buzzer. Despite a valiant effort, the Thunderbirds fell short by a single point, with the Titans sawing out a narrow victory with a final score of 81-80.
Led by standout performances from players like Amari Jackson and Nick Robertson, the Thunderbirds showcased their resilience and never-say-die attitude throughout the game.

With just three victories in 20 games during the season, the women’s basketball team concludes their regular season without doing well enough to make the playoffs.
The Highline women’s basketball team faced a challenging season, marked by both struggles and moments of brilliance. Despite their efforts, they fell short of securing a playoff berth, ending the season with a record that reflects both determination and setbacks.
In their final game against Lower Columbia, the Thunderbirds faced a formidable opponent on the road. Despite the team’s best efforts, they were unable to overcome Lower Columbia’s dominance, ultimately falling short with a final score of 85-38.

The Highline College men’s basketball team brought thunderous victories in their recent back-to-back games, besting teams from Centralia and South Puget Sound this previous week.
The matches put the player’s talents on display as they showcased not only individual prowess but also the power of collective effort and teamwork.
On Feb. 14, the Thunderbirds clashed against Centralia College in a riveting showdown at the Thunderdome. The game witnessed a seesaw battle, with Highline edging out Centralia in both halves. The final score of 83-73 in favor of Highline underscored the team’s perseverance and strategic gameplay.

Almost at the conclusion of the women’s basketball season, the Thunderbirds faced a strikeout series of games against Green River, Centralia, and South Puget Sound. All three matches were played at home, and all three matches ended with the Thunderbirds trailing.
To recap, in the game against Green River, which was lost 63-46, one of the leaders of the scoreboards and one of the most outstanding players Anaia Lewis compiled 17 points for Highline. On the other side, Emily Williams was the most complete player with 18 points for Green River.
In the following game against Centralia, players like Rahi-Mya Sumler and Sarah Gatluak fought hard, each contributing 16 points. Still, Centralia’s offense proved too strong, ending the game with a 60-48 loss for Highline.

At Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, one of the most exciting and unique NFL championship games unfolded in front of fans, celebrities (yes, Taylor Swift was there), and a record-breaking number of viewers.
On sports biggest stage, the Kanas City Chiefs went on to defeat the San Fransisco 49ers 25-22 in an overtime brawl, securing their second consecutive title. Since its inception, 58 Super Bowls have been played but only two have progressed to overtime, including Sunday’s battle between the Chiefs and 49ers.

It was a great start to the week for the Thunderbirds men’s basketball team, who took on Pierce College at home, and came out with a big win. When the clock struck zero the final scoreboard read 73-67.
The Feb. 7 match saw the Thunderbirds take the lead in the first half 39-29. And while the second half was a super close matchup which ended with Pierce beating Highline on a narrow 38-34 lead, the differential was too much for the Raiders to overcome. Ultimately, the Highline men won the day.

In a thrilling matchup at the Thunderdome, the Highline College men’s basketball team showcased its talents, securing a remarkable victory against Grays Harbor College. The game, which captivated fans with its intensity and drama, culminated in a triumphant win for the home team – highlighting the players’ determination and skill on the court.
As the game unfolded it was evident that each team was set on fiercely competing for dominance. The Thunderbirds demonstrated their prowess early on, claiming a commanding lead of 43-28 at the end of the first half.

The women’s basketball team was back in action this past Saturday against Lower Columbia, the leader in the standings. Even though the Thunderbirds gave it their all, they were defeated 102-41.
During their Jan. 27 match, the meeting between Lower Columbia and Highline took place at Lower Columbia College in an away game. With an effective performance, the Titans demonstrated their superiority, and Highline was forced to recover and plan for their next battle.

With an impressive performance against the Tacoma Titans, the Highline women’s basketball team prevailed 84-69, capping a season marked by more lows than peaks. The Thunderbirds, who are currently 2-14 on the season with a 1-4 conference record, saw a welcome uptick in performance after the victory.
Freshmen Thunderbirds Anaiya Lewis and Rahi-Mya Sumler demonstrated their scoring prowess before the game against Tacoma, averaging 9.2 and 8.2 points per game, respectively. Nevertheless, they outperformed everyone in the Tacoma game. Sumler showed off her dynamic abilities with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and an amazing 5 steals, while Lewis led the way with an incredible 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists.

In the heart of competition, the Highline men’s basketball team faces trials and triumphs, embodying resilience and determination on the court. The Thunderbirds showcase their unwavering commitment to excellence, striving for success with each game they play.
Following recent matchups against Tacoma Community College and Lower Columbia College, the Thunderbirds reflect on their performances and prepare for the battles ahead. In an exclusive video interview conducted by James Guzman, Highline Men’s Basketball head coach, Coach Dawson, provides insight into the team’s journey and their aspirations for the postseason.

On Saturday, Jan. 13 the beaches of Santa Monica exploded with Frisbees being thrown, spirit abounding, and players dressing up in different costumes to represent their team. This was not some kind of alien beach party invasion, it was beach ultimate Frisbee.
For the uninitiated, ultimate Frisbee is a sport where players receive a Frisbee off an initial throw (or pull) from the other team, and then work the Frisbee up-field by throwing the disk to their teammates.
Those teammates are then tasked with catching the Frisbee, stopping, then throwing the Frisbee to other teammates until someone catches it in the end zone to score. If the Frisbee touches a single grain of sand or blade of grass it is a turnover, and the other team gets a chance to do the same towards their goal.

After just one victory and 14 losses in the regular season, the Highline women’s basketball team faces an arduous season that makes postseason dreams a distant memory.
The club has been plagued by injuries, which have interfered with player rotations and challenged the coach’s strategic acumen. The Thunderbirds’ already difficult ascent has been made more difficult by the declining player numbers, which are the result of serious injuries.

The Highline college basketball team faced a challenging couple of games recently, displaying both resilience and skill on the court. On January 17, 2024, the Thunderbirds went head-to-head with Centralia College at Centralia. The game started with Centralia taking the lead in the first quarter with a score of 46-29. However, Highline College fought back in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 41-37. The third quarter saw a remarkable turnaround, with Highline College outscoring Centralia and securing the win with a final score of 83-70.
The Thunderbirds’ starting lineup showcased impressive performances, with standout player Nick Robertson delivering an outstanding performance of 25 points and 16 rebounds. Robertson’s contribution was a key factor in Highline College’s victory, highlighting his skill and determination on the court. Other notable players in the starting lineup included Rylon Donovan, Keaine Silimon, Bradley Graham, and Isaiah Vargas, each making valuable contributions to the team’s success.

Over the past week, the Thunderbirds men’s basketball team split a set of matches, highlighted by bringing home a win against the number two ranked team in the west conference.
The victory came by besting the Green River Gators, with very little margin for error, 74-72. And in a nail-biting showdown at Pierce College, the Highline Thunderbirds took the court with determination, but ultimately fell to the tough competition, 93-85.

The recent away games for the Highline College women’s basketball team posed challenges against Pierce College and Green River College. Although the results may not have been in their favor, the individual performances on the court highlighted the team’s adaptability.
In the matchup against Pierce College on Jan. 10, Highline faced a tough battle, ending with a 71-50 loss.

Well, if Husky fans didn’t have a reason to stay in their room and blast sad Drake songs, now they do, thanks to the previously undefeated Washington football team acquiring their first loss of the season in the National Championship game.
For many Washington fans, this season was a dream season where it seemed like nothing could go wrong. The Huskies tallied win after win throughout the regular season, came in first in the Pac-12, and were the second-highest nationally ranked team in all of college football.

The Highline women’s basketball team faced an intense three-day challenge during the Highline College Women’s Basketball Crossover, competing against formidable opponents. While the outcomes weren’t in their favor, individual performances illuminated the court and provided glimpses of the team’s potential.
In the opening game against Yakima Valley, the Thunderbirds exhibited resilience despite falling short with a final score of 74-54.
Jesselle Victo Castillo showcased her dedication, leading the team with 19 points. Sarah Gatluak’s performance, contributing 9 points, demonstrated her scoring prowess. Anaiya Lewis added 9 points and 6 rebounds, highlighting her multifaceted skills on the court.

In the heart of the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC), the Highline College Thunderbirds have been navigating a challenging season, showcasing resilience and determination on the basketball court.
In their recent game against Bellevue College, the Thunderbirds faced a tough challenge. Despite a promising start in the first quarter, Highline eventually fell short, with Bellevue securing a 74-64 victory.

The Highline College men’s basketball had an eventful weekend with two intense games where the team showcased their skills. Matching up against Shoreline, the team secured a victory, yet in another, against Edmonds, they faced a close defeat.
In the first matchup against Shoreline on Nov. 29, Highline emerged victorious with a final score of 85-72. The team’s performance was commendable, particularly in the first and second quarters, where they outscored Shoreline. Bradley Graham, a sophomore from Federal Way, once again led the scoring with an impressive 21 points.

The Highline College women’s volleyball team has finished a remarkable season, finishing first in the western region of Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC).
In the NWAC West Region, the team played a total of 12 games in the regular season, boasting an amazing 11-1 record, translating to an impressive win percentage of 91.7%. Their defensive skill is highlighted by an astounding 34 sets won and a mere three sets lost.
In the broader scope of NWAC, the team played 36 games overall, securing a commendable 30-6 record and maintaining a win percentage of 83.3%.

During the 2023 season, Highline men’s soccer team stood as a formidable force, proven by a successful season culminating in their second-place finish in the NWAC. As the NWAC men’s soccer All-Stars are unveiled, the dominance of Highline’s athletes becomes apparent, solidifying their presence in the prestigious lineup.
Head Coach Steve Mohn’s strategy and leadership have propelled Highline to unprecedented heights. Named Co-Coach of the Year, Mohn played a pivotal role in guiding the team to a 16-1-3 season record, clinching the NWAC West region title and reaching the final championship.

In an electrifying season opener, the Highline men’s basketball team showcased their resilience and determination, securing a hard-fought victory against Wenatchee Valley with a final score of 97-90.
The game, held at Highline on Nov. 21, provided a rollercoaster of emotions for fans as the team faced an early deficit in the first quarter with a score of 40-29.
However, Highline bounced back emphatically in the second quarter, outscoring Wenatchee Valley to end the half 51-40. The intensity continued during the second half, ultimately leading to triumph for Highline.

The Highline’s women’s volleyball team competed at the prestigious NWAC Elite 8 Championship, but ultimately fell to the competition in the semifinal round. Their season comes to an end after the squad reached the Final Four, a feat to be proud of.
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the highline women’s volleyball team embarked on a commendable journey in the NWAC Volleyball Championships, held at Pierce college from Nov. 17 to Nov. 19.

The Highline women’s basketball team embarked on their 2023-24 preseason with a series of scrimmages, offering a glimpse into the team’s dynamics and areas for improvement before the official start of the NWAC season.
The team faced a formidable opponent in Shoreline during the Tacoma Classic. Unfortunately, Highline encountered difficulties, resulting in a final score of 102-36. Shoreline dominated both halves, with Highline striving to find their rhythm on the court.

During the NWAC Championship match, Highline’s men’s soccer team fell just shy of securing a championship, coming up one penalty kick short against the now NWAC Champion team from Peninsula College.
With their place in the finals secured after defeating Rouge College in the semi-finals 5-1 (thanks to an impressive hat-trick from Zane May and the magic of Dugsiye Ahmed) Highline College took on Peninsula College in the final championship, competing to see who would be crowned champion of the conference.

Highline women’s volleyball secured their spot in the Elite 8, as their journey in the 2023 NWAC Volleyball Championship Tournament continues to unfold with thrilling victories and remarkable performances.
After a regional playoff victory against Lane Community College, Highline secured a spot in the Elite 8 and now is gearing up for a highly anticipated quarter-finals clash against the number one northern seed, Columbia Basin College.

The Highline men’s soccer team secured an important victory against Bellevue in the NWAC quarterfinals, triumphing 2-1 in overtime. The match was nothing short of intense, with an own goal scored from Bellevue, a late equalizer, and a game-winning goal in overtime.
The first half of the match was very close, with both teams struggling to find the back of the net. Highline managed to create some chances, with five shots on goal, but could not break through the Bellevue defense. The half ended in a 0-0 tie, with neither team able to impose dominance.

In a thrilling match at Highline College, the Highline women’s volleyball team emerged victorious against their fierce rivals, Pierce women’s volleyball, with an impressive scoreline of 3-0. The game showcased Highline’s undeniable skill and secured the top position in the NWAC Western Conference.
During the match, which took place on Nov. 3, the Thunderbirds displayed an exceptional performance, overpowering Pierce in all three sets with scores of 25-18, 25-21, and 25-19.

The official Highline women’s basketball season kicks off Jan. 10 against the Pierce College Bulls, but the team is already deep into practicing and developing chemistry with one another.
On a very young team, comprised mainly of freshmen, it is impossible to predict how the season will turn out – the only expectation is that viewers will witness the unexpected and the season should be an exciting one.
To prepare for the season, the team has a grueling schedule, with players expected to partake in two-a-day and sometimes three-a-day practices. On top of that the student-athletes need to focus on being just that – students and athletes. Freshman Julie Hennis stated, “Challenges [I] face is really staying on top of school work between early classes and two to three practices a day is hard to adjust to.”

As the echoes of last year’s basketball season at Highline faded away, the men’s basketball team found themselves in a challenging position. The 2022-2023 season left much to be desired as they fell short of reaching the playoffs, only managing to secure three victories throughout the entire season.
Despite the setbacks, the team remained resilient, looking forward to the upcoming 2023-2024 season as an opportunity for redemption and a fresh start under the guidance of their head coach, Ché Dawson.

The Highline college women’s volleyball team showcased their resilience and determination as they secured impressive victories in their last two matches.
After a setback against Lower Columbia College, the team rallied together, displaying their prowess on the court and earning well-deserved triumphs against South Puget Sound College and Tacoma Community College.

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, the Highline men’s soccer team concluded its regular season with a resounding victory against Tacoma College.
The match, played at home, ended with a final score of 3-0 in favor of Highline. It was an exceptional way to conclude a season in which Highline posted a remarkable record, with just one loss in 15 games.
In this crucial matchup against Tacoma, Highline demonstrated their skill and dominance on the field.

The Highline College Women’s Volleyball team faced a tough challenge as they clashed with Lower Columbia in a highly anticipated match that unfortunately ended with a 3-1 loss for Highline, marking the end of their impressive 8-game winning streak.
The action took place on Oct. 20 at Myklebust Gymnasium, and in a game characterized by intense back-and-forth action, the Highline team started strong, clinching the first set with a 25-20 lead.

The Highline College Men’s soccer team clinched a victory on the road against South Puget Sound, with a final score of 6-2, keeping them on the top of their division in the NWAC.
Last Friday’s match provided an intriguing perspective on the team’s performance. The game began with the first half showing the Highline team’s prowess. At the 4-minute mark, Reon Tezuka found the back of the net, assisted by Brady Anderson, giving Highline an early 1-0 lead.

Highline Thunderbird’s Men’s basketball team face off against Wenatchee Valley Knights to start the regular season on Nov. 21.
With a young roster and some veteran leadership, led by returning leader Bradley Graham, the Thunderbirds hope to improve on last seasons 5-12 record. Coach Dawson plans to take one game at a time stating, “The most important game of the season is the next one, regardless of opponent.”
Despite last season’s record this season is gearing up to be a promising one. The Thunderbirds have a young team with many first year players to complement the returning cast of play-makers.

The Highline College men’s and women’s golf teams made a remarkable showing at the recent Highline Invitational Golf Tournament held at the picturesque Indian Summer Golf Course on Oct. 9 and 10, 2023. The tournament attracted teams from colleges across the region, making it a competitive event.
The Thunderbirds’ women’s golf team, led by the impressive performances of Esther Sibbet and Cienna Cabrera, showed great determination on the course. Esther Sibbet, a talented freshman hailing from Tacoma, Wash., secured the 20th position overall with a gross total +47 of par. Her consistent rounds of 95 and 96 resulted in a total gross score of 191.

In their most recent away game against Pierce College, the Highline College Men’s soccer team delivered a dominating performance, securing a resounding 5-0 victory.
Let’s delve into the details of the Oct. 14, match focusing on the two halves of play. In the first half, the game kicked off with Highline College establishing their presence early on the field.
Just over a minute into the match, Zane May opened the scoring for Highline, showcasing his offensive prowess. He was assisted by Dugsiye Ahmed and Damoni McKenna-Green at 1:11, setting the tone for the match.

In a commanding performance, Highline College’s women’s volleyball team showcased their excellence on the court as they defeated Green River with a resounding 3-0 victory.
In a memorable evening for the team, the Thunderbirds hosted Green River on Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. The first set set the tone for the match, with Highline outclassing Green River with a score of 25-12.
The Thunderbirds’ precision on the attack and their strong blocking made it difficult for their opponents to gain momentum.

In a match that had fans out of their seats, the Highline College women’s volleyball team showcased their prowess and dominance as they bested Centralia with a convincing 3-0 home victory.
They hosted Centralia on Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. and with their win, the Thunderbirds affirmed their place in the top of the NWAC and as a force to be reckoned with in the league.
Highline’s Tru Onisuka, known for her incredible serves, lived up to her reputation, racking up an impressive 5 service aces and helping her team secure the lead in the first set.

The Highline College golf teams recently took part in the highly competitive Centralia Invitational at the scenic Riverside Golf Course. The two-day event featured impressive performances by both the women’s and men’s golf teams from Highline College.
Highline’s women’s golf team had an outstanding performance during the Centralia Invitational, which showcased their dedication and skill on the course. Esther Sibbet led the charge for the Thunderbirds, securing the fifth position overall with a total gross score of 175. She carded an impressive 83 in the second round, significantly improving her standing from the first day.

In a thrilling soccer match last Saturday, the Highline men’s soccer team secured a 3-1 victory against Clark, their formidable rivals. With the win, the Thunderbirds claim the top spot on the leaderboard of the west region of the NWAC.
Both teams entered the game with impressive records, Highline at 9-0-2 and Clark at 8-1-0, setting the stage for a fiercely contested match.
The first half opened with Highline’s Dugsiye Ahmed taking the lead, scoring an unassisted goal. His impressive performance put Highline ahead 1-0, and it became evident that this match would be a true test of skill and strategy.

In a couple of high-octane showdowns on Saturday, the Highline College men’s soccer team bested Centralia College and South Puget Sound in a set of away games that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The Thunderbirds went head-to-head with Centralia on September 30, 2023 which fielded a strong lineup, with standout performances from several players. Reon Tezuka (#7), the team’s striker, stole the spotlight by netting two impressive goals, displaying his prowess in front of the net.

The Highline College women’s volleyball team showcased their dominance in their recent away games against South Puget Sound College and Tacoma Community College.
These games highlighted outstanding performances by several players and solidified Highline’s reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate volleyball.
In their first game against South Puget Sound College on September 29, 2023, Highline displayed exceptional teamwork and skill, winning with a clean sweep of 3-0 (25-8, 25-23, 25-14).

Highline Community College’s women’s volleyball team is making waves in the early season, proving their dominance on the court with an impressive string of victories. With a competitive edge and a roster bursting with talent, the team is setting high expectations for their performance this year.
In recent matches, the team participated in the North Region Invite and the North Challenge Invitational, delivering standout performances. They kicked off their winning streak with a convincing 3-0 win against Shoreline at Skagit, followed by another 3-0 victory against Skagit Valley at Skagit. Although they faced a setback against Everett at Whatcom Community College, losing 3-1, they quickly rebounded with a resounding 3-0 win against Whatcom at the same venue.

The men’s soccer team at our college has burst onto the scene this season with an exhilarating five-game winning streak, setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable campaign. In their latest showdown against Rogue, they triumphed with a convincing 2-0 victory, keeping their record unblemished and sparking excitement among fans for what lies ahead.
Key players have been pivotal in driving the team’s success. The unyielding presence of goalkeepers Mason Averill and Nicolas Cardenas between the posts have resulted in a series of clean sheets, earning them praise from teammates and supporters alike.

The spring season at Highline College witnessed a mix of triumphs and challenges for the women’s tennis, softball, and golf teams. From impressive performances on the court to battling adversity on the field, the Thunderbirds displayed their dedication and resilience throughout the season.
In women’s tennis, the Lady TBirds embarked on a remarkable journey, finishing second both in the league and the championship.
Led by their exceptional player, Kinsey Lockhart, they showcased their skills and determination. Kinsey Lockhart’s outstanding performance earned her the well-deserved title of NWAC player of the year.

As Highline’s soccer season starts back up in only a few months, let’s look back at the men’s 2022 season.
Their season started off rocky, and by September they had a record of 5-4. But they didn’t let that get them down, they were determined to improve and win games.

The Highline women’s soccer team had an exceptional 2022 season, showcasing their skills and determination on the field. With a series of impressive victories, the team established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the women’s soccer scene.
As they look forward to the 2023 season, they are also thrilled to welcome their new head coach, Marco Monzon, who brings a wealth of experience and a fresh coaching philosophy to the team.