The Thunderbirds prepare to face familiar rival Clark College on Friday as the defending champions continue their impressive unbeaten streak.

Highline College’s men’s soccer team is headed to the NWAC Final Four after defeating Peninsula College 2-0 in a hard-fought quarterfinal matchup Saturday, Nov. 7, at Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila.

Highline College athletics is heading into November with plenty to celebrate as the men’s and women’s soccer teams and the women’s volleyball team prepare to compete in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) playoffs following impressive regular-season performances.

Both soccer teams finished at the top of the West Region standings, earning first-round byes and home-area quarterfinal matchups on Nov. 7.

Technology and the way sports are played have changed a lot over the past few years and so has the college recruiting process. From recruiting camps to social media, aspiring college athletes have several ways to get the attention of recruiters.

Many high school athletes may already be performing at the college level and reaching college-level marks, yet still have no scholarship offers, haven’t visited campuses, or haven’t even talked to a college coach. This raises an important question: How do athletes get the attention of college coaches?

With the season approximately a third of the way over, the reigning Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks’ season isn’t shaping up the way fans were hoping, tallying a mediocre 3-3 record over the first six games.

The quest to become repeat champions (an achievement that has only be accomplished by two teams since the turn of the century) has been hampered by costly turnovers and a stagnate offense.

Many athletes who have played any sort of sport have dreamed of getting a college scholarship or just playing their sport on the collegiate level. They train and practice ritually to insure their success in that sport. But the jump from high school athletics to college athletics can be a vast one for many athletes.

Taking that step to the next level can be an exciting one, but also one that doesn’t come without hardship, hard work, and some growing pains. The two levels of competition (and the expectations that come with each) differ and understanding and navigating those changes can often be the difference in making that transition a smooth one.

The start of the new school year also means a new season of Highline sports. With a line-up of volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s golf, the fall quarter is chock full of Thunderbird athletics.

Long before the fall quarter commences, our Thunderbird athletes were working their way through the 2026 season. With their first matches taking place at the end of August, the season is well underway for Highline’s men’s soccer, women’s soccer, and volleyball teams. While the men’s golf team just teed up for their first invitational this week.

The Seattle Kraken have finished up their sixth preseason and with that prospective players for the season have finished up what could be considered their final audition to make the final roster.

As a relatively newer team, they’re still gaining their footing in the league. The Kraken have only made the playoffs one time and overall have been considered a very middling team. It doesn’t help their reputation that the team that joined at the same time as them — the Vegas Golden Knights — not only made the playoffs for the 2025-26 season but they also reached the Stanley Cup Final, but were bested by the reigning champions, the Carolina Hurricanes.

Gout Gout, the 19-year-old sprinter, had his 200m record officially recognized. 

In Sydney, Australia in April of this year, Gout Gout ran a 19.67 second 200m sprint. This score got ratified on Tuesday, June 2, of this year, marking him as the Junior World Record holder. His runner up, Aidan Murphy, also became a record holder as he ran a 19.88 second 200m. This is Australia’s second fastest time. Three other people also set a record at that event.

The NBA Finals will see the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs face off in a repeat matchup of the 1999 Finals. The teams faced off in the 2025 NBA cup that occurred in this year’s regular season; a game in which the Knicks won out. Game 1 of this prestigious event kicked off last night in the Spurs’ home arena with the Knicks off to a winning start.

Game 1 of the NBA Finals concluded Wednesday, June 3, and the Knicks pulled off a come-from-behind win over the Spurs. The Knicks are currently on a 12-game win streak and currently have all the momentum. Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs still feel confident in the series and have experience in being behind in a series.

Rookie guard Flau’jae Johnson has the Seattle Storm’s fanbase abuzz with excitement, even in her short time with the franchise. Seattle’s fanbase is one of the most loyal in the league, a community that held onto the Storm when the Sonics were taken away and built a culture of resilience and pride around women’s basketball.

The crowd that cheers on the Storm is a mix of longtime WNBA loyalists, former NBA fans searching for a home, and people who come for the sense of community the Storm creates. The energy inside Climate Pledge Arena feels like a heartbeat: steady, loud, and deeply rooted in the city’s identity. And that energy has been sparked anew thanks to the arrival of the young, promising athlete, bringing a new beat to the pulse of the Storm; which is fitting, because she is not just an athlete but also a musician, with a successful rap career.

The Thunderbird athletes were hard at work throughout the spring quarter. With the softball team and the men’s golf team both taking swings throughout their respective seasons, let’s take a look at how both teams ended their 2026 season.

The NBA Playoffs are well underway, and the First Round of the playoffs have concluded. As the top teams of the two conferences duke it out to continue their seasons until the conclusion of the tournament, where the best team of the Eastern and Western Conference will face off in the NBA Finals. 

Currently, we are in the tail-end of the Conference Semifinals of the playoffs for the 2025-2026 NBA year. The hunt for the Larry O’Brien Championships trophy continues for six remaining teams.

The SheBelieves Summit is U.S. Soccer’s premier leadership platform, bringing together influential voices across sports, business, media and culture to inspire and drive the next generation of women leaders.

The speaker line up was absolutely incredible including: U.S. women’s soccer coach Emma Hayes; philanthropist and founder of Pivotal Melinda French Gates; forward for the U.S. Women’s national team Ally Sentnor; Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) alum Julie Foudy and two-time Olympic Gold medalist and 10-time World Champion Hilary Knight, and more!

The 2026 NBA Playoffs are underway as 16 teams advanced to the post-season and will fight it out for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. The playoffs ofically kicked off on April 14, and after the play-in tournament, we got our matchups for the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

This year’s playoff looks quite exciting and perhaps a changing of guards of stars of the 2010s no longer in the limelight. A new guard of players who have recently made some noise like the dominant Thunder team, the resurgence of the San Antonio Spurs, and the hungry, young Eastern Conference contenders.

There is a contender for a new world record holder for the fastest man alive. Gout Gout, an 18 year old Australian runner, broke Usain Bolt’s record from when he was 17 in the Senior Australian Championships. 

Gout ran a 19.67 second 200 meter dash. This is faster than Usain Bolt’s time at 17 years old, who is the current world record holder for the 200 meter sprint. His time at age 17 was 19.93 seconds. Bolt never improved on his time while he was a teenager, but he set the world record when he was 22 years old.

As the NHL’s main season comes to a close, and a number of teams prepare for the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Seattle Kraken are preparing for the next season. On April 11, 2026, the Kraken were officially eliminated from the playoffs after a long string of losses. 

After four players competed in the 2026 Olympics (none for the U.S. team) the Kraken went from a team with a decent standing this season – with a solid chance at representing the Pacific Division in the playoffs. Instead, they fell apart, ending their season with a 34-36 record, putting them sixth in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference, and out of the playoffs.

The Mariners have been a hot topic in Seattle following the start of the MLB season just a few weeks ago. All eyes are on the field for the first time since their widely celebrated success in the 2025 playoffs, hoping to build off of the momentum of last season, notable changes are already taking place in Seattle baseball.

At the end of last season, ecstatic fans filled T-mobile park to witness the first players in history to bring Seattle so deep in the playoffs. The Mariners advanced to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) for the first time in over 20 years during their historic 2025 run.

Barcelona returned to the top of LaLiga with a convincing 3-0 win over Levante at the Spotify Camp Nou, taking advantage of Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Osasuna. The victory moved Barcelona to 61 points after 25 games, one point above Real Madrid, reclaiming their position at the summit.

After suffering back to back defeats to Atlético Madrid and Girona, Hansi Flick’s side responded strongly. Marc Bernal opened the scoring just minutes after kickoff, marking his second goal of the season. The goal came after a carefully worked move that saw Eric García deliver the ball into the danger area, where Bernal reacted quickly to tuck the ball past Mathew Ryan.

Alysa Liu’s gold-medal winning return to figure skating has served as a global reminder of determination, moderation, and self-care. Liu has spoken openly about her struggles to return following a record-setting run in her early teenage years, but now, at 19, she is redefining an athlete’s relationship with their sport, and inspiring others as she goes. 

Liu began her figure skating career at five years old, going on to become the youngest female skater to earn gold at the 2016 U.S. championships, winning by less than a point. She continued to collect medals and reverence, and eventually announced her retirement in 2022 following the World Championships and the Beijing Olympics.

The Highline men’s and women’s 2025-2026 basketball season has unfortunately come to an end. Both teams worked incredibly hard everyday and it showed throughout the season. Every game, they wanted it even more than the last. Highline continues to show that they are top competitors in the North West Athletic Conference (NWAC). 

Highline exhibited amazing community and culture, and you see it on the court and in the stands. Both teams showed how Highline competes at this level – with great sportsmanship and tenacity. The men ended their season with a 7-7 in conference record, going 14-17 overall. The women’s season tallied a 7-5 in conference record and went 9-15 overall – with the addition of the woman making it to the NWAC tournament.

Highline men and women’s basketball both had inspired seasons. However, with regular season play concluding, the teams take divergent paths – the men’s season ends falling just short of the postseason, while the women are set to embark on the playoffs this weekend, with eyes set on a championship.

The Thunderbird women head to Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Wash., to play in the postseason tournament. Their first match, in the Sweet 16 round, is slated for this Friday, March 6, tipping off at noon.

Girona defeated FC Barcelona 2-1 at Montilivi in a dramatic Catalan derby, a result that cost Barcelona the top spot in La Liga and left them two points behind Real Madrid. The match was intense from the beginning and full of important moments, missed chances, and controversial decisions that ultimately decided the outcome.

The game started at a high tempo, with Girona showing early energy and forcing goalkeeper Joan García into action within the first minute. Barcelona struggled to control possession at times but still created several dangerous chances. Lamine Yamal was heavily involved in the attack and had two close-range opportunities that he failed to convert. In one key moment, he broke through on goal and attempted a chip over goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, but the keeper reacted quickly and made the save.

Highline women and men won a well-fought game Wednesday night, taking Tacoma Community College down once again.

In the Feb. 25 matches, the men and women played their hearts out on sophomore night. The men won 98-86, a game with high energy and grit – a stimulating one to be at. And the women clutching up 60-57, a definite nail biter and a game getting people out of their seats.

Atletico Madrid crushed Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, taking a commanding advantage ahead of the return match. A disastrous first half and early mistakes left Barcelona with a huge task to overcome in the second leg.

The game started in the worst possible way for Barcelona. Eric Garcia made a simple back pass to goalkeeper Joan Garcia, but the ball went under his foot and crossed the goal line. It was an early mistake that gave Atletico Madrid a 1-0 lead in just seven minutes.

With a dominant second half comeback, Barcelona defeated Copenhagen 4-1, securing a top-eight finish in the league phase of the Champions League and punching their ticket to the round of 16.

The game started the worst possible way for Barça: In the beginning of the first half after a defensive error by Barcelona, Copenhagen played a through ball in between the Blaugrana center-backs to beat the offside trap, and Dadason was all alone with Joan Garcia and scored the opener and gave Copenhagen a 1-0 lead. It was the type of goal Barça always concedes in Europe, and it was extremely frustrating to watch.

Super Bowl LX captured the attention of fans across the country as the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots to re-claim the NFL championship for the second time in franchise history.

On Feb. 8, the Seahawks clinched their second Super Bowl title with a 29–13 victory over the Patriots in Santa Clara, Calif., at Levi’s Stadium, showcasing a dominant performance on both sides of the ball. Although, it was not their first time winning the Super Bowl, it was the first time they won in twelve years.

The T-birds had some exciting games this past week with the men and women heading down to Pierce College. Both teams came away from the match up victorious over their Raider counterparts.

In the Feb. 7 match, the women showed grit and determination, defeating Pierce 46-40 in a come-from-behind win. The Thunderbirds outscored Pierce 20-7 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

FC Barcelona were crowned champions of the 2026 Spanish Super Cup after defeating Real Madrid 3–2 in a thrilling El Clásico final played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Brazilian winger Raphinha stole the spotlight with two goals, sealing back-to-back Super Cup titles for the Catalan side and extending their record to 16 overall triumphs.

After a tense opening period, Barcelona struck first through Raphinha, who finished confidently after moments earlier missing a similar chance. Real Madrid responded in spectacular fashion during first-half stoppage time, with Vinícius Júnior producing a brilliant solo run to level the score.

In front of a loud, energetic, and sold-out crowd, the Seattle Seahawks earned their right to play in Super Bowl LX by defeating their rival, the Los Angeles Rams, in a thrilling 31-27 victory at Lumen Field. With the win, the Seahawks become the NFC Champions and are set to appear in the Super Bowl for the first time since 2015 and for the fourth time in franchise history.

The Super Bowl will take place in Santa Clara on Feb. 8, where the Seahawks will take on the New England Patriots. The Seahawks vs. the Patriots sets up a rematch from the infamous 2015 Super Bowl XLIX.

It has been a hair raising, nail biting week for the Highline Thunderbird basketball teams. The Highline men and women both had competitive games against Lower Columbia Community College and Tacoma Community College.

Both the men and women had upsetting games against Lower Columbia on Jan. 24, but they were quite the war.

The Seattle Seahawks didn’t leave room for debate in their latest matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. From the opening kick to the final whistle, Seattle controlled the game, using explosive special teams play and a suffocating defensive performance to secure a decisive 41-6 win that felt as symbolic as it was significant.

Seattle set the tone immediately. A jolt from special teams ignited the stadium as electric returner Rashid Shaheed returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Shaheed handed the Seahawks instant momentum and energy before the 49ers could establish any rhythm.

The Spanish Super Cup final’s two opponents have been set through a couple of hard-fought matches, with Barcelona and Real Madrid coming out on top and ready to take on each other in the final matchup. Barcelona was the first to stamp their ticket to the final by taking care of Athletic Club in a decisive 5-0 victory. Then Real Madrid pushed past Atletico Madrid 2-1 to earn their chance to fight for the cup.

Both victories have earned each respective team a chance to win it all and sets up a dynamic final, sure to thrill fans as each team fights for the cup. Although the upcoming final match may be the most important one, each team has already battled to earn their spot in the final.

After a long, unpredictable regular season, only 14 NFL teams remain at the beginning of postseaon play, each just a few games away from reaching Super Bowl LX, where only one team will leave as the Super Bowl LX champion with the Lombardi Trophy. 

The NFL’s playoffs brings together seven teams from each conference, one being the American Football Conference (AFC) and the other National Football Conference (NFC) – creating a mix of division winners and wild-card teams.

Although the regular season has ended for both Highline men’s and women’s basketball, league play is starting for both teams. The men’s team faced Green River on Wednesday, Jan. 7, which was an unfortunate loss for the team; but the boys looked like they had a lot more connection and chemistry huddling at each dead ball. 

Sophomore forward Jackson Owens, while commenting about the regular season, said, “We had our ups and downs during the regular season but we have been working hard at practice as a team and coming together to get ready for league. I want to make it to the tournament again.”

Looks like former veteran safety Quandre Diggs is heading back to the Seattle Seahawks.

In a move that brings both familiarity and proven talent back to Seattle’s defensive backfield, veteran safety Diggs confirmed on social media on Nov. 25, 2025, that he will re-sign with the Seattle Seahawks. He initially will be joining the practice squad, according to ESPN.

The Highline men’s basketball started the regular season with an exciting win. Playing against Whatcom the Thunderbirds took home the victory with a score of 80-72 on Nov. 13.

Next, the team split a set of away games. On the road playing Portland Community College was a great game to watch, but an unfortunate loss. During the Nov. 18 game, the final scoreboard read 80-72, just like their last game, but this time with Highline coming up on the trailing end of the score.

The Highline Men’s Soccer team took home the long awaited championship title at this year’s Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Championship. With a final record of 18-0-3, the team had an exceptional 2025 season. 

Winning a championship was no small feat after ending the 2024 season just shy of glory – placing second in the 2024 NWAC Championship.

Veronica Garcia is a grade twelve trans athlete who competes for Tumwater High School in Spokane Wash. She runs both cross country and track and field. During last year’s academic year, she competed at the state level for the 400 meter dash, where she placed first. Garcia also joined the girls 4×4 team, as they took home the third place trophy – against her teammates wishes.

The Seattle Mariners stunning season ended on Monday night, coming up one run shy of advancing to the World Series. Entering game seven of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), the Mariners needed one more victory to advance to their first-ever World Series.

However, that dream was halted with a 4-3 defeat to the American League’s number one ranked team, the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Highline women’s volleyball team captured a great victory on Wednesday Oct. 8, ending with a score of 3-0, bringing energy and momentum into their next match, taking place on Friday. After a hard-fought battle, the Thunderbirds came out on top and set the tone for their next game. 

This win is particularly meaningful given how the team has been navigating adversity. Highline’s roster is one of the youngest in the NWAC, featuring 10 freshmen and just two sophomores.

Seattle is buzzing. On the weekend of Oct. 4-5, nearly 200,000 fans filled stadiums across the city – chanting at T-Mobile Park, screaming at Lumen Field, and waving scarves for the Sounders. Everywhere you looked, the city was alive with jerseys, noise, and pride.

It’s been a while since Seattle’s sports scene felt this electric. The Mariners are back in the playoffs and chasing their first World Series run in over two decades. The Seahawks are proving they are far from done, showing flashes of the energy that made the 12s famous. And the Sounders? They’re still dominating, keeping Seattle on top of the soccer world.

The Seattle Mariners will play in the postseason this year. Not only did they win their division, the Mariners locked in the No. 2 seed of the American League (AL). The last time the Mariners experienced a division title was 24 years ago, when the in 2001 squad won a record-setting 116 games.

This high seeding ensures that the Mariners will have home field advantage throughout the AL playoffs (unless they have to meet the No. 1 seeded Blue Jays in the AL Championship).

The Highline’s men’s soccer team is gearing up for its new season following the defeat at the end of last year that saw the Thunderbirds skill clash with bad luck. Now, they are fueled up for the 2025-2026 season, with a solid foundation, a new roster, and returning Coach Skyler Roehr. So far, they have won all but a single tie in the early season.

The Seattle Kraken have officially ushered in a new chapter by appointing Lane Lambert as their third head coach in franchise history. With experience and vision for the future, Lambert’s arrival marks an exciting time for Kraken fans eager to see their team take the next step.

Announced on May 29, 2025, this strategic move follows the dismissal of Dan Bylsma after a single season, during which the team posted a 35-41-6 record and missed the playoffs for the third time in four years.

Following the ending of this year’s NWAC tennis championship and Highline’s women’s tennis taking home the women’s tennis title, the morning of May 5, 2025, NWAC announced their discontinuation of the sponsorship of men’s and women’s tennis within the conference. 

This discontinuation will impact Highline College, Bellevue College, Treasure Valley Community College, and Spokane Falls Community College.

The men’s golf team closed out league play this weekend at the Spokane Invitational, held May 10–11, finishing ninth in a competitive invitational. Despite the final standings, the tournament served as a meaningful benchmark for a young team gaining experience one round at a time.

The event featured nine teams from across the region, with Columbia Basin College capturing first place with a team score of +5. Bellevue and host school, Spokane, followed closely – both tying for second at +7. With individual rounds in the low 70s and some standout second-day performances, the tournament made one thing clear: the level of play across the NWAC is as strong as it’s ever been.

The Highline College women’s tennis team ended their season on a high note, winning the 2025 NWAC Championship on Saturday with a thrilling 5-4 victory over Treasure Valley at the Yakima Tennis Club.

It’s the program’s second title, and, with the NWAC tennis program ending, they go out as the final champions.

As Highline’s softball team continues through their first season back in NWAC play, they find themselves struggling all around, in conference and non-conference matchups. 

The team currently stands in last place in the west conference, with a 2-25 conference record, and a 2-33 overall record. Although, the team’s record does not reflect on the hard work these players put in every day, on and off the field.

It’s been a season of learning and perseverance for the Highline College men’s golf team, which recently wrapped up two challenging weekends on the course at the Columbia Basin and Skagit Valley Invitationals.

Finishing ninth out of nine teams at both events, the Thunderbirds may not have cracked the leaderboard, but they’re far from out of the fight.

The Highline College women’s tennis team just concluded a tough three-match stretch on the road, and although the final results weren’t in their favor, their fight and enthusiasm never wavered. From rough starts to tough moments, the Thunderbirds showed great courage, and some players made it clear they are players to watch this season.

It all began on April 6 at The College of Idaho, where Highline faced a strong opponent and fell 6-1. It was a tough start to the trip, but it set the stage for what was to come: a team that refined its game and learned from every match.

Priscila Heldes, a Brazilian volleyball player and former national team setter, brought global attention to herself after appearing in one of Fluminense’s Brazilian championship matches – while five months pregnant.

“A magical experience” is how Heldes, Fluminense’s setter, described the experience of playing in the Women’s Superliga while pregnant with her son Emanuel.

The 2024-25 softball season has been challenging for Highline, marked by a string of losses, tough opponents, and constant weather delays. From the first pitch in February to their final game in early April, the team struggled to find their rhythm, finishing with a 2-19 record overall and 2-11 in the conference.

Things started rough with an opening-day loss to Grays Harbor, followed by a rained-out game. As the season progressed, the team faced stiff competition in both non-conference and league play. Despite some promising flashes, such as their back-to-back wins against Shoreline on March 12, the T-Birds couldn’t maintain the momentum.

The Highline College women’s tennis team returned to NWAC play with a well-deserved 6-3 victory over Treasure Valley Community College. The March 15 match, was played on Highline’s home court, the Boeing Employee Tennis Center in Kent at 8:30 a.m.

The day began with singles matches, where the Thunderbirds gained momentum by winning four of six matches. Highline’s top singles player, Sophia Crosby, put on a powerful performance, defeating Treasure Valley’s Elena Henry in straight sets 6-1, 6-0.

The Lower Columbia Red Devils secured their spot in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Men’s Basketball Championship game with a dramatic 61-58 victory over the Highline Thunderbirds in the Final Four matchup at Columbia Basin College. 

The win marks Lower Columbia’s first trip to the championship game since 2010, a milestone achievement for head coach Mickey Polis and his squad. The Red Devils’ last championship victory came in 2005 as part of a back-to-back title run.

Baseball is back in Seattle, but at what cost? After ending yet another season without a playoff appearance from the Mariners, fans are still hopeful the team has what it takes to make an October run. To hear a more in depth analysis of the Mariners 2024 season, read here. 

After a long six month off-season, the Mariners front office has been quiet. In January, the club agreed to a one year, 3.5 million dollar contract with infielder Donovan Solano. Along with Rowdy Tellez and Miles Mastobouni, who all made the opening day roster for the 2025 season.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

At the conclusion of an exciting season for the lady T-Birds’ tennis team, they finished second both in the league and the championship. 

Highline’s women’s tennis team came in second at the NWAC championships that took place on May 13 and 14 at Wenatchee WRAC. Winning their semi-final match against Spokane 5-4, but fell short in the finals against Bellevue with a score of 6-3.

During the championship weekend, Thunderbird Kinsey Lockhart was named NWAC player of the year after the incredible season she had.

Highline College’s softball team concluded their forgettable 2023 season with a doubleheader against Douglas College at home. Unfortunately, the T-Birds failed to end on a high note, losing their last game.

In the first game, Highline faced a forfeit, resulting in a disappointing start to their final outing. In the second game against Douglas College, the T-Birds struggled to find their momentum.

Douglas College dominated the game, scoring consistently throughout. The final score stood at 10-1 in favor of Douglas College. The Thunderbirds managed only three hits during the game and were unable to mount a comeback.

Highline’s softball team faced off against Edmonds College in a doubleheader this past Thursday. In the games, which were rescheduled from April 11, the Thunderbirds fell to the Tritons 13-3 and 12-3, respectively.

In the first game, Edmonds College came out strong with their batters displaying remarkable performances. Jaelyn Myers, playing as right fielder, led the offensive charge for Edmonds, going 3-for-4 at the plate with 2 runs.

Taiana Round, Nanea Andrade, Jordyn Relethford, Sydney Rucshner, and Taylor Eskew also contributed with hits, adding to the team’s total of 12 hits for the game. Grace Humes even managed to hit a home run, providing a significant boost to Edmonds’ score.

The T-Bird Ladies tennis team performed excellently in their match last Sunday, defeating the Bulldogs, 5-4, and securing their spot in the NWAC Championship.

Highline’s Tennis Head Coach Laura Rosa praised her team, and not just about their athletic performance. “This match was a testament to everything we have stood for all year which is, ‘Who we are is why we win.’ I am incredibly proud of this team and who they have chosen to be all year in both defeat and victory,” said Rosa.

The Thunderbirds faced a tough challenge on Saturday, as they took on the Bulldogs in a doubleheader game. Despite putting up a good fight, the Thunderbirds were unable to overcome the Bulldogs’ dominance, losing both games by a significant margin.

In the first game, the Thunderbirds fell 10-2. Abigail Wilkins was the standout player for Highline, hitting a home run and driving in two runs. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Bulldogs’ strong offense, and the Thunderbirds ultimately fell short.

The second game was even more difficult for the Thunderbirds, as they were shut out 22-0 by the Bulldogs.

Last Saturday, the Highline women’s tennis team won 9-0 against Treasure Valley Community College, which was an impressive improvement from their loss last week.

“I was really pleased with how the team played this week. It was a long day of travel to and from Oregon and it was an exceptionally hot day, but the TBirds were focused and took care of business,” said Head Coach Laura Rosa.

The Thunderbirds softball team played a doubleheader for the Northwest Athletic Conference against Olympic College on Saturday, and it was a mixed result for the team.

In the first game, the Thunderbirds came away with their first win of the season, defeating the Rangers at home 3-2. However, they lost their momentum in their second game and fell to Olympic College 16-2.

In the first game, the Thunderbirds came out strong and were able to secure a win thanks to some key plays by Jazlyn Furuya, Corrina Cunningham, and Abigail Wilkins. Jazlyn Furuya hit a double and a single, Corrina Cunningham hit a double, and Abigail Wilkins hit a home run. Trinity Marion pitched a great game and held the Rangers to only two runs.

Last weekend, Highline’s tennis team were defeated in two matches, one at Lewis and Clark State College and a conference match at Spokane Community College.

Even though the Thunderbirds find themselves in a two game losing streak, the team will take that as motivation as they move on to their next match.

In Lewis-Clark State College, the Thunderbirds faced a heavy-weight opponent that included National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics four-year athletes.

Last Saturday, April 15, the Highline softball team traveled to Clackamas, Ore., to play against the Cougars (Clackamas Community College) in a doubleheader, ending in defeats for both games, 21-2 and 16-1.

Results for the first game were unavailable at press time. In the second game, the Thunderbirds were able to get on the scoreboard early in the first inning when Abigail Wilkins singled, bringing in Daisylynn Laulu for a 1-0 lead. However, Clackamas quickly took control of the game, scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the first and then adding 4 more runs in the second inning.

With a rather young team coming in to start the 2022-2023 season, Coach Steve Turcotte’s goal is steady improvement. “We have a pretty young team but you can expect us to win and improve each week,” Turcotte said.

With the team’s performance at the Olympic College Invitational, already having game experience is a great way for the team to improve and know what they need to work on.

The Lady T-Birds played Everett College on the road, losing 9-0 in the first game and 19-1 in the second game. Despite their best efforts, the Thunderbirds were unable to match the Trojans’ strong offensive and defensive plays.

In the first game, the Trojans got off to a strong start, with several key hits and runs in the first inning. The Thunderbirds struggled to get their offense going, with Daisylynn Laulu striking out and Eeron Wong lining out to the pitcher in the first inning. Despite a walk from Corrina Cunningham, the Thunderbirds were unable to bring any runners home, ending the inning with 0 runs, 0 hits, and 1 runner left on base.

The women’s tennis team won 8-0 in a home game against Treasure Valley Community College last Saturday and earned wonderful records with the outburst performance of Jocelyn Nguyen.

“The match against TVCC gave us an opportunity to start to solidify our doubles pairings for the upcoming championships. One huge highlight has been freshman Jocelynn Nguyen who has come out in the second half of the season as the most aggressive doubles player on the court. She is dynamic and fun to watch when she takes over-the-net play,” Head Coach Laura Rosa shared.

The Lady T-Birds lost 2-5 in a visit to Arizona Christian University, Ariz., highlighting the participation of the captain Princess Ventura along with Jocelynn Nguyen in doubles and Kinsey Lockhart in singles.

The tennis team had a very busy spring break, they traveled for four days, from Saturday, March 25, to Thursday, March 28, to play against one of the strongest 4-year colleges and universities in the sport.

The Highline softball team is still in a bad streak and has not won yet, after two games last Wednesday, March 29. They lost both games by a score of 1-9 and 21-3 against Pierce College in the NWAC conference.

In the first game, Eeron Wong had a good performance getting a hit for the T-birds but then the Raiders took the lead with Helena Castanon getting a three-run homerun and Pierce ended up completing the other 6 points from Kendall Lawson and Makayla Stockman.

After a three year hiatus from NWAC competition, the Highline softball team is back with a new head coach and a ten-woman squad.

To recap, the last time Highline softball hit the field was in April of 2021. The Lady T-Birds played just six games, going 4-2 in the COVID abbreviated season.

After a short spring season and a sudden head coach vacancy, the softball program remained on pause while other T-Bird sports slowly picked back up in late 2021 and 2022. It wasn’t until January of last year that Highline’s search for a head coach ended with the hiring of Kristine Foley.

After some tough preseason competition for the young squad, Highline women’s tennis fell to arch rival Bellevue in the first match of conference play.

Last season, Lady T-Birds tennis took home the program’s first ever title after a perfect conference and championship tournament run. Additionally, the team clinched the singles title, the doubles title, and the head coach of the year. Bellevue came in second place.

An exciting overtime win initiated a playoff header, but the Lady T-Birds were winded against Pierce, 53-32, concluding Highline’s season.

Last Wednesday, the Highline women hosted Grays Harbor in their last scheduled match of the season, needing one more win to clinch a playoff opportunity.

The Chokers kept Highline on their toes to force the overtime, but the Lady T-Birds came out on top with a 65-60 victory to march onto playoffs the following Saturday.

The Highline women’s basketball team went 1-1 and gear up for a sophomore night victory to force an NWAC Play-In Game for the postseason.

The winds have turned in the Lady T-Birds’ favor after a much needed win over Tacoma, 39-57, last Wednesday and subsequently back-to-back losses for No. 4 Pierce.

Green River, Lower Columbia, and South Puget Sound all clinched the first, second, and third postseason spots respectively after last week’s competition. Now, one spot remains.

A win evades Highline in the final minutes of a 66-64 defeat to Centralia and a loss to a crafty Clippers team, 65-49, keeps Highline stuck in No. 7 as season ends next week.

Last Wednesday on the road, a second half comeback backed by a career-high 25 points from Nic Hogan was not enough for Highline as they fell to the Trailblazers, 66-64.

The No. 5 Lady T-Birds basketball team dropped a critical match against the Clippers, 66-46, and now Highline’s postseason shot depends on a three-game win streak and two losses from No. 4 Pierce.

At the Thunderdome last Saturday, South Puget outperformed Highline in all major statistical areas and beat the Lady T-Birds 66-46.

The women’s basketball team wins a close one against Pierce, 36-33, but a monstrous Gator performance keeps their postseason chances up in the air.

Last Wednesday, No. 5 Highline traveled to No. 4 Pierce in an NWAC West showdown. The win would increase the team’s chances of clinching the fourth postseason spot.

Despite an off night for both teams, Highline made amends with their offensive and defensive troubles to top the Raiders, 36-33.

Both Highline basketball teams took home road wins over Grays Harbor, 71-56 for the women behind a dominant performance from Savannah Arneach and an 89-72 win for the men, snapping their 11-game losing streak.

The women’s basketball team dominated from start to finish in a 71-56 win over Grays Harbor.

Highline soared to victory behind a career-high performance from Savannah Arneach who made 32 points on an impressive 15-20 field-goal shooting. The women had a strong performance down low with a 40-18 advantage over Grays Harbor.

Lady T-Birds basketball went 1-1 with a 47-38 victory over Tacoma and a heartbreaking 47-44 defeat from conference giant Lower Columbia.

Against Tacoma, a steady shooting performance topped with timely three-pointers gave Highline the edge over the Titans, 47-38.

From the tipoff, the Lady T-Birds opened with a layup and strung together an early lead of 8-5 by the end of the first quarter.

The Highline men’s basketball team went 0-2 last week, after a takedown from the Titans, 81-56, and a vanquish by the Devils, 94-47.

Last Wednesday, Tacoma showed up big time on their home court, overpowering the T-Birds 81-56. The Titans marched onto victory behind a career-high 28 points from freshman Jaylon Ellis.

For the night, the Thunderbirds shot 38.2 percent to the Titans 58.8 percent on the floor.

The Highline women’s basketball team fell to No. 4 South Puget Sound on the road, 70-44.

Last Saturday in Olympia, WA, a stunted first quarter from Highline and continued struggles throughout resulted in a Clippers victory.

The first quarter signaled trouble for Highline as the Clipper’s built a 15-0 run with 2:56 leff. The Lady T-Birds shot 25 percent from the floor to their opponent’s 64.4 percent. The Clippers converted nine Highline turnovers to score seven points and led 22-5.

The Highline men’s and women’s basketball teams dropped two games after a Pierce raid and a Gator stomp-down in last week’s conference play.

Last Wednesday, the Highline men and women hosted Pierce at the Thunderdome for their home opener.

For the men’s team, Pierce capitalized on Highline turnovers, handing the T-Birds their first conference loss, 76-60.

Over the holiday break, Highline basketball teams struggled to find their footing with the men going 2-7 and the women 3-3.

For the men’s team, the winter break schedule was jam packed with five games on the road and two at home.

In recent action, the Highline men fell to 13-1 Peninsula last Saturday in an away game. Two weeks prior, the Pirates ranked No. 4 on the NWAC Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll.

The 2021 NWAC reigning champions, Highline, were knocked out of the championship tournament by Walla Walla in overtime, 2-1.

The week prior, the Thunderbirds advanced to the semifinals with a triumphant victory over SW Oregon, 4-0. Highline then advanced to the semifinals against 15-3-3 Walla Walla.

After a high-stakes weekend of regional play, Highline volleyball advances to the quarterfinals with a 2-1 tournament record.

Last weekend, Highline hosted the NWAC regional playoffs for the West after clinching the division title with a record of 11-1. Highline fell to Skagit Valley but defeated Treasure Valley on two different occasions to continue their postseason run through the next week.

On Saturday, No. 1 Highline hosted No. 4 in the East, Treasure Valley in the first round of the tournament.