Fall Preview from the SAA-SDS Athletic Office

The SAA-SDS Athletic Department is gearing up for a fantastic fall season! Here is a preview of what you should be watching for!

SAA 7/8 Soccer

The St. Agnes 7/8 soccer team enters the fall with a talented young squad led by veteran coach and former Upper School head coach Bobby Ireland. While the roster is young, many of the returning seventh graders gained valuable starting experience last season, providing a strong foundation for the team. The Stars opened the season in impressive fashion, defeating Hutchison 5-1 at home and setting an exciting tone for the year ahead. With a blend of returning experience, youthful energy, and Ireland’s extensive coaching experience, Saint Agnes looks poised for a successful season. Ireland is enjoying the opportunity to work with the group, noting, “This is a fantastic bunch of girls. I coached four of their mothers and one player’s aunt. It makes me feel old- I'm looking forward to a great season with this group!”

SDS 7/8 Football

The SDS Suns Junior High football team is off to a strong 2-0 start and looks to continue that momentum as they take on a challenging schedule ahead. An experienced coaching staff led by Head Coach Chip Hamlet will guide an 8th-grade-dominant team featuring 20 returning players. After working throughout the summer in conditioning sessions, the Suns began official practices at the end of July and have developed into one of the most athletic teams in recent years. Coach Hamlet expects an improved defense and plenty of explosive playmakers on offense, with MJ Dowdy and Layton Dean among the team’s impact players. Dowdy brings tremendous speed and quickness at running back, while Dean brings terrific athleticism and the versatility to play multiple positions and contribute wherever the team needs him. Jim Patterson, Jack Butterick, Caleb Burnett, Ford Canale, Demarrius Rimmer, Wels Brasfield, Hayden House, Emerson Parker, and Macallen Ramsey are also expected to have big seasons, while Gardner Arbogast brings stability to the quarterback position, and 7th-grade newcomer Thomas Hill is one to watch. With a talented roster and experienced leadership, the Suns have their sights set on making this one of their best seasons in years.

Upper School Cross Country

The cross country team is off and running! The Stars had a great preseason over the summer, building important fitness as they get closer to race season. Senior leaders Evelyn Gerstner and Anna Wilson will lead the team, while freshman Ruby Ortekiese looks poised to make an immediate impact as a top contributor. The Stars’ goals are to be highly competitive at the Region Championship Meet in October while also helping each athlete achieve as many of her individual goals as possible. One of the team’s biggest strengths is its depth, with the top five runners expected to finish relatively close together—a key advantage when it comes to team scoring in cross country. With a strong preseason behind them and plenty of potential ahead, the Stars are ready to make their mark this season. Go Stars!

Upper School Golf

The varsity golf team enters the season looking to continue its winning tradition and capture the program’s 22nd Regional Championship. This year’s four-member squad—Sarah Hooten, Zoee Moix, Brighton Sharp, and Stella Dembinski—brings a strong combination of talent, work ethic, and competitive spirit. Senior Sarah Hooten leads the way after earning a top 10 finish at last year’s State Championship and All-Metro honors. Junior Zoee Moix will also play an important role as the Stars look to make another run at the state tournament. As Coach Giannini says, “Our girls have a strong work ethic and a competitive spirit! I am looking forward to a fun year!” With experience and determination on their side, the Stars will look to add another championship chapter to an already impressive program history.

Upper School Soccer

The soccer Stars enter the 2026 season with a strong blend of experience, leadership, and emerging talent. Senior captain Mary Caroline Mungle leads a talented senior class that includes Bella Coletta, Olivia Owens, and Emma Casey. Coletta returns as the Stars’ leading goal scorer after recording eight goals and five assists, while Owens contributed six goals and seven assists last season. Casey will anchor the defense and provide veteran leadership for a team coming off its best record in seven seasons and a trip to the Division II-AA state quarterfinals. Junior Avery Weems brings consistency, discipline, and a strong competitive spirit to the midfield. Freshman Sophie Hudson has already impressed with her work ethic and willingness to learn, giving the Stars an exciting young player to watch. With experienced leaders and promising young talent throughout the roster, St. Agnes is poised to build on last season’s success and compete for another strong postseason run.

Upper School Volleyball

The Stars varsity volleyball team enters the 2026 season poised for a strong campaign and ready to compete at a high level within the Region. The team traveled over the summer to the University of Florida for JV/varsity team camp, where they trained with some of the best players and coaches in the nation. Senior leaders Dani Mulrooney and Rylee Hubbard will provide valuable experience, leadership, and consistency as the Stars look to set the tone throughout the season. Underclassmen Scarlet Malone, Camille Deeney, and Olivia Kerr are expected to make significant contributions and play key roles in the team’s success. With a strong blend of veteran leadership and emerging young talent, the Stars have a chance to build off the progress that was made last year and go further.