Fall Athletic Roundup

The 2024 fall athletic season in Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) was marked by exceptional performances and a strong commitment to sportsmanship. 

From league championships to individual accolades, this season highlighted the athletic prowess of teams throughout our district. "Our student-athletes have once again demonstrated the power of dedication, hard work, and teamwork," said Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Kerrie Torres. "This fall season was a testament to their commitment to excellence, both on and off the field."

Below is a recap of fall athletic achievements.

Corona del Mar High School

• Girls' Golf achieved a historic milestone by winning the CIF Championship in Division 4. This was the first girls’ golf CIF Championship in CdM history! 
   
• Boys’ Cross Country dominated the Sunset League, clinching the championship and qualifying for both CIF-SS and CIF State Finals. Senior Max Douglass's outstanding performance earned him Sunset League MVP and CIF Individual Champion honors. Max placed 18th at the Foot Locker National Championships. He is CdM’s first cross country male All-American in school history!
   
• Girls’ Flag Football made significant strides in their second year of competition, finishing third in the Sunset League and reaching the second round in the inaugural season of CIF-SS Playoffs.
   
• A strong performance by the Girls' Tennis team led to a Sunset League Championship and a deep playoff run. Congratulations to junior Polina Briggs, who was selected as Sunset League MVP.
   
• Boys' Water Polo achieved a second-place finish in the Sunset League and a strong showing in the CIF-SS and CIF State playoffs. This was Coach Lucas Reynolds’ first year coaching at his alma mater. “Being part of the CdM Water Polo legacy, now from the coach's perspective, has deepened my appreciation for this program and everything it represents. It's been a full-circle moment, reminding me why this sport and this community mean so much,” said Reynolds.

Costa Mesa High School

• Football had a remarkable turnaround season, finishing second in the Tango League and advancing to CIF quarterfinals. The team finished 8-4, a significant improvement from last year’s 2-8 record. The team hosted their first winning CIF game on Mustang Field since it was renovated in 2016 and played to a sold-out crowd cheering them on.
   
• Girls' Volleyball competed in the Golden Empire Conference with several players earning all-league honors. Senior Aubrey Spallone was voted All CIF Team for volleyball in Division 6.
   
• Cross Country qualified for the preliminary Orange Coast League CIF meet at Mount Sac. Martin Montes was selected for the Boys First team for finals. Senior Julietta Colin finished first in the Girls League finals. 
   
• Boys' Water Polo player senior Luke De La Jara broke the school record for goals in a single season (171).
   
• Girls’ Flag Football's inaugural season was a success with senior Jazzi Beisner and junior Kassandra Ramirez Garcilazo earning all-league recognition.

Estancia High School

• Girls' Golf won the Coast League Championship and had strong individual performances, finishing the season undefeated with a 15-0 record. Senior Landry Harder medaled in every match and was named Golfer of the Year for the Orange Grove Conference.
   
• Girls' Flag Football, also in its inaugural season, finished 17-7 overall and won the Coast League Championship in the Orange Grove Conference with a 7-1 record to reach the CIF quarterfinals. The team was led by sophomore Aisleen Avalos, who was named MVP of the Coast League, and senior Jayden McClure, who was named the Offensive MVP in the Coast League.
   
• Football had a strong season (9-3), finishing second in the league and advancing to the CIF quarterfinals.
   
• Girls' Volleyball finished second overall in the Coast League in the Orange Grove Conference and qualified for the CIF playoffs.
   
• Boys' Water Polo qualified for the CIF playoffs finishing third place in the Coast League in the Orange Grove Conference.

Newport Harbor High School

• Boys' Water Polo secured their third Open Division title in four years and their sixth consecutive appearance in the CIF Open Division Championship Game. They finished the season an epic 31-0! This is NHHS’ sixth year as champions in this division and their 15th program title - the most in the history of high school water polo.
   
• Girls’ Flag Football won the Sunset League Championship for the second consecutive season and ended the season with an overall record of 25-3 (12-0 in the league). They qualified for the inaugural CIF-SS playoff in Girls’ Flag Football, finishing Runner-Up in Division 1 and ranked second nationally. Seniors Maia Helmar and Audrey Burns were selected to play in the LA v. OC All-Star Game.
   
• Girls’ Cross Country won the Sunset League championship and advanced to CIF-SS Finals for the first time since 2013. Overall, the team finished eighth in CIF as a program, with seniors Keaton Robar and Marley McCullough finishing second and ninth individually. Both girls qualified for the state meet, with Keaton Robar finishing eighth place and earning All-State honors.
   
• Girls' Golf doubled the size of its program, thanks to 34 girls participating. The team finished third in the Sunset League. 
   
• Field Hockey earned an overall record of 11-5-2 (6-1 in the league), advancing to the Semifinals of the Tournament of Champions.
   
• Girls’ Volleyball had another great year, finishing with an overall record of 20-9, ranking in the top 20 of the CIF-SS, and advancing to the second round of CIF playoffs.

From team victories to individual achievements, the 2024 fall athletic season was successful. Beyond the wins and losses, these athletic programs cultivate essential life skills, fostering character, discipline, and teamwork. By participating, student-athletes become well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to our community.