The wait is over—fall sports are officially back! From the roar of the crowds under the lights to the crunch of cleats on the field, student-athletes are kicking off the season with fresh energy and big goals. All twelve of Valor’s fall sports teams are competing to dominate rivals, make a run in the state playoffs, and use their sport as an act of worship to grow closer to the Lord.
The Valor Christian football team, led by new head coach Mike Sanford, looks to make incredible strides this season and return to the Final Four of the state playoffs. Currently ranked No. 2 in the state, football recently dominated a big-time rival with a 41–15 win over Regis. This upcoming weekend, the team will head to Nevada to showcase their talent and skill outside of Colorado and make a name for themselves on a national stage. Upon his hiring, Coach Sanford said, “[this has been a] lifelong dream of mine to unapologetically engage in ministry while competing for state championships at the highest level of football…my goal for the football program is to achieve success at the highest levels both in the state of Colorado and nationally” (Sanford, Valor Christian Sports Website).
The boys tennis team, led by longtime head coach Bill Epping, looks forward to having Charlie VanAuken as captain, leading this year’s theme: “love and peace.” Coach Epping believes the biggest challenge will be “getting our new players competing at an extremely high level” (Epping). With six new varsity players, this year gives Valor boys tennis the chance to build strong chemistry and compete for a state title.
Boys golf is coming off an incredible 2024–25 season in which they jumped from 30th to 3rd place in the state. This fall, under the leadership of senior Campbell McFadden (Jeffco MVP) and head coach Justen Byler, they are aiming even higher. Golf, a sport Byler calls “very mentally taxing,” challenges athletes to stay sharp and steady. “We seek to honor the Name of Jesus and worship Him by choosing to Speak Life as a daily habit,” Byler explained. Although golf is an individual sport, Valor boys golf is committed to pursuing excellence as the best TEAM in Colorado.
Girls volleyball is chasing yet another state title after capturing three in a row under head coach Jayne McHugh. The Eagles opened with a dominating win over Palmer Ridge and recently traveled to Florida, where they found success on the court against tough competition. With three straight titles behind them, they hope to claim their fourth championship and hang another banner in just four years.
Boys soccer has also begun the season by competing hard against top teams in Colorado. Head coach Nate Flack is focused on developing leadership and building identity as a “true brotherhood.” One of his favorite traditions is the team’s quiet worship before games: “Every time we do this, the boys play extraordinary—I think it’s because they believe Jesus is with them in every moment. Every failure. Every success. No matter what” (Flack).
Last year, girls flag football made history competing in their first year of CHSAA sanctioning, finishing with an impressive 15–3 record. Head coach Bronson Stewart is excited to continue that momentum, saying, “I’m most looking forward to seeing our team grow together, not just as athletes, but as young women of faith and character. The game of football gives us a great platform to learn discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, but my greatest joy comes from watching our girls encourage one another, carry each other’s burdens, and compete with a purpose bigger than themselves” (Stewart). This season’s theme, “Carry the Mat,” is built on three words: uplift, devote, and overcome.
Girls softball is about to begin conference play led by senior Kendall Ferguson under head coach Dave Antencio. Ferguson, last year’s 5A Colorado Player of the Year, is determined to lead both on and off the field through her faith. One of her favorite traditions is receiving a pregame Bible verse from her coach and participating in team devotionals. Looking ahead, Ferguson says she hopes to “make the starting lineup at CSU and to also become the best player [she] can be” (Ferguson).
Cross country recently competed in the Cheyenne Stampede, where more than half the team achieved personal records. Head coach Justin Garrard is excited to “see athletes grow over the course of the season,” especially since long-distance running can be such a tough discipline. Garrard acknowledges the difficulty of the midseason grind: “In the middle of the season, student-athletes are running the toughest workouts, most miles, and competing against some of the best competition. Once we make it through, they get to truly see the fruits of their work” (Garrard). To strengthen faith and team unity, Garrard has athletes submit weekly verses to discuss together and connect with each other’s faith walk.
Girls gymnastics is premiering in its first-ever season at Valor under head coach Meghan Montoya. This brand-new program is excited to “lay the foundation for the very first Valor Christian gymnastics team,” Montoya said. “This year is about building a culture of discipline, joy, and excellence that will last for years to come. We’re looking forward to seeing the girls grow not only as athletes, but as teammates and leaders who support one another both inside and outside the gym.” Montoya also shared the unique challenges of a first season: “navigating the ‘firsts’ that come with being a brand-new program, everything from learning how to compete as a team to balancing school, practice, and performance expectations” (Montoya). Through it all, the team will focus on worship: “implementing team devotionals, prayer before practices and meets, and encouraging each athlete to view every routine and every effort as an offering of worship” (Montoya).
Girls cheer has kicked off the year supporting at football games, performing at assemblies, and showing school spirit. Head coach Kallyn Connor is excited to see how the group develops: “I am looking forward to starting competing and seeing what these girls can do. Our challenge is that we have half a new team, but they are already doing great” (Connor). Girls also worship together by attending church as a team and working closely with their chaplain.
Poms, too, continue to compete at the highest level. Just last season, Valor poms placed 3rd in their Game Day routine at the UDA Finals. They look to capture another Jeffco title this year, continuing a tradition of excellence both in state and national competitions.
With so many programs excelling, Valor Christian has much to celebrate in fall athletics. Whether it’s on the field, in the gym, on the court, or in the dance studio, Valor athletes are competing at the highest level for state titles while glorifying God in everything they do. Prayers go with these athletes and coaches as they make big strides this season.