Hundreds of athletes are trying out for a variety of spring sports during the week of Feb. 26. These sports include: the new boys volleyball team, boys baseball, girls soccer, boys tennis, and boys and girls track and field. Student-athletes were all in preparation last week for this week’s spring sports tryouts.

With athletes preparing, coaches and assistant coaches keep an eye on students’ academics and physical well-being.

All spring sport tryout participants are required to pass a physical, impact test, have a good academic history, a strong attendance, and more depending on the sport.

Tennis coach Beau Hill states how academics are just as important as the actual tryouts.

“On the day of tryouts, I and my fellow coaches make sure all athletes meet the requirements and have a good academic history,” Hill said.

For the first time ever, a boy’s volleyball team will be included as a spring sport for Liberty. With a great turnout of 30 athletes on the first day of tryouts, and at least 20 athletes on the second, the boy’s volleyball team is expected to have a great turnout. Just as with any other spring sport, the boy’s volleyball team will feature a C team, junior varsity team, and varsity team.

“My first day of tryouts went very well, I didn’t get the ball as much as I would have hoped to due to the number of people here,

Not only did boys volleyball have a great turnout, but other sports had a big turnout as well. Track and field had many returning athletes, along with a variety of new athletes who were interested in learning more about track and field. For those athletes, and all returning athletes, you are guaranteed a spot on the team.

Rackets flew throughout the week as tennis athletes ran drills and practiced their serves. Coach Beau Hill and coach Teodoro Campos are watching closely this season, as they are only giving out 16 varsity spots this year. While tennis is also considered a non-cut sport athletes are soaring for a varsity position.

But rackets haven’t been the only thing flying through the air. Boy baseball athletes practice their swings and hits throughout the week as coaches keep records of each student’s previous successes and stats.

C-team baseball coach Dan Wheeler makes sure he keeps his eyes open for all athletes trying out.

“I try my best to watch everyone and encourage all athletes,” Wheeler said. “We have a ton of talent this year, it’s going to be a great year.”

Student-athletes are filled with excitement as this new year of spring sports begins. These Eagles are ready to make their mark on the field, and courts.