Girls’ Soccer Season Axed as Sports Participation Surges Overall

The Sedona-Oak Creek School District will not hold a girls’ soccer season for the second consecutive year due to insufficient interest, as of August 9. Athletic director Pedro Ortega Sr. reported that only four players registered after initial interest from eight to ten students.

“Despite our efforts to encourage recruitment, the girls ultimately decided they did not have enough participants to proceed,” Ortega stated. A typical soccer team requires at least 18 players to enable substitutions, with 11 on the field during matches. The district aimed for 14 to 15 committed players for a competitive season. Notably, two of the players who initially signed up have since opted to join the volleyball team, while the other two remain uncertain about joining other sports.

Despite the setback in girls’ soccer, Ortega emphasized that no other sports at Sedona Red Rock High School are facing cancellation. The district is committed to building a viable girls’ soccer program by the 2025-26 season. “Next year, we plan to start the signup process earlier, potentially at the end of this school year, to better gauge interest and promote the opportunity,” he added. The district may also survey student interest to meet its recruitment goals.

While a club soccer team has not been established yet, Kaloa Neukan has been appointed as the new head coach, taking over from Stephen Hanks. At the August 6 governing board meeting, SOCSD Superintendent Tom Swaninger reported a 32% rise in student applications for varsity sports, alongside a striking 50% increase in the middle school division, largely attributed to growing interest in volleyball and the introduction of cross-country.

“It is unfortunate that girls’ soccer was canceled again. However, our participation numbers are increasing overall, which we view as a positive development,” Swaninger commented. Registrations climbed from 67 to 77 for varsity sports and from 97 to 125 for middle school sports compared to 2023. High school volleyball saw a slight increase from 20 to 22 participants, while boys’ soccer grew from 22 to 29, and swimming increased from 10 to 13 competitors.

In middle school, volleyball participation rose from 67 to 78, and flag football expanded from 14 to 18. This year also marks the inaugural season for middle school cross-country, involving eight students.

Cody McKesson, an orchestra and music teacher in the district, expressed his commitment to fostering relationships that promote sports among younger students. “I reached out to fifth-graders transitioning to sixth grade and their parents to encourage sports participation,” he explained.

Swaninger has engaged in discussions with the Sedona Parks and Recreation Department about collaborating on youth sports and facility sharing. “If facility availability is an issue, we’re open to providing access as long as it does not conflict with our existing athletics,” he noted. Additionally, the district is exploring the possibility of hosting a Special Olympics event in the spring.

Plans are also underway to celebrate student-athletes during board meetings and in school events. “We want to recognize the achievements of our athletes, possibly during lunch announcements, on social media, and through newsletters,” Swaninger concluded, emphasizing the benefits for students and the broader community.