As the fall sports season is wrapping up, winter sports are here! Many teams are going to or have already kicked off their seasons this winter, including girls’ weightlifting, basketball, soccer, and wrestling. These students have been preparing extensively this offseason and are looking forward to translating their work, whether that be on the court, field, or in the weight room. 
The wrestling team will kick off its season in early December with the Optimist Invitational at Sandalwood. The wrestling team is led by Head Coach David Trigg, who was hired in September 2024. They practice 4 days a week for about 2 hours.
Brett Bearden ‘28 is returning to the team for his sophomore year after securing a spot on the podium in the class of 1A State Championships last year. “I want to go undefeated this year and become the state champion,” Bearden said.
Lucas Comora ‘28 is another returning member, after being among the top 4 in districts last year. Comora ‘28 is also pumped to make a statement start this year. He is also looking to go far in the postseason, but he shared something unique. “I am looking forward to hosting the district duals at Bolles,” Comora said. The wrestling squad has been putting in hard work and is ready to take home a state championship this year.
The next sport kicking off in the winter is girls’ weightlifting. This new program started in 2023. The team is led by head coach Tyler Jump. After placing runner-up at the district championship in 2024, they are looking to do even better this year. Abby Naugle ‘28 plans to join this year as one of the new members on the team. “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to get stronger and learn from the coaches,” she said. There are also some returning members, including Elle Friebel ‘28. All these girls, returning and new, are looking forward to a successful season.
The boys soccer teams, both JV and varsity, are set to begin this winter as well. The team is led by Head Varsity Coach Jim Lieb, who has been at Bolles since 1997. The soccer teams have been practicing three days a week since the start of the school year and are now ready to show their work on the field. The varsity team is led by senior center back Graham Stiegler ‘26 and senior goalkeeper Hudson Drum ‘26. They will start their season at the Keystone Jamboree in Keystone Heights and set the tone for their season.
The JV and varsity girls soccer teams will have their first matchup against Oakleaf High School on November 3. The head coach for girls’ soccer is Matt Lacy, and he has been the varsity head coach since 2005. These teams’ rosters have also been solidified, and they have begun in-season practice. Before this season began, the girls worked their craft for many hours. The offseason workout program consists of lots of running, touches on the ball, and sometimes weights. These coaches also count on the players to work on their own, whether that be through skill training, club soccer, etc. The team is led by seniors Bubbie Brown ‘26 and Mia Lieb ‘26, who have been on the team for all four years of their high school careers. This great community of players is ready to go far in the playoffs this year.
And last but certainly not least, our basketball teams. The boys’ basketball teams, both JV and Varsity, will start their season with a matchup against Wolfson on November 21. The varsity team is led by head coach DeAndre Walker, and the JV team is led by coach Adrian Wilkinson. The offseason workout program has varied throughout the year, but one thing is for certain: these guys have been putting in work. Whether it be through conditioning, skill work, or scrimmaging. This team has many senior leaders, including John Williams ‘26, Jesse Williams ‘26, Landon Wagner ‘26, and others.
The girls’ basketball team is coming off a memorable year after making it all the way to the state championship last year. The teams are led by head varsity coach Kelly Stevenson and head JV coach Sean O’Neill. After the way last season went for them, this team is making a huge case for why they are a top favorite in the area to win a state title. JV and varsity both start their season with a matchup against Orange Park on November 17.
The Bolles community can’t wait to see these teams kick off their seasons. If you have the chance, please come out and support these teams in their many matchups throughout the winter. Go Bulldogs!
