With the winter sports season nearing its end, three teams—Girls Soccer, Wrestling, and Basketball—have made their mark in NCS. Both Girls Soccer and Wrestling dominated their competition, winning their respective NCS brackets, while Boys Basketball continues to climb the rankings.
A Season of Grit and Triumph
The Amador Valley Wrestling team had a thrilling season, culminating in an intense EBAL championship win. Head Coach Travis Chubb emphasized the pressure of the final match.
“It was exciting going into NCS, but winning EBAL was even bigger. It all came down to our 190-pounder, Noah Awad. If he won, we would take the title. If he lost, Livermore would win. When he secured the victory, it was an incredible rush of emotions,” said Chubb.
Wrestling is a grueling sport, with competitors often enduring a physically demanding schedule.
“Our season starts in November, but many of our kids wrestle year-round. We push for as many matches as possible—up to 40 per season—so our wrestlers gain experience. It leaves them banged up, but that’s part of the sport,” said Chubb.
The team’s resilience paid off, earning four first-place medals, one second-place, and three fourth-place finishes at NCS.
A Fight to the Finish
Girls Soccer also had an extraordinary season, claiming the EBAL championship and securing an 11-3 record. They ranked first in NCS, 65th nationally, third in the SF Metro, and 17th in California.
Their journey to the title was filled with dramatic moments. “It was incredible. We were about to go to PKs [penalty kicks] after a 100-minute game, but then we scored. It was an amazing moment. I was nervous taking the shot, but after it went in, I was just so happy. Everyone stormed the field—it was unreal,” said Varsity Soccer Player Mira Garuda (‘27).
With a victory over Vintage High School and a seven-game winning streak, the team’s hard work and determination led them to the top. Through rain and fog, they trained tirelessly, proving their commitment to success.
Training for Success
Boys Basketball has been steadily climbing the rankings, currently sitting at 85th nationally, 13th in NCS, and ninth in NCS Division 1. With a big game ahead, the team is ready to showcase the results of months of preparation.
“From the beginning, conditioning was our main focus. In the summer, we spent time in the weight room, building up for the season. Tryouts were all about running—lots of running. It was about making sure we wouldn’t get tired during games,” said JV player Aren Case (‘26).
In addition to physical training, the team studied game footage to sharpen their strategies.
“We watched a lot of film to stay mentally prepared. Keeping our minds fresh was just as important as keeping our bodies in shape,”said Case.
Looking Ahead
With NCS winding down, Amador Valley’s winter sports teams have shown remarkable determination and success. Wrestling and Girls Soccer claimed league titles, while Boys Basketball continues its fight for a top finish.
Their achievements highlight months of dedication, rigorous training, and resilience. As the season closes, these teams have set the bar high, proving that hard work leads to victory.
