Cheer, Dance, Community: Inside the Debut Year of APACDT at APA!
March 2024 - Keely Hartin, Head Coach Draper 3 Cheer & Dance Team
The APA Cheer and Dance Team (APACDT) is a first-year program. The new team is led by Head Coach Keeley Hartin and Assistant Coaches Stephanie Olson and Autumn Perry. Keeley Hartin is an APA alumnus, graduating from Draper 3 in 2019. She was captain of the dance company for the first two years of its program before graduating and attending USU on a dance scholarship. She feels honored to be back at APA, leading a talented group of athletes.
The APA Cheer and Dance Team strives to support, encourage, and uplift members of the APA community. They
attended and cheered at all volleyball and basketball home games this season. They were thrilled to be able to support the teams at the volleyball tournament at UVU and the basketball tournament at SUU. They cheered at Girls Soccer and Baseball Senior Nights as well. The girls love cheering on their friends, fellow athletes, and Eagles!
The members of APACDT also complete acts of service monthly for
members of the APA community and supporters of our team. They have written thank you notes to staff members and parents and even spent an afternoon volunteering at Draper 2, completing various tasks such as cleaning, organizing, and grading papers. The APACDT ran the carnival games at the Fall Festival and held a Mini CDT Clinic where Draper 2 students learned sideline cheers and a dance routine that they performed at a basketball game. 
The team has spent the year learning cheer and dance techniques, skills, and routines. We have seen tremendous growth from the girls as individuals and as a team. We started the year with a wide range of experience and technical levels from our athletes, and we have seen them continue to inspire and push each other to excel. The members of APACDT spend a lot of time together practicing and performing, and they have also become great friends. The team members are supportive and kind to one another and have become a little family. With high expectations from their coaches, dedicated athletes, and supportive parents, APACDT is a team on the path to success!
The APACDT is attending Starstruck Dance Competition on March 30th, competing in a jazz and hip-hop routine. APACDT will also hold an end-of-year concert inspired by nature on May 2nd with the show title “Everything Dances.”
Our very first featured athlete is junior and APACDT President Cecily Wagner. Cecily was a dance company
member from seventh grade through her sophomore year. Cecily is a multi-talented and hardworking individual. She strives for excellence in every area of her life and leads by example. She is a straight-A student, Student Council member, and skilled violinist and debater. Her schedule is full, and she handles it gracefully, surpassing all expectations. Cecily 
competed in her first solo dance competition on March 8th, taking home second place with a high gold ranking. The same week, Cecily was awarded the Builder of the Year title. Cecily is kind to all she comes in contact with and is quick to acknowledge and praise others for their accomplishments and hard work. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things she will accomplish!
Article Title: Congratulations to Draper and West Valley APA Boys and Girls Basketball Teams!
February 2024 - Eric Wood & Lindsey Bluth, Athletic Directors
The Draper and West Valley APA boys' and girls' basketball teams have concluded an outstanding season, leaving a lasting impression with their remarkable performances and achievements.
Let's take a closer look at their journey:
Draper Girls:
The Draper APA girls basketball team entered the season with high expectations, and they certainly lived up to them. Ranked 4th in the pre-season polls, the girls faced top competition in non-region games, showcasing their skill and determination. The team went undefeated in region play, led by returning starters Aaliyah Baldwin, Samantha Kartchner, Jazmin Moctezuma, and Bailey Bluth, securing their position as Region 17 Champions for the third consecutive 
year. Their remarkable 21-5 record and 4th-place finish in the state tournament are a testament to their hard work and dedication. Special recognition goes to Aaliyah Baldwin for earning a spot on the 2A State All-Tournament Team. While bidding farewell to seniors Jazmin Moctezuma, Taylor Stratton, and Camilla Olive, the team remains optimistic and motivated for the challenges ahead.
Draper Boys:
The Draper APA boys basketball team demonstrated tremendous growth and resilience throughout the season. Despite starting with minimal varsity experience, the team progressed steadily, building camaraderie and gaining valuable experience. Led by juniors Lucian Greenwell and Carter Vijayaragavan, the boys faced tough competition in postseason play, ending their season in an OT thriller against Beaver Beavers. Looking ahead, the team is focused on continued training and development under the guidance of Coaches Anderson, Chatterton, and Baldwin, to return stronger and more prepared for the next season.
West Valley Girls: Despite formidable opponents, our girls wrapped up the season with a commendable 7-12 record and an impressive RPI ranking of 21st! A huge shoutout to Coach Palmer and her dedicated staff for nurturing their growth and resilience. Let's applaud seniors Isabela Bocanegra, Ruth Mora, Leticia Calderon, and Nicole Tran for their outstanding contributions!
West Valley Boys: What a season of triumphs it's been for our boys! With an impressive 21-6 record and an outstanding RPI ranking of 2, they entered the State tournament as the second seed and secured third place after an electrifying win over Kanab. Senior standout Peter Hakim made history, setting the state record for assists twice! Let's give a round of applause to Coach Wood and his incredible staff for their unwavering dedication. And a special shoutout to seniors Komy Occur, Peter Hakim, Daniel Arroyo, 
Moheb Amiri, and Brandon Argumedo for their stellar contributions to APA West Valley!
As we reflect on the achievements of all of our APA basketball teams, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all players, coaches, and supporters for their dedication and passion. The future looks bright for APA basketball, and we can't wait to see what the next season holds!
October 2023 - Irene Christenson & Lindsey Bluth
Cross Country State Performance
Running three miles might sound like a daunting task to some, but for the members of the American Prep West Valley Cross Country teams, it's just a light jog. Both our Boys and Girls teams exhibited unwavering commitment and determination throughout the season, resulting in some remarkable achievements.
"Despite having a smaller team than usual, every member stepped up and stayed focused on their goals. The season presented its fair share of challenges, but it also offered tremendous rewards that brought everyone closer together while testing their endurance and determination. Each athlete showed impressive growth over the course of the season, thanks to their relentless dedication. What truly set us apart was the unwavering support we witnessed at every meet, as teammates cheered each other on, creating a palpable sense of camaraderie," shared Coach Shalane Carson.
Elise Christenson, one of our student-athletes, added, "It's been an incredibly enjoyable season. With just eight of us, we pushed and cheered each other on at every race. Even though the Boys team didn't qualify for the state championship, their support never wavered, showing up to support us anyway. It was a fantastic experience!"
Everyone’s hard work and unity culminated in an outstanding performance at Regionals. The Girls team secured a remarkable third-place finish as a team, with three of our team members, Lexi Callister (12), Elise Christenson (11), and Jane Christenson (9), earning top-ten individual placements. The Boys team secured a commendable fifth-place finish as a team. As the Girls celebrated their Regional success, it also marked their qualification for the State Cross Country Championship.
With the Boys team fervently cheering them on, the Girls displayed incredible determination at the State Championship. Senior standout Lexi Callister showcased a remarkable run at the state level, exemplifying the unity and spirit that defined this season. "The team's unity has been our strength this season," Lexi shared. "Having the boys there to cheer us on at the end was the perfect way to conclude my Senior season."
Both West Valley Cross Country teams demonstrated exceptional teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout their journey this season. We applaud their outstanding achievements and look forward to more success as our talented team grows.
D3 Athletics Updates
Draper 3 Athletics Update: Fall Highlights and Triumphs
Draper 3 Athletics has wrapped up a phenomenal fall season, witnessing the incredible dedication and talent of our student-athletes across various sports.
Here's a recap of the season's highlights:
Boys' Baseball:
Under the leadership of our first-year head coach, Bob Schumaker, our baseball team showcased stellar performance throughout the season. With a commendable 9-6 record, they secured the 9th seed in the state tournament. The bond they formed over the season was inspiring, and we're eagerly awaiting their next season's performance.
Girls' Tennis:
Our young and spirited girls' tennis team demonstrated immense growth and determination this season. Coaches Madyson McDade and Jonah Kortson helped the team excel in several matches, including the Regionals at Liberty Park. With a promising squad, we're optimistic about their potential next fall.
Girls' Soccer:
Our soccer team's success underlines the importance of a strong junior high program. While we had several varsity players return, the addition of talented freshmen elevated the team's play. They ended the season with an impressive 8-5 record, securing the #9 seed in the state tournament. With most players returning next year, we're excited for what lies ahead.
Boys' Golf:
Guided by Coach Allison Gow, our golf team displayed exemplary consistency this season. They ranked in the top three in team standings in most tournaments. As they progressed through the season, their improvements were evident. With a young team, there's much to anticipate in the next golf season.
Girls' Volleyball:
Draper's girls' volleyball team had a spectacular season, finishing with an undefeated 12-0 record and claiming the Region 17 championship. Their performance earned them the #3 seed in the state tournament at UVU. While they bid farewell to several seniors, the team retains a strong core, setting the stage for another exciting season ahead.
In closing, our heartfelt appreciation goes to our athletes, coaches, staff, and parents for their unwavering support and commitment. Here's to more triumphs in the seasons to come!
August 2023 - Learnell Wesley, WV3 Academic Counselor & Assistant Activities Coach
Meet Maggie Nguyen, APA West Valley 3's Triple Threat Student - At American Prep West Valley 3 campus, there are students who excel, and then there's Maggie Nguyen—a true representation of academic prowess, athletic excellence, and strong character.
Academic Star
A senior with an impressive 3.5 GPA, Maggie is part of the Student Council and displays a dedication to learning that makes both her school and her family incredibly proud. Her favorite class? English, where she gets to dissect literature and delve into intricate storytelling. Notably, she has been a part of the APA community for a decade, making her a seasoned veteran in APA's curriculum and values.
Athletically Gifted
Maggie is not just confined to the classroom. She serves as the Senior Manager for the Girls Basketball Program, embodying the athletic spirit of APA while leading her team both on and off the court.
Diverse Interests
When asked about her favorite food, she's quick to mention her love for dumplings and admits to jamming to R&B music in her spare time. Beyond academics and athletics, Maggie has diverse interests; she enjoys reading and painting for fun. Her favorite novel is "Daisy Jones & the 6," a compelling story that captures the essence of life's complexities, much like Maggie herself.
Future Plans and Aspirations
After graduation, Maggie aims to attend Utah Tech to major in business management. In line with her entrepreneurial spirit, she harbors the ambition to own a beauty salon. It's clear that Maggie has her eyes set on a future where she can combine her business acumen with her creative flair.
Family and Values
Growing up with two siblings, Maggie has always appreciated the importance of family—a value she sees mirrored in APA's own community. If she were a superhero, she says she would be Wonder Woman, a character renowned for her strength and integrity, attributes Maggie clearly possesses.
Advice for Newcomers
For anyone coming to APA for the first time, Maggie's advice is to the point: "Expect a family atmosphere and be prepared to do work." It's a sentiment that perfectly captures the essence of APA's nurturing yet rigorous environment.
In all aspects—academics, athletics, and character—Maggie Nguyen stands out as an exemplary student, making her family and APA community incredibly proud. We're eager to see where her talents and strong work ethic will take her in the years to come.
May 2023 - Learnell Wesley, WV3 Academic Counselor & Assistant Activities Coach
West Valley 3 Track Success
We are thrilled to share incredible news about this year's track team and their extraordinary accomplishments.
Our athletes have shown immense dedication
, perseverance, and remarkable talent, resulting in an outstanding season.
The West Valley 3 girls and boys teams secured an impressive second-place finish in the region—an unprecedented achievement for our school. This remarkable feat is a testament to every team member's hard work and commitment.
At the state level, we are immensely proud of the three athletes who earned individual medals, showcasing their exceptional skills and determination.
- Adis Halaba, in his first year of track, soared to a phenomenal 4th place finish in the High Jump—a remarkable accomplishment that marks the highest state finish ever for our school.
- Miranda Rivera claimed 7th place in the fiercely competitive 800m event.
- Leticia Calderon achieved an impressive 7th place in the Javelin, despite joining the team only one month prior.
These remarkable ladies have etched their names in school history, becoming the first girls to earn medals at the state level.
Moreover, our track teams collectively achieved their best-ever finish at the state championship. The girls' team, in particular, shattered school records with incredible success, setting an astonishing 14 out of 17 new records—an outstanding accomplishment that reflects their determination and perseverance. 
In addition to individual accomplishments, our girls' Medley relay team finished an impressive 5th place at the state championship. Bilah Soumain and Sherilyn Rojas displayed exceptional speed in the 200m, while Lexi Callister demonstrated her strength in the 400m leg, and Miranda 
Rivera's remarkable performance in the 800m leg rounded out the team's success. Their teamwork and commitment brought great pride to our school.
This season, our track team has achieved remarkable results and exemplified the values we strive to instill in our students: resilience, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. We applaud their efforts and look forward to their continued growth and success.
Thank you to our fantastic coaches for their support and leadership throughout this season!
- Head Coach, Jeff Bodell
- Distance Coach, Andrea Garcia
- Sprinting Coach, Sam Hatch
- Hurdles Coach, Abdi Hussein
Natalie McLane: Draper APA's Rising Golf Star Claims Individual 2A State Title
May 2023 - Bryan Durst - Athletics Director
In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Natalie McLane, a talented freshman at Draper APA, emerged triumphant at the 2A girls state championships held at Lakeside Golf Course in West Bountiful on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. Despite facing formidable opponents, McLane defied the odds and secured the individual state title, marking a momentous achievement for herself and our school.
Arriving at the tournament with the second-best scoring average in the 2A category at 78.4, McLane faced a formidable adversary—an accomplished senior from Rowland Hall, the reigning 2A medalist. With a spring average of 70.7 and an impressive track record in prominent tournaments, her competitor posed a daunting 
challenge. While she had never defeated her opponent in previous tournaments, McLane rose to the occasion on that fateful Tuesday, shooting an impressive 2-over 73 to edge her contender by a single stroke.
This achievement not only brings great honor to Natalie McLane but also highlights the strength and potential of our golf program at Draper APA. We congratulate Natalie on her exceptional performance and commend her for embodying the spirit of perseverance and excellence.
Natalie is a hard working student with great grades. She and her team will attend the PGA All-State dinner on Thursday, May 31st to honor her and she will continue to compete this summer in the Junior PGA league.
As we celebrate Natalie McLane's remarkable victory, let us continue to support and encourage our student-athletes as they pursue their passions and strive for greatness.
Go, Draper APA!
March 2023 - Learnell Wesley - WV3 Academic Counselor & Assistant Activities Coach
West Valley 3 Athletic Superstar Ammy Cordova
Ammy Cordova is a shining example of a student-athlete who excels in all aspects of her life. As a senior at our West Valley 3 campus, Ammy has shown remarkable achievements both in the classroom and on the court. She boasts an impressive 3.96 cumulative GPA, ranking her among the top 10 in her class, and has received the prestigious Sterling Scholar Award in Social Sciences for her dedication to academics.
Aside from her academic achievements, Ammy is also a gifted multi-sport athlete, representing American Prep in soccer and basketball. Her hard work and dedication have been recognized, with acceptances into all of the Utah universities as well as Oregon State University.
Despite her busy schedule, Ammy remains approachable and always willing to lend a helping hand. She embodies the values of an APA builder and is an asset to the community. Ammy credits American Prep for teaching her study skills that have helped her excel while participating in athletics for several years.
Ammy's motivation to improve and make progress comes from within, and she is inspired by her mom, who has supported her academically and emotionally. Ammy plans to attend college and study law, and we have no doubt she will continue to succeed and make a positive impact on those around her. We are proud to have Ammy as part of the APA family, and we look forward to seeing all she will achieve in the future.
February 2023 - Lindsey Bluth - Athletic Director
The future of Draper APA's basketball program is looking bright! The D3 girls varsity basketball team recently competed in the UHSAA State Tournament at Salt Lake Community College and made school history. Despite entering the tournament as the 4th seed, the Eagles soared to new heights and came away with a 4th place finish, the best in Coach Dan Baldwin's tenure at APA.
Led by Aaliyah Baldwin's unstoppable 40-point performance in the quarterfinal round against North Sevier, the Eagles showed their strength and resilience throughout the tournament. Jazmin Moctezuma and Amber Dankwa's leadership kept the Eagles in the game against #1 seed Beaver in the semi-finals, while Samantha Kartcher's hot start and Bailey Bluth's breakout game helped secure the 4th place finish against #2 ranked North Summit.
Coach Baldwin couldn't be prouder of the girls and their dedication to the program. He noted that, "their success is the result of years of hard work, with most of the girls training year-round for the past four or five years. Their commitment to the team and the system has paid off, and they have earned a spot among the powerhouses of 2A basketball."
With all five varsity starters planning to return next year, the Eagles are poised to continue their success and compete for the state title once again. Draper APA's basketball program is one to watch; we can't wait to see what they accomplish in the future!
December 2022 - Learnell Wesley - WV3 Basketball
Earlier this month, West Valley 3 celebrated our veterans in honor of Pearl Harbor day. Our inaugural game was a great success as our team triumphed over Camp Williams in a hard-fought game while honoring and celebrating those who sacrificed so much to secure our freedoms, our veterans. Our community sponsor, Nicholas and Company, catered the event, and over 40 teachers and staff attended our game to cheer on our West Valley athletes. This was a great day for American Prep West Valley 3.
November 2022 - Lindsey Bluth & Learnell Wesley
Draper Boys Basketball
The APA boys basketball season is here, and the team is working hard to get the season off and running. Coach Justin Hadlock is in his first year as the head coach of the boy's squad. He brings ten years of high school coaching experience to the program and is excited to see what his young team can do.
Coach Hadlock has a fun, fast, athletic team this year. He feels his squad will be great in transition, but they will have to learn how to execute in pressure situations if they are going to be in a position to win big games. Winning big games is something Coach Hadlock and the team knows they need to do if they want to reach their goal of making it to the state tournament in late February 2023.
The Eagles host American Leadership Academy in an early pre-season game on Wednesday, November 30th. This game will be a good measuring stick for where the boys are and what they need to do to reach their goal of getting to the State.
Draper Girls Basketball
The APA girls varsity basketball team ended last season on a disappointing note after getting bumped from the state tournament earlier than they had hoped for. Since last February, the girls have been preparing for the 2022-23 season. Coach Dan, who is in his 5th year as the head coach of the girl's squad, has big goals for this group. The Eagles have the majority of the varsity roster returning this year, and with the addition of some young talent, the pieces are in place for making a deep run in the state tournament. Coach Dan put together a very tough pre-season schedule, and the girls have their work cut out for them as they prepare for region and post-season play.
The defensive-minded Draper APA squad is entertaining to watch and shows discipline in their half-court offense. Even if you know nothing about basketball, watching these girls on the court will keep you entertained - they can shoot, share the ball well, and play as a team. This is a product of hours and hours of training in the gym. Coach Dan said being able to sit back on the bench and watch the team play is the highlight of the job, and he has the best seat in the house to the best show in town.
The Eagles started the season with a big win at Parowan on November 17th. This was the year's first test, and both the Varsity and JV teams returned with a win. The girls have the week of Thanksgiving to prepare for a challenging game at Grantsville on Tuesday, November 29th before hosting their first home game on December 1st against North Sanpete.
SUPPORT OUR TEAMS
Having a spirited crowd can make a difference in every game. Our entire APA community is invited to attend each game, especially home games. The first home games of the season are below:
Draper Boys Basketball
Wednesday, November 30th starting at 4:00 p.m.
- Frosh/Soph play at 4:00 p.m.
- JV plays at 5:30 p.m.
- Varsity game tips at 7:00 p.m.
Draper Girls Basketball
- Thursday, December 1st starting at 4:30 p.m.
- JV plays at 4:30 p.m.
- Varsity plays at 6:00 p.m.
West Valley 3 Basketball - Learnell Wesley - Academic Counselor & Assistant Activities Coach 
Come support our West Valley Girls Basketball team in their first annual Veterans Day game this Friday, December 2nd at 6:00 p.m. We will bee wearing our black uniforms for the occasion. We encourage everyone to wear black as well for the game.
The mission of this event is to celebrate our veterans with an evening of fun and competitive basketball. All veterans who attended our celebration assemblies last month have been invited to participate in this event and join in the fun. Veteran festivities will begin at 5:00 p.m. There will also be an APA staff cheering section.
We thank our community sponsors, Nicholas Food and Company, and the Alcantara family for catering our event.
Come out and show your support!
October 2022 - Bryan Durst - Athletic Director
Congratulations to our West Valley 3 Cross Country Girls team for taking 1st in their region in the Women's 3-Mile, and a HUGE congrats to Lexi Callister for a 3-pete win taking 1st in the Women's 3-Mile and 10th overall in 5,000 Meters for Region 17. Hector Arce on the WV3 Boys Cross Country team finished in the Top 5 in the region as well.
The WV3 Boys team fought hard to qualify for State this year, attending the championships for the first time this October. The girls qualified last year as a team for the first time. Overall the WV3 Cross Country team is twice the size it was last year and will use its momentum and excitement to build and continue the program next year.
Big THANKS to our APA XC families for supporting your students and the program. You truly make the difference in your student athletes' success.
We are grateful for our amazing coaches, Coach Taylor Yates and Coach Jeff Bodell. Thank you for your hard work and efforts. Congratulations, WV3 Cross Country!
September 2022 - Bryan Durst - Athletic Director
As we enter into fall, our American Prep athletics program continues to inspire character and competitive spirit among our students. All of our athletes are in a balancing act of academics and sports. Many of our students have additional responsibilities including weekend jobs and more. It is during these times that we hope you will encourage your students, helping them to prioritize academic responsibilities while being active contributors to their teams.
This month, we introduce you to our APA Draper 3 baseball, tennis, and golf coaches. They are dynamic individuals with incredible talent and devotion to our students.
If you have any questions about APA athletics in Draper or West Valley and how to get your students involved, please email our Athletic Director, Bryan Durst at bdurst@apamail.org.
Baseball
Coach Wayland McGary has been APA Draper's head baseball coach for the last four seasons. Coach McGary has always loved baseball - he played throughout high school and jumped into coaching to help other kids develop a love of the game. One of the best things about coaching, in his opinion, is that it gives him the chance to help kids further their skills and get better. 
"The APA baseball team has really come together this season - they have learned how to play as a team rather than just playing for themselves. It has been a fun process to watch, and in the remaining games they have this season, look to build upon the team chemistry they already have.", said Coach McGary. 
Coach McGary has the ultimate goal of taking APA baseball to a state championship. They have played in the championship game in the past and came up just short of the title. That experience left a lasting impression on the coach and players. The hope of coming out on top inspires them to push to get to that game again in the future.
Baseball is one of the sports at APA that begins in the summer before the school year starts - plan now to join the team next year! Please email Bryan Durst, bdurst@apamail.org, if you would like to learn more about the Draper 3 APA baseball program.
Tennis
Madyson McDade is not only an amazing History teacher at American Prep Draper 3, she is also a competitive girl's high school tennis coach at APA. Coach McDade is now in her third coaching season at American Prep. She initially pursued coaching because she loved tennis as a high schooler and wanted to inspire students to develop a love for the game. Using her skills and experience, Coach McDade continues to contribute to our team's growth and success.
"Many girls this season had never played tennis in their life. Getting experience playing great teams has helped them improve throughout their season.", said McDade. The APA team continues to build on the foundations of tennis, ensuring success in future seasons.
Sadie Squire, Siera Brinkman, and Millie Liebsch are seniors this season. Sadie Squire played at Varsity First Singles, Siera at Varsity Second Singles, and Millie at Varsity Second Doubles. Applying what they have learned, all of our tennis athletes have improved as the season progressed, which is very encouraging.
Coach McDade's goal is to get girls more interested in tennis and motivate students to seek out lessons in the off-season during the fall and spring semesters. Additional playing time and skilled coaching are necessary to provide a strong start at the beginning of the next season.
If you are interested in being a part of the girl's high school tennis squad at Draper 3 next year, ask Coach McDade what you can do to prepare for next season's tryouts! Email Coach McDade at mprevette@apamail.org.
GOLF
Coach Allison Gow is a fantastic Math teacher at APA Draper 3. She is also an incredible golf coach currently in her 5th season. She is excited about her teams' trajectory this year.
Ms. Gow's favorite thing about coaching golf is witnessing each student's improvement. The team has had four tournaments this year, and the growth of each player has been extraordinary. "The boy's golf season is ongoing, and they are doing great on the course! All of the players are dropping scores each round they play, which is my goal.", said Ms. Gow.
Easton Toone is the leader of the golf team again this year and is currently in second place in the region. The state golf tournament is right around the corner, and we look forward to seeing how APA does in this event!
Golf is a fun sport, and it is easy to measure individual growth while still contributing to the team. If you are interested in learning more about playing golf at APA Draper 3, please email Coach Gow with any questions at agow@apamail.org.
August 2022 - Bryan Durst - District Athletic Director
Draper 3 athletics has been growing and becoming more competitive each year. While we strive for our students to enjoy competitive sports, our goal is to nurture good character, intelligence, camaraderie, and respect for one another. We are very excited about this year's teams and encourage our families to talk to their students about participating in an American Prep sport.
Over the coming months, we will introduce you to more of our teams and coaching staff. We hope you get to know our coaches for their strong character and dynamic personalities.
Soccer season is here! The Girls High School Soccer team opened its Fall season on August 23rd with a 3-0 win against North Summit. The Eagles have eight returning players from last year's team, including Amber Dankwa, who made 2nd team All-State as a defender, and Makenzy Lockwood, a Freshman, who earned Honorable Mention as a midfielder.
The current roster consists of 3 Freshmen, 6 Sophomores, 3 Juniors, and one Senior. The team is captained by Amber Dankwa, Makenzy Lockwood, and Abbie Gorringe.
Coach Joshua Lockwood is in his 8th season of coaching soccer at our school. His dedication to the sport and the program has APA very excited about the direction the girl's soccer team is heading. We will be watching! Go Eagles!
**The girl's soccer team's season is just getting started - If you have interest in joining the squad, please get in touch with Mrs. Jones in the P.E. department for more information.
Coach Kalani Gasper- August 2022
Being my 1st year here, as head coach, I wanted to introduce my philosophy and culture to the APA volleyball program by bringing a new vibe to the student body, its teachers, and parents. We started in June, implementing a vigorous summer program that lasted almost two months. We created a new sense of excitement for the upcoming season.
All our hard work paid off by winning our first two games of the season, beating a very competitive team in 6A Taylorsville High and a 3A squad in the American Leadership Academy. Our goal is to compete and try our best in every game we play. Winning is just icing on the cake. If we don't win, we learn. Our girls work hard on and off the court, exemplifying the meaning of a student-athlete. My coaches and I are ecstatic to be here and work with all the amazing people in the Draper APA organization. We look forward to a fun and exciting season.
Additionally, Northern Eagles Volleyball Academy (NEVA) is having tryouts for club volleyball on September 6 and 8 for the 10-14U age group. We offer programs for every level of player, teaching skills from the most basic level to open competition, all along the way instilling our family-oriented mindset and creating a dynamic and tightly knit culture. This is our Ohana. Visit northernelite-va.com for tryout information and preregistration.