Get Fired Up
Summer isn’t the only time of year when sports and activities heat up at Holy Family Catholic High School. The weather might cool off in the fall months, but the school's lineup of athletic programs is anything but. As you fill your fall calendar, be sure to save room to cheer on the Fire as they light up the season.
The varsity football season at Holy Family kicks off with an exciting lineup as the team takes on the New London-Spicer Wildcats, the Jordan Hubmen, and the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winstead Lakers in their first few games. You’ll no doubt be at the edge of your bleacher seat watching this winning team, which has made multiple state appearances, including two title game trips and sections and conference championships. This group of competitors is led by Connor Wilkie, who joined the program in 2025 after serving as an assistant coach at Augsburg University.
Schedule here: hfchs.org/student-experience/athletics/football
Under the leadership of 2021 Class A MSHSL Assistant Coach of the Year, Robb Richter, the boys’ varsity soccer team hits the turf in late August. These hard-working athletes are ones to watch as they look to continue a winning tradition that includes two Wright County Conference championships in the past five years and two state appearances, one in 2023 and the other in 2018. This high-energy group brings passion, energy, and a competitive spirit to the field that you won’t want to miss.
Schedule here: hfchs.org/student-experience/athletics/boys-soccer
Head coach Sophie Pawlyshyn is ready to kick off another season with the championship-winning girls’ varsity soccer team. The Fire will bring the spark, naturally, but they also bring a commitment to strong player development that has supported numerous alumni in continuing their careers at the college level. What you’ll find on the field is not only a team, but a family who builds one another up and pushes each player to reach their full potential. With accomplishments like a Wright County Conference Championship in 2022 and a third-place showing at the 2021 MSHSL State Tournament, they’re a force to be reckoned with.
Schedule here: hfchs.org/student-experience/athletics/girls-soccer
“I'm excited about what this fall has in store for Holy Family Athletics," says John Wardlow, Activities Director. "Across our programs, we have talented student-athletes, dedicated coaches, and a culture that encourages every student to get involved, compete, and grow. We expect to see several of our teams enjoy outstanding seasons and make deep postseason runs. Whether it's football under the lights in our new stadium, soccer matches on our home field, or our teams on the tennis and volleyball courts, there's an energy on our campus that's hard to describe until you experience it.”
Go Wild
Mark your calendars! On Thursday, September 3, the Waconia Wildcat Football team hosts the Northfield Raiders for its home opener at 7pm. Led by Head Coach Corey Shea, it’s going to be another exciting season. So fill the stands for the kickoff, and get your tickets at the gate or online through GoFan. Their next home game will be against Mankato East High School on Friday, October 9. For the full schedule, visit waconiaathletics.com.
Other fall athletics, including Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Soccer, will be on the road in September. Both teams will take on Benilde St. Margaret's High School at Benilde on Tuesday, September 22, and Orono High School at Orono on Tuesday, September 29. Go, Wildcats!
Star Teams
Southwest Christian High School's football team takes the field for its first home game on Friday, September 11 at 5pm, facing Willmar High School at Westonka High School. Be sure to come out and cheer them on as they kick off another season of Friday night football and school pride.
Be sure to also come out to support the Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Soccer teams, with the boys being led by Head Varsity Coach Derek Swanson and the girls by Head Varsity Coach Mark Anderson.
The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team will also be one to watch, with Head Coach Coral Hangge taking the helm and captains Evi Harsh, Avery Beckering, and Lydia Johnson leading the team. Avery Beckering, along with Isa Caven, recently became National Champions as Avery’s team took first in the USAV Junior National Championship and Isa’s team took first in the AAU Junior National Championship and received an All-American award.
See the full SWCHS athletic schedule at: swchs.org/athletics/sports