ATHLETICS

CLEAN SWEEPEAGLE DOMINATION ON THE FIELDS

FFor the members of the 2020-2021 Mount Paran Christian softball and baseball teams, getting to play this season was never a guarantee. Despite COVID-19, the MPC Eagles not only played safely and stayed healthy, but they also dominated on the eld. In unprecedented fashion, MPC athletics “swept” every middle and high school championship possible on a ball eld –that’s all ve teams in both baseball and softball earning titles in the same season - a clean sweep! STATE CHAMPION VARSITY SOFTBALL e Lady Eagles finished the regular seaSTATE CHAMPION VARSITY BASEBALL Following the success of the softball METRO 10 “A” BASEBALL CHAMPIONS METRO 10 “B” BASEBALL CHAMPIONS son with a 19-3 record, securing first place in

Area 3. “We had a young team with only one senior on our roster, which created an early season concern regarding experience and leadership,” says Coach Greg Giles. “ ose concerns were quickly erased in my mind, as we had so many players stay focused on our team goals, conduct productive practice sessions, and continue to play solid softball.” e 2020-2021 varsity softball season saw the Lady Eagles set several new records: most wins in a single season; first-time Area championship; winning the regular season; and took home the GHSA State title after last year’s trip to the Elite 8.

METRO 10 SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS Eagles fans have years of great softball to look forward to. e MPC middle school softball team won the Metro 10 championship once again, indicating a pipeline of strong talent to feed the varsity program. Varsity

Coach Kristy Hubbard commented, “I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these young ladies.” program, the varsity baseball team swept Wesleyan to become the State Champions in GHSA A-Private. e team secured the Region championship, having bested Walker. e JV team finished first, going undefeated in their Region. Baseball Coach Kyle Reese shared, “At the end of every practice and game, our guys get together and shout ‘FAMILY!’ It is not a formality, and it doesn’t just mean the baseball team. We watched our softball team, swimmers, and cheerleaders all win State championships before we ever played a game in the spring! We witnessed their hard work and dedication. ere is such a sense, every time you take the field, that you are supported and genuinely loved by the MPC community, and it makes you want to give everything you have every time out.” Former MPC baseball player and current Seattle Mariners outfielder Taylor Trammell ‘16 shared, “Extremely proud of my guys tonight! e amount of work they put in starting last fall has paid off! Coach Kyle Reese deserves this as well; the amount of time and effort he invests in every single kid is amazing!” e middle school “A” baseball team brought home the Metro 10 championship title as well. Several high-level players will feed the varsity program with home run-hitting talent. As is the MPC Way, the middle school “B” baseball team also won their Metro 10 championship. e team finished the season undefeated. is title gave the MPC baseball program a clean sweep overall.

WE HAD SO MANY PLAYERS STAY “Mount Paran winning a softball and baseball State championship in the same year

FOCUSED ON OUR TEAM GOALS. is a rarity for any high school in the state,” shares Coach Giles. “A dedicated athletic department, hardworking student-athletes, caring training staff, supportive parent base, and coaches that are invested in the players’ success is a the recipe that has made these championships possible.” W

IT REFLECTS THE SCHOOL’S OUTSTANDING SUPPORT SYSTEM OF OUR PROGRAMS.

IT’S A CULTURE OF GIVING 100-PERCENT OUT OF THANKFULNESS FOR WHAT GOD HAS PUT TOGETHER AT THIS PLACE.

2020-2021 SPORTS RECAP

AAfter an abrupt end last spring, questions loomed as to whether or not athletics would be able to happen in a COVID world. Would we be able to compete? WOULD THERE BE FANS IN THE STANDS? WOULD GAMES BE CANCELLED? Questions arose on a daily basis. The ability to pivot and shift became an everyday necessity, both with BY CAROLINE BRADFORD, ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR changes in schedules, as well as with guidelines. Despite all of the questions and ever-changing protocols, our athletes were able to play. There were times that seating in the stands was limited, and other times where the stands were empty. Nevertheless, we competed. And, more than that, WE SUCCEEDED.

Cheer Varsity Competition Cheer GHSA State Champions (Ninth consecutive title) Softball Varsity GHSA State Champions Middle School Metro 10 Back-to-Back Champions Basketball Middle School Eighth Grade Boys Metro 10 Champions Middle School “A” Girls Metro 10 Champions Middle School “B” Girls Metro 10 Champions Varsity Girls Region Champions Swim Varsity State Qualifiers (in two events) Varsity Individual GHSA State Champion, Mitchell Norton Varsity Individual GHSA State Champion, Emma Norton Tennis Varsity Girls State Finals Varsity Boys Region Champions Baseball Varsity GHSA State Champions Varsity Region Champions Middle School “A” Metro 10 Champions Middle School “B” Metro 10 Champions

Track and Field Varsity Girls Region Champions Varsity Boys and Girls State Qualifiers

COLLEGIATE SIGNINGS

Continuing to play sports beyond the high school level requires talent, determination, drive, and a strong work ethic. e hours of practice, training, and overall devotion to one’s sport can be beyond what some wish to take on during their college years. However, there are those student-athletes who desire to continue to play at the next level and want to push themselves to be the best competitor they can be. ese are athletes who make a commitment to their sport in order to continue playing the game they love.

MANY OF THESE ATHLETES ARE NOT ONLY SUCCESSFUL ON THE COURT OR FIELD, BUT ALSO IN

THE CLASSROOM . In many cases, a student’s athletic ability is not the only requirement to attend the college of his or her choice. Many student-athletes post high GPAs, as well as résumés filled with extracurricular clubs and activities. From heavy AP loads to timeconsuming internships, these athletes are prepared for the time management needed to not only play sports at the next level, but to continue to succeed at academically-rigorous schools. ese student-athletes have well - represented MPC for years, helping bring success to our athletic programs. e athletic department wishes each of these graduating seniors all the best as they continue their athletic journey at the next level! W

HAVALYNN ABERNATHY - Softball, Georgia State University DYLAN BENNIFIELD - Basketball, Oglethorpe University EMMA BROGAN - Tennis, Villanova University (not pictured) FREDDY COLEMAN - Football, Shorter College MAGGIE EPPS - Cheerleading, University of Georgia (not pictured) EKOW HUDSON - Soccer, Anderson University ASHLEY JOHNSON - Soccer, Truett McConnell University CARTER KOZA - Fishing, Carson-Newman University (not pictured) JORDAN MOSBY - Football, Morehouse College MITCHELL NORTON - Swimming, University of Georgia MACIE SACRISTAN - Beach Volleyball, Jacksonville University COURTNEY SALMON - Swimming, Berry College (not pictured) DAWSON SMITH - Golf, Point University