Great Hearts Arizona Spring Sports Bring Home Five New State Championships!

“I am so happy for and proud of our teams this Spring! Winning a State Championship is never an easy thing to do. I am so proud of our coaches and players,” said Jon Rickey, Great Hearts Arizona Director of Athletics. “We always pride ourselves on hiring coaches that want to: Make great people first and great athletes second. Understanding that our role in the limited time that we have our athletes is to set them up for success in life and push them to be great people! The skills and athletic achievements are secondary to having them stand out for who they are and what type of impact they will be making on their community!”

Maryvale Prep Baseball – CAA State Champions

Maryvale Prep Baseball won the title of CAA State Champions out of 12 teams in Division 1. “Our baseball team won the Title with a 9-8 bases loaded strike out in the 7^th,” said Rich Galewski, Maryvale Athletic Director. “These have been some of the most memorable games in my professional career. When you win a state championship, it is the highest honor for your student athletes, coaches, school, and community. It’s a feeling of relief, joy, and pure happiness for all those who have worked so hard in our community to make this possible. Very proud to be a Matador.”

“Maryvale Prep in only their second year of having baseball on their campus can win a CAA title… that is such a testament to their coaches and campus,” said Rickey.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity. Maryvale was fortunate enough to win two state championships this year,” said Galewski, Maryvale Athletic Director. You can read more about the Maryvale Football Championship win earlier this year: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/maryvale-prep-football-wins-state-championship/

Scottsdale Prep Baseball AIA State Champions

Scottsdale Prep Baseball won the Title of AIA State Champions out of 42 teams in Division 2A. “It was a great year for the Spartan baseball team, capturing the school’s first baseball championship,” said Coach David Primavera. “The boys played exceptionally hard all year and never gave up. We rallied in the 7th in both the championship and semifinal game. The seniors had a ‘never die’ attitude that led to a state championship.”

We have developed an expectation of winning and success over the last 5 years at SPA and it’s amazing to finish with a state championship. This win shows that Scottsdale Prep can excel on the athletic fields as well as in the classrooms,” said Primavera.

Coach Primavera was named 12 News A+ Coach of the week earlier this year. Read full article: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/scottsdale-prep-football-practice-interrupted-by-unexpected-surprise/

Scottsdale Prep Golf AIA State Champions

Scottsdale Prep Golf won the Title of AIA State Champions out of 68 teams in Division 3. “We had a great team this year led by our senior and now three-time boys state golf champion, Adam Miller. This team was strong,” said Coach Brian Miller. “We had five or six players that regularly contributed to our success playing in matches and invitationals. We also took and used six different players in the state championship. Our second day score of 15 under par is a school record and one that will be tough to beat.”

“We had amazing scores by a great group of kids that will all be back next year with the exception of our senior, Adam. We will be strong again next year as we go for our 4th team championship in a row! I already can’t wait,” said Miller.

Chandler Prep Boys Track AIA State Champions

Chandler Prep Boys Track & Field won the Title of AIA State Champions out of 69 teams in Division 5. “I am proud of the way the boys pulled together as a team,” said Coach Dean Ouellette. “There were disappointments in distance, sprints, and jumps, but the boys never gave up and pushed to the end. In the end every part of the team stepped in when needed and we couldn’t be happier about the effort they all gave. This win proved what we always knew, track is a team sport.”

Earlier this year, Chandler Prep made AIA State Boys Cross Country Runners Up. Read full article: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/running-after-dreams/

Glendale Prep Girls Track AIA State Champions

Glendale Prep Girls Track & Field won the Title of AIA State Champions out of 69 teams in Division 5. “Throughout the season, the coaches felt the team could do something special if they stayed healthy,” said Coach Eric Webdale. “The team battled some mid-season injures but were healthy by the end of the year. It was rewarding to see the girls perform at their best over the two days of competition.”

Earlier this year, Glendale Prep made AIA State Girls Cross Country Runners Up. Read full article: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/running-after-dreams/

“It’s hard for me to remember a time when Chandler Prep didn’t have Dean Oullette as track coach. The same with Eric Webdale at Glendale Prep, as he was helping out with the program even when Glendale Prep was on their original campus. Same goes for David Primavera (baseball) and Brian Miller (golf) at Scottsdale Prep – Third State Golf Title in a Row,” said Rickey. “For me to have all of their numbers saved for many years and being able to congratulate them in real time means that they have been at our campuses for many years! That consistency is hard to find, and our student-athletes are the ones that benefit. I am so proud of all of our teams, and this was a great way to end our 2022-23 sports season!” said Rickey. With these recent state championship wins, Rickey said Great Hearts Arizona has now won 53 State Titles.

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