Great Hearts Middle School League Celebrates Champion Teams 

“It was another successful winter season for the Great Hearts Middle School League,” said Blake Schilly, GHMSL Commissioner. Six middle school teams emerged as champions. Trivium Prep A1 softball, Glendale Prep A1 girls soccer, Veritas Prep A1 boys soccer, and Scottsdale Prep baseball secured victories in their 2025 winter championship brackets. Veritas Prep also won overall team championship in middle school tennis for both boys and girls teams.

“Overall, our student-athletes had a positive competitive experience, and we had over 100 teams participate amongst our Great Hearts Academies and affiliate schools,” said Schilly. “Our goal for the GHMSL is to put our student-athletes in positions to grow as people first and foster an environment where teamwork is championed. And that was achieved this season!”

Coach Jon Dodson shared his simple game plan for each of the Trivium Prep Middle School Softball team practices. “We wanted to continue working for tomorrow and keep pushing ourselves to be better each day. We used words like ‘greatness’ and ‘confidence,’” shared Coach Dodson. “We also had a very good group of 8th grade leaders that showed the dedication and determination needed to bring home a championship. Each player bought into what we are building with our program and executed when it mattered most. This championship is a strong building block for what we hope to continue to achieve moving forward.”

Coach Steven Fuller said he is proud his Girls Middle School Soccer team is the first to win the Girls Soccer GHMSL Championship in Glendale Prep’s history. “Toward the end of the season, we began emphasizing that ‘strength rejoices in the challenge.’ So, when Scottsdale [Prep] brought a challenge to us in the championship, the girls were eager to test themselves. Each time that Scottsdale [Prep] tied the match, the girls stayed composed and trusted each other,” said Coach Fuller. “Going into the playoffs, we discussed that winning is always our goal and never our purpose. I think realizing that we had already received so much from the season freed the team up to stay loose and have fun. This group of girls are excellent soccer players, teammates, students, and people.”

For the Boys Middle School Soccer team, Veritas Prep reigned as champions. Coach Jessica Jablonski said they set their sights on this championship from the start of the season. “Through grit, teamwork, and belief in each other, we made it happen,” she shared. “I am incredibly proud of this group for the hard work, dedication, and heart they put in this season. Every player played a role in this success, stepping up when it mattered most,” added Coach Jablonski. “Way to go boys! Go Falcons!”

Veritas Prep also won overall team championship in middle school tennis for both boys and girls teams under the leadership of Coach Juan Gomez-Vitta. “Our middle school tennis team had an incredible season, showing dedication, resilience, and teamwork every step of the way. We focused on sharpening our fundamentals, building mental toughness, and supporting each other on and off the court,” explained Coach Gomez-Vitta. “Every player embraced the challenge, refining their serves, volleys, and strategies through disciplined practice and match play. In the end, our hard work paid off, and we proudly won the championship, proving that commitment and unity lead to success.”

Coach Bryan Paul was excited to bring another championship title home for the Scottsdale Prep Middle School Baseball team. “Winning this title is very special to our 8th graders who defended their 2023/2024 championship win. Our kids worked hard every game, played great defense, hit the ball hard consistently, ran the bases with purpose and our pitching staff was outstanding all season,” shared Coach Paul. “Our team represented Scottsdale Prep Academy with energy, sportsmanship, and integrity as expected by our administration, teachers and fellow students. We are grateful to our parents and the administration for supporting our successful quest to repeat as champions.”

“Congratulations to all of our championship winning teams,” said Schilly. We join him in celebrating these Middle School teams for their hard work and dedication that paid off this season. We look forward to seeing more wins and milestones for these student-athletes as they are just getting started in their school athlete careers.

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