With the anticipation of the winter sports season, Tampa Prep’s athletic teams are gearing up for another exciting year, headlined by several standout programs.
The Tampa Prep boys’ soccer team aims to continue its run of excellence. Over the past three years, the team has secured two state championships and three regional titles. This season, they welcome a new head coach following the departure of long-tenured Coach Smith. Despite the leadership change, senior player David Hilleman remains optimistic.
“Although Coach Smith is no longer with the team, the attitude from the players is the same, and the ultimate goal is to win another state championship,” Hilleman said.
He emphasized the team’s confidence in their skills and experience to achieve their goals.
“Even with the loss of key players like Asher Jones, the underclassmen and seniors are ready to step into those roles and continue dominating the teams we play,” Hileman said.
The boys’ soccer team has just begun its season, with their pursuit of a third championship already underway.
Taylor Gunnin, captain of the girls’ soccer team, shared a similar perspective on the upcoming season.
“This year, the team is younger and will require more production from everyone if we want to make it memorable,” she said.
Like the boys, the girls’ team will lean on underclassmen to fill the void left by last year’s graduating seniors. The class of 2025 seniors is set to lead the team into this new chapter, forging a fresh identity.
Meanwhile, the boys’ basketball team is looking to build on its winning tradition. Last season, they posted a 15-10 record and are determined to improve. Under the guidance of longtime Head Coach Joe Fenlon, the team is poised for success, led by seniors J’London Bivens and Robert Parker. Junior Gavyn Sheppard is also expected to take on a more influential role this year, under the guidance of longtime Coach, Joseph Fenlon.
“He knows exactly what he is doing and really helps us all get better. It feels great to play for someone with so much experience,” he said.
Sheppard believes the team has the skills to compete at the highest level.
“Our team is super skilled, and if we get our chemistry down, we could be very good,” he said.
With the boys’ basketball team kicking off its 2024-2025 season, the players are determined to make this year one for the history books.
Tampa prep is looking to make a statement this year across all of our winter sports. This year is one for the history books.
