It seems like a long time since the record-setting 2025-26 sports season at Healdsburg High, and now the wait for this school year’s sports season is over: Secondary school sports get underway this week in Northern California, including in Healdsburg.
Some league re-organization has taken place, so we may see new opponents (and miss old ones) as the schedules unfold. The Tribune will cover two of the HHS teams, football and cheer, in later issues.
“We are looking forward to a great year for sports at HHS,” said Brian Osborn, the school’s athletic director, as he introduced the fall sports teams. “We have three full volleyball teams ready to go. Girls golf and the cross country teams looking for a repeat of last year’s amazing seasons. Football is making strides with a full returning staff from last year and a solid number of players this year. Girls tennis is all set up for another solid season, and our first season of girls flag football begins with a full squad and 17 games on the schedule.”
The most newsworthy of those statements is the last. Last year a number of area schools, including Windsor, took part in the girls flag football phenomenon; now it’s Healdsburg’s turn to join in the fun.
Coach Camellia Seghetti writes, “The turnout for the team has been really impressive to see. We had about 25 girls try out and we have a team with lots of amazing athletes with different skill sets. High school flag football, especially in Sonoma County, has blown up in the last couple of years and we are beyond excited to be able to throw our hat in the ring.”
First game for the new flag football team is at Healdsburg High on Friday, Aug. 28, at 7pm against Lower Lake.
Volleyball
Three full teams of volleyball players is another notable accomplishment for the school’s program. Jon Nuttall is the program coach, as his enthusiasm for the prospects is catching. “Hugely, there were 25 freshmen in the gym, with plenty of talent to go around,” he said.
HHS ended up with 13 players on the varsity roster, 14 on JV and 13 on freshman. “I think this freshmen roster is going to do great things,” Nutall said. “In fact, they already went undefeated in their season-opening tournament this past Saturday, beating Credo, Rancho Cotate and hosts Analy all in straight sets.”
For the varsity team, Nuttall picked notable returners Hannah Levine-Smith, Liz Aleman and Stevie Mitchell, “who were all starters last year and will be leading the program this year as our three seniors.” He added, “Ava Wickersham would be my pick for a junior to keep an eye out for.”
Healdsburg fell to Cloverdale in the first home match Tuesday, 3-2. Next home game is Sept. 1 vs. Middletown.
Girls Golf
Last year’s golf program stunned the league with world-class play, especially from then-freshman Brooklyn Viramontes, both an Oregon State and Hawaii State champion. She was not alone in contributing to the team’s two straight undefeated seasons, and this year the team plays in the tougher NBL Oak division, moving up from the Redwood. Also in the division are Cardinal Newman, Windsor, Rancho Cotate and Analy.
“The move to the Oak Division is going to be a new challenge for us, but that’s exactly what we want,” said coach Tony Viramontes. “The girls have worked hard to build this program over the last couple of years, and now they get the opportunity to see how we stack up against some of the larger schools and stronger programs in the area.”
Viramontes added, “Most importantly, I’m really proud to see the continued growth of girls golf at Healdsburg. Having a record 16 players come out this year, while returning six All-League players, says a lot about where the program is headed.”
Local girls golf meets will be at Tayman Park on Sept. 22 against Windsor, Sept. 29 against Cardinal Newman, Rancho Cotate on Oct. 1 and Analy on Oct. 13.
Girls Tennis
“We truly are in full swing with practice and challenge matches,” tennis coach Mary Beth Chandler told us. “HHS resurfaced all four courts this summer, and they are spectacularly beautiful and playing oh so much smoother.”
The girls teams—the one-two-three-four singles players, and the three doubles teams—are not yet locked in, even with 19 players committed to the team so far, so Chandler invites other local resident players to try out.
Sana Katsuki, who played line 4 last season, looks to be moving up to line 1 singles, having spent her off-season competing in USTA junior competitions, training at Wikiup and playing with friends. “All that work is really paying dividends for Sana,” Chandler said. “She is a fearless competitor and importantly our Team Captain this year, setting the bar for what it means to be a Team Leader.”
Returning players also showing singles promise include Chloe Hagerman, Maggie Kosta and Bella Abel. The doubles line-up is coming together, too, Chandler said. “We are sure to see Ivy Stark, Alexandra Jensen, Bryanna Sierra Cortez, Sophia Miranda Martinez, Regina Garibay and Maia Pereira battling for 1-3 doubles.”
First girls tennis match is Thursday, Aug. 27,, at Analy. On Friday, Aug. 28, the girls play on the HHS home courts against Ukiah.
