In 2022, Whatcom County athletes won 24 state titles in the spring season alone. He had 25 points last season, but could he be on the verge of 26 points in 2024? Spring sports represent a return to the outdoors, but weather-related issues often arise early in the season. Snowstorms, heavy rain, and gray, windy days make “spring” sports difficult. But that's part of the ride.
[ Whatcom County spring athletes have big shoes to fill in 2024 ]
In today's story, learn about Bellingham High School seniors Ella Morrow and Kira Carlson, and senior Judah Straight.
Related article
Check out our Spring 2023 Season Story
Junior, women's tennis, doubles
What makes the two of you an effective doubles pair?
Ella: I think it's our communication and friendship. We get along really well and always know what each other is thinking.
Kira: And our work ethic. We are always hungry for competition. We love competitive games.
What were your weaknesses in last season's state title game? How do you avoid them this season?
Ella: Our opponents are just as athletic as we are, and we can usually beat people with our athleticism. So this year, I think I'll be able to beat them by just honing my tennis skills rather than my athletic ability. [this] Year.
Kira: We've been playing very passive and defensive the whole time, so we're definitely getting better at the net. He basically played with two backs instead of one back at the net.And it doesn't work, because the girls we played [Division I] Volleyball players over 6 feet tall [tall]. That won't work.
What do you enjoy most about each other as teammates?
Kira: we are very positive [towards] each other. We strive to make each other better, but we never put each other down.
Ella: We've known each other since we were about 3 years old, so we have a really good friendship, and I think if we just stay positive, it really helps.
Senior, Youth Soccer, Mid/Striker
This team was very good last year, but they didn't get very far in the states. How will things be different this year?
We have a core that we've had since sophomore, junior, and now senior year, and we have a lot of connections with each other. I feel like that was missing last year when we were a little bit younger. We didn't have all the experience we have now. I mean, I could have gone much further last year. His exit in the first round was brutal.
This year, we all want to come together and accomplish as much as we can. And we're really just a family.
You are now the senior leader of this team. How do you accept that role?
It doesn't come very naturally to me, but for me personally, where I'm really competitive, I've tried to really embrace that. It's too much sometimes. I saw a little bit of that last year with the referees and stuff, but I tried to calm myself down and tone it down a little bit.
When you have something to say [younger players] When you have something to say, make it personal and say, “Okay, this is what I want, and there are things I can do better to make this better, but what you're doing here is I try to say, “You did a really good job.'' ' First, I'll highlight what I like about what they're doing.
What are your plans after high school?
I'm going to St. Martin's University. I'm going to play soccer there…it'll be a lot of fun.
I'm looking forward to going and seeing what it's like to play college soccer and seeing where things go from there.
For more information on Whatcom County athletes, visit CDN's Prep Sports Preview page every Tuesday and Friday through April 19th.
