At Valley Christian, championships aren't an accident – they're the byproduct of a culture forged over decades. Since opening in 1982, the Trojans have claimed 85 state championships, made it 34 years straight with at least one team title, and built a reputation as one of the top athletic programs in Arizona – and even the nation.
But our success isn't just measured in wins. It's in the way teams pray before games, how the stands fill with Victory Blue, and the pride of representing something bigger than ourselves. It's in our mission: develop Christian character through competition, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
This year, Valley is stepping into a new era – introducing our first-ever full-time strength and conditioning coach, giving every athlete in every sport access to professional training during the school day.
Coach Mac Donald says his vision is bigger than just building muscle:
"We're not just training muscles – we're building the foundation for long-term athletic success... and ALL GLORY GOES TO GOD. Once you realize you're doing it for God alone, your ego leaves the weight room, and you play with a humble mindset."
By designing sport-specific programs for all athletes – from a baseball player's rotational power to a soccer player's sprint endurance – he's creating a unified, year-round system that makes Valley athletes stronger, faster, and more resilient. And because that training happens during school hours, there's no offseason for preparation.
"Most high school athletes only get structured training during their season... Our athletes will show up stronger, faster, and more prepared from day one of their seasons."
In a school where winning is already woven into the DNA, this new approach is the next step in keeping the streak alive – and starting new ones.
Fall Sports: Laying the Foundation
Football
Trojan Football enters the year hungry after a 4-6 season that left a lot on the table. The Pickett twins are expected to be major impact players, and Asher Hanzal ('26) is within striking distance – less than 300 yards – of breaking the school's all-time receiving record, currently held by his brother. Hudson Pickett ('26) says the offseason was no joke:
"It's only been motivation to get better day in and day out... This season will bring Valley football back to its roots in winning."
With new leaders emerging and rival teams looking weaker than years past, this group is eager to flip the script.
Flag Football
Now in just its second year, Valley's flag football program is growing fast. The team competes in the new AIA 3A division, giving them a clearer path to a playoff run. Senior Charis Barrett says the sport's intensity is still underestimated:
"Most people still think flag football is 'non-contact' but it's actually a very physical and intense game."
With a year of experience, more playbook variety, and improved conditioning, they're ready to challenge some of the conference's top programs.
Boys Cross Country
The boys placed 25th overall last year after moving up a division, facing deeper competition and faster races. Senior Micah Newkirk, the school record-holder for both state and sectional courses, finished 4th overall last season.
"There's no limit to my potential... I can be as great as I want to be."
Valley's chances of moving up the leaderboard will come down to how well the supporting pack closes the gap behind their front-runner.
Girls Cross Country
This team has unfinished business after a runner-up finish at state. With Ellie Phillips ('26) (2nd fastest school time), Ellie Edwards ('26) (3rd fastest school time), and Raegan Randleman ('27) they have rare depth and experience.
"It's us versus ALA Queen Creek... we just have to push harder," Edwards says.
For a program chasing its first title since 2007, the road is clear – and they know it.
Girls Volleyball
The defending state champions (29-12) are reloading after graduating seven seniors. Transfer setter Piper Nelson ('28) adds skill and leadership but must sit out the first half of the season and Sadie Wahlin ('27) (committed to Pepperdine), Elyse Wolf ('28), and Sydney Simon ('27). Senior Ellie Gregg emphasizes team cohesion:
"This year's team is really new... we have to gel together to play at our best."
Games against Gilbert Christian, Snowflake, and Northwest Christian will be benchmarks for their title defense.
Swim and Dive (Boys and Girls)
The boys have one state title (08), and the girls have two (08, 09). Brayden Stuber ('26) will be key in the Trojans' dive for the banner, targeting the 100 Breast, 200 IM, and 100 Free.
"It's going to take lots of hard work, perseverance, and dedication from every member," Stuber says.
Depth in relay events will be critical for a shot at the podium.
Winter Sports: The Grind in the Middle
Boys Basketball
Ten state titles. Four straight championships. Last season, they were nearly perfect. And with senior leader Devin Morganfield and all-conference star Colby Jessup ('26) returning, the dynasty isn't slowing down anytime soon.
"How do avoid complacency when you've been on top this long?" Morganfield says the answer is simple: focus on today.
"A big thing for us the past couple of years has just been taking it one day at a time," he said. "Complacency can be easy to be overcome by, but we haven't won anything yet. All the teams in the past are different – all we can do is focus on what we have now and compete for another state championship."
Jessup, coming off a breakout junior season, is eager to shine again.
"It was amazing," Jessup said of last year's run and team. "I just have to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me the blessing to play the game I love and surrounding me with coaches and teammates who believe in me."
With talent, chemistry, and championship experience, the Valley Christian boys basketball team isn't just a contender – they're the team everyone else is chasing.
Girls Basketball
Three state titles. The last in 2017 – a win that kept the Trojans 34-year championship streak alive. After falling in last year's quarter finals, the Trojans are determined to break through again.
"We think about that a lot," tri sport athlete and three-time captain Ellie Phillips ('26) said. "We want to be the first in nine years to bring another title home. We have to play as a team the whole year, not just at the end, so we can catch fire quick."
With a legacy to honor and a hungry roster, the Trojans have their eyes firmly set on a championship return.
Boys Soccer
Making the semifinals for the first time since 2018 was a breakthrough, but the Trojans want more. While losing Elijah Mims ('27) is a blow, Yuma Catholic losing two top players opens the door.
"Going in as the underdog is probably our best bet," says Michael Stipp ('26).
Rivalry Games with Gilbert Christian and Northwest Christian will be battles to watch.
Girls Soccer
Last year's season ended in the first round, and the Trojans are determined to break through that wall. With key seniors and their starting goalie gone, this year's squad is rebuilding, but senior captain Sydney Paschich sees potential in the fresh faces.
"We lost a lot of seniors, but we have a lot of underclassmen talent that can push us this year," Paschich said. "Bella Macedo ('27) is going to have a big impact."
Seton Catholic is circled on the calendar after last year's hard fought matches, and the team knows the road runs through one of the toughest regions in the conference. The Trojans believe they'll come out stronger – and ready for a deep playoff run.
Wrestling (Boys and Girls)
Still a young program, Girls Westling already has a state title – and for the boys, last year freshman Porter Cross ('27) placed fifth at state.
"It makes it more exciting," senior Bella Goldman said. "Maybe I can place next year too."
Goldman says Cross' success raises the energy in the room and inspires a wave of incoming freshmen. With motivated athletes on both squads, the trojans are building a strong competitive core.
Spring Sports: Closing Strong
Baseball
Back-to-back state champions, Valley Christian is chasing a three-peat. The team is headlined by ASU commit Jaxen Maxey ('26) and a stacked roster full of returning players who thrive under pressure.
"Instead of defending the state championship, we chase another and don't let anything get in out way," said Brock Jackson ('26).
Rivalries with Gilbert Christian and Yuma Catholic – the championship opponent the past two years – are sure to be season highlights. With experience and talent returning, the Trojans are poised to make another title run.
Softball
After finishing runner-up in 2024 and falling in a quarterfinal walk-off to Yuma last year, the Trojans are done with heartbreak and out for blood. Abrielle Jarles ('26) says:
"We're good enough to earn that title... and we're doing it for each other and for the seniors who couldn't quite get there. I want a softball banner in the gym when I graduate."
Transfer Makena Blauman ('28) and freshman Sydney Diehl fill key roster spots, making this team a serious contender to do everything "For His Glory".
Track and Field (Boys and Girls)
Boys: 15 state titles, runner-up last year. Caleb Goldman ('26) is out to reclaim the top spot:
"It gets me angry... I want to be better than last year and break my school record again."
Girls: 19 titles, last in 2021. Senior Brooke Gillis, an elite pole vault says her event's points "boost the team's confidence." Depth across sprints, distance, and field events will make both squads dangerous.
Golf (Boys and Girls)
With eight state titles, including one in 2024, Valley golf has a winning formula. Brodi Bourdo ('26) says:
"There's no pressure... we're just gonna win again."
With the sport being both individual and a team competition, Brodi says that the team is set up for success because they always have each other's backs.
Beach Volleyball
Back from injury and now committed to Concordia Irvine, Clair Gilbert ('26) is ready to lead the Trojans in the sand.
"Beach volleyball is a lot more focused on strategy, and I've had a lot of time to strategize," Gilbert says.
Recovering from her injury meant regaining full range of motion and adjusting to the unique demands of beach play. Her leadership and versatility make this younger program one to watch this season.
Boys Volleyball
One of Valley's newer programs, boys volleyball went 18-9 last season and reached the semifinals, falling in a five-set thriller to ALA West Foothills. Senior Austin Moskop says:
"The dedication of the players and the time our coaches put in played a major factor in making it far."
They return determined to finish the job and add a plaque to the wall.
Esports
Few programs have risen like this – one state and national title in just three years. Last year, Valley Christian's team captured both crowns, firmly establishing themselves as the team to beat. The 2025 roster is built to defend its dominance in competitive gaming. Daniel Hammond ('26), a key player in the championship run, says:
"I hope that changes how other schools prepare for our tea. I doubt it will really change the outcome of the game though. It's our culture to win."
The Valley Christian Standard
Athletic Director Gregg Haagsma says the streak isn't pressure – it's identity:
"Striving or excellence is part of who we are... When our athletes use their God-given talents to the best of their abilities, great things will happen."
From the roar of the gym to the quiet focus of the starting line, Valley Christian's 2025 season is about defending a culture built on faith, discipline, and an unshakable belief that every team can hang another banner.
And if history is any indicator, they will.