ROUND ROCK — The players came together several months ago on a still-developing parcel of land on San Antonio’s northwest side. Some were from different countries and states, and many had varying playing backgrounds. None of them, though, really knew what to expect back then, other than they all loved the same game and was […]
After coming up short in the past, Athenians are on big stage and have title in their sights
Emma Durain could have found satisfaction with the status quo. She could have been happy dominating the local recreation soccer scene, scoring goals at a pinball-like rate. But Durain wanted more for herself and her game. And as frequent and as much fun as the multi-goal performances were, there was almost an empty quality to […]
Canadian players find comfort of home, on-field impact with playoff-bound Athenians
Amanda Smith did her due diligence. She logged onto the Internet back in March and searched for anything she could find about the sights, sounds and culture of a city that she had never heard of. And even with all of that, Smith still wasn’t sure how things were going to play out. She had […]
In their own words: Area sports landscape speaks about playing during COVID-19
During the past 15 months, athletics at all levels were impacted by a deadly coronavirus pandemic. Games were canceled or forfeited. Seasons were paused. Players and coaches had to quarantine because of positive or inconclusive test results or contact tracing. Attendance at sporting events was limited or disallowed. In the end, though, seasons were played […]
Area athletes, coaches, administrators and more speak about playing during pandemic
Annamarie Alvarez made her way into the van, found a seat toward the back, and prepared for a landmark voyage. It was around noon on March 31 and the University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team was bound for the Southland Conference tournament. The Cardinals were brimming with momentum and confidence, having won three straight […]
Even in a loss, Athenians hope they took crucial step forward in reaching ambition
Mia Wildeman’s training surely has taught her to keep her eyes focused on what is in front of her. As a goalkeeper, one misguided step or lapse could be detrimental. But Wildeman, a Madison High School graduate who is headed to play at Nebraska in the fall, couldn’t help herself. The unrelenting cadence of the […]
Athenians rally from early deficit, earn third straight win to maintain grip on first place
Perhaps the largest crowd to watch them play this season had barely settled into their lawn chairs when the San Antonio Athenians found themselves already in a hole. A defensive miscue only three minutes into the contest led to the local squad facing an early deficit vs. Tulsa, Okla.-based Side FC 92 in a showdown […]
No longer forced to choose, area soccer players found success and fun in high school
The high school soccer season concluded three weeks ago with some of the state’s best boys and girls players enduring alternating rounds of steady drizzle and brief downpours to compete in the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches Organization’s all-star matches at Blossom Athletic Center’s soccer complex and Comalander Stadium. The exhibition contests pitted top graduating […]
For San Antonio natives, COVID pandemic provided a year to remember, reflect, grow
Their lives were impacted last spring by the coronavirus pandemic just like everyone else in the United States. They responded in a manner that they best knew how. One put others first, helping those on the frontline of a battle to stop a global pandemic and aiding an industry hit hard by it. Another traveled […]
H.S. softball: Region IV final pairings, regional semifinals results
Region IV finalsClass 6AJudson vs. Austin Bowie — Game 1: 7 p.m. Thursday at Buda Johnson HS; Game 2: 7 p.m. Friday at Buda Johnson HS; Game 3 (if necessary): Noon Saturday at Buda Johnson HS Class 4ABoerne vs. Corpus Christi Calallen — Game 1: 6:30 p.m. Friday at Jourdanton; game 2: Noon Saturday at […]