The thrill of competition is in the air as Saints athletes gear up to represent St. Andrew’s across fields, trails, and courts. Here’s a look at fall sports:

BOYS SOCCER 
A dramatic 2024 run for the state championship ended in a Saints loss after a tense November penalty shootout against Sussex Academy. Yet the squad is “on the rise” according to the Delaware News Journal, which recognized the team’s year-over-year improvement: soccer went from a 3-11-1 record in 2023 to 9-9-1 in 2024, representing one of the largest win total boosts of all Delaware high school teams last fall. “[This season is] a lot of competitive games against good teams and good coaching,” says head coach Ben Horgan ’19. “But the guys are ready. The seniors are strong, we have players coming up from JV who are ready to build, and some new faces, too.” 
GAME TO WATCH: Be there Homecoming Weekend for a state championship rematch at home against Sussex Academy on Sept. 27.

CROSS-COUNTRY 
Finishing second in the state in 2024 with All-State runners Peter Bird ’25, Chris Onsomu ’25, and Henry Bird ’27 leading the pack, boys cross-county looks to make a statement this fall. Head coach Dan O’Connell’s game plan?  Build on past success. “The boys are dedicated and hardworking,” he says. “We have a good group of varsity runners who are close to each other, and close in their abilities.” O’Connell highlights Bird as one to watch. “Henry’s pace and skill are a level above. He is ready to dominate.” 

Girls cross-country also earned second in 2024. Two of the team’s three dominating 2024 All-State athletes, which included Leah Horgan ’25, Claire Hulsey ’26, and Maggie Baker ’27, are back. “People think that running is an individual sport, but running as a team made a world of difference in our success last year,” says varsity head coach Kat Celata. “We worked together, we relied on each other, and we showed up as a whole. We’re hoping to continue that.” 
MEET TO WATCH: Both teams are eyeing reigning DISC champion Tatnall. The DISC Championship happens on Tatnall’s turf on Oct. 23. 

FIELD HOCKEY 
Field hockey secured its first winning record in 17 years and saw five athletes pick up All-Conference nods in a breakthrough 2024 season. Head coach Kate Cusick says the focus shifts to building on last year’s success. “We work hard, but we know how to balance the hard work with fun,” she says. “The culture is so healthy that people are willing to play in different places on the field, and I appreciate that.” 
GAME TO WATCH: Catch the team’s home debut Sept. 8 against Wilmington Christian School.

VOLLEYBALL 
Under the leadership of then-new head coach Jonah-Kai Baker in 2024, girls volleyball secured the team’s first winning record since 2018, adding four names to the Saints All-Conference athlete total along the way. After a taste of success, coaches and players are hungrier than ever, Baker says. “There is a lot of playing time that's now going to be filled with players who were on JV or didn't get as much time last year,” he says. “I’m excited to see [the players] trusting themselves that they absolutely can fill those shoes.”
GAME TO WATCH: On Oct. 3, cheer the Saints at home against Christiana and support breast cancer research for the annual Volleyball Pink Out Fundraiser, brought to you by Girls Collaborative.

FOOTBALL 
Saints football has a new look, thanks to roster moves and new assistant coach Steve Cacciavillano. Head coach Rick Barron says the team is already building. “I am excited for the season ahead because this team has great chemistry and wants to build on the progress we made last season,” he says. “Pre-season went well, and new starters stepped into their roles. Our senior leadership will inspire us to play our best.”
GAME TO WATCH: The storied tradition of the Cannon Game continues: catch Saints vs. Tatnall at home on Oct. 18. 

For more information on game schedules and events, check out www.sas-saints.com.