West Seattle, Washington
18 Thursday
One member of the West Seattle High School Class of 2026 who missed last night’s graduation ceremony had an understandable reason. Claire Gordon was busy rowing, on a boat whose crew just won sixth place in the nation! Claire Gordon‘s proud mom Stephanie Jordan catches us all up:
West Seattle High School senior Claire Gordon raced in the Green Lake Crew Women’s Youth 8+ that earned a sixth‑place finish at the USRowing Youth National Championships — this was the capstone race for junior crews throughout the US and took place last weekend at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, FL.
To reach the national A final, Claire’s boat won the Northwest Youth Regional Championship in May, advanced through the time trials in Sarasota, and placed third in their semifinal. The Green Lake women also had to contend with conditions very different from Seattle — triple‑digit heat, 90% humidity, and knowing that the course at Nathan Benderson Park is home to actual alligators. The ranking closing out a standout season for Claire’s crew. Along with their regional title, they won the Husky Open and Head of the Lake. Green Lake was edged out at the Windermere Cup by Brentwood College — a loss softened by Brentwood’s Canadian national championship win last week.
For those unfamiliar, an 8+ is a racing boat with eight rowers and a coxswain, all working in sync to move the shell as fast as possible. Each rower controls one oar on either the port or starboard side of the boat, a technique called “sweeping.” Rowers face backward, relying on their coxswain to steer, strategize, and give them directions. The sprint course stretches 2,000 meters with lanes slightly wider than twice the boat with oars extended – the crew balances power, precision, and rhythm to hold a straight line at race pace. Faster junior women can finish a sprint in under seven minutes.
Claire just completed her senior year at West Seattle High School but missed both graduation and signing day to race with her boat. She began rowing in middle school, encouraged by her older brother William, also a Green Lake alum. After Nationals, Claire and her teammates traveled to England, where they are currently training to race at the Henley Royal Regatta. They are excited to test themselves against some of the best junior boats in the world. Claire will join the University of Washington women’s rowing team as a freshman this fall.
Green Lake Crew, along with Mount Baker Crew, operates through Seattle Parks and Recreation and draws athletes from schools across the city. Claire encourages other West Seattle kids to try the sport through one of the program’s Learn to Row classes.
As noted here in 2023, both Claire and her brother have been on national-champion teams.
3:50 PM: We are at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, where the USA vs. Australia informal soccer match has just ended with the “Puget Sounders” beat the Australian squad – both led by elected officials – 4 to 3, in a prelude to tomorrow’s World Cup match. Full story to come.
ADDED 5:50 PM: It was a beautiful day to play – clear skies, not too hot. The match was coordinated and hosted by West Seattle Junction and Rhodies FCs‘ owner Jessica Pierce, who talked to the spectators about the match’s significance:
Her work making this happen included support from King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, who energetically emceed. Councilmember Mosqueda also was one of five West Seattleites who played for the winning team; the others were 34th District State Sen. Emily Alvarado (who demurred that she was “more of a soccer mom than a soccer player”), District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka (whose family was a lively part of the cheering section), Seattle School Board president Gina Topp, and Councilmember Mosqueda’s deputy chief of staff Chris Lampkin. Here’s our video of some of the action:
One of the non-WS electeds on the team scored two of the goals, 3rd District (Spokane) State Sen. Marcus Riccelli; the other two were by West Seattle Junction FC players who joined the match, Kellen Pierce and Will Masschmedt. Two Seattle citywide electeds played too – Mayor Katie Wilson and City Attorney Erika Evans.
Here are the final few moments of the match:
(WSB video/photos)
The last week of the school year began with a lively celebration in the West Seattle High School gym – the cheer team cheered, and band members played, as student-athletes made a grand entrance for a group college-signing ceremony. Family members and friends cheered them too, from the bleachers.
WSHS athletic director Corey Sorenson welcomed everyone, thanked the parents for their support and acknowledged the student-athletes for their hard work, and then it was time to sign letters of intent:
15 student-athletes participated on Wednesday – here’s the list Sorenson provided along with the names of two others who weren’t there but will continue their athletic careers in college too – we’ve interspersed this with more of the photos we took at the event:
Baseball:
Cody Buehring – Whitman College
Jake McCall – University of Puget Sound
Boys Swim & Dive:
Jeremy O’Keefe – Whitworth University
Lacrosse:
Zoe Preveau – William Jewell College
Volleyball:
Jaslynn Daily – City University of New York, Queens College
Softball:
Daeja Piggee – Winston Salem State University
Cheerleading:
Amaya Stagi – Seattle University
Football:
Jonah Pelander – Palomar College
Scott Bremen – College of the Siskiyous
LJ Moody – Palomar College
Esayas Brigham – Palomar College
Gabe Crawford – Portland State University
Girls Soccer:
Grace Carroll – St. Olaf College
Grace Reasoner – Wellesley College
Boys Soccer:
Cole Theisen – Le Moyne College
Signed already, but not able to attend signing day on Wednesday
Claire Gordon – University of Washington, Rowing
Sacha Ninburg – Lower Columbia College, Baseball
Next big ceremony for the graduating seniors is WSHS’s commencement ceremony, 8 pm next Wednesday (June 17) at McCaw Hall downtown,
(Photo courtesy Ryan O’Donnell)
One more week until Seattle Public Schools get out for summer – but next year’s already in the thoughts of some students – for example, the West Seattle High School girls’ swim and dive team will take some time tomorrow to visit Madison Middle School to meet potential future recruits. The team’s new head coach Ryan O’Donnell sent us this announcement to share with you:
The WSHS Girls Swim and Dive Team is having a “Meet & Greet” on Wednesday at Madison Middle School during lunch. Members of the team and the coach will be in the cafeteria during lunch to talk about the swim team, answer questions. and meet interested Madison students. Interested swimmers and divers of ALL skill levels are encouraged to meet the team. We are a Varsity, no-cut sport looking for students to join our fun, growing team.
(PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG)
Some of the 130+ players who competed in the Westside Pickleball League‘s “Rally on the Rock” tournament today went home with medals like that.
Players also went home with the knowledge that they not only had fun, but also supported students. The all-day tournament at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex raised money for Chief Sealth International High School Athletics, and this year included youth players – 15 and under – for the first time, league co-founder Rosina Geary told WSB. That meant competitors spanned a wide range of ages:
The support for CSIHS included two $2,000 scholarships donated to the Class of 2026. And Sealth supportred the tournament too, with student-athletes and coaches volunteering.
Today’s tournament was the end of the league’s fourth year of play (we first wrote about it 3+ years ago). Year five will start this fall – watch the league website for updates.
Pickleball advocates had been asking the city to have a West Seattle meeting for feedback on Seattle Parks‘ proposed “outdoor racquet-sports strategy,” and now the date is set. The original round of feedback on the “strategy” for outdoor courts – which called for an end to dual-striping courts for pickleball and tennis – had three regional meetings, none in West Seattle. Now as part of “additional in-person engagement,” Parks has set four dates/places for added feedback meetings in the last week of June, starting with 6:30 pm Tuesday, June 23, in the building at Dakota Place Park (California/Dakota). The “strategy” was first announced two months ago; our initial report broke out the proposed West Seattle specifics.
Flag football is a growing sport and the West Seattle YMCA> (WSB sponsor) is offering girls 10 to 16 years old a chance to learn the basics for free. It’s noon-2 pm this Sunday (June 7) at Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon); registration info is on this flyer provided by organizers or at seattleymca.org/youth-flag-football. Email raymondbelleza@seattleymca.org with questions.
UPDATE: No registration needed – just show up!
As Seattle’s World Cup-fueled “summer of soccer” gets going, the West Seattle Soccer Club is already looking toward fall, and registering 5- to 18-year-olds – no experience necessary! – for next season. Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:
Hey, West Seattle Families!
Founded in 1968, the West Seattle Soccer Club (WSSC) is a recreational soccer club for youth who reside in the southwest neighborhoods of Seattle. All youth ages 5-18 are eligible to play and experience is not required.
As we gear up for the Fall Soccer Season, excitement is booming with the Spring Season wrapping soon. It is time to ensure that you, your friends, and your neighbors join in too! Registration closes June 30th, so act fast. Whether your child is a seasoned player or just starting out, we’re excited to unveil our Fall Registration and anticipate the adventures ahead.
The Fall Season kicks off early September with seasons spanning 8, 10, or 12 games based on age division.
Secure your child’s spot or learn more at westseattlesoccer.org. Questions? Reach us at wsscboard@gmail.com
Make this Fall Soccer season unforgettable! Enroll today to see your child thrive on the field, make friends, and create lasting memories. Financial assistance is available for qualified applicants. Don’t miss out – register now!
West Seattle High School athletes – and one alum – are celebrating major successes. The roundup and photos were sent by WSHS athletic director Corey Sorenson:
We had an Exciting Weekend for West Seattle High School!
Saturday:
West Seattle’s Special Olympics Unified Soccer C1 Team (above) captured their second consecutive State Championship, while the West Seattle Unified Soccer C2 Team (below) earned a State Runner-Up finish.
Saturday Evening:
The West Seattle boys 4×400-meter relay team of Aidan Murray, Will Frederick, Marcus Ramsey, and Zach O’Keefe placed 4th at the WIAA 3A State Track and Field Championships with a time of 3:21.60. In the process, they shattered the previous school record of 3:23.21.
Sunday Morning:
It was another beautiful day at the West Seattle Booster Club’s “Paddle Battle” pickleball tournament. We had over 110 participants, of which around 40 were students. There were 16 teams in the student-only division, as the West Seattle Booster Club raised $5k for the student-athletes & programs at WSHS.
Sunday Evening:
West Seattle alumnus Miles Gosztola helped lead the University of Oregon baseball team to their Regional Championship. Getting the start on the mound, Miles pitched six innings, recording eight strikeouts, three walks, 5 hits and allowing just one earned run helping Oregon to a 4-1 over Oregon State. Oregon advances to the Super Regional against the University of Texas later this week.
Our region’s “summer of soccer” is about more than the FIFA World Cup matches, and here’s the latest proof – congratulations to seven West Seattle boys and their teammates on the Vashon Island High School soccer team that just won a state championship! The news is from one player’s proud parent Maija:
(Photo courtesy Dawn Stief)
Seven West Seattle residents played key roles in helping the Vashon High School boys soccer team capture the 2026 WIAA State Championship in Division 1A on Saturday at Federal Way Memorial Stadium.
The No. 2-ranked Vashon Pirates defeated the Meridian Trojans 3–0 to secure the state title and cap off an outstanding season.
Among the championship-winning Pirates roster are West Seattle residents Marshall Wade, Connor Delcamp, Jeff Nelson, Pierce Fowler, Lewis Thompson, Mason Haynes, and Caeden Miller.
(Photo courtesy Anna Cobb)
This group includes five seniors who conclude their four years at Vashon High School by raising the state championship trophy while also earning recognition for their academic achievements, community service, and strong character.
Now that June has arrived, summer break is close, and West Seattle Baseball is signing up players for its Summer Crush program – here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:
Summer Crush is West Seattle Baseball´s fun summer games-only league that combines some of the organizational elements of the spring league with some of the sandlot-style baseball fun. It is also an opportunity for more reps and new positions in a fun, low-stress situation.
Crush is divided into four divisions: 6U, 8U, 10U, and 12U (in PONY-speak, that´s Shetland, Pinto, Mustang, and Bronco). Scores are kept but there are no standings or playoffs. There are not even practices! It’s just “show up and play ball”.
The season runs from July 6 through August 14. 8U Pinto and 12U Bronco are scheduled to play Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. 10U Mustang is scheduled to play Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Shetland is scheduled for Friday nights 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM and continues to be a fun T-ball (6u) level of baseball for the kids to run around and play some ball.
For more information visit the West Seattle Baseball website at westseattlebaseball.com
Using Crush to Try a New Division
Often, players who are going to move up a division the following spring will play in the higher division in Crush to get a light introduction to their future age group, but by no means is that a rule or even typical. Most commonly, players play in the same division and level that they played during the Spring season. Players are not allowed to ¨play down,” however.
Taking Vacations? No Problem!
Team rosters are built with summer vacations in mind. Larger rosters can sometimes mean that the batting order gets long, more often, however, it prevents teams being too short-handed to realistically play when multiple players are out of town on family trips. Again, games are scheduled only for weeknights, leaving weekends completely free.
Coaches Needed
And why should all the fun go to the kids? Whether you have had the pleasure of helping as a volunteer coach in the past or have just seen how much fun all the coaches have working with these kids, Crush is a great time to get involved. Every team needs as much coaching help as they can get to make games run smoothly and efficiently. If you are ready to join the ranks of WSB volunteer coaches, be sure to note your interest when registering your player or contact league officials to start the process!
Important Dates
Registration is scheduled to close on June 12. Crush season will begin the week of July 6 and run for 6 weeks ending on August 14.
Questions?
Please reach out to communications@westseattlebaseball.com with any questions regarding the season.
Middle- and high-school-age girls are invited to this Friday’s free clinic with West Seattle Water Polo student-athletes! Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:
West Seattle Girls Water Polo team will be hosting a free clinic for middle and high school aged girls on Friday, June 5, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at Southwest Pool. Learn and play alongside the high school girls team players, under the direction of WSHS Coach Emily Hernandez. Find out what this growing sport is all about – and get a chance to learn the basics. This is an educational event open to all 6th through 12th grade girls regardless of which school they attend. This year the team included players from WSHS, CSIHS, Vashon HS, and Garfield HS. Registration required in advance of the event. Please contact WSWP to receive a link to register: wshswaterpolo@gmail.com
For those rising 9th graders interested in starting their polo training early, new swim team coach Ryan O’Donnell will be at the clinic to meet swimmers and answer questions about the fall swim season at WSHS. Girls’ swim team practices start in late August.
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
Pickleball isn’t an official school sport, yet, but student-athletes in other sports at local high schools are benefiting from pickleball tournaments this weekend and next. Today at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, dozens of players are raising money for WSHS athletes at the second annual West Seattle Paddle Battle.
The tournament is organized by the West Seattle Booster Club – board members and volunteers were at courtside when we stopped by:
Trophies await the victors, and we’re expecting the winner info for an update to this story post-tournament.
Not only is the Paddle Battle raising money via entry fees, its sponsorships are topped by Murder Hornet Hot Sauce again this year.
Another pickleball benefit is six days away on the same courts – next Saturday, the Westside Pickleball League’s “Rally on the Rock” benefits Chief Sealth IHS Athletics.
Getting hyped for world-class summer soccer yet? Easy Street Records proprietor Matt Vaughan sent word tonight of his biz’s collaboration with fellow Junction biz Mystery Made, creating gear to put a West Seattle spin on things:
The world is rolling into Seattle this summer, and West Seattle is ready. Soccer or futball, depending on who you ask, is taking over the city; rep the W. Seattle neighborhood with pride. Welcome the masses with us.
Another collaboration in community by these two small businesses.
Authentic Pro Soccer jersey comes with a hand-signed certificate of authenticity, a premium double-sided loyalty team soccer scarf, and a custom enamel collector’s pin set. Built right, designed by us and for the West Seattle Hardcore !
Here’s where to order.
Thanks for the tip! The local Titans Lacrosse Club reported that two of its members, both residing in West Seattle, are part of off-peninsula high-school teams that recently won state championships! We were given permission to share this report from the Titans’ newsletter, plus photos of the champs, both of whom coach younger players too:
The Titans have something special with our high schoolers giving back to the youth lacrosse community. Not only is our group great with the kids, but they are excellent on the lacrosse field themselves. Special Shout Outs to two of our K/2 coaches; Leighton Wagner and Jasper Jacobs on being STATE CHAMPIONS!
Leighton and her Eastside Catholic teammates needed overtime to defeat Mercer Island on May 15th. Leighton, a junior, had the key assist on EC’s game-tying goal in the last 10 seconds of regulation that sent the game to OT.
Jasper and Seattle Prep also needed overtime to claim their State Championship on Saturday over Bellevue. Jasper, a freshman, started the game for the Panthers, tallied a goal in the second quarter, and re-started the play that resulted in Prep’s game-winning goal.
We’re told both players are Holy Rosary alums, too.
(WSB photo from last year’s Paddle Battle)
Pickleball players still have time to sign up for the second annual West Seattle Paddle Battle, benefiting WSHS student-athletes via the WS Booster Club, now less than a week away, 8 am-5 pm Sunday, May 31, at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). In case you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the announcement:
The WS Booster Club invites the community to participate in the 2nd Annual Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament, presented by Murder Hornet Hot Sauce, benefiting student-athletes at WSHS.
This fun community event is a great opportunity to gather family, neighbors, and friends for a day of pickleball and support for WSHS student-athletes. Proceeds from the tournament will help strengthen programs and opportunities for local student-athletes.
Participants of all skill levels are encouraged to sign up and join the fun. Join us for a great day of competition, community, and support for WSHS!
The state 2A track and field championships start this Thursday (May 28) in Tacoma and will include representation from Chief Sealth International High School – we received this photo and update to share with you:
Chief Sealth International High School‘s track & field team had a strong showing at last week’s SeaKing District Championship competition, with numerous podium finishes and several Seahawks advancing to this week’s WIAA 2A State Championships in Tacoma. Chief Sealth will send three individuals and two relay teams to compete across six events at the State meet: Remy Wittman (1600m & 800m), Forest Andrews Wehling (3200m) and Calvin Washington (Shot Put), as well as the Girls 4x400m Relay team (Doe Doe, Paige Dempsey, Elena Latterell, and Harper Gilbert) and the Unified 4x100m Relay team (Kelechi Olekanma, Cash Kochansky, Chloe Greenman, and Joey Snyder). The WIAA State Track & Field Championships will take place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Mount Tahoma Stadium in Tacoma. The full schedule of events and participants is available on the WIAA’s website.
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