Freshmen are often overlooked in terms of athletic ability because they are younger and  (usually) smaller than upper classmen. The class of 2026 is proving this stereotype wrong. In many winter sports this year, freshmen are among the top-ranked athletes on the team.

Among the freshmen runners, Addison Fry is rising to the top. This winter track season, Fry has broken the 800 meter indoor record. She was also on the team that broke the 4×4 indoor relay record along with Eve Kusneski, Abbie Huey, and Kate Mill,  and the team that broke the 4×2 meter indoor relay along with Kusneski, Huey, and Hannah Cowburn. Although colleges aren’t allowed to scout Fry until her junior year, she is sure to have some scholarship offers. 

In swimming, freshmen greatly increased the numbers on the team, but Sydney Anderson still found a way to stand out in the pool. Her long career in swimming has shown her development and skills this season. “I’ve swam with the YMCA team since I was seven, and it really set me up for success in my high school career.” Anderson has had numerous first-place wins this season and as of recently, is ranked 5th in the 200 yard freestyle and 7th in the 100 yard freestyle for the 2022-2023 WPIAL swimming championship.

Boys’ basketball has a separate team for freshmen, but Levi Porter plays varsity. He has shown his worth on the team this year and colleges have noticed. Mercyhurst University was among the colleges scouting him. Porter’s success makes him “feel good” and “want to work harder.”

Jayla Peterson is the only freshman who starts varsity for girl’s basketball. She puts her all into every game and it shows on the court. “After a good game, I feel pumped and willing to work more. This feeling motivates me to keep pushing forward.” Peterson shares. She’s had a few D1 and D2 schools scouting her already, so it’s certain there will be more as she gets further into her basketball career.

Hockey player Jackson Albert has been a great asset to this year’s team. Albert has not only assisted the team in many wins, but has also been scouted by four select club teams and one junior league team this year. He’s been playing for many years, and those past years have helped him develop his skills. “Previous seasons have helped me to develop my game in many ways and learn how to be a good teammate,” Albert states. 

It’s important to bring attention to the accomplishments of our younger athletes. These are just a few of the freshmen who are doing incredible things in their sport. They’re excelling now and they’ll excel when they’re older, bringing a whole new generation of athletic ability to IHS.