2025 was an action-packed year marked by numerous memorable sports moments. Athletes worked both individually and collaboratively to achieve the vast successes that characterized the Highland Park community as both one of physical and academic strength.
Throughout the school year, it is undeniable that football is a highly valued pillar of the HPHS fanbase. Hundreds of students rally together each game, dressed in blue and white and ready to support the HPHS team.
In 2025, the Giants’ football team achieved one of the most significant football achievements of the year, their triumphant victory over Deerfield after years of defeat.
“Beating Deerfield was a huge win for the program after not beating them for almost a decade,” said Senior Football Captain, Gabe Leon. “It was a very rewarding win that we all worked hard for. It was very special.”
Additionally, Highland Park’s Girls’ Field Hockey Team had many notable accomplishments throughout the year, as their games frequently ended in extended overtime. Countless games left players facing intense rounds of shootouts and sudden death in high-pressure matches.
“The field hockey season was a success. Each game of ours improved our skills and commitment to the sport,” varsity goalie Annie Shulman said. “Everyone pushed themselves to grow individually and together, finishing the season more confidently than we began,”
Also, the Giant’s Girls Tennis Team celebrated great victories this year, with each player placing first within their conference. In addition to in-conference successes, five players attended state, marking a strong season.
“It was a great and successful season,” Julia Batt, a member of Highland Park’s Varsity Tennis Team, said. “I got to know my teammates much better, and winning our conference was a huge achievement.”
Boy’s Cross Country experienced a notable season, being one of the two teams within Highland Park’s sectional to have a member qualify for state, with Senior Henry Gamson continuing HPHS’s 16-year streak of attending.
“I’ve wanted to go to state my entire cross country career, and to achieve that in my senior year was amazing,” Gamson said. “I’m happy that the new members of the team got the chance to come down and watch the state meet, and that I kept the state streak alive.”
Ultimately, the first semester brought many noteworthy moments of success, strength, and perseverance. It is without a doubt that Highland Park High School’s athletes are committed to fostering a dedicated environment of teamwork and collaboration.