At Greenbrier East High School, sports is known as a crown jewel, an entertainment center, and a hotspot for collegiate-level athletes. GEHS is especially known for its success in female-dominated sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, and softball. But based on state appearances and records since the year 2020, which of these is truly the number one greatest sport at this school? 

Soccer

Soccer is usually a male-dominated sport due to its high intensity, fast pace, and adrenaline-boosting competition, yet women’s soccer here at GEHS is a big deal. The team has a great coaching staff, one of the best facilities in the state, and a winning record. Since the beginning of the 2020 season, the Lady Spartans have compiled a record of 36 wins and 15 losses. Rightly known for being one of the best, this program has had multiple alumni serve as coaches, including Stacy Vincent (James Madison University) and Richard Cline (West Virginia University) currently on East’s coaching staff. 

Freshman Rylee Wickline recently reflected on what it’s like to play at East. “This soccer team is one of the best I have ever been on,” she said. “The program is great, the coaching staff is nothing but support, and the girls are just about a second family to me.” When asked about the difference between middle school and high school soccer, Wickline said, “It is a different playing field [going from] a Knight to a Spartan…Here at the high school, you’re working for a state championship, your school is in the radar and you can get looked at by colleges to perhaps play at the higher level, whereas middle school was more of a learning experience.”

Basketball

Basketball here at GEHS is a big sport, especially for the women’s side of the game. The basketball program comes in with an impressive record of 61 wins and 21 losses over the past four seasons, one of the best records in the school. The Lady Spartans draw in big crowds even on weekend games. During a regional game with Riverside last year, the Spartan gym even hosted hit TV show “Impractical Jokers” star James “Murr” Murray. The team’s head coach just happens to be current West Virginia Governor and United States senator-elect Jim Justice. No other team can say that someone on their coaching staff holds such high political office.

East girls had a very successful 2023-2024 season with only 2 losses, and a state tournament appearance during the 23-24 season. Sophomore player Ava Workman said that Spartan basketball is “a very dedicated sport. You have to be mentally and physically there to give maximum effort.” 

It was always a dream of mine to go to states and play in the Charleston arena in front of everyone since I was younger, and living that dream my freshman year is not a thing many can say,” Workman continued. “Coach Justice is an awesome coach. Yes, he is a governor, but also he is very laid back about it and we don’t look at him any differently because of it. He knows when it is time to work and time to have fun.”

Softball

Softball is a sport that should not be overlooked when talking about women’s victories. East’s softball team comes in with a record of 77 wins and 21 losses. The three past teams since 2020 have made it to the sectionals, but the 2023-2024 team was the most current to have a sectional victory and advance as far as states.

“It opened my eyes to the possibilities we can do as a team,” catcher Liz Wooding said. “We beat multiple teams that we were never expected too. Going into my senior year I am looking at nothing but success and future hope of getting that championship trophy and ending my final year as a Spartan on a great note.”

Volleyball

Last but not least, the GEHS volleyball team comes in with a whopping record of 133 wins and 16 losses. Going by players, alumni, record breakers, and players-of-the-week, volleyball at this school is one of the best programs. Granted, volleyball teams play three sets to be considered “one game,” but also can face multiple opponents in one night, upwards of three games in one night. The Lady Spartans have enjoyed a very successful program under Matt Sauvage, who just this season hit an incredible 600 wins as a head coach.

Sauvage is a big believer in communication. Sophomore Reagan Cline says that practices mainly consist of working out and communication drills because “Let’s face it, without communication a team would fall apart.” Cline went on to say that “It takes a lot to be on a high school volleyball team; it is not something you can pick up freshman year and be amazing at. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, especially knowing the standard we are being held to.”

In conclusion, every women’s sport here at GEHS is hardworking, goal-oriented, and full of talented athletes ready to play at the next level. Which do you believe is the best sport here at GEHS? Is it basketball? Volleyball? Softball? Or soccer? Be sure to leave a comment below.