Fall sports have officially come to a close, and the winter season is now in full swing. Seven Hills fall student-athletes proudly represented the hive, dominating the Miami Valley Conference in every sport. Their exceptional performances earned numerous team and individual recognitions at the conference, district, and even state levels. Many factors can be attributed to the collective success, but the recent surge of pride in athletics within the school community is undeniable.
“In one word,” said Dean of Students Laura Leonard, “Seven Hills’ fan culture is authentic.”
One unforgettable moment that still lingers in fans’ minds is the Elite 8 playoff game, where the Boys Varsity Soccer team faced off against rival Summit. Although the Stingers came up short, the atmosphere created by the student section was contagious. The stands were filled with energy, chants, and unwavering support, turning the game into an unforgettable experience. Even in defeat, the display of school spirit and passion showed what Seven Hills fan culture could look like at its best— a powerful force that fuels both the team and the entire community. It was a perfect example of how every event, win or lose, can and should be a celebration of pride in our student-athletes.
However, this event was heavily publicized, it was against exciting competition, and attendance was incentivized. The challenge now is matching this support and energy regardless of the circumstances. Student Government, 7Up, and the athletic department work overtime behind the scenes to foster school spirit and equitable awareness of all sports and teams.
“I think the fan culture at Seven Hills is going in a great direction,” said Athletic Director Scott Willard. “We’ve shown so much improvement past COVID getting the students doing the organizing, instead of the ADs telling people where to go or what to do; Student Government this year has had a huge role in that.”
“The daily emails have been big for advertising all of our sports events,” said Student Body President Nick Stein. “We’re currently working with the athletics department and 7Up to define and bring greater awareness to certain ‘showcase’ events, like Lower School Spirit Night, through both our channels and things like posters around the school.”
Every game, match, and moment should be met with unwavering support, fostering an enthusiastic fan culture that needs to be consistent across all sports.
“I mean, I never expect people to show up to my events because we usually don’t get many fans,” said senior track member Brady O’Connor. “So, when people do, it’s really great.”
187 members of the Seven Hills community participated in a fall sport. Over 50% of the student body dedicated their time to playing sports, putting in hours of unseen work to represent Seven Hills on the field, court, or track. In the tight-knit community, there’s no doubt that everyone has at least one friend or peer who participates in a sport. Each athlete and team puts in the effort to succeed, and they thrive on the support of the fans: Stinger Nation. Attending athletic events is not just about cheering for the team—it’s about showing up for the people you know, building school spirit, and strengthening the bonds that make the community so special.
“When people show up for me, it feels amazing,” said basketball co-captain Terrance Yarbrough. “The atmosphere of a big crowd makes me feel supported; it makes me play better”
Seven Hills athletics play a crucial role in creating and maintaining school spirit and pride. Further, sports are an extension of the classroom and offer more than just a chance to support athletes. When Stingers fans fill the stands, the support, enthusiasm, and school spirit create an environment of contagious energy that infects the entire school with pride. The impact isn’t limited to just the athletes on the field— it extends to every student, teacher, and staff member, creating a shared experience that enhances the overall culture of the school community.
When people show up for the student-athletes, all it takes is a little enthusiasm and creativity to create an atmosphere where energy and school spirit thrive.
“I think we can go more all-out on themes or have student section leaders,” said soccer co-captain Sammy Willard. “Or we can have props, like how people would bring drums a couple years ago.”
Every game, match, or meet is an opportunity to make a difference. So, as the winter season begins, it’s time for the entire school community to come together and support these Seven Hills winter athletes:
