The 2025 fall athletic season in Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) was filled with championship performances, inspiring comebacks, and remarkable growth across all four high schools. From historic firsts to individual achievements, our student-athletes demonstrated their commitment to excellence on and off the field.

“Our student-athletes continue to raise the bar each season,” said Deputy Superintendent,  Secondary Education Kerrie Torres. “Their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship exemplify the values we celebrate throughout our district.”

Here’s a recap of fall athletic achievements at Estancia High School:

• Girls Volleyball won their first league championship in school history, finishing with a 15-10 record. League Offensive Player of the Year Senior Abby McIntyre led a young core of three freshmen and two sophomores.
   
• Girls Golf went undefeated (15-0) and captured the Coast League Championship in the Orange Grove Conference. The team placed seventh in CIF Division 5, with four individual CIF qualifiers. Junior Dora Alliman was named Golfer of the Year.
   
• Cross Country saw a major increase in participation under first-year head coach Jose Anaya, with the program fielding both varsity and JV teams for boys and girls for the first time in over 10 years. The girls' team qualified for CIF for the first time since 2010, finishing sixth, led by Junior twin sisters Abigail and Sophia Zarate. Meanwhile, the boys JV team captured the league championship, marking a significant milestone for the program’s growth.
   
• Girls Flag Football finished tied for second in league and reached the CIF quarterfinals. Junior Aisleen Avalos anchored the defense, while the JV team went undefeated. Junior Paloma Silva earned All-CIF honors.
   
• Boys Water Polo finished second in the Coast League and qualified for CIF Playoffs. Senior Davis Grubel scored 48 goals.
   
• Girls Tennis qualified for CIF Playoffs and featured three CIF individual qualifiers (Junior Alison Smet, Senior Kylie Ines, Freshman Ella Smith). The program saw a major turnaround under first-year head coach Eduardo Reyes.
   
• Football finished 6-4, including a win in the annual Battle of the Bell against Costa Mesa. Senior Brandon Bettinghausen was named Sigma League Defensive Player of the Year. The program demonstrated strong senior leadership and community involvement.

From league victories to outstanding individual performances, the 2025 fall athletic season was full of remarkable achievements. Beyond wins, student-athletes demonstrated perseverance, teamwork, and character, preparing them for success in the classroom, the community, and life beyond high school.