The 2026 spring athletic season in Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) featured CIF championships, league titles, record-breaking performances, and outstanding individual achievements. Student-athletes continued to demonstrate excellence, perseverance, and sportsmanship while representing their schools and communities with pride.

“Our student-athletes continue to excel in competition while developing leadership, teamwork, and resilience,” said Deputy Superintendent, Secondary Education Kerrie Torres. “Their accomplishments this spring reflect the strength of our athletic programs and the opportunities available to students throughout NMUSD.”

Here is a recap of this spring's highlights for Estancia High School:

• Track & Field celebrated its first girls league championship since 1991, with the team finishing undefeated in league competition. The program also saw a resurgence in participation, fielding 57 student-athletes—the largest roster in recent memory. Individually, Aisleen Avalos swept all four of her events at league finals, while Isaac Hernandez won the 200-meter title and broke the school record in the 400 meters. Overall, 17 Eagles earned top-three finishes at league finals, nine advanced to CIF competition, and the boys team placed third in league standings.
   
• Boys Golf captured its second consecutive undefeated league championship, finishing a perfect 12-0 in league play and 18-5 overall. Led by three-time team MVP Jack McNiff, the Eagles continued their postseason success by qualifying for both the CIF Team and CIF Individual Championships.
   
• Baseball earned the CIF Academic Team Award while advancing to the CIF playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. The Eagles finished third in league play and closed the regular season on an eight-game winning streak. Senior catcher Sawyer Atkinson, the returning CIF Player of the Year, led the program and will continue his baseball career at the University of Mary.
   
• Boys Tennis finished third in league and qualified for the CIF playoffs, continuing the program's strong momentum throughout the season. For the first time in more than a decade, the Eagles fielded both varsity and JV teams, reflecting the program's continued growth and depth. Zachary Abramson qualified for the CIF Individual Tournament, while Alex Mejia and Raymond Sanchez led a successful doubles campaign.
   
• Swimming qualified multiple athletes for CIF competition, led by Mackayla RouRock and David Gruebel, as the program continued its upward trajectory under second-year head coach John Canbakal. The Eagles also successfully competed at the conference's highest level after moving up this season, demonstrating the program's continued growth and competitiveness.
   
• Boys Volleyball celebrated Zech Rehak-Lepore's selection as Orange League Offensive Player of the Year while continuing its steady rise as a program. The Eagles narrowly missed CIF playoff qualification by one match, and team captain Mac Laurenz Romua helped lead the team's continued growth and development.
   
• Girls Beach Volleyball earned a CIF Tournament berth from doubles partners Abby McIntyre and Stella Shandalove, highlighting a successful season for the Eagles. The program also recorded the highest participation numbers in its history and secured several key victories throughout the year.
   
• Softball showed tremendous growth under new leadership, establishing a strong foundation for the future with a young roster. Team captains Jackie Gomez, Fabi Basurto, and Josie Vidales provided steady leadership throughout the season as the program continued to build momentum and develop for years to come.

The achievements celebrated this spring highlight the impact of athletic programs. From first-year participants to CIF champions, students had opportunities to challenge themselves, build meaningful connections, and represent their school at the highest levels of competition. These experiences continue to enrich campus life and support our commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for future success.