Kadena Panthers

Baseball

Head coach — Frank Macias, second season.

Key performers — Ty Lujan, Jr., C-P-SS; Hajime Reed, Jr., P-SS; Wainoi Mandac, So., C; Kai Redden, So., 2B-P; Jayden Cruz, So. (transferred from E.J. King).

Outlook — Rebuilding. Nary a senior and only two juniors populate the roster. Quite a few young players, some who play off base with Japanese club teams. Plenty of pitching.

Softball

Two-time defending Far East D-I tournament champion.

Head coach — Daniel Lynn, first season; assistant — Joy Sims, second season.

Key performers — Julia Petruff, Sr., P-IF; Jessica Petruff, Sr., IF; Nao Grove, Sr., P; Aubrey Leidig, So., P-1B; Jada Wolfgang, So., SS; Ariani Mendoza, Sr., 2B; Eunha Walker, Sr., C.

Outlook — Contending. Senior twins Julia and Jessica Petruff return after missing most of last season with long-term injuries. Julia is the 2023 Far East D-I best pitcher and Jessica the 2023 MVP. Panthers are on their sixth head coach in six seasons, but as with previous coaches, one who knows the game. Many young players who are not new to the sport.

Boys soccer

2024 season record — 21-0. Defending Far East D-I champion.

Head coach — Abe Summers, sixth season.

Key performers — Elijah Whipp, Jr., MF (14 goals, 15 assists); Derek Vaden, Sr., MF; Calvin Paguada, Sr., MF (10 assists).

Outlook — Contending. While seven players return, five of them starters, the Panthers graduated seven players and 83 total goals. They should still be competitive, but may have come back to the pack some.

Girls soccer

2024 season record — 4-6-3.

Head coach — Charlie Smith, first season (assisted previously).

Key performers — Brooke Brewer, Jr., D-MF.; Sydney Pontious, Sr., MF; Emmah Strong, Sr., D; Ally Sims, So., MF; Jaylene Pagauda, So., D; Suni Mauricio, Sr., GK; Kyla Donovan, Jr., GK.

Outlook — Rebuilding-reloading. Smith takes the reins and is quite familiar with the game, having played at Seoul American. Panthers are strong in the middle and the backline, with two capable keepers; need to settle on a striker.

Kubasaki Dragons

Baseball

Head coach — Aaron Fisk, second season.

Key performers — Luka Koja, Sr., P-OF; Lukas Gaines, Sr., SS-3B-P; Asher Romnek, So., 2B-P; Jacy Fisk, Sr., 1B-OF; Camdon Fisk, So., 1B-OF; Skylar Waltz, Jr., OF-C; Max Ramos, Jr., OF-P; Mason Ramos, Jr., C.

Outlook — Contending. Koja remains the team’s ace left-hander, Gaines a strong infield presence and the Ramos twins and Fisk brothers have experience. Fisk continues to teach physical education at Kadena, but coaches the Panthers’ arch-rival Dragons.

Softball

Head coach — Jeanne White, first season.

Key performers — Samantha Diaz, Jr., OF-C; Cadence Vandentop, Sr., SS; Haley Brassard, Jr., 1B; Una Freeman, Jr., 3B; Isabel Pennington, Jr., LF-2B.

Outlook — Rebuilding. Vandentop is the team’s lone senior. A growing, young, developing team with potential and promise, good attitude, hustle.

Boys soccer

2024 season record — 3-8-1.

Head coach — Robert Barrett, first season.

Key performers — Elijah Marrero, So., GK; Izik Martinez, Sr., D-MF.

Outlook — Rebuilding. A young team of mostly freshmen and sophomores with some skills, not new to the sport; seven seniors graduated.

Girls soccer

2024 season record — 11-1-3.

Head coach — Chris Eastman, sixth season.

Key performers — Sakura Lopez, Sr., F (10 goals); Solares Solano, Sr., F (18 goals); Amaya Schaffeld, Jr., F (9 goals); Reighlyn Kissick, Sr., MF; Haley Stoudamyre, Sr., MF; Jessica Blackston, Sr., MF; Isabella Mabie, Sr., MF.

Outlook — Contending. A senior-laden outfit very much chasing their ninth Far East D-I title and second in the last three years. Their lone loss last season was in the Far East final in penalty kicks to American School In Japan.