At Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School, spring sports are currently happening. Sports like lacrosse, tennis and baseball are underway, with more than 500 athletes participating. The season started on March 2, meaning the season is about halfway complete. With many accomplishments, memories, wins and losses, there is still plenty of excitement ahead as the school year enters its final months.
This year, an exciting spring sport has been added to IBW: girls flag football. Girls flag football is coached by Danny Bradach and Britney Small and features games twice a week in April. There are more than 40 girls participating, allowing for both varsity and junior varsity teams. Fans are encouraged to attend upcoming home games and check out the schedule online.
Boys volleyball is also underway. After not officially being funded by Portland Public Schools, the sport operates as a self-funded club. At IBW, there are both varsity and junior varsity teams. Mark Mendak and Kurt Krueger serve as coaches, with support from members of the varsity volleyball team. Upcoming home games are scheduled for April 15, April 22 and April 29.
This year, track and field is coached by Thor Ebenson and Aaron Olsen. Track and field includes events such as distance running, sprints, jumps and throws. The sport is open to all students and skill levels. Practices are held daily after school from 3:45 p.m.to 5:45 p.m., and the schedule for upcoming meets can be found here.
Baseball and softball are back as well. Baseball is coached by Jeremy Shetler and Phil Johnson. The program includes varsity, junior varsity and JV2 teams. Upcoming games are scheduled April 15, April 17 and April 20 at Lincoln High School.
This season, softball has its largest roster since the program began. For the 2025-26 school year, the head coach is Krissy Govertson. Ranked among the top teams in the Portland Interscholastic League to start off the season. It is currently fourth in the league with a 3-2 record.
Mike Nolan, IBW athletic director, said he enjoys the spring sports season. He said it is nice to watch games outside compared to winter sports, which are mostly indoors, and that he appreciates the wide variety of sports. He particularly enjoys baseball, as he has both played and coached the sport and has a child currently playing. Nolan said he enjoys watching athletes show resilience, competitiveness, and enjoyment.
Ellery Richardson, a freshman at IBW, also enjoys the spring sports season. She plays both flag football and softball. This is her first year playing flag football, but she has played softball since fifth grade. She enjoys the sense of community and being outside in good weather. A highlight for her was scoring an 80-yard touchdown.
Golf is also underway. Chris Hudson is the boys head coach, while Mick Mulligan and Robby Sharf coach the girls team.
Lacrosse is coached by Kyle Hincks for boys and Hyland Cullen-Musengo for girls. The sport is no-cut and open to all skill levels. Upcoming home games are scheduled for April 15, April 17 and April 24, which will be senior night.
Girls tennis is coached by Dylan Fitzgerald, and boys is coached by Frankie Moua. Matches are usually held at Gabriel park. Tennis encourages resilience and growth through learning from mistakes. Upcoming matches include a home game against Lincoln High School on April 21 and an away match at Grant High School on April 27. The top 12 varsity players will compete at the Portland Tennis Center for the PIL district tournament on May 13 and May 15.
The spring sports season is an exciting time for athletes and coaches, as warmer weather allows for more outdoor competition. IBW athletes are working hard, improving their skills, becoming better teammates and enjoying the experience. Fans are encouraged to attend games and support the Guardians!
