Union grove Newsletter

Message from AD Spruell:

Welcome Wolverines! We look forward to the 2025-2026 school year and athletics at “THE GROVE”. Our coaches are dedicated to another successful year of using athletics to build character in our Wolverines. Thank you for your continued support of our school, coaches, and athletes. 

Early Winter Season "Behind the Scenes"

Sports Medicine

Junior Malia Gayle and Senior Vada Gwyn are vital in the care for the Athletes at Union Grove for several years as my student aides for our athletic trainer.   Both are excelling in the Sports Medicine class. 

Wrestling

Leah Braswell is the wrestling spotlight manager.  She has created spreadsheets, that have helped keep track of inventory and finances. Leah has learned how to read brackets and helps the boys keep track of where they are supposed to be at tournaments. Leah has been a true blessing to have on the team this year.

Celebrating Fall Sports Achievements 

Competition Cheer won Region 2 AAAA and finished 4th in the state. Cheer had 8 recognized as All Region. 

Taylynn Barron

Jillian Bootcheck

Roxane Chapsal

Kyrie Johnson

Audrey Kwok

Analeena Mason

Taelan Matthews

Avery Roberts

Flag Football had a good year of building numbers with some young players. We had 3 girls recognized as All Area. 

Alani David

Carley Martuzas 

Miley Smith

Football had 2 players recognized as All Region. 

Senior Gregory Jackson

Junior David Parson

Softball made the Elite 8 and traveled to Columbus. Additionally, they had 10 girls recognized as All Region with Coach Franklin being recognized as Region Coach of the year. Lauren Jordan signed a softball scholarship to the University of Memphis.

All Region

Shyan Adams

Alisha Cattuzzo

Ally Franklin

Aniyah Griffin

Jada Jackson

Lauren Jordan

Sara Glass

Emma Hunter

Kamryn Matthews

Riley Mote

Volleyball team won Region 2 AAAA and make the Sweet 16. This team had 3 players recognized as All Region. Junior Kylee Evans was Region Player of the Year. Senior Riley Bethea signed a volleyball scholarship to Georgia Tech. 

All Region

Riley Bethea

Kylee Evans

Sadie Peterson

XC boys and girls teams qualified for the State championship. Will Abbott was the only Junior to finish in the top 10 at the State and won Region this season.

Athlete Spotlight: Who’s Stepping Up Early?”

Boys Basketball

Langston Jones has been stepping up major on the court for us this month. He's currently leading in all categories for us and trying to set the tone as a leader. 

Girls Basketball 

 Sophomore guard Riley Taylor has distinguished herself through relentless dedication, consistently putting in extra hours before and after practice to refine her skills. Her growing confidence has been evident throughout the season, and her emerging leadership has made a meaningful impact on the team. She holds both herself and her teammates to high standards and has fully embraced her role as a leader on and off the court.

Swim 

Jonah Valenzuela has stepped up as a swimmer ready to help improve other swimmer’s strokes. He has also improved his 50 free style to become the 3rd fastest on the team. Jonah also broke his own school record in the 100 Breaststroke.

Gopal Patel has stepped up to design dryland work outs. He is also quick to encourage swimmers at practice and at meets.

Wrestling

Fernando Mulligan has been a hard worker for 4 years now and its starting to show this year. He comes to practice and expects excellence out of himself and his teammates. He has truly stepped up and become a leader. 

Meet Our Captains

Boys Basketball

Caleb Hicks has been an outstanding leader for our team. He constantly sets the tone and stays vocal for our younger players. "Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence."

Girls Basketball

Senior Maegan Jenkins and sophomore Adonai Dudley serve as team captains this season, providing strong leadership both on and off the court. They have stepped into their roles by setting high standards, holding themselves and their teammates accountable, and leading by example during practices and games. Their commitment to teamwork, discipline, and growth has had a positive impact on the entire program and continues to elevate the team’s performance.

Swim

Senior Valeni Williams is the team captain and has stepped up as a leader this season. She has already set 1 new school record and has 2 State Qualifying time and is working towards 2 others. She is constantly pushing her teammates during pool and land workouts. Val is also an excellent student earning a 4.38 GPA. 

Wrestling

Senior Fernando Mulligan is the team captain and leader. Fernando is a 4-year letterman in wrestling and a team leader. Fernando is also an excellent student earning a 3.23 GPA. 

Student-Athlete Academic Highlights

Swim

Bryson Huynh, is new to the swim team. He is currently part of the Youth Leadership Henry Program, part of HOSA and a member of the Marching Band. Bryson has a 4.36 GPA. 

Boys Basketball

Senior Tyler Dillard has been an absolute example of what a student athlete should be with his constant success in academics and his commitment to the basketball team. Tyler has a 4.17 GPA. 

Girls Basketball 

Madison Kenny has been a great example with her work ethic on the court and in the classroom. Madison has a 4.41 GPA. 

Wrestling

Olivia Hopmeier is a taking honors level and AP level classes as a freshman and has ALL As. All her teachers tell me how much of an asset she is to have in class. She has really transitioned well into being a High School student. Great Job Olivia!

Athletic Director Contact: stephen.spruell@henry.k12.ga.us          School Website: ugh.henry.k12.ga.us/        Address:  120 East Lake Road, McDonough, GA 30252