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. 

WINTER ATHLETIC PREVIEW

 Boys Basketball 

The Men's basketball program opened the season with a hard-fought loss to Southwest DeKalb, one of the top-ranked teams in Class 4A. This year’s squad is anchored by senior leaders Dylan Fox, Caleb Hicks, Tyler Dillard, Allen Smokes, Aaron Reives, Kayin Harris, Roderick David, Jacques Hunter and Miles Kenny whose experience and commitment set the tone for the team.

Our 2025-26 schedule is among the most challenging in Union Grove history, yet our players have embraced it with grit, resilience, and a consistently positive work ethic. Their dedication in the gym and determination to improve every day reflect the standards of our program.

We look forward to our next matchup against North Oconee, reining state champions, and an exciting and successful season ahead.

Girls Basketball

Girls’ basketball team is gearing up for an exciting season! With a young roster and a tough work ethic, this group has been grinding all off-season and showing incredible growth each day on the court. We’ll be looking to senior forward Maegan Jenkins to lead the way with her strength, experience, and competitive drive. Our backcourt is in strong hands as well, guided by standout sophomore point guard Adonai Dudley, whose court vision continues to impress, alongside sophomore guard Riley Taylor, a rising playmaker ready to make a big impact this season.

Swim 

Val Williams looking to return to state for the fourth year. We are working toward over 200 PRs this season. We are working to put together a boys 200 Free Relay team that will make a state cut, being our first boys from the school to go to state. We are on our way, after 4 meets, Val has 2 state cuts, we have already had 41 PR’s with every swimmer achieving at least one PR.

Boys Wrestling

The Wolverines return 2 state qualifiers Tommy Jalonen and EJ Blankenship. We have several other wrestlers that were close to making it to sectionals and look for them to take the next step this year. Overall we look forward  to working hard and getting better 

Girls Wrestling

Did you know that Union Grove has added Girls Wrestling! We have several girls excited to take on this new challenge. This team will be lead by Senior Carley Martuzas who is a 3 sport athlete at Union Grove. 

SPOTLIGHT ON TEAM,PLAYERS, AND COACHES

Head boys basketball coach Ira Hughley is shaping champions on and off the court. A 2010 graduate of Union Grove is driven by teamwork, faith, and family. In just his second year as head coach the boys basketball team advanced to the GHSA Elite 8 in 2025.

Head girls basketball coach Corrinne White is excited to kick off her second year at Union Grove. A 2011 graduate of Union Grove High School is driven by teamwork and maintaining the standard of excellence on and off the court expected for Union Grove Women’s basketball. In her 1st year Coach White directed our girls to a GHSA playoff spot. 

key winter dates

Boys Basketball @ North Oconee 11/25

Wrestling @ Grayson Duals 11/26

Basketball @ Woodland 12/2 1st region game

Basketball vs. Locust Grove 12/5 1st home region game

ATHLETES TO WATCH

Senior swimmer Valeni Williams - has qualified for 2 events at State. Val is a excellent student athlete carrying a 4.38 GPA.

Senior Boys Basketball  Caleb Hick is the heart of the boys basketball team. Caleb brings relentless hustle to every game is a leader on and off the court. Caleb is a excellent student athlete carrying a 4.00 GPA

Senior Girls Basketball Maegan Jenkins is the leader of our girls basketball team. She has accepted the role of leader and is ready to help our young team grow up early. Maegan is a excellent student athlete carrying a 4.01 GPA. 

ATHLETE(S) OF THE MONTH

Softball Senior Lauren Jordan (LJ) signed with the University of Memphis.

Volleyball Senior Riley Bethea signed with Georgia Tech University.

Will Abbott finished top 10 in state XC meet.

ACADEMIC AND LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Union Grove Competition Team

Region Champions

GHSA State 4th

Seniors:

Kerrington Jenrette

Kyleight Roberson

Deajah Watts

Union Grove Softball

Region Runner Up

State Elite 8

Seniors:

Syan Adams

Alisha Cattuzzo

Shiloh Cox

Ally Franklin

Sarah Glass

Emma Hunter

Jada Jackson

Lauren Jordan

Riley Mote

Braelynn Stroud

Union Grove Volleyball

Region Champions

State Sweet 16

Seniors:

Talia Barron

Riley Bethea

Jaslena Inthavonga

Myiah Perkins

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