Trojan Triumphs

Another Standout Fall for Center Grove Athletics

Photography / Tony Pironello; Provided

FOOTBALL: Trojans Reach Regional Finals, Capture 21st Sectional Championship

Center Grove football once again delivered another outstanding season, finishing 10–2 and winning its 21st sectional championship.

The postseason opened with a 48–0 sectional semifinal win over Jeffersonville, followed by a dramatic 30–27 victory at Franklin Central to secure the program’s 15th straight sectional crown and 32nd consecutive sectional game win.

The Trojans’ regular season featured victories over Warren Central, Fort Wayne Carroll, Marion, Ben Davis, Trotwood-Madison of Ohio, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, and Bloomington South.

Senior defensive lineman Kobe Cherry, a Purdue commit, says the program will always hold a deep personal meaning for him.

“Coach Moore often asked before games, ‘What do I want from you tonight?’ The answer was always ‘Everything I’ve got.’ That sums up what CG football has meant to me — everything,” Cherry says. “This program develops you as a player and person, gives you lifelong lessons, and a family you can forever lean on.”

Cherry emphasizes that the team’s legacy goes far beyond wins and losses.

“The length of our season does not define the success behind it,”he says. “We faced adversity and still competed in some of the best football this country has to offer, and we created a 10-win season. I’m incredibly proud of this team.”

Cherry adds his gratitude for the support he received.

“I’m forever grateful for this community,” he says. “My coaches, teammates, and family pushed me to be the young man I am today.”

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: 26–10 Season, County Championship, and 11th Straight Sectional Title

Center Grove volleyball delivered another high-level season, finishing 26–10, winning the Johnson County championship, and capturing the program’s 37th sectional title.

Along the way, the Trojans earned landmark victories, including a win over eventual 3A state champion Roncalli and a five-set thriller against Hamilton Southeastern at the North vs. South Showdown.

Head coach Jennifer Hawk calls the season both rewarding and foundational.

“This was such a fun season,” she says. “Losing two all-state players and filling lineup holes can create unknowns, but this team came together and made a statement for the future of the program.”

Though the Trojans fell in a hard-fought five-set battle to Yorktown in the regional final, Hawk says her team established a new expectation level.

“They absolutely set a standard for the future,” Hawk says. “Our seniors, Natalie Vance, Skylyr Merriman, and Gracyn Gilliard, were a great group who loved their teammates. Our juniors are on a mission to leave with a state title, and they’re bringing the underclassmen along. I’m excited to get back in the gym and start our journey toward a championship.”

BOYS SOCCER: Building Chemistry, Building for the Future

The Center Grove boys soccer team finished 9–7–3 and reached the sectional championship match before falling to Whiteland in double overtime. With a roster heavy on underclassmen, the Trojans developed the chemistry that goalkeeper Carter Dorrell believes will fuel a deeper postseason run next year.

“This year’s seniors meant a lot to me,” Dorrell says. “I’ve played with many of them for years, so we really grew close. Next year, we hope to make a deep tournament run since most of our team returns. The chemistry we started this year should help us roll through competition.”

Offseason preparation is already underway.

“Most of the CG boys train at SCSA (South Central Soccer Academy) indoor and play pickup soccer. It helps us get better together and prepares us for next fall,” he says.”

GIRLS SOCCER: 19–3 Season, Sectional and Regional Champions, Semi-State Appearance

The Center Grove girls soccer team produced another powerhouse season, finishing 19–3, capturing the program’s state-leading 26th sectional title, and securing a second straight regional championship before falling to Carmel in the semi-state.

Junior defender Maddie Guilfoy says the team’s leadership and culture played a significant role in maintaining the program’s success.

“This year’s senior class was very special,” she says. “I’ve been playing with many of them my whole soccer career. They were great leaders and will be missed.”

Despite heavy graduation losses last year, CG returned to the state’s highest level of competition.

“At the beginning of the season, we all felt overlooked,” Guilfoy says. “We used that as fuel to perform at our best. We didn’t get as far as we hoped, but we proved people wrong and grew as a team.”

She expects the Trojans to remain among Indiana’s elite.

“We have a solid group of underclassmen,” she adds. “Next season, we hope to put all the pieces together and perform at the highest level.”

BOYS TENNIS: 19–7 Record, Sectional & Regional Champions, Semi-State Appearance

Replacing six seniors from a state runner-up team is no small task, yet Center Grove boys tennis responded with a standout 19–7 season that included sectional and regional titles and a near upset of HSE in the semi-state.

Head coach David Beasley praises his team’s maturity and resilience.

“This group stepped up in every way,” he says. “Match after match, they showed growth, toughness, and a level of maturity that kept us competitive with the best in the state.”

Center Grove also brought home major individual honors, with Yuvraj Dasari, Maanav Kamath, and Austin Crow earning first-team all-state recognition. Senior Jack Dybwad posted a 17–2 season while playing every varsity position, earning team MVP and Indiana All-Star honors.

Beasley says the program’s culture remains strong.

“Our seniors set the tone for how we want CG tennis to operate,” he says. “Their legacy will absolutely carry forward.”

With large junior and sophomore classes returning, expectations remain high.

“They’re already competing in the offseason,” Beasley adds. “The standard is rising again, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY: A Year of Wins and a Bright Future Ahead

The Center Grove girls cross country team delivered a season full of podium finishes, including championships at the Johnson County meet, sectional, Friday Night Twilight, and the Bedford North Lawrence Invitational.

Head coach Wes Dodson praises both leadership and progress.

“What a great season,” Dodson says. “I couldn’t be prouder of our seniors. Andra Veleta set high expectations as captain. Adri Rosales improved tremendously and consistently finished among our top runners. Chloe Farmer and Annabelle Kemerling contributed big all year.”

The future is equally promising.

“We return our best runner, Gretchen Meisberger, along with returning all-sectional athletes Lexi O’Barr, Evie Smith, and Lily Hollars,” Dodson says. “Emma Karns ran varsity all season, and we have exciting eighth graders joining us. We’re super excited for next year.”

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY: Top-10 State Finish Caps a Consistent Season

Center Grove boys cross country stacked wins across the fall, claiming titles at the Franklin Invitational, Terre Haute North State Preview, Nike Twilight Red Race, Johnson County meet, North Central JV Invitational, and the Shelbyville sectional. The Trojans placed second at the regional, earned multiple all-sectional and all-regional honors, and finished 10th at the IHSAA state finals.

Head coach Howard Harrell says the team exceeded expectations.

“We were ranked 15th most of the season, so finishing 10th was a blessing,” Harrell says.

Jayden Salo earned All-State honors, leading a roster featuring nine seniors and 13 juniors. Next season’s goals are clear.

“We have 13 juniors coming back with one thing in mind, improving on our 10th-place finish,” Harrell adds. “We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

GIRLS GOLF: Growth, Depth, and a Breakout Year on the Horizon

The Center Grove girls golf team finished second in both the sectional and Johnson County tournaments, showing steady improvement throughout the season.

Head coach Tyler Strako says the team’s growth was evident.

“I was extremely proud of our group,” he says. “We focused on the short game all year, and everyone got stronger in that area. Being a young, senior-free team required a total group effort, and they succeeded.”

With no seniors graduating, expectations for 2026 are high.

“Next year is set up to be a breakout year,” Strako adds. “We’ll be a senior-led group with a strong young core and a good freshman class coming in. We finished second in a lot of tournaments this season. This group is eager to bring home the trophies that slipped away.”