HHP Girls Soccer, Baseball Aim To Continue Winning Ways
The Hilton Head Prep girls soccer and baseball programs enter the 2026 campaign looking to defend the state championships won last spring.
By David Shelton
Senior Writer
Hilton Head – With their collective sights set on continuing their winning ways, the Hilton Head Prep girls soccer and baseball programs enter the 2026 campaign looking to defend the state championships won last spring.
The girls soccer team, coached by Risa McMillan, enters this season looking for a fourth consecutive state championship. While the roster will have some new faces, McMillan is counting on her five returning starters to set the tone and lead the way this spring.
The five returning starters include keeper Brooke Heins, defenders Madeline Schlieman, Sophia Schlieman and Alexa Palazzo, and midfielders Marisa Mora and Riley Wilbert.
McMillan was a little concerned about replacing some powerhouse performers but feels two eighth-graders, Adrianna Palazzo and Alice Carmines, will step in and provide positive play
Seniors Sammy Rehling and Ellie Lorenz have been on the team since they were freshmen and will both play starting defensive positions.
“With only one scrimmage and one game behind us, it is hard to predict how we will come together as a team, but with strong leadership on the team with many seniors, I feel confident that the new players will play their positions with confidence,” the coach reports. “I am excited about our schedule as we are playing some new teams that we have never played before, as well as teams we have not played in many years. “
Meanwhile, the baseball team is seeking to repeat as state champions after defeating Orangeburg Prep in the three-game championship series last May.
This year’s team is led by returning starters JP Pirkey (OF/P), Sammy Middleton (SS/P), Calvin Middleton (3B), Brandon Espinoza (C/P), Tyler Britschge (P/DH), Brody Hausher (OF), Finnian Rooney (Utility), Brandon Hunter (OF).
Head coach Chris Wells expects contributions also from first baseman Paulie Smith, outfielder Byron Espinoza, infielder Charlie Diamond and pitcher Cole Rogers.
“We should have depth on the mound again this year and the top of our lineup is strong. Our goal is to compete every time we step on the diamond,” Wells says. “Region play is right around the corner, and we want to defend that. Right now, we are dealing with some player injuries, so we need to work through that and be healthy come playoff time.”
The Dolphins have opened the season with three wins in their first four outings this spring.
