HUSD News Stories

Higley Unified School District (HUSD) continues to distinguish itself as one of the East Valley’s strongest and most dynamic high‑performing athletic communities, backed by robust participation across middle school and high school programs and standout performances at the state level. 

The Higley Youth Sports League Community Education programs start in elementary school, providing after-school options for athletes who want to learn and compete in their sport of choice. The district’s two middle schools offer athletic programs that demonstrate high participation in the East Valley Conference (EVC)—a competitive league composed of 13 junior highs across the region. Sports offerings span all four quarters, ranging from volleyball and baseball to soccer, basketball, wrestling, cheer, softball and track. 

The district’s two high schools maintain competitive standings in the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s (AIA) largest 6A Division. Athletes compete at the highest level in a wide variety of sports, offering the full scope of athletic experiences and possibilities for Higley Unified students. These athletes often move on to compete at the collegiate level. This year so far, Higley High had 10 athletes sign to play for colleges and Universities. Seventeen athletes from Williams Field High School have committed to post-secondary schools so far, several to Division 1 schools including Michigan State University, University of Oregon, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University. 

Higley High senior Brock Bascom signed to play football for Fort Lewis College. He gives credit to the school’s coaching for his success. 

“I would credit my athletic success to Coach Zubey.  He helped me learn the skills at Higley that lead me to the next level,” said Bascom. “Those skills have allowed me to stay disciplined in the classroom and balance athletics and academics in a way that makes both manageable.  I have succeeded because my coaches and teachers all support both school and extracurriculars programs.” 

As the spring season gets started, there are already several reasons to celebrate athletic programs across the district. Here are some of the celebrations recognized so far this year: 

• Williams Field High School volleyball player Colten Mortensen won the U18 Beach World Championship Qualifier over summer. Colten and his brother Gavin Mortensen later brought home the inaugural AIA Division I State Pairs Championship in boys beach volleyball 

• Sossaman Middle School 8th grade student Trenton Mason won his weight class at the East Valley Championship Wrestling Tournament in September. 

• Higley High School’s head football coach, Eddy Zubey, was been named the 6A Central Region Coach of the Year. 

• Higley High swimmer Grant Kellis won the 200 Freestyle at the 2025 Division I Swim and Dive State Championship. He was also named to the All-State Swim Team. 

• Sossaman Middle School 7th-grade student Camryn Kellogg won the East Valley Conference Championship in Cross Country, defeating 146 other runners to claim the championship title. 

• Sossaman Middle School Show Cheer won the State Championship. 

As Higley Schools celebrate these successes and look forward to more this spring, these programs reflect the district’s commitment to developing well-rounded students through teamwork, athleticism, and competitive spirit.