South Jersey high school wins state championships in football and tennis: ‘You dream of these moments’

A South Jersey high school is celebrating big this Thanksgiving after several of its fall sports teams won their respective state championships.

First up: the Shawnee High School Girls Tennis Team. For the first time in school and district history, the team is adding “state champions” to its name.

“We pushed each other to do better. I think we always practiced a lot and we always tried to give 100%,” said Sofia Basto-Cabrera, state champion for the girls tennis team.

The hardware didn’t stop there. The Shawnee Girls and Boys soccer teams also won the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association [NJSIAA] Group III State Championship.

With an undefeated season, the girls soccer team became the first in school history to take home the top prize.

“I’m so very proud of everyone and I love all the girls. Our connection and chemistry is crazy and I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” said Eva Matesich, girls soccer champion.

All three teams presented their trophies to the school at the start of the annual “Turkey Trot,” which brings out all students for a pep rally, relays and more.

“You dream about these moments and it was just an amazing feeling. Words can’t really honestly describe it,” said Jacob Santamaria, boys soccer champion.

A dream that came true not once, not twice, but three times for Shawnee High School this fall – and for all these student-athletes.