Two standout athletes from Harrells Christian Academy have earned one of the highest distinctions in independent school athletics, being named to the NCISAA 2A All-State Teams in their respective sports.
Jesus Bautista – Varsity Boys Soccer
Junior standout Jesus Bautista was selected to the NCISAA 2A All-State Team after an outstanding season leading the Crusaders’ offensive attack. Bautista helped power HCA to a 13–6 overall record and a run to the NCISAA 2A Quarterfinals in Greensboro, where they faced eventual state champion Caldwell Academy.
The Crusaders made history this fall, defeating longtime rival Greenfield for the first time ever, and closing the season as NCISAA 2A CPIC Co-Conference Champions with a 9–1 league record shared with Greenfield Academy.
Playing primarily at striker and across both wings, Bautista delivered 22 goals and six assists, earning Player of the Match honors in six games. He finished the year ranked ninth in the NCISAA 2A division for goals scored and third in the Coastal Plains Independent Conference.
“Captain, All-Conference, All-State, Co-Conference Player of the Year — and all in his junior year of high school,” said HCA Head Coach Tony Arce. “As a coach, once in a while, you come across a player whose love of the game is so great that you can feel it coming off of him. It’s contagious. Jesus’ drive and love for soccer show on and off the field to the point where everyone around him feels it. It is truly a blessing to coach such a fine young man.”
Lilly Kate Rogers – Varsity Girls Tennis
Freshman Lilly Kate Rogers has been named to the NCISAA 2A All-State Team for varsity girls tennis, an honor reserved for the top players in the classification. Competing as HCA’s No. 1 seed, Rogers posted a 14–6 record in singles and found additional success in doubles alongside partner Piper Nelson, a junior.
Rogers’ strong play helped guide the Crusaders to the NCISAA 2A Quarterfinals against Rocky Mount Academy, with the team closing the season at 13–7 overall and 6–4 in the CPIC.
“Lilly Kate is a force on the courts and a positive influence when it comes to good sportsmanship,” said Varsity Tennis Coach Jodie Nelson. “She shows leadership and integrity on the court and at practice with her teammates. Her powerful hits and footwork have been incredible this season and have highly impacted her wins. I am looking forward to seeing her play the next three years.”