West Seattle, Washington
17 Tuesday
Championship season isn’t over yet for winter high-school sports. We have word today of another local athlete who’s competing at state – here’s the announcement:
West Seattle resident and O’Dea High School junior Marcelo Slye is headed to the 3A State Diving Championship this Friday, February 20th. The competition will take place at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.
Marcelo earned his spot at state after an impressive second-place finish at the WIAA Metro League Competition last week. His strong performance secured his advancement to the state-level competition and capped off a standout season.
Remarkably, Marcelo only began diving two years ago, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Giovanni. In a short time, he has developed into one of the top competitors in the region.
Teammates, coaches, and the entire O’Dea community are proud of Marcelo’s accomplishments. Special recognition goes to Coach Chris Sellers for his dedication and commitment to supporting student-athletes both in and out of the pool.
Best of luck to Marcelo and Coach Sellers as they represent O’Dea on the state stage.
Just a few months before the Seahawks won the Super Bowl, the Mariners won the Divisional Championship. Now this year’s season is in sight, with the M’s playing their first spring-training game in Arizona in six days. It’s also time to snap up a regular-season ticket deal that also benefits the West Seattle High School baseball team, if you haven’t already. Here’s the reminder:
West Seattle Day at T-Mobile Park – Support WSHS BaseballJoin all of West Seattle at T-Mobile park as the Mariners take on the Mets June 2nd at 6:40 pm. These are the best tickets in town at only $30 for lower level and $20 for the upper level!
Proceeds help support West Seattle High School Baseball and our opportunity to play at T-Mobile Park!
Each year, only 20 high school programs across the region are invited to participate in the Mariners Baseball Classic, an opportunity that allows student-athletes to play on an MLB field. West Seattle was one of the first schools ever included — and staying in the Classic is something our players must earn every year.
That’s where West Seattle Day at T-Mobile Park comes in.
The WSHS Baseball program is hosting a Mariners ticket fundraiser for the Mariners vs. New York Mets on Tuesday, June 2 at 6:40 PM. Ticket sales directly fund the program and secure West Seattle’s spot in the Mariners Baseball Classic which is free for the whole community to attend.
100 Level: $30 | 300 Level: $20
Can’t attend? Tickets can be gifted or donated to local organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, community centers, and youth baseball/softball programs (like WSLL and WSBB) — spreading the love and the game across West Seattle.
Let’s fill the stands in blue, cheer loud, and show the Mariners what West Seattle support looks like.
*Buy tickets here: WSHS Baseball – M’s Ticket Sales Fundraiser
*Share the link with friends, family, and coworkersSee you at T-Mobile Park.
While the region’s attention focused on football these past several hours, we have news from the two local teams playing what much of the rest of the world knows as football – West Seattle Junction FC and West Seattle Rhodies FC. Their full schedules for this season are now out, as announced by the teams’ owners.
The season starts at home – Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – with a doubleheader, both teams playing, on May 10th. Details on the Junction FC season are here; details on the Rhodies FC season are here. The schedule announcements also mean single-match tickets are on sale.
11:29 AM: It’s on – the Seahawks‘ Super Bowl victory parade (starting half an hour later than planned)! If you’re not there, you can watch here. Pics and updates to come.
11:51 AM: The vehicles are finally on 4th Avenue.
12:08 PM: Ground-level sights from Ian:
The parade is over, where it began – the 4th/Washington camera shows the crowd dispersing. But it’s just arriving in the heart of downtown – the Seahawks Dancers and Blue Thunder leading the way.
12:35 PM: After an hour, the parade is now passing through the north end of the route, as shown by the 4th/Virginia traffic cam, a few blocks south of the announced end at 4th/Cedar.
1:12 PM: It’s officially over. Next season’s schedule isn’t out yet, but here are some hints.
1:37 PM: Thanks to Steven Rice for this pic of an offshore show during the parade:
ADDED: A view from Lora, toward the south end of the route:
And from a texter, at the train station near Lumen Field, one of many nostalgic jerseys:
Planning to take the West Seattle Water Taxi to get downtown for Wednesday’s Seahawks victory parade? Not only will the boat(s) keep filling up, heading out, heading back, and repeating as often as it takes to get everyone across the bay (and, afterward, back), the Water Taxi shuttle buses will add service too. A spokesperson tells WSB, “West Seattle Water Taxi Shuttle routes 773 and 775 will have extra service on Wednesday 2/11/2026 between 8 AM and 4 PM for the Seahawks Victory Parade, with additional buses departing about 15 minutes after normally scheduled trips, as well as extra service between 9:00 am and 10:30 am.” The shuttle buses are free but the Water Taxi itself is not, so you’re reminded to be ready for that. Metro also is running shuttles downtown and has updated its parade-day-transit post with info on that. (Reminder that we’ll have extra coverage tomorrow morning too with transit/traffic info including updates from the Water Taxi dock at Seacrest.)
(WSB reader photo from February 5, 2014, paradegoers catching C Line in Junction)
We’ll be out tomorrow morning reporting on paradegoers outbound from West Seattle but we ourselves probably won’t be joining the blue-and-green crush on the other side of the bay, so in the year-round WSB spirit of community collaboration, we’re hoping to get a pic from you and/or some of the West Seattle 12s who will be there too, as we did in 2014 (as shown here). It’s as much about the crowd than the players – see anybody with awesome gear (maybe even your crew)? Super sign? Text our hotline 206-293-6302 or email westseattleblog@gmail.com when you can – thank you in advance and have fun!
More sports news before the night is out: Two more local students bowled in state competition today. At the girls’ 1A/2A championships, two Chief Sealth International High School bowlers were there as individual competitors. Of the 105 bowlers from all over the state, Sealth’s Claire Chao finished 33rd. with 838 pins in six gaes, while Sealth’s Elizabeth Andrews finished 43rd, with 818.
Got a youth-soccer player age 8 to 12 in the household? Here’s a free opportunity during next week’s mid-winter break!
Junction & Rhodies FC, FREE Mid-Winter Break Soccer Clinic
Looking for a fun, active way to spend mid-winter break? WS Junction & Rhodies FC, in conjunction with their project Open Goal, is excited to invite youth players ages 8–12 to a FREE Mid-Winter Break Soccer Clinic at Walt Hundley Field on February 19 and 20!
In partnership with the Northwest Soccer Foundation and King County Council District 8, this two-day clinic is all about keeping kids moving, building skills, and celebrating the joy of the game—no matter their experience level.
What to Expect
Age-appropriate coaching focused on fundamentals, confidence, and teamwork led by Club coaching staff.
-Skill stations, small-sided games, and plenty of touches on the ball
-Positive, inclusive environment led by experienced coaches
-Completely FREE to participateClinic Details
Who: Youth players ages 8–12
When: February 19 & 20
Where: Walt Hundley Field
Cost: Free
This free 2 -day clinic represents an important partnership with King County District 8 “Get Active, Stay Active” grant program. Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda noted, “I’m proud to support the Junction and Rhodies FC as they work toward expanding access to games and clinics for the young footballers of D8. This work is more important than ever as soccer fever descends upon our region with the World Cup coming in just a few months. We need more opportunities for our kiddos to get outside, get active and be in positive spaces to build community and lead healthy lives and this work does just that.”
Registration is required on the Club’s website event calendar: REGISTER HERE
If you’re a Seattle Public Schools student or staffer, and/or have one in your household, you’ve likely already seen this, but for those who have not, here’s the official SPS word on Wednesday:
Dear SPS Families,
Seattle is buzzing with excitement as we celebrate the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory! Moments like this bring our city together, spark pride across generations, and remind us of the power of shared experiences in our community.
As the city plans celebrations, including a victory parade planned for Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m., we want families to know that Seattle Public Schools will remain open with the normal early-release Wednesday schedule.
Keeping schools open is an important part of maintaining stability, safety, and continuity for our students. For many families, schools provide not only learning, but also meals, transportation, specialized services, and trusted routines. Remaining open allows us to support students’ academic progress while ensuring essential services continue for those who rely on them.
Please note:
-Attendance policies will remain in effect, and parade attendance will not be considered an excused absence.
-Families should plan ahead for possible traffic or transit impacts, particularly near the parade route.
-Schools will continue instruction and student services.We encourage families to celebrate this historic moment in ways that work best for your household, while also helping us keep learning strong across the district.
Thank you for your partnership and support as we balance celebration with our shared commitment to students.
Go Hawks!
Fred Podesta
Chief Operations Officer
Seattle Public Schools
(Podesta was interim superintendent until Ben Shuldiner started work last week.) In 2014, according to our archived coverage, then-superintendent José Banda let individual principals decide whether to excuse students – but that was a change of heart after the original announcement that nobody would be excused.
(Reader photo, February 2014)
That was what it looked like at Seacrest as Seahawks victory parade-goers lined up to catch the West Seattle Water Taxi on February 5, 2014 – we had ongoing outbound travel coverage that day, as we will this Wednesday, plus reader pics from the 700,000+ parade crowd. Here’s what Metro says so far about Wednesday transit plans – relevant excerpts from their regional news release:
Get ready to celebrate with the Super Bowl winning Seattle Seahawks by taking transit to be part of the festivities!
All of the regional transit agencies – Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit and Washington State Ferries – will be working together to ensure that fans will be able to get to and from the parade route along Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle. …
Travel early, stay late
With hundreds of thousands of people expected downtown we expect demand to skyrocket on transit and at area parking garages – so we’re putting more service on the streets, the rails and the water to help. Many buses will also be on reroute so riders may need to transfer to bus shuttles or light rail to reach downtown destinations.
We encourage people, including those coming downtown for work, to please travel early and allow additional travel time. Patience will be your best teammate on Wednesday.
But before you go, please make a plan: Travel early and review your transit options and prepare to be flexible. And after the big event, fans are encouraged to spend some time downtown to spread out demand while transit works hard to carry everybody back home.
Transit can bring you to the events
Times have changed since the last Super Bowl parade in 2014. The Sound Transit Link 1 Line now stretches from Lynnwood to Federal Way and tens of thousands of people now can travel more quickly and easily to the celebration.
Sound Transit will be operating 1 Line trains every (6) six minutes from 5 a.m. through 6 p.m., and Sounder service will operate an additional four trips, with three trains on the S Line from Lakewood and Tacoma and one on the N Line from Everett.
Metro bus service, Seattle Streetcars, Kitsap Fast Ferries, and additional Water Taxi service will also bring more riders to downtown Seattle.
Parade, street closures will affect transit service
The City of Seattle plans to close several downtown streets early Wednesday before the parade begins on Fourth Avenue. King County Metro plans to reroute bus service starting around 5 a.m. and until the streets reopen after the parade. Many buses that usually travel through downtown will pick up and drop off riders at hubs north and south of downtown. East-west buses that usually cross Fourth Avenue also will be rerouted, meaning riders should plan to potentially walk or roll a few blocks to reach their destinations. Riders are encouraged to review these changes on Metro’s service advisories page.
Your best resource on how to use transit to get downtown will be from the transit system you use. Go to the website of your favorite mode of transport to get more information on transit to the parade. …
King County Metro
To keep service moving reliably, these key changes are planned:
Special shuttles: To keep riders moving within the Seattle downtown core, special north-south shuttles will operate, and riders are encouraged to use Link 1 Line trains in the transit tunnel to travel through the downtown core. More details and a map of Metro’s parade day shuttle will be posted online as soon as possible.
Metro, Sound Transit and Community Transit buses coming from the north plan to drop off riders at the north end of downtown Seattle. A planned hub at Mercer Street and Queen Anne Avenue will allow riders to connect to a Second Avenue circulator shuttle into the central business district. This shuttle will operate on the west side of the parade via Second and Third avenues and travel to and from Cherry Street. A second rider hub is planned at Boren Avenue and Pike Street and will connect riders to a shuttle that will operate on the east side of the parade route and travel on Boren Avenue to South Jackson Street.
Metro, Sound Transit and Pierce Transit buses coming from the Eastside and the south end plan to drop off riders near SODO and Stadium stations, where riders can board the 1 Line, walk or roll to the parade route, or take bus routes traveling farther north. Shuttle buses will be available north of South Jackson Street. A map of shuttle connections will be posted online.
East-west bus routes will be unable to cross the Fourth Avenue parade route and will be rerouted, with details posted on Metro’s Service Advisories web page prior to the event. …
King County Water Taxi: Additional Water Taxi sailings are planned on Wednesday to accommodate fans coming from Vashon and West Seattle, with a third vessel available if needed.
We’re checking for more specifics (here’s what they did in 2014, for example) and will add when/if available.
ADDED 12:22 PM: Metro spokesperson Al Sanders elaborates, “This will be a dynamic day and Marine will have staff and vessels ready to support and will be continually evaluating/adapting service as best they can. The decision on the third boat will be based on available space at pier 50 and volume of people in the moment. Marine will already be running more frequent service with our larger primary vessels. For awareness: Kitsap Transit will be also running additional service on multiple routes.” That’s one big change from 2014 – the Water Taxi’s downtown dock at Pier 50 is shared by more vessels, with the Kitsap Transit runs. The downtown dock was upgraded and reopened in 2019.
(First and last photos courtesy WSHS Softball)
Hours before the Seahawks took the field in California, members of the West Seattle High School softball team took the field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. Their mission this morning: A skills clinic for younger players.
(This photo and next three by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand)
They taught two groups, separated by skill level and experience.
This is not only a mentoring opportunity – it’s a fundraiser; the entry fees go to the WSHS Booster Club to fund team needs that the school budget doesn’t cover.
The clinic has been held since 2021, originally the idea of WSHS player Kamil Ygnacio, now an alum, but her sister Kaila led today’s event with her team co-captain Kenzie (they’re at L and R below with head coach Kyler Tsukada):
The fastpitch varsity team has another fundraiser this week that’s open to all, a dine-out fundraiser Wednesday (February 11), 5-9 pm, at Chipotle in The Junction – the info and ordering code can be found in our calendar listing. The team’s 2026 season starts in March.
7:24 PM: That of course is what the fireworks are for … Seattle 29, New England 13!
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
7:53 PM: Jim tells us there’s a victory party in The Junction at Walk-all-Ways … when they have the signal! (Added, here’s a screengrab from the California/Alaska traffic camera:)
(And video:)
8:05 PM: For those wondering, KING 5 TV confirms the victory parade will be on 4th Avenue this Wednesday (February 11), northbound from Pioneer Square.
ADDED MONDAY MORNING: The official announcement of a 10 am Wednesday Lumen Field celebration (free tickets required) and 11 am parade on 4th Avenue is here.
As noted earlier this month, the Chief Sealth IHS flag-football team finished third at the district tournament and won a berth at the state championships. Their opening game on Saturday was a tough one – facing top-seeded Lynden in their back yard at Ferndale – and the Seahawks lost 35-0. Congratulations to the team on a great season!
The giant 12 flag is flying tonight at the West Seattle Corporate Center – as it did (after a lot of hoopla) before the Seahawks’ championship win in 2014 – and two of the 11 venues on our Super Bowl party list (for those who haven’t locked in a plan by now) are in line of sight:
OUNCES: The beer garden/taproom at 3809 Delridge Way SW had a Super Bowl party on the calendar even before the Seahawks were locked in for The Big Game – which is probably why their tables are all booked, but they’ve left some space for walk-ins.
THE SKYLARK: Up the block at 3803 Delridge Way SW, The Skylark is opening early for the game, and has announced a special menu. Four screens including the big 120-incher.
The Admiral District has options:
TASTE OF MUMBAI / MUMBAI MOONSHINE: At 2300 California SW, this recently renovated venue will be open at 11 and offering both the family-friendly dining room with “three large TVs” and the 21+ bar as viewing venues.
ADMIRAL PUB: At 2306 California SW, always a popular place to get your sports on. “Two large projector screens”; show up at 1 pm to secure a table.
GOOD SOCIETY: The brewpub at 2701 California SW is offering food and drink specials, from pints to pretzels. Four screens!
On to The Junction:
ALKI MASONIC CENTER: You’re invited to the center’s 2 pm party, with food and drink – they’re off the parking lot at 40th SW and SW Edmunds. Bring $10 donation for the food – or bring an appetizer.
REVELRY ROOM: Open at 1 pm, with food and drink specials. (alley side of 4547 California SW)
POGGIE TAVERN: Watch at West Seattle’s dive bar (4717 California SW)!
CORNER POCKET: 3 pm start. Raffles for Seahawks gear. (California/Alaska)
In Morgan Junction:
BEVERIDGE PLACE PUB: Open at 1 pm with five screens and specials. (6413 California SW)
And on Alki:
SEASIDE GRILL: Noon start for “tailgate party” at 2820 Alki SW, with food and beverage specials.
P,S. Some venues are closing, or closing early, on Sunday; we’ll include the ones we hear about in our Sunday morning event list.
(WSB photo, February 2025 clinic)
Two weeks ago, we told you about tomorrow’s annual skills clinic with West Seattle High School softball-team members mentoring younger players, 7-13. We have an update tonight – it’s on, rain or shine, and the second session has a few openings:
-No rain in the forecast for the morning so far, but since the field is turf, clinic is on, rain or shine!
-Spots still available for the Advanced session starting at 10:15 am. Register online at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/wshs-softball-clinic, or walkups will be accepted if participants can pay via link/QR code or have exact cash.
The clinic’s in the upper field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
Last night was also Senior Night – final home game of the season – at Chief Sealth International High School, whose basketball teams hosted Nathan Hale HS. We weren’t able to get to the girls’ game, which Hale won. Sealth’s senior girls on the roster are Alysse Bland, Mariah Rillo, Dajah Johnson, and Alana Domingo Rago.
For the boys, who defeated Hale 56-52, seniors on the roster include G’Anthony Nichols, Abdullah’ı Yusuf, Judah Doucettperry, and Calvin Washington Jr.
During the game, Doucettperry, #14, led scoring.
Next was #2, Adnaan Mohamed:
#5, Silas Lee, hit two three-pointers:
Shots like. those of course were crowd-pleasers:
Rebounding leader was Washington, #30:
Here’s Nichols. #4, taking a shot:
And Koby Ioane, #11:
Sealth also celebrated Senior Night for the cheer team:
That included senior cheerleader Joyleah Rodrigues:
Senior cheerleader Lyliann Truong:
Senior cheerleader Kimberly Herrera:
Last night’s games were the last one on the season schedule for both Sealth varsity teams.
Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The West Seattle High School boys and girls basketball squads honored their senior athletes on Friday night, as WSHS hosted Roosevelt for back-to-back home games with a senior ceremony prior to each game.
The girls played first, and the seniors are Jhamae Hidalgo, Izzy Baber, and Lucy Parker:
The WSHS senior boys are Jack Aykens, Esayas Brigham, Sully Pond, Tyce Sayles, Lane Anderson, Owen Merta, and James Ko:
In the girls’ game, the visiting Rough Riders (with a strong 19-2 record on the season) got off to a hot start and took a 50-16 lead into halftime, and kept cruising to earn a 78-38 victory over the Wildcats. WSHS was led in scoring by sophomore Ayla Moore with 13 points, followed by freshmen Ella Brown and Edna Tito with 8 points each. On the Roosevelt side, freshman Molly Kirkland poured in 16 points while junior Audrey Richardson added 12.
The boys’ game was a hard-fought battle, with WSHS having the edge in the first half, leading 20-15 after the first period and 27-16 at halftime. In the second half, though, Roosevelt clawed back and tied the game late in the 3rd quarter, taking a 49-47 lead in the final minutes and holding on to top the Wildcats by a score of 55-52. The Wildcats were led by senior Sully Pond with 17 points and junior Gabe Kearney with 8. For Roosevelt, sophomore Jason Dollar notched 18 points and senior Jake Sprangers added 11, and the Rough Riders have a season record of 7-13 as they prepare to face powerhouse Rainier Beach (which played at WSHS in January, featuring the nation’s top player Tyran Stokes) today.
This was the final game of the season for the WSHS girls, who finished 5-14 on the year, and the boys are 5-15 with one game remaining — today (Saturday 2/7) at 2:30 PM at home against Garfield.
Here are some photos of the teams in action, starting with the girls, led by Ayla Moore:
Edna Tito:
Ella Brown:
Junior Seneca Lucas (#10) and senior Lucy Parker (#3):
WSHS girls coach Darnell Taylor and staff:
For the boys, seniors Lane Anderson (#1) and Sully Pond (#2):
Senior Owen Murta:
Junior Tatum Joyner (#5) and Anderson:
Juniors Gabe Kearney (#13) and Tre Samek-Burns (#14):
Senior Esayas Brigham:
WSHS boys coach Rick Ticeson and staff:
At halftime of the girls’ game, the Madison Middle School basketball team (many of which will be future WSHS Wildcats) entertained the crowd with a quick scrimmage:
And the WSHS cheer squad and student section kept the energy high throughout the games:
When the individual bowlers at the 3A state championships were all finished today, the top score – and the title “champion” – belonged to one of West Seattle High School‘s three bowlers in the tournament, Molly Combs! Her score for six games at Bowlero in Tukwila was 1191. Also bowling for WSHS, Violet Higenberg finished 55th of 102 with 785, Madison Miller finished 63rd with 714.
Another West Seattle show of support for the Seahawks, as they get ready to return to the Super Bowl on Sunday (3:30 pm vs. New England) – thanks to Richard Figgins for sharing the photo of Hope Lutheran School students who formed a giant 12 (updated) on the north-campus patio this afternoon!
Actually it might be colder than -12 where those three posed with Seahawks gear while traveling in Antarctica. The photo was sent by former radio journalist Gregg Hersholt, who included the caption: “Three West Seattle residents cheering on the Seahawks in Antarctica. Yours truly, former KOMO-TV meteorologist Seth Wayne, and my wife Maureen. Now we just need to find a way to watch the game!”
Thanks to the texter who sent the photo of their “12th skeleton.” For anyone who hasn’t locked in where they’re watching the Big Game, we’re making a last-minute list of venues with Super Bowl watch parties – please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
As reported here previously, the Chief Sealth IHS flag-football team is in the state tournament, with a must-win game against Lynden in Ferndale at 1 pm Saturday (February 7). Checking other sports, we see five local athletes are in the girls-bowling state tournaments too: In the 3A tournament tomorrow (Friday, February 6), West Seattle HS bowlers Molly Combs, Violet Higenberg, and Madison Miller will compete; in the 2A tournament Monday (February 9), Chief Sealth IHS bowlers Elizabeth Andrews and Claire Chao will compete. Both tournaments are at Bowlero in Tukwila.
Lillie asked us to share this with you:
I am a gymnast at West Seattle High School. We are currently fundraising for new Balance Beam mats, uniforms, and coaching stipends. Here is the Link for our fundraising. If we could get your help I truly believe that we will reach our goal. Any amount of money is really appreciated. GO WILDCATS!
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