Sports

Senior Bryan Jarquin wins a header in Highlands men’s soccer’s season opener at Franklin Aug. 14.

Highlanders drop hard-fought season opener

News Staff

Thursday, August 21, 2025

The season is underway for Highlands men’s soccer. On Thursday, Aug. 14, the Highlanders traveled to Franklin to kick off the year with their in-county rivals. After several blowout losses to the Panthers in recent years, the visitors held their own in a narrow 4-2 defeat.

The Highlands Hurricanes team is all smiles after an all star win.

Highlands Hurricanes win 2025 MSL All Star Meet

News Staff

Thursday, August 7, 2025

On Saturday, July 19, the Highlands Hurricanes traveled to the new Jackson County Aquatics Center to swim in the 2025 Mountain Swim League All Star Meet against Franklin Amateur Swim Team, Jackson County Swim Team, Cherokee County Aquatics Club, and Smoky Mountain Aquatics Club - based in...

The Highlands Hurricanes boys team beat Franklin 300.5 to 290

Hurricanes score win at MSL Conference meet

News Staff

Thursday, July 24, 2025

On Saturday, July 12, the Highlands Hurricanes traveled to Franklin for the 2025 MSL (Mountain Swim League) Conference Championships, only this time the results were different. For the first time in decades , maybe ever the Highlands boys team beat Franklin 300.5 to 290.

This year’s pickleball tournament saw a record turnout of players.

Pickleball Tournament makes an epic return

News Staff

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

This year’s Highlands Pickleball Tournament kicked off to an enthusiastic start this weekend, in which a record turnout of players showed up to embrace some community spirit. The event, which is sponsored by Mountaintop Rotary, serves as the second tournament put together by the organization.

Conner Hughes in action against the Jackson County Swim Team.

Hurricanes swim to victory

News Staff

Thursday, July 10, 2025

On Thursday, June 26, the Highlands Hurricanes traveled to the new Jackson County Recreation Pool in Cullowhee and swam against JCST (Jackson County Swim Team). The Hurricanes won 572-437.

Hurricanes post wins in Waynesville

News Staff

Thursday, June 26, 2025

On Thursday, June 19, the Highlands Hurricanes Swim Team traveled to Waynesville to swim against SMAC (Smoky Mountain Aquatics Club). SMAC won 2730 to 2273. The Hurricanes swam well.

The Hurricanes performed well in Franklin.

Hurricanes dive into season

News Staff

Thursday, June 12, 2025

On Thursday, June 4, the 42 members of the Highlands Hurricanes had their first meet of the Summer 2025 season in Franklin vs FAST (Franklin Amateur Swim Team). Though they outscored Franklin approximately 17 to 6 points per swimmer, the much larger Franklin team won 883 to 710.

Highlands’ Miley Zagal-Damien (8) tries to cut off Rabun Gap’s Alice Haney (5) as she looks to get a shot off during their game on Tuesday.

Highlanders ground Eagles

News Staff

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Highlands took control of the ball early, tallied a first-half goal, and held up defensively in the second half of a 2-0 win over visiting Rabun Gap on Tuesday night.

Hurricanes win first swim meet at Jackson Aquatic Center

News Staff

Thursday, March 20, 2025

On Saturday, March 15, two dozen Highlands Hurricanes traveled to Cullowhee to swim in the first meet ever in the new Jackson County Aquatics Center. The Hurricanes prevailed 356 to 289 over the Jackson County Swim Team. The Hurricanes were led by Jr.

Highlands’ boys varsity swim team took part in the 1-A state swim meet in Cary on Saturday. The team consists of Jack Sumner, Paolo McRae, Jesus Mendoza, Finneaus Garner and Aniah McKim. They are coached by Steve Hott.

Highlanders swim at state meet in Cary

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Highlands varsity swim team dove in with the best teams in the state at the NC High School Athletic Association 1-A/2-A State Championships on Saturday. The Highlanders left their mark at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary. The boys team finished 34th out of 228 schools designated 1-A/2-A.