We are in the thick of championship season, and our Seahawks and Tides are competing at the highest levels across multiple sports. Some teams are celebrating incredible victories, others are processing the end of their seasons, and many are gearing up for the biggest games of their lives. This is what we have been building toward all season! Let's rally behind our athletes as they chase their goals!

November is when everything matters most. The practices, the conditioning, the setbacks, the growth; it all comes down to these moments. Here's where our teams stand as championship season reaches its peak:

Peninsula High School is sending 7 boys to compete, with 2 additional alternates, plus 4 girls who have earned their spot at state. These athletes have pushed themselves all season, and now they get to race against the best in Washington.

Gig Harbor High School is also sending both boys and girls teams to Pasco. After dominating at the league and district levels, the Tides are ready to compete for state titles.

Cross country is the ultimate test of mental toughness and physical endurance. These athletes have spent months preparing for this moment. Let's send them off with all our support!

The Seahawks are in playoff mode and ready to compete. Tonight's matchup against White River is crucial, and we need the stands packed with support. Let's show them what Seahawk Nation is all about!

The Tides hit the road for a playoff battle at Sedro-Woolley. This is win-or-go-home football at its finest. Travel well, Tides fans: your team needs you!

Both Peninsula and Gig Harbor recently competed at the WCD 3A District Championships at Rogers High School Aquatics Center. Our swimmers and divers put up strong performances, and now qualified athletes are preparing for the ultimate stage.

This is where the fastest swimmers in Washington compete. Our athletes have trained all season for this moment: early mornings, long practices, and relentless focus. Now they get to race on the biggest stage. Good luck to all our state qualifiers!

Both our soccer programs are thriving in postseason play.

Gig Harbor High School is doing really well! They are competing in the District Championship on Saturday, November 8 at Mount Tahoma. The Tides have been on fire, and they're one step away from punching their ticket to the state tournament. This is a huge moment for the program.

Both teams exemplify what it means to peak at the right time. Come out and support our soccer programs as they chase championships!

Peninsula High School is advancing to the next round of state playoffs. These ladies are incredible and their next match will likely be Tuesday, November 11 (time and location TBD based on bracket results). This team has shown incredible resilience and tactical excellence throughout their playoff run.

The Seahawks volleyball season has come to a close. While they didn't advance to state, this team competed with heart all season in one of the toughest leagues in Washington. Every match was a battle, and they represented Peninsula with grit and determination. Thank you for an incredible season, Seahawks!

The Tides are STILL PLAYING! They have advanced to the state tournament and will face Decatur on Friday, November 14 at 5:00 PM at Silas High School. This is a huge accomplishment for the program. Let's pack the gym and show them what Tides Nation is made of!

Water polo may not be WIAA-sanctioned, but make no mistake, this is one of the toughest sports out there.

The Seahawks are fighting for their spot at state RIGHT NOW. They face Rogers tonight, November 7 at 7:05 PM. Win, and they play again at 9:35 PM. If they don't advance tonight, they will have another shot tomorrow at 11:30 AM. This team has worked all season for this moment, let's support them as they battle for a state berth!

The Tides have already punched their ticket to state! They'll compete on Thursday, November 13 at 3:30 PM (location TBD). This is a huge accomplishment for the program, and we are excited to see them represent Peninsula School District at the state level.

Whether a team just lost in the first round or is headed to the championship, one thing is certain: there will be tough moments. What happens next matters more than the moment itself.

Coach Jim Kunau, a longtime athletic director and coach, teaches a powerful principle: "If you're tough on an athlete during practice or a game, find them afterward and close the wound." Athletes need to know that being pushed isn't the same as being punished. When a coach is hard on an athlete in the heat of competition and then walks away without reconnecting, that athlete feels attacked, not coached.

But when a coach pulls an athlete aside afterward and says, "I was tough on you because I know you can do better, and I care about your growth," everything changes. That is closing the wound. It shifts the experience from feeling punished to feeling pushed.

Right now, some Peninsula School District teams are processing the end of their seasons. The disappointment is real and should be acknowledged. This is the moment when coaches and parents can close wounds. Acknowledge the disappointment. Honor the effort. Help athletes see what they gained through the season, not just what they didn't achieve.

Athletes need to know their value is not tied to whether they won or lost. They need to hear that the season mattered because of who they became through it.

For teams still in the hunt, closing wounds quickly is critical. Championship-level performance requires athletes to move forward with confidence, not fear. When an athlete makes a mistake, address it in the moment, but don't leave it there. Follow up. Let them know you still believe in them!

The best coaches understand that athletes play better when they feel supported, not scrutinized. Closing wounds builds trust. And trust is what allows athletes to take risks, play freely, and perform at their highest level.

Parents play a huge role too! After a tough game or disappointing loss, the car ride home matters. Instead of focusing only on what went wrong, parents can:

The goal is not to pretend the loss didn't happen. The goal is to help athletes process it in a healthy way and move forward.

As championship season continues, emotions will run high. There will be moments of greatness and moments of struggle. In all of it, athletes need to know one thing: the adults in their lives care about them, not just their performance.

Close the wound. Have the follow-up conversation. Acknowledge the effort. Honor the growth. That is what transforms a tough moment into a learning opportunity.

We would love to see more middle school parents get involved! This is your chance to share feedback, ask questions, and help shape the future of middle school athletics and activities in Peninsula School District.

Whether your student is currently competing or you're just curious about what middle school sports look like in PSD, we want you at the table. Your voice matters, and we're committed to building programs that serve our students well.

Can't make it in person? Contact your building athletic director to share your thoughts or learn about future meeting opportunities.

While fall playoffs continue, winter sports are already underway, and it is time to get locked in.

Bowling and Cheer have officially begun their seasons. If you are on these teams, make sure you are cleared in FinalForms and ready to go!

All other winter sports—Basketball, Wrestling, Flag Football, Dance, and Boys Swim—begin official practice on Monday, November 17.

You must be fully cleared in FinalForms BEFORE November 17. This includes your physical, all required forms signed, proof of insurance, and Code of Conduct agreement. No clearance = no practice.

Your FinalForms account must show all required trainings complete: CPR/First Aid, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Concussion Management, WIAA General & Sport-Specific Rules Clinics, and SafeSchools. Athletes can't practice until you are cleared.

Mandatory for all coaches who did not attend the August session. If you can't attend, notify your building AD immediately.

⚠️ Reminder: Playoff matchups and times may change based on results and tournament brackets. Stay connected with your coaches and team communications for the latest updates!