King’s Fork High School athletics had a big year this year, with two teams reaching the state level, and other teams are looking forward to joining them next year.

The girls’ basketball team reached the state championship for the first time in school history. In the spring, the girls’ soccer team reached the state tournament for the first time in school history and for the first time in Suffolk public schools history.

It is a testament to how hard the athletes work at King’s Fork and how versatile they are, as many athletes play multiple sports. A third sport also could have been added this year after the softball team was two scores away from reaching the state tournament — which, like the other two sports, was going to be the first time in school history.

It is the first time the King’s Fork community has seen multiple teams make it to the state tournament in a single school year. Knowing how close various teams are to turning the corner, it has excited the community. Athletic Director Randy Jessee said he has never seen anything like this so far in his tenure at King’s Fork but was excited about what’s to come.

“I think we made strides in the overall athletic program,” Jessee said. “I am very happy with the continued success and improvement from our student-athletes and coaches. We have a very dedicated group of young people and coaches who are striving to be the best they can be on and off the field.”

Girls basketball coach Maurice Fofana has had the Lady Bulldogs in state contention in each of the last two seasons. He is excited about the success his team has been able to have. However, he is also proud of the direction other King’s Fork programs are going in.

“I’m looking forward to a lot of the other programs coming along,” Fofana said. “We have some very good athletes at King’s Fork all across the board. It doesn’t surprise me that our other teams are doing well, because I know the type of athletes we have at our school.”

Mike Marston, the girls’ soccer coach, has enjoyed all the success the soccer team has had this season. He knows how hard the student-athletes work. In fact, he feels that seeing other King’s Fork teams having success is motivating. Earlier this month, when the Lady Bulldogs were headed to Roanoke College for the 4A state tournament, Marston mentioned that seeing the girls’ basketball team successful was motivating.

“We all saw what the basketball team did and effort they gave and we used that as somewhat of a rallying cry,” he said. “This was an unmatched era at King’s Fork High School specifically the girls’ programs.”