It’s been a banner year for Westminster Public Schools athletics, one of the most successful in recent history.

Four teams — boys football, boys soccer, girls softball, and girls volleyball — all punched their tickets to the playoffs this fall, showcasing the growing strength and depth of the district’s athletic programs.

The football and volleyball teams won their league titles and football coach Chris Helbig and soccer coach Martin Fuentes have been selected as league coaches of the year. Helbig was profiled earlier this year in a What’s Up WPS story tracking his career from standout high school athlete to professional football player in Europe and back to high school athletics.

Though the seasons have now concluded, with football and volleyball falling in hard-fought playoff battles over the weekend, there’s no shortage of pride across the district. Each team’s success represents years of investment in player development, community engagement, and coaching excellence — and much of that momentum can be traced to the district’s innovative Westy Futures program.

Launched eight years ago, the Westy Futures program has become the foundation of Westminster’s athletic resurgence. The program introduces organized sports to students as early as kindergarten and continues through middle school, giving young athletes a strong foundation in both skill and teamwork long before they reach high school competition.

“Westy Futures has truly changed the landscape for Westminster athletics,” said Gabe Trujillo, Director of Athletics and Activities. “We’re seeing the payoff now because our student-athletes are entering high school more prepared, more confident, and more competitive than ever.”

The program’s reach is impressive: roughly 1,500 student-athletes participate annually in leagues, tournaments, and camps. The initiative has built success from the ground up, with middle school teams regularly capturing league titles and future varsity stars developing through structured play.

In recent years, those efforts have translated into consistent high school playoff appearances across multiple sports:

• Girls basketball made the state playoffs four straight years (2019–2023)
• Girls volleyball earned state berths in 2020, 2021
• Girls softball advanced to the state playoffs in 2024 and won a playoff game

Building a Culture of Success

Behind the scenes, Westminster’s coaches and athletic directors have played a key role, organizing off-season development opportunities and strengthening communication with families. The Westy Futures program has also made major strides in community engagement, with an active social media presence, professional outreach, and a dedicated website that keeps families informed and connected.

“This is about building a culture of pride and opportunity,” Trujillo added. “We’ve focused on consistency, communication, and giving our kids something to believe in. The results speak for themselves.”

Even as the final whistles of the fall season fade, Westminster athletes and fans alike have reason to celebrate. From the gridiron to the volleyball court, WPS teams proved that the district is becoming a force across Colorado prep sports — and the future looks brighter than ever.

As Trujillo put it: “We’re not just building teams. We’re building generations of champions.”