Triple Crown Triumph: Lady Cardinals soar into McClave history books
In what can only be described as one of the most unforgettable athletic years in Colorado high school sports history, the McClave Lady Cardinals etched their names in glory, clinching the elusive Triple Crown with state championships in volleyball, basketball, and track & field. It was a journey marked by grit, growth, and an unshakable belief that nothing was impossible.
A Cinderella Start: Volleyball Sparks the Fire
It all began in the fall with a volleyball team that wasn't supposed to win it all. Labeled underdogs entering the postseason, the Lady Cardinals faced a brutal gauntlet of championship contenders including perennial powerhouses Stratton and Fleming. But it was their stunning upset over the tournament favorite, Merino, that announced McClave had arrived and wasn’t backing down. The volleyball title ignited a spark that would carry into the winter months and the state took notice.
McClave Volleyball State Champions
Volleyball 2024-2025 State Champions-McClave School Photo
Refuse to Lose: Basketball Battles to Glory
Basketball season brought new challenges, but the Lady Cardinals brought the same relentless energy. Despite injuries, close calls, and doubters, McClave powered through a competitive field, leaning on their defense, discipline, and a refuse to lose mentality they adopted in volleyball. Every test only forged stronger bonds. From clutch free throws to late-game heroics, the Cardinals weathered the storm and lifted their second state title of the school year.
McClave Basketball State Champions
State Basketball 2024-2025 State Champions- McClave School Photo
The Final Chapter: Track & Field Seals the Deal
Spring arrived with whispers; could they actually do it? Could McClave complete the rare and coveted Triple Crown? The odds were steep. Powerhouse programs like Merino, Idalia, and Cheyenne Wells stood in their path. PR performances by relays and individual events lit the fuse. It was a performance that shifted belief into overdrive.
As the final event approached, the 4x400 relay, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. McClave needed to beat just one team to secure a tie for the championship. With hearts pounding and the entire season on the line, the relay squad delivered. In a dramatic finish, McClave tied with Idalia to earn the state track & field title and seal the Triple Crown.
McClave Track State Champions
State Track 2024-2025 Champions- McClave School Photo
A Legacy Cemented
It’s a feat so rare it will be talked about for generations in McClave: three state championships, one school year, one unforgettable team.
At the heart of it all was senior Emily Melgoza, the team’s lone graduating senior to earn the Triple Crown and the embodiment of Cardinal pride. Her towering blocks in volleyball, lockdown defense in basketball, and relentless drive in track were crucial to McClave’s success. But it was her leadership, humility, and positive energy that truly set her apart.
“Emily led by example in every sport, every practice,” said one coach. “She didn’t just set the bar, she raised it.”
Though McClave will continue to be a force in athletics, the legacy of the 2024 - 2025 Lady Cardinals and the impact of leaders like Melgoza will remain unmatched.
Emily Melgoza
Photo: Emily Melgoza
The Final Word
Triple crowns don’t happen by accident. They happen when belief meets preparation, when talent meets heart. And in McClave this year, those ingredients came together in perfect harmony.
Congratulations to the McClave Lady Cardinals - 2025 Triple Crown Champions. Let the banners fly, and let history remember the year McClave soared.
