Upcoming Perspective for Foothill Area - Whitney looks forward to increased playoff possibilities with fresh league competitors
Whitney High School, a prominent institution under the Visalia Unified School District, boasts a rich athletics history, particularly in track and softball [1][5]. The school's journey through various athletic leagues has led it to the upcoming Foothill Area re-leaguing, scheduled to commence in the 2026-2027 school year.
This re-leaguing, designed to balance competition and foster new rivalries, will see Whitney High and former Academy League member, Oxford Academy, join the 20-school 605 League, Del Rio League, Gateway League, and Mid-Cities League [2][4].
Marlene Jollensten, co-athletic director at Whitney High, has expressed her openness to this new conference, as it aligns with the school's values [3]. She is eager to forge new rivalries with schools in the new conference and continue building relationships with the athletic directors from the other participating schools.
The impact of the Foothill Area re-leaguing on Whitney High athletics for the 2026-2027 school year is anticipated to be significant. With the new league structure, Whitney teams may enjoy more playoff opportunities, providing a better chance to qualify for postseason competition [4].
Additionally, the new league opponents may vary in competitiveness and style, presenting fresh challenges and requiring adjustments for Whitney’s athletic programs. The re-leaguing aims to promote balanced and competitive matchups across various sports, which could raise the level of play for Whitney athletes while also increasing local engagement in games [4].
However, Jollensten acknowledges logistical issues as a challenge for the upcoming school year, including double meetings due to the new conference and current league duties. She is unsure which sports will benefit or not benefit with the new conference until the upcoming school year.
Whitney High has had a successful run in the 605 League, winning eight titles since 2021, with three coming in the 2024-2025 school year [6]. The school moved into the Academy League after the 2001-2002 school year and became more competitive in major sports as a member of the 605 League [7].
Despite the discontinuation of the girls soccer program since the 2019-2020 season due to insufficient numbers, the school strives to bring it back every year [8]. The baseball program also faced challenges coming out of the pandemic, leading to its temporary discontinuation until 2024 [9].
The farthest Whitney would travel in the new conference is 13 and a half miles to Firebaugh High, which is shorter than their travel distance in the 605 League [10]. This reduction in travel distances could potentially alleviate some logistical challenges faced by the school.
A meet and greet amongst the 20-plus athletic directors is scheduled for Aug. 1, with the first official meeting most likely on Sept. 4 [11]. As the school prepares for this new chapter, the community eagerly awaits the start of the 2026-2027 school year, filled with new rivalries, competitive play, and exciting opportunities for Whitney High's athletics program.
The upcoming Foothill Area re-leaguing, commencing in the 2026-2027 school year, will bring new opportunities for Whitney High's sports teams, including more playoff opportunities and a chance to compete against schools from the Del Rio League, Gateway League, Mid-Cities League, and 605 League. Marlene Jollensten, co-athletic director at Whitney High, anticipates this new conference to help raise the level of play for Whitney athletes while also increasing local engagement in games, such as community news events related to sports.
