Athlete of the Week

 

Introducing our Athletes of the Week program! Each week, Williston coaches nominate one student-athlete from their team who stood out by demonstrating our core values of purpose, passion, and integrity. These athletes show exceptional dedication, leadership, and sportsmanship, both on and off the field, embodying what it means to be a Williston Wildcat. Read below for more information on each of the Athletes of the Week.

 

Sam Dietrich  ’27- Boys JV Basketball

Sam rose to the occasion when it mattered most last week. The ultimate team player, he emerged as a leader when the team faced adversity during a tough loss at Taft on Wednesday. Sam was vocal on and off the court and played with relentless effort—diving for loose balls, playing aggressive defense, and attacking the glass for rebounds. His energy carried through to the next two days of practice, helping lift the team and preparing them for a hard-fought 42-39 victory on Saturday against Deerfield. Statistics never tell the full story, and there isn’t a stat to measure leadership by example. Sam was the truest example of this last week. The Cats will continue to look to Sam for his leadership and hustle as they look to finish the season strong.

 Jonas Auguste ’27 – Boys 3rds Basketball

Jonas put up 18 points in the Wildcats loss against Loomis last week, including 12 in the first half to keep his team in the game early. But beyond the points, Jonas’s hustle on defense and the glass went a long way as the team tried to battle and stay in it. His consistent effort and strong play on ends of the floor helps to raise the level of competition from each of his teammates. Jonas is developing into a real leader that keeps everyone else focused and locked in. His teammates and coaches will rely on him as they head into the back half of the season.

Stella Michalski ’25- Girls Varsity Basketball

Stella has been an outstanding leader this winter for the girls varsity basketball team.  After a prolonged absence earlier in the season, the return of the senior captain has been a big factor in the team’s strong play in recent weeks.  In the past two weeks the Wildcats are 3-1, with convincing wins over Deerfield, Westminster, and Miss Hall’s.  Stella’s perimeter shooting, strong defense, and heads up play has helped during games, but her positive attitude, hard work, and support for every one of her teammates during each practice has made her invaluable to the team’s progress and cohesion.  Stella’s leadership on and off the court will be a cornerstone of the Wildcats’ efforts to finish the season on a strong note in the coming weeks.

Casey Connor ’26- Boys Varsity Hockey

Casey has been an integral part of the boys varsity hockey program all season. He brings to the team an infectious positive attitude and work ethic that makes those around him better, and he is the epitome of a team player. Over the weekend, Casey got the first start of his Williston career and stopped all shots he faced, earning a shutout. His team will continue to rely on him for his positive attitude and team first mentality.

Michael Saliba ’25- Boys JV Hockey

As a senior and seasoned veteran co-captain of the boys JV hockey team, Michael is a steady and reliable presence for every practice and game. Throughout his time at Williston, Michael has been a talented goalie whose excellent play has kept his team in many games. His skill and dedication has been consistent throughout the season and Michael has been a role model for his teammates through his hard work and sportsmanship in practices and games. Michael will play a key role in the team’s success in the final stretch of the season. As a senior, Michael has been a big part of the fun we have as a team every season regardless of wins or losses. Michael will be missed next year as his spirit and strong play have been invaluable.

Violet Carroll ’25- Girls Varsity Hockey

Violet has been an exceptional contributor to the girls varsity hockey team this season, showing leadership both on and off the ice. This past weekend, she put up 8 points, including 2 goals and 6 assists across the team’s two games. Her third point on Friday night against Austin Prep marked her 100th career point, making her the 11th player in our program to reach this milestone. What makes this achievement even more impressive is that she’s accomplished it after playing two seasons as a defenseman. Violet consistently brings positive energy and a competitive spirit to the team, and her teammates and coaches look forward to her continued leadership in the final four weeks of our season.

Emma Hwang ’27- Girls Varsity Squash

Emma has had a great season for girls varsity squash which continued this weekend as she earned a 3-0 victory over Canterbury on Saturday. In her first match as a starter, Emma toughed out three tight sets, including a 12-10 second set, to secure the victory. In addition to this victory, Emma always shows great enthusiasm for her teammates during matches, consistently bringing positivity to her conversations with players in between sets and cheering for the rest of the team. The Wildcats will continue to rely on Emma as they work through the back half of the season.

Nevin Conroy ’25- Boys Varsity Squash

Nevin’s leadership over his time at Williston has been indispensable as a co-captain for the squad. Nevin is the type of captain who is never satisfied, always wanting to train more, add new shots, and improve the program in any way possible. Playing at #1 singles is not easy when competing in their league. Nevin keeps a level head, approaching each match as a chance to learn. Williston Squash is growing which is due in large part to Nevin’s steadfast and amicable leadership. The Wildcats will continue to rely on Nevins leadership and strong play as they look to finish the season strong.

June Schneider ’26- Girls JV Squash

June is a newcomer to the sport of squash, bringing a positive attitude and a strong willingness to learn. She has demonstrated dedication and commitment by staying after practice and games to refine her skills and making the effort to visit the courts on weekends during her free time. Her progress is evident—she has developed an impressive serve, improved her drives and forehand, and continues to refine her backhand. She is consistently punctual, prepared to play, and actively seeks and applies feedback. During matches, she displays strong determination and has already secured more than three victories this season. Her coach appreciates all that she has contributed and looks forward to watching her continued growth.