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.
James Courtney ’25- Boys Varsity Cross Country
James has proven himself to be an asset to this year’s cross-country team. Though new to xc, he is a talented track runner who has easily transitioned to the longer distance races. James was the third fastest Williston runner in the meet at NMH and was a significant factor in the team’s success. He works hard and is a great teammate. The Wildcats are very excited to watch James continue to develop this season.
Izzy Smith ’28-Boys JV Cross Country
Izzy had a great race against NMH last Saturday for boys JV cross country. He has been working hard since the start of the season and has been making steady improvement every day. Izzy has a great attitude and brings tremendous positivity to the team. He is poised to have a great season for the Wildcats.
Lucy Hoyt ’25- Girls Varsity Cross Country
Lucy, a captain for the varsity cross country team, has had a great start to the season for the Wildcats. She finished third in the team’s quad meet this past weekend against NMH, Suffield, and Worcester, tackling a tough, hilly course with impressive determination. Her commitment to improving her strengths and her willingness to learn set a great example for her teammates. Lucy’s leadership and encouragement will be vital to the team’s success this season.
Malaya Anaba ’25- Varsity Field Hockey
This season, Malaya has stepped into a full-time playing role at center back. After being injured for much of last season, Malaya has come into the season confident and with an unmatched work ethic. She is always ready to push everyone else on the team by working incredibly hard and giving everything her absolute best effort. In the team’s first two games, Malaya has been the difference maker. She commands the backfield with a sense of purpose and control, even in moments of pressure. Against BB&N, Malaya put her body on the line, diving across the goal line to save a ball from going in during overtime. Her team has been so lucky to see Malaya come into her own as a field hockey player, and her coaches cannot wait to watch what else the season has in store for her!
Jameson Dion ’25- Varsity Football
Jameson did it all Saturday night in the Wildcats 38-14 win over Andover in front of a great crowd! Defensively, Dion was all over the field finishing with 7 tackles, one for a loss. On the ground he rushed for 32 yards and a touchdown while also catching 3 passes for 57 yards. He also rushed for a 71-yard touchdown that was called back due to a penalty. Jameson works incredibly hard each day to put himself and therefore his team in the best position possible to win. His teammates and coaches will continue to rely on him as they move through the rest of their competitive season.
Jack Choo ’27- JV Football
In the JV football team’s first contest of the season against Fessenden, Jack had a massive impact on the game. Offensively, he showcased his skill as he hauled in a touchdown catch from his slot receiver position. Defensively he had a huge pass breakup at a critical moment and added an interception on Fessenden’s final drive. Jack’s play highlighted a great start for the JV team, which featured strong defensive play and an efficient ground attack on offense. The Wildcats will continue to lean on Jack for his strong performances and his leadership through example.
Ayden Kokoszka ’25- Boys Varsity Soccer
Co-Captain Ayden Kokoszka has returned to Williston this fall on a mission to help the Wildcats win games, and that is exactly what he’s doing. Ayden helped the Boys Varsity Soccer team build momentum this week with two big wins over Cushing and St. Sebastian’s School. The Wildcats outscored their opponents 9-1 this week, and the Easthampton-native either scored or assisted many of those 9 goals. Ayden and his teammates will have to be at their best this coming week as they play in two big games against Pomfret on Wednesday and Woodstock on Saturday.
Bennett Evelti 26- Boys JVA Soccer
Bennett Evelti has been a key cog in the early season of boys JVA soccer. His two assists against Eaglebrook helped fuel the Cat’s come back from 2-0 to an eventual 4-3 win. When the team’s offense looks their best, Bennett is at the center of it, demonstrating his excellent technical ability and decision making. This was on display against Fessenden this past weekend when he scored with a nice left-footed shot. Much of the success the team has had offensively this year will certainly rely on his vision and passing. His coaches look forward to him taking on new responsibilities this year, which they know he will take and succeed with.
Luke Grabowski ’25 – Boys JVB Soccer
Luke is a very committed player that brings a lot of experience and leadership to practices and games. Luke gives 100% during practices and is always ready to support his teammates (while also helping coaches). Luke had an excellent first game last week, his first shutout of the season. During the game, he made decisive saves that helped his team win 2-0 against Cushing. His coaches look forward to his success for the rest of the season.
Viktoría Valdimarsdóttir ’25- Girls Varsity Soccer
Viktoria has taken her play to a new level this week for girls varsity soccer! Her technical skills are beyond outstanding, as is her ability to strike the ball with either foot. She proved this on Friday night with her left-footed rocket of a shot to the far post, which led the Wildcats to winning the game against Kingswood-Oxford! Viktoria is a quiet player who leads by example with her work ethic and focus. As a center midfielder, her composure on the ball and her foot skills have made her a difference maker every time she steps on the field. Her team and coaches look forward to seeing her elevate her play even more this week and for the rest of the season!
Nina Coffee ’25- Varsity Volleyball
Nina’s ability as a volleyball player has continued to grow exponentially. She has worked hard on her offensive transitions and arm swing, and the proof is in her statistics as she has developed into one of the teams go-to offensive options. When Nina goes up to hit the ball, the other team attempts to put up multiple blockers to slow her down. However, it rarely works, and the amount of kills she has each game has gone up tremendously this year. Her play is impressive; however, her leadership is what stands out. She continues to be more vocal and uplifts her teammates each practice and game. Nina’s coaches appreciate all that she contributes and reports that she is a joy to coach.