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.
Kamal Sergeev ’27 – Boys Varsity Cross Country
Kamal has been a steady force on the varsity xc team since the start of the season. He works hard in every practice and can always be relied upon to deliver a good performance in meets. In Saturday’s meet at KO, Kamal battled the hot conditions to finish in the top five, scoring valuable points for the team. Kamal has a great attitude and encourages his teammates in practices and meets. The coaches are really excited to watch Kamal continue to develop as the season progresses. His best running is still to come.
Owen Butler ’31 – Boys JV Cross Country
Owen, a new seventh grader in the program, has been a great addition to the program. He works hard in every practice and has participated in every meet. The coaches are really impressed with his work ethic and desire to improve. Owen has seen his race times decrease in every competition as a result of his hard work. The coaches are very excited about Owen’s potential and believe he has a bright future in the program in the years to come.
Lily Andersen ’26 – Girls Varsity Cross Country
Lily has been an essential part of our program this season, consistently leading by example with her determination, work ethic, and team spirit. Every week, she pushes herself to improve, competes with heart, and lifts up those around her. This week, Lily played a crucial role in helping the team secure a 2nd place finish. She ran an impressive 24:39, placing 5th overall and 2nd for the Wildcats. Not only has she improved her time by a remarkable 47 seconds from last week, but she’s also continued to show steady progress throughout the season. Beyond the numbers, Lily brings heart, joy, and grit to our team. The Wildcats will lean on her commitment and competitiveness as the season progresses.
Riley Stocker ’27 – Varsity Field Hockey
Riley has been a leader on and off the field all season. As the “spark”, Riley is the first person to get everyone excited, no matter the drill or the running that is coming her way. She is also the catalyst for momentum-building moments through her ability to never give up. This week, Riley was the reason that there were zero corner goals given up in either game. Her ability to fly and be fearless as the ball is getting driven at her inspires her teammates and coaches. Offensively, she is ready to set her teammates up and not afraid to get in front of the goalie to tip the ball in. Riley is always positively encouraging her teammates and inspiring them to give more. We are so excited to see what the rest of the season has in store for Riley!
Emma Hwang ’27 – JV Field Hockey
Emma was a defensive force in JV Field Hockey’s tough loss against Berkshire. Emma was personally responsible for deflecting multiple shots that would have resulted in goals. Positioning herself inside the cage, she took her job as sweeper seriously—sweeping the ball away from the goal again in again. Emma was a defensive leader in a game that was all about the defense. Her coaches and teammates look forward to more strong play from Emma throughout the season!
PJ Gasasu ’27 – Varsity Football
PJ Gasasu had a great game for the Wildcats in their tough loss to Loomis on Saturday. Defensively he shined, leading the team with three pass break ups, while also adding four tackles. He also played on almost every special teams snap. Furthermore, he aided the offense by playing a good portion of the game at WR.
Enzo Benetti ’27 – Boys Varsity Soccer
Junior midfielder Enzo Benetti’s play has been a crucial part of Boys Varsity Soccer’s success over the past three weeks. The Wildcats have worked very hard to establish a six-game winning streak where they have outscored their opponents 16-1. The team’s stingy defense has not conceded a goal in five games, and the offense is combining well to find the back of the net. Enzo has been particularly effective in winning midfield battles, allowing his teammates to operate with the ball to control the game. The Florianopolis native scored his first goal in league play this past Saturday against Millbrook, finishing a great header off of Nico Garcia’s corner, and he assisted on Tristan Kokoszka’s third goal to seal the win. Enzo and his teammates will have to summon their best soccer of the season when they take on Choate and Loomis this week.
Keshav Ambadi ’26 – Boys JV A Soccer
Keshav has played fantastically all season at outside midfield and helped us avoid a potential banana skin game against Millbrook this weekend, opening the scoring in the second half to send us on our way to 4-0 victory. He has been our best crosser for much of the season and is part of a bevy of seniors who have us well on our way to what could be a great season. Last week, in our victory against Loomis Chaffee he had the pass of the season, several seasons really, when he split the defense with a perfect thirty-yard cross that sent a teammate on a breakaway. A similar pass achieved the same result and goal against Millbrook. The team has had a lot of success this year so far and looked quite good doing it, and Keshav is one of the key reasons why.
Peri Burns ’28 – Girls Varsity Soccer
Peri earned athlete of the week this week for Varsity Girls Soccer. She has stepped into a new position this season — one she was initially nervous about — and has been absolutely solid for us in the back line. Her vocal presence, intensity, and composure have been key in helping us secure two big wins over Deerfield and Berkshire this past week, allowing just one goal across both games. She continues to grow in confidence and encourages her teammates every time she steps on the field.
Nina Coffee ’26– Girls Varsity Volleyball
Nina has been an invaluable member of the team over the past four years. As one of the captains of our team, Nina inspires on the court with her steady presence and ferocious hitting. Other teams marvel in the crowd when Nina goes up to hit, slamming the ball on the other side with great speed and strength. Nina’s competitiveness is clear, whether it’s in practice when playing 3 vs 3 or playing against one of our competitors. We’ll miss Nina steadiness and drive next year!
Claudia Gu ’29 – Girls 3rds Volleyball
Claudia joined the volleyball team as a newcomer this season and has shown tremendous growth each week. Her natural athleticism and quiet presence have been steady strengths for the team. Claudia has become a reliable and consistent passer, contributing to our success and improvement throughout the season.
Alex Hedstrom ’28- Boys Varsity Water Polo
Through consistent effort and attention to detail, Alex has made steady progress this fall in water polo and earned a place in the starting rotation this past week. In the game with Loomis Alex took full advantage of the opportunity with a stellar performance, scoring a goal and adding four assists while contributing an impressive defensive effort. Alex’s progress has helped the team develop a depth in the lineup that will make the water polo team stronger as the season progresses.
