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.
AJ Tanihaha ’27 – Boys JV Cross Country
AJ has been working extremely hard since he joined the team in September. He comes to every practice with a great attitude and a desire to improve. AJ has seen significant improvement in his times since his first race and can always be counted on to support his teammates and display great sportsmanship. The coaches are very pleased with AJ’s improvement and look forward to seeing what AJ can accomplish next fall after a full summer of training.
Ava Richardson ’26 – Girls Varsity Cross Country
This week, we recognize Ava Richardson ’26 for her incredible perseverance and drive throughout the season. She continues to rise to every occasion—showing the true heart of a competitor. Ava approaches each race with a quiet, focused determination that fuels her success and inspires those around her. This was on full display at this Saturday’s race, where she finished 4th among her teammates and ran a personal best this season, 25:55! Ava thrives when the competition is toughest, demonstrating grit, focus, and resilience every time she steps onto the course. We can’t wait to see how her hard work and competitive spirit shine at the NEPSAC Championship this weekend!
Mia Townsend ’26 – Varsity Field Hockey
Mia has battled back from a significant injury this season. She has set a great example for the team on how to navigate injury through constant communication with trainers and coaches, while giving her rehab her best effort. There was never a moment when Mia was not focused on getting back, and this tenacity was an inspiration to her team. Mia has played nearly every position on the field, except goalie. This Saturday, on senior day, Mia played sweep for the first time and played confidently as the anchor of the defense. During her field hockey career, it has been amazing to watch her grow as a player and as a leader. The program is better because of her strong work ethic and sense of humor. We are proud of all she has accomplished!
Campbell Schulze ’31 – JV Field Hockey
Campbell had two impressive showings in the goal last week—one against Kingswood Oxford and one against Loomis. Though JV field hockey was defeated by both teams, Campbell blocked more shots on goal than their coaches could keep track of. There were multiple times when it looked like a certainty that the opposing team would score, but Campbell was somehow able to throw up a hand to deflect a shot or reach their stick out to block a ball that was inches from the cage. In the game against Loomis in particular, our defense had to contend with multiple corners in each quarter, but due to our defense’s tenacity, led by Campbell, Loomis was only able to convert a couple of those corners into goals. Campbell has been a wonderful presence on the team this year and their coaches and teammates look forward to more strong play in the cage from them in our last two games!
Drew Alsup ’26 – Varsity Football
Drew Alsup has done everything for the Wildcats this year and this continued on Saturday in their 34-7 win over Salisbury. In the first half he had five catches for 60 yards and a touchdown rush on the first offensive play of the game for the Wildcats. This marks the second week in a row in which Drew scored on Williston’s first offensive play. Although these numbers are modest for Drew, it was his blocking and selflessness that stood out. Drew is the consummate teammate and has an incredible work ethic.
Yahya Wilson ’26 – Boys Varsity Soccer
Senior midfielder Yahya Wilson’s soccer playing career for Williston will be complete in about two weeks. Yahya has demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship throughout the season, and he has contributed to the success of the Boys Varsity team by playing many roles over the past three years. He represents a model student athlete that our program is very proud of. A stellar student and a starter this fall, Yahya has always come prepared to compete as his best. His performances in recent games against Cheshire and Taft were some of the best of his career. He demonstrated a high level of fitness and creativity with his movement off the ball. Yahya’s best is exactly what his teammates will need this week when they travel to Kingwood on Wednesday and host NMH on Saturday. Yahya as well as seniors, Devin Berry Brown, and Eden Dushekenov, represent the seniors who have worked their way up through the program. They are flagbearers of this program, and much of its success over the past three years is because this group consistently pushed themselves to get better. Williston thanks them for all of their service to the program.
Campbell Keenan ’29 – Boys JV A Soccer
Campbell Keenan ’29 scored his first goal of the season, a winning goal against Deerfield team, which JVA defeated 4-2 on the weekend, in comeback fashion. He pounced on a loose ball on a corner and volleyed it into the net. Campbell has proven to be a classic destroyer at the center midfield position all season long, breaking up play and winning the majority of his one-on-one duels. This is in addition to being arguably the most helpful player on the team, always picking up cones and balls, and assisting the manager and coaches in transitioning between drills or at the end of practice. Both on gameday and in practices, the kind of work Campbell is doing often doesn’t get the same appreciation as the goalscorers do, but his work in both places has been integral to both team success and creating a positive team culture.
Skyler Walker ’26 – Girls Varsity Soccer
Our Athlete of the Week is senior captain, and goalkeeper Skyler Walker, whose leadership and composure have been a steady force for our team all season. On Saturday, she stepped up in a big way, making key saves and organizing our defense with confidence. Her even-keeled presence and ability to uplift those around her set the tone for the entire group. Even in Wednesday’s game, when she didn’t see much action, she remained fully engaged—communicating, encouraging, and holding her teammates to a high standard while keeping the energy positive. Skyler’s leadership, consistency, and presence on and off the field have been invaluable all year.
Isabel Sorkin-Camacho ’26 – Girls Varsity Volleyball
Isabel displayed excellent focus and spirit in the week of practice leading up to our final Senior match of the season. Her positivity really supports a great practice atmosphere and her work has paid off with consistent play and improvement in games.
As a Senior, Isabel has set a great example for the underclassmen who will follow in her footsteps in the coming years.
Luo Yi Zhang ’29 – Girls JV Volleyball
This week, we’re excited to recognized Luo Yi, who bring unmatched energy to the JV volleyball team. Known for her powerful serves and quick reflexes, Luo Yi’s continues to set high standards for her teammates to follow. She played a key role in leading the team to victory against last week’s 3-2 game against Ethel Walker including a streak of serves that our opponents failed to respond to. Of the court, Luo Yi is admired for her positive attitude and humor. We’re grateful for her contributions and look forward to seeing her growth as the season progresses.
Amaya Arias Soto ’29 – Girls 3rds Volleyball
Amaya has stepped up as a role model both on and off the court and emerged as a leader during last week’s game against Eagle Hill School. Throughout the season, the team has been able to count on Amaya for words of encouragement or a good laugh. She is always eager to get out on the court before practice begins, and her enthusiasm helps set a positive tone for the team. Amaya takes feedback well and shows a clear desire to learn and improve, which has been evident in how much progress she has made this season. Her passes have become more consistent, and her strong serve contributed to several key points in last week’s game. Amaya’s energy, work ethic, and ability to motivate others make her a valued part of the team.