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.
Sloan Gajda ’27-Boys Varsity Cross Country
Sloan had a great run at Taft on Saturday on a very challenging course. Using his trademark sprint at the end of the race, he passed several runners to finish 7th overall. He’s been working hard all season, and the coaches are excited to see him peaking at the right time of the season. His teammates and coaches looking forward to what Sloan will do in the last few meets of the season.
Gus Cunha ’31- Boys JV Cross Country
Gus logged the miles over the summer and came into the season well prepared for competition. He’s been running well all season but had a breakout performance this past weekend on a very challenging Taft course. Gus works hard every day in practice and brings a great attitude to even the most challenging workouts. His coaches are excited to see Gus having so much success, and they look forward to his continued growth as a runner in the seasons ahead.
Alex Murphy ’32- Girls Varsity Cross Country
In her first year with the program, Alex has already shown tremendous growth! This weekend at Taft School, on a very tough course, she ran 1 minute and 30 seconds faster (26:17) than her previous time. This is a result of her commitment and effort in training sessions. She is willing to push herself outside of her comfort zone by challenging herself to run with different groups during practice. Her work ethic, her growth, and her commitment to the process and the team are exciting to watch. Her teammates and coaches can’t wait to see her continued growth as they head through the remainder of the season!
Henry Saliba ’27- Varsity Football
Henry Saliba had a monster game for the Wildcats in their 20-13 win over Cheshire on Friday night. Henry led the team with 11 tackles while also having 2.5 TFL and .5 Sacks. Henry has been a large part of why the Wildcats have had a strong defense all year. The team will continue to look towards Henry for his strong play as they work through the back half of the season.
Brooke Cherewatti ’27- Varsity Field Hockey
Brooke has been a valued member of the varsity field hockey team since she was in the 8th grade! This season, Brooke was named captain, as voted by her peers, and it has been awesome to see her come full circle from the 12-year-old who joined us 5 seasons ago. This week, Brooke was essential in our victories over Taft and Pomfret. She plays with such poise at the sweep position that the team is fully confident she will shut down anyone who comes her way as the last player back. Brooke confidently steps up against all players as they barrel down the field at full speed towards her. On Saturday, Brooke was also reliable in her play at left and right back. Her coaches have been so excited to see Brooke blossom into the player and leader that she is, and the team cannot wait to see all that is still in store this season for Brooke!
Kiara Santos ’27 – JV Field Hockey
Kiara has been a leader and stand-out midfielder and center back in the first three games of the season. When energy is flagging on the field, Kiara consistently inserts positivity and spirit back into the game. In a recent game against Pomfret, Kiara displayed impressive focus and determination. She executed her free hits with precision, spotting gaps in Pomfret’s defensive line, and even lifting the ball over the opposing team’s sticks to successfully reach her teammates on the other side. In her senior year, Kiara has consistently led by example, playing hard in both practice and games, and encouraging her fellow Cats to do the same. Her coaches and teammates look forward to more strong play from Kiara in the final games of the season.
Kiran Matamala ’27- Boys Varsity Soccer
Senior captain Kiran Matamala has been a force of stability for the boys varsity soccer team throughout an injury-ridden fall. The New Rochelle native has had to step up his leadership during a very challenging schedule over the past few weeks. Not only has Kiran helped varsity veterans continue to compete at their highest level possible during a tough stretch of games that included Choate, Loomis and Taft, but he has also helped many newcomers to the team acclimate to the intense training and the games demands. Kiran now leads his teammates into the final stretch of the fall, where the Wildcats will face local rivals like WMA, Suffield, Deerfield, and NMH. Kiran has done a wonderful job of leading the team this fall, and he looks forward to finishing his Williston career leading the team to great performances down the stretch.
Henry Estes ’27 – Boys JVA Soccer
Henry has demonstrated a versatile and impactful role for the Wildcats this season. Henry provides both defensive stability and offensive creativity, making him a valuable presence all over the field. As a center back, he does an excellent job winning the ball from opposing attackers, organizing the defense, and turning defensive stops into attacking opportunities. Henry also contributes at center midfield and forward, where he creates dangerous attacking opportunities with well-placed passes, uses his dribbling to generate offense, and competes fiercely for every ball. This week, Henry added a strongly struck direct kick against Taft to his tally of goals. His versatility, tenacity, and ability to make an impact at both ends of the field will be relied upon as the team works through the remainder of the season.
Nathan Neumann ’32- Boys Juniors Soccer
Nathan has been the paradigm of “purpose, passion, and integrity” on the juniors soccer club this year. From the beginning of the season, he has consistently brought hard work and a team-first mentality to the field every day. Mix in a sweet touch on the ball, and you have a fun kid to watch. He scored his first goal of the season last week against a loaded Eaglebrook team when he turned his right foot into a sand wedge on a free kick just outside of the eighteen dropping a shot over the outstretched arms of the Eaglebrook keeper. While the Wildcats couldn’t equal the measure of the Eaglebrook offense, losing 4-2, Nathan’s play gave the Williston faithful something to enjoy over the course of the afternoon.
Olivia Arsenault ’29 – Girls Varsity Soccer
Liv put together an outstanding performance in Saturday’s win against Pomfret, where she contributed a goal and an assist. Liv embodies what it means to be a great teammate. She is always willing to play whatever position the team needs, embracing every role with a positive attitude and an unmatched work ethic. Liv is physical, tough and competes hard. She is also a quiet leader who leads by example, consistently putting in extra effort and doing whatever it takes to help the team succeed. Her versatility, toughness, selflessness, and dedication make her an invaluable part of the team.
Avery Desmarais ’29- Girls JV Soccer
Avery is a critical member of the JV Girls Soccer team. She is a fierce competitor, a quality that was on display this weekend in the team’s contest against Pomfret. She demonstrated excellent field awareness, kept possession under pressure, and skillfully maintained the bounds. Outside of her technical skills, her constant vocal support of her teammates always helps keep the energy up. In practice, Avery steps up as a natural team leader. She is quick to encourage those around her and can always be relied on to help guide team drills and strategies. The team is so lucky to have her!
Rachel Xing ’29-Varsity Volleyball
Returning as a starting middle blocker, Rachel continues to impress with a steady, unflappable, positive attitude. On the court, her defensive net play shields the team from the opponent’s front line, while her increasingly decisive attacks are an invaluable offensive weapon. At practice, she is quick to smile and even faster to celebrate her teammates’ successes. This attitude has made a tangible, positive difference in the team’s affect. Now in her sophomore year, her game is expanding with more instinctual court awareness, a growing repertoire of spike angles and approaches, and a more dependable serve. She has the potential to anchor the team for the years to come. Her teammates’ and coaches appreciate all she has contributed and look forward to her continued growth.
Liliana Nofal ’31- Thirds Volleyball
Liliana has stepped into a bigger role for the Thirds Volleyball team this year, becoming a consistent and reliable presence on the court, particularly in the front row. A returning player, Liliana holds herself to a high standard and brings focus and determination to every practice and game. She is always looking to improve her own skills while helping those around her get better. While she may not always lead with her voice, Liliana leads through her actions, steady presence, and commitment to her teammates. Her beaming smile and positive attitude are contagious, and her teammates look to her as someone they can count on.
Alex Hedstrom ’28-Boys Varsity Water Polo
Alex has been an excellent leader for the water polo team. During practice, he motivates the entire team, helps make practice plans, and teaches the younger players. During games, he constantly matches up with the top opposing player. His hard work in the toughest situations helps put other players in a position to succeed. Alex is simply a competitor who loves to play! The coaching staff is grateful for his attitude and effort.