Grace Bean ’22- Girls Varsity Volleyball
Grace has been a strong presence for the girls varsity volleyball team so far this fall. With communication such an integral part of a successful team in volleyball, Grace models the kind of voice the coaches want to see on the court. As a starting outside hitter, this communication further reveals her willingness to take big shots, especially when she demands the ball in big moments. Her consistency and leadership have been evident throughout the season especially when the team has been behind or when in a tight, tense game. This consistency was evident in a huge come-from-behind win on Saturday against Berkshire. Her willingness to step up in big moments was apparent and was a big part of the victory for the Wildcats. She combines this effort with a developing, powerful outside attack, strong serve, and all-in hustle while on the floor. Grace’s growth on the floor provides evidence to her intense work ethic and provides an excellent example for the rest of her teammates.
Alejandro Ruiz ‘21- Boys Varsity Cross Country
Alejandro has had a great start to the season for the boys varsity cross country team so far this fall. He arrived at preseason ready to compete and he can be seen giving every ounce of energy to each workout. He made the jump to Varsity in the teams first meet of the season, finishing 4th for the Wildcats in route to setting a new PR by over forty seconds from last season. This past week he finished 4th again for the Cat’s in the quad meet vs NMH, Suffield and Worcester. Yet again, he ran a new PR of 20:17. His coaches are impressed with his improvement and attribute it to his positive attitude and willingness to push himself every day. Alejandro is a team player and spreads positivity to his teammate’s day in and day out. The team looks forward to seeing his continued contributions to the team this season.
Anna Richardson ‘21 – Girls Varsity Cross Country
As a Junior co-captain, Anna has been a committed and powerful attribute to the Wildcats early on this season. Showing up to the meet at Northfield Mt Hermon just in time for the race after completing a prior commitment, with little warm-up and without getting a chance to see all of the course. Despite all of this, Anna rose to the occasion with a big effort on a very difficult course, in even tougher conditions. She placed fifth overall, out of 40 runners and for the second week in a row placed second for the Wildcats. She was able to hold off serious pressure from NMH’s number three runner, and outlasted her in the last mile, pulling away by 22 seconds at the finish. This was a key place in a closely fought victory for the varsity squad over NMH. Anna continues to serve as a very effective and well-respected captain, setting the bar high for her teammates with outstanding focus, determination, and effort in practices and races.
Dallas Elliott ’22- Varsity Football
Dallas, a sophomore, did it all for the varsity football team on Saturday night in the first competition of the season! Offensively he had a 34 yard touchdown catch and blocked well throughout the game. He helped to create many of the teams points in the 35-29 win over a strong visiting team from Kent, whether directly or indirectly. Defensively he racked up 5 tackles, one of which turned out to be the play of the game, as he chased down a would-be scorer from Kent with under a minute to go. This play alone proved his competitive fire, grit and determination. He was not done making an impact in the game, as he came up with the game sealing interception on the same defensive stand, giving the ball back to the Wildcats with only seconds remaining. Dallas has worked hard this off-season and during the first few weeks of practice and his hard work has clearly paid off. The team will continue to look to Dallas for his contributions for the rest of the season.
Julia Farnham ‘20– Girls Varsity Soccer
Julia is off to a great start for the girls varsity soccer team. This past weekend, Julia again showed up in a big way for the Cats as she scored the game winning goal against a talented Kingswood-Oxford squad. The goal came off the heels of a beautiful defensive steal, as she maintained control and put the ball in the back of the net. She is a tireless worker on both sides of the field and this goal provided clear evidence of this fact. Julia has been a great leader on and off the field and works every day to be her best and to provide an example of a winning attitude for her teammates. The Wildcats will count on Julia to continue her positive leadership and be an amazing role model for her teammates.
Sam Haddad ‘20 – Boys Varsity Water Polo
As one of the boys varsity water polo’s tri-captains, Sam is off to a great start to the season. In a tough double header against Exeter and Hopkins, Sam led the way both offensively and defensively. He was able to score 5 goals on the day and covered the entire pool with his speed and tenacity. His strong play was a huge part of the team’s closely contested match against the perennial powerhouse from Exeter and the win over Hopkins. So far in the young season Sam has led the team to its best start in many years. Sam’s leadership, positive attitude and strong contributions in the pool have the entire team excited about the prospects for the rest of the fall.
Pippa Berry ’23- Girls JV Cross Country
Pippa continued her impressive season by leading the girls JV cross country team on a challenging NMH course, to a win over Worcester and a close second place finish to NMH (26-31) on Saturday. As a freshman, this is Pippa’s third year with the team, and her improvement this season has been remarkable. She finished no higher than #14 on the Williston team last year, but so far this season, she placed #9 against Kent and #8 against NMH and Worcester. This was Pippa’s best race ever, only four seconds slower than her PR on our home course, which is a much easier and much faster course. She works hard in every practice and is ready to compete at her very best every Saturday. When the Wildcats return home in a few weeks, Pippa should be in a position to establish another new PR. The team will continue to look towards Pippa for her intense work ethic and positive attitude.
Wyatt Fischer ’22- Boys JVB Soccer
Wyatt has played an integral role in the early stages of the boys JV B soccer season. He has emerged as one of the team’s leaders during the first few weeks of practice and this leadership was evident this past week in the team’s match against Vermont Academy. During the game, he stepped up in a big way for the Wildcats, playing well in several positions, proving his “team first” mentality. Wyatt has shown a strong ability with the ball and has a good sense of the game, resulting in many opportunities for not only himself but for his teammates alike. The team is confident that Wyatt will be an integral part of the Wildcats success this season and they look forward to witnessing his growth on and off the field.
Gaby Schaubach ‘22- JV Girls Soccer
Gabby has been an incredible edition to the girls JV soccer team this season. The fluidity in her footwork allows her to make transitions appear effortless, and her confidence with the ball makes her an offensive threat. Her field sense and awareness is obvious as she is consistently asking for the ball at the right time, in the right places. She has controlled the center midfield, making interceptions with ease in the back, and turning them into offensive opportunities. Gabby has played every minute of our first two games, yet even at the end of the games she finds a little more energy to make runs all over the field. The team will look forward to her consistency and experience throughout the year.
William Chalfant ‘23– Boys JV Cross Country
A newcomer to the boys cross country team, William ran in his first race this past week at NMH and finished 10th overall for the team in a time of 21:59. William has been pushing himself in practices over the last two weeks and shows great potential as a runner for the team. Additionally, he has embraced the opportunity to push himself and is eager to do more when asked. The team looks forward to seeing him continue to improve and progress this season.