Madison Hamilton ’21- Girls Varsity Cross Country
Madison has made an immediate and dramatic impact on the girls varsity cross country team this season. As a new student to Williston and therefore to the team, she has placed in the Wildcats top five in the first three races of the season. On Saturday, running on a tough course at Westminster, on a very hot day, Madison came through again, placing third for the team and 15th overall out of 51 runners to help the team to a second-place trophy in the Richard Miller Invitational. She works hard every day in practice and is always ready to compete on Saturdays. She brings a positive attitude to training and racing, and she has already earned a reputation for her impressive power on the uphill. Madison is currently #11 on the home course Honor Roll, with a time of 24:27, and she is set to move up on that list when the team races at home again in two weeks. The Cats will continue to rely on Madison’s efforts and positivity as they move throughout the season.
Shogo Kamei ’20- Boys Varsity Water Polo
Shogo has been a big part of the Wildcats success in the pool so far this season. He has been consistently excellent in all aspects of his game. This past week he scored 10 goals in 3 games against strong opponents from Wilbraham and Monson, Hotchkiss and Andover. In addition to his offensive prowess, he also played a vital role in the defensive end of the pool. Shogo has worked extremely hard this past off-season, and his continued efforts can be witnessed every day in practice. Without a doubt, his strong performances can be linked to his tremendous work ethic. Shogo provides a positive leadership role for his teammates and his love of the game has been contagious for the whole team. The Cats will continue to lean on Shogo for his strong play and fantastic leadership for the remainder of their season.
Dylan Fulcher Melendy ’20- Girls Varsity Volleyball
As a team captain and three-year varsity player, Dylan’s role has been invaluable so far this season. She volunteered to play any role for this year’s squad and seamlessly slid into her new position as hybrid setter/right side hitter. Whether called upon to front the defense with her blocking, trigger the offense with her setting, or go for the kill, Dylan’s all-around skill spearheads the team’s revamped scheme. Beyond her physical play, her leadership qualities are visible day in and day out. Leading the huddle, adjusting her teammates’ position on the floor, or exerting a calming and fun-loving presence in the heat of the game is par for Dylan’s course. The team’s promising season relies heavily upon Dylan, and she shoulders this responsibility with passion and excellence.
Connor Touhey ’21- Boys Varsity Cross Country
Connor has had a strong start to the season for boys varsity cross country. He worked extremely hard this offseason, logging 250 miles, and this effort is what allowed him to make the jump up to the varsity this fall. He’s been hungry to make contributions to the top 5 and he did just that on Saturday at the Westminster Invitational. He ran 20:59 finishing 22nd out of 55 runners at the Westminster Invitational. Placing 5th for the Wildcats, enroute to a 45 second improvement from last year’s time on the same course, it was his first ever points scored on the varsity team. Connor is a great role model on the team and serves as a quiet but powerful leader. The team looks forward to seeing him continue to make improvements this fall!
Sahnet Ramirez ‘20– Girls Varsity Soccer
Sahnet has been a big part of the girls varsity soccer teams success early on this season. This past Saturday, against a talented squad from WMA, she scored the game winning goal for the Wildcats. She showed a tremendous amount of skill and knowledge of the game as the game winner came on a beautiful header off a corner kick. Working hard to be her best every day and leading by example, she has taken her game to the next level. Sahnet has been a valuable leader for her team and her coaches are proud of all that she is doing to help the team grow.
Tristan Marois ’21- Varsity Football
Tristan has had a strong season so far for the varsity football team. His outstanding play continued with a great game for the Wildcats on Saturday night against a talented squad from Taft. He had four tackles on the night, two of which were for a loss. In addition to his strong defensive game, he also helped the team considerably on the offensive side of the ball, providing some fantastic blocking from his tight end position. He had a great week of practice and his hard work clearly paid dividends. Tristan provides a positive example for his teammates during every game and practice as he brings a tremendous motor out on the field every day. The Wildcats will continue to rely on Tristan’s superb efforts throughout the remainder of the season.
Bryn Saarela ’20- Varsity Field Hockey
As a senior captain, Bryn has been an integral part of girls varsity field hockey’s offensive attack this season. Her strong play continued this week as she netted three goals and added an additional three assists in the Wildcats games against Hotchkiss and Millbrook. Bryn has been a huge part of the team’s early success as she adds a level of experience and speed to the team’s forward line. In addition to her skills on the field, Bryn leads by example day in and day out, as she provides an upbeat and positive attitude that clearly inspire her teammates. The Cats will continue to count on Bryn for her efforts on and off the field for the remainder of the season.
Cole Blanchard ’25 – Boys JV Cross Country
Cole arrived three weeks ago on the boys cross country team and had never done any substantial running. He has already improved over a minute and three quarters in one week due to his serious work ethic. He is a dedicated gymnast, who has brought the same level of focus to his running. Cole ran a great race in the JV meet at the Westminster Invitational, finishing in 28:30. The team is proud of his efforts and improvement and look forward to seeing him continue to get better this fall!
Rylie Tirrell ’22- Girls JV Cross Country
Rylie had her best race of the year on Saturday, at Westminster in the Richard Miller Invitational. On a very hilly course in extremely hot conditions, she earned a fast start and kept the momentum going for the whole race, placing 2nd for the JV team, and 8th overall out of 55 runners. Her strong performance was an important factor in the JV team’s number one finish as a team defeating eight opponents including Division I Deerfield, and perennial powerhouse Suffield. Rylie continues to run very hard in practice and in races, and she is creeping closer each week to the top seven varsity group.
Tyler Silverman ’21- Boys JVB Soccer
From the beginning of the season, Tyler has been working hard as the JV B boys soccer goalie. He is always eager to improve and learn more about his position, providing an excellent example of a growth mindset for all his teammates. His teammates trust him in goal and they feel very comfortable with Tyler defending the net. Last week, he earned his first shutout of the season against a tough Salisbury team. Without a doubt, Tyler will continue to be a big part of the Wildcats success this season on the pitch. The team looks forward to his continued growth and contributions.
Lila Nields-Duffy ’24- Girls JV Soccer
Lila has had an impressive start to the season for the girls JV soccer team. She proved to be a force to be reckoned with as the team’s sweeper this week. Playing a strong Hotchkiss team, Lila was a brick wall, minimizing any opportunity for a shot from the talented opponent. Her speed, heart and hustle are unmatched by any team played so far this season. Her quickness allows her to get to the ball, wherever it ends up on the field. Lila’s composure allows her to swiftly beat any girl one-on-one and clear the ball out to the attackers. She brings enthusiasm and focus to all events, creating a positive experience for her teammates. Lila knows how to balance both fun and hard work on the field which is steadily providing a great example for the rest of her teammates. Her coaches and teammates are inspired by her passion and hard work!