Abigail Touhey ‘22- Girls Cross Country
On Saturday, the girls cross country team traveled to West Hartford to face Westminster and Kingswood-Oxford. Senior co-captain Abigail returned to top form in the race, joining the front pack from the opening gun. Abigail ran stride for stride with two very strong runners from KO, both of whom had beaten her the previous week at the Westminster Invitational. For about two miles, it was a three-person race, before Abigail passed them in the last mile and opened up a little space, winning the 3.1-mile race in 21:06, her best time of the year. Abigail continues to lead the team with her consistent effort and great attitude every day at practice and every weekend at races. As one of the school’s all-time best runners, going back to 1978 when the team was first formed at Williston, it was tremendous to see Abigail win yet another race in a Williston uniform.
Ethan Hebb ’22- Varsity Football
Ethan has been a crucial part of the varsity football team this season. He showed his versatility and team-first mentality again this week, as he put together a phenomenal game for the Wildcats on Saturday, on the road at Brunswick. Ethan did it all for the team with an interception, a forced fumble, a successful two-point conversion, two tackles for loss, and in total tallying six tackles. Most importantly, Ethan was a tremendous leader for the Wildcats defense, making all of the team’s coverage calls. He brings a positive attitude, a spirited work ethic, and a lead by example mentality to each practice, lift and film session. His daily efforts are a big part of why the Wildcats continue to grow each week. The team will continue to look towards Ethan for his leadership and mental toughness as they move through the rest of their season.
Kaitlyn Williams ‘23-Girl’s Varsity Volleyball
Kaitlyn has been a crucial addition to the varsity volleyball team this season. She has faced several challenges inherent to being a first-time volleyball player. Yet, the way that she received instruction in learning technique, quickly fleshed out the rotations along the front row, embraced her new teammates with attentiveness and a friendly disposition, and aggressively defended the net since the first game has solidified the middle blocker position. Being able to match up the opposing team’s main offensive force with an emerging defensive presence like Kaitlyn, transforms the team’s prospects moving forward. On top of that, her blocks themselves are impact plays that change the tone of the match, protecting the back row, and giving rhythm to the Wildcats offense. Only six games in, Kaitlyn has made several of these impactful plays, stymying runs by the other team and sparking momentum-building responses. All the while doing so with a kindness that belies her competitive ferocity. The team will look to her for continued contributions as they enter the tough middle stretch of their season.
Henry Wiemeyer ‘22– Boys Varsity Water Polo
Henry has been a significant addition to the water polo squad this fall. He has quickly improved to the point where he has been instrumental to the success of the team. Henry is very fast which allows him to play both ends of the pool efficiently, leading the offensive fast break and then being one of the first back to defend. This past weekend Henry played the entire game of a very physical Friday night match against Suffield and then on Saturday was called on to shut down the opposing team’s best player. As Henry gains more confidence in his abilities this fall the entire team will become even more formidable!
Ava DeCoste ‘23– Varsity Field Hockey
Ava has improved every day this fall for the Wildcats varsity field hockey team. A strong athlete and a key contributor to the midfield, her work ethic is fantastic and she pushes those around her to step up. As her coaches have been tinkering with line-ups and strategy changes, Ava has been so flexible with her positions and roles on corners, each week learning a new spot. This is proof that she is the epitome of a team-first player. At this point in the season, she has grown to be one of the squad’s most versatile players and has a phenomenal attitude to go along with it. Never tired and always having fun, Ava sets a positive example for all of her teammates to follow.
Manuel Gonzalez Hudson ‘23- Boys Varsity Soccer
Mexican defender Manuel Gonzalez Hudson has stepped up his performance this fall to help the boys varsity soccer team compete against some of the best teams in New England. The newcomer from Cabo has secured a spot in the starting defense by virtue of his excellent decision-making and competitiveness on the field. Manuel has not given an inch against talented wingers from South Kent, Northwood, Kiski, and Hoosac. Ever willing to support his team in any way possible, Manuel switched positions from right back to left-back this past weekend against Millbrook and helped the Wildcats secure a 7-0 win. This showed that he is always willing to put the needs of his team before his own. The junior will have to continue to be at his best against Class A schools Choate and Loomis Chaffee in this week’s contests.
Quinn Pollack ‘24– Girls Varsity Soccer
Quinn has been a key player all year for the girls varsity soccer team. The sophomore is a dynamic player, she possesses a danger to opposing teams every time she touches the ball. A gifted passer and playmaker who controls the middle of the field she has been critical in the success of the team so far. In the Wildcats big win against Deerfield on Wednesday, Quinn scored a beautiful goal on a half volley to the corner to secure the 2-0 win for her team. She also set up numerous opportunities for her teammates, proving her team-first mentality. Her teammates and coaches will continue to look to her for her creative play, competitive spirit, and her leadership through example.
Henry Foster ’23- Boys Cross Country
Henry has been an integral part of the success of the Wildcats cross country team this season. He continued his important performances as he ran a great race this past weekend. He finished with a time of 19:55 (number 5 for Williston) against KO and Westminster, which was a season-best time by nearly two minutes. An impressive feat to achieve! Henry ran the first half of the race conservatively, with his teammates, then opened it up in the second half. His performances allowed him to secure much-needed points for his team resulting in 2 wins for the Cats on the day. His coaches look forward to watching Henry carry this positive momentum into the weeks to come.
Maggie Fay ’25- JV Field Hockey
Maggie has proven herself to be an invaluable member of the JV field hockey team, having scored goals in two of the first three games this season. Playing center forward, Maggie brings her strong stick skills and speed to the field. She scored two goals against Bement and one against Berkshire in the team’s first two road games of the season. She shows up every day to practice with a positive attitude and a great work ethic. She sees the full field, makes good passes to her teammates, and takes lots of shots on goal. Most importantly, Maggie has fun playing field hockey and her enthusiasm is contagious. Her coaches are looking forward to more great field hockey from Maggie in the remainder of the season.
Alex Hall-Witt ‘23- Boys JVA Soccer
Alex has been an important part of the boys JVA soccer team this season. He continued his strong play as he scored four goals this week in a pair of wins, including a hat trick on Saturday at Millbrook. One of his goals came off a corner, a gorgeous header that nestled high into the back of the net. In addition to his goals this weekend, he has also assisted on at least one other goal, making him an even more important piece of the Wildcats offensive attack. He has provided a quiet yet consistent level of leadership all season long by virtue of his competitive spirit, consistent effort, and intelligent play. Alex has led by example and his teammates and coaches will continue to rely on this leadership as they move through the rest of the season.
Coraly Siegel ‘23- Girls JV Soccer
Coraly has proved to be an integral part of the girls JV soccer program from day one. Always giving 110%, Coraly never backs down. She’s always going full speed and plays relentlessly, regardless of what the score might be. In every game this season Coraly has been reliable for the Wildcats in the midfield, coming up with huge plays in both the defensive and offensive thirds. Her athleticism and resilience often earn her a target on her back against our opponents, and despite ending up on the ground after several physical plays every game, she always gets back up and continues to give it her all. Coraly plays with her heart, and her teammates feel lucky to share a field with her. Coraly’s coaches and teammates are excited to watch her continued growth and hustle for the rest of the season!
Jax Zemachson ‘23 – JV Football
Jax has had a great season for the JV football team. On Wednesday, he showed up in a big way as he had a great game against Loomis Chaffee on both sides of the ball, playing almost every snap. He is the heart and soul of the offensive line from his center position. He helps ensure the rest of the linemen know their assignments before each play, mentoring the less experienced players so that they are an effective unit. On the defensive side of the ball, Jax made numerous tackles from his middle linebacker position and was instrumental in leading the team’s comeback from a 16 point deficit to tie the game at halftime. Jax brings a level of enthusiasm and work ethic to every practice and game which has provided an excellent example for his teammates. Jax’s coaches appreciate all of his contributions and he will be relied upon for his leadership and strong play as they move through the rest of the season.
Cali Keenan ‘27– Girls JV Volleyball
Cali came to the JV volleyball squad with no prior experience but despite this, she has been quick to make an impact. She has worked hard every day in practice to improve both her fundamentals and her volleyball IQ. She has taken on the crucial role of setter which requires an incredible amount of hustle and athleticism, proving her team-first mentality. This week she led the team by having the week’s most inspiring play, diving out of bounds to save a ball. This play single-handedly helped raise the intensity level and competitive nature of the whole team. Her positive attitude and competitive nature are evident and infectious, as her efforts make all her teammates better. The growth of the team this season will be directly impacted by Cali and her coaches and teammates will rely on her as they move through the rest of the season.