Hannah Roche ‘23- Girls Cross Country
Hannah, a junior, had one of her best races of the season on Saturday against Miss Porters. The team knew that they needed a big team effort to win the race, and Hannah came through dramatically. In the second mile, Hannah passed one runner after another and continued a big surge into the last mile, where she found herself in an individual battle with the #4 Porters runner, who had been almost 20 seconds ahead at the mile and a half mark. Hannah had one of the best finishes of her career, outsprinting her opponent and coming in 7 seconds ahead, securing a 4th place finish for the team and 7th overall out of 25 runners. Hannah’s huge performance was a major factor in the Wildcats 25-32 win over Porters. Her time of 26:22 was not quite her fastest home 5K, but it was a very good time for the hot and windy conditions that the runners faced. Hannah always trains hard during the week and is a great teammate, bringing energy, determination, and good humor to every practice.
Trip Bradbury ‘23- Varsity Water Polo
Trip has been a welcome addition to the varsity water polo team this fall. In two games this past weekend Trip made significant contributions at both ends of the pool with outstanding defense leading to 12 total steals while providing an offensive spark with highlight-worthy goals and assists. In practices Trip has been a great teammate, sharing his experience working with the younger players on the finer details of the game. Trip will continue to be a valuable member of the team as it works toward it’s goal of making the playoffs!
Daliah Elvin ’24- Varsity Volleyball
Daliah stepped right in as one of the starting outside hitters for the varsity volleyball team as a new sophomore. She asserted her offensive presence since day one, joining the returning varsity players seamlessly and allowing the team to bring an attacking presence from the outside front row in all six rotations. Her back-row defense has been steady as well, and the team has depended upon her digging and serve receiving abilities- a testament to her all-around excellence for the team. With her improving service game and emerging camaraderie with the other players, she has yet to reach her full potential. Much will be demanded of that potential as the team enters a critical stretch of games against a series of quality opponents over the next two weeks. Her emergence has been an important factor to the team’s strong start and her coaches and teammates have appreciated her contributions this season.
Zack Athy ’22- Varsity Football
Zack has been critical to the success of the varsity football team this season. He continued his strong performances this week as he had a huge game for the Wildcats Saturday night in their 40-28 win over Andover. He had the play of the night when he took the ball right from the quaterback’s hands and proceeded to run it 51 yards for a Touchdown. He has been a major contributing factor to the Wildcats stingy defense this season. Offensively he continues to do a great job on the offensive line. Zack is as selfless as they come and he has a motor like no other! The Wildcats will continue to lean on his leadership through example as they move through the rest of the season.
Annika Jensen ’23- Girls Varsity Soccer
Annika has had a great season and has been a strong contributor to the success of the girls varsity soccer program. A constant threat as a scorer and playmaker, Annika has been a huge part of the Wildcats’ potent offense this season. With great field vision and passing skills, she has been able to involve her teammates in the attack, which provides a visual representation of her team-first mentality. She is down-right dangerous from corners and restarts and this skill allowed her to score directly off a corner in the 4-0 win over Cushing on Wednesday. Additionally, she has played strong on both ends of the field, causing an even greater impact on her team’s play. Annika brings a competitive spirit and love of the game to every practice and game and this attitude has been contagious for the whole team. Her coaches and teammates will look to her leadership, determination, and competitive spirit down the stretch.
Ayden Kokoszka ’24- Boys Varsity Soccer
Ayden has started to make his mark on the boys varsity soccer team this fall playing at both midfield and and on the wing. His playing style can be most closely compared to the skills of Spanish soccer masters Xavi and Iniesta of the great Barcelona teams of the past decade. The sophomore’s ball control, dribbling, and decision-making are exceptional, and now he is adding some impressive attacking skills to his repertoire. Ayden scored two great goals from distance to secure a 2-2 tie with Class A rival Choate Rosemary Hall last Wednesday. His teammates describe him as a “great talent” who has such a “good understanding of the game.” The Wildcats will continue to need Ayden’s contributions in attack and defense this week as Williston hosts a defensive-minded Cheshire team and a talented Taft team.
Sophi Edmonds – Riding
Sophi has been an important cog in the wheel for the riding team this season. She has shown tremendous resilience this week both in practice and at this weekend’s competition at Mount Holyoke College. She had tough rides at practice and proved that hard work pays off as she was able to secure a 4th place finish for the team. Sophi also showed great teamwork by supporting her teammates and coach. The Wildcats will continue to lean on Sophi for her work ethic and leadership through example as they move through the rest of the season.
Nico Gomes Rapoza ’23- Boys JVA Soccer
Nico has been a defensive lynchpin all season long for JVA Boys Soccer, especially this past week in a victory over Eaglebrook and a well-earned tie against Loomis Chaffee. His comfort on the ball has helped trigger numerous offensive attacks as well with either short passes to the midfield or long balls over the top. His calmness on the ball, positional play, and fearlessness has been a big part of the team’s success this season. His coaches and teammates will continue to look to Nico for his experience and strong play as they move through the back half of the season.
Kai Hori ’22- Boys JVB Soccer
Kai has been an impact player for the boys JVB soccer team this season. He is a versatile player that possesses great speed, control, and vision in his game. He had a great game last Saturday against Pomfret, where he was in control of the Wildcats defense, and was able to connect well with the rest of his teammates during the game. His leadership on Saturday was a big reason the boys were able to take the win against a strong Pomfret squad. Kai always listens, plays hard, and is a role model for the other members of the team. Kai’s coaches and teammates will continue to rely on his inspired play as they move through the back side of their season.
Lupe Oloyede ‘24 – JV Volleyball
Lupe has been a strong member of the JV volleyball team this season. Her coaches tapped Lupe to be a setter early on based on her positive attitude, athleticism, and high volleyball IQ. This past week she moved out of that role and immediately started flourishing at a whole different level. She had several of the biggest hustling plays of the week inspiring those around her to play even harder. She finished the week by capping off a marathon 31-29 win over WMA by serving two aces in a row to finish the game for the Wildcats. Her willingness to do whatever is needed by the team to the best of her ability makes her a role model for her less experienced teammates. Her team will continue to rely on her for her team-first mentality and inspiring play for the remainder of the season.