Annika Song ’25- Varsity Volleyball
Annika has had a great season for the varsity volleyball team. The leaps and bounds by which she has improved over the past year testifies to the effort and time that she has dedicated to the sport of volleyball. Her play out of season underlies her execution on the court, while the joy and never-give-up attitude she displays while playing explains her dedication. This season, Annika has handled the libero position through the first four games. The aggressiveness with which she has taken on this role is evident in the way that she attacks backrow opportunities, turning outlet passes into instant offense for the Wildcats. In addition, her fearless court coverage provides the team with solid defense against attacks that make it through the blocking schemes. The team will rely upon Annika’s continued development as the season unfolds.
James Elliott ’24- Varsity Football
James has been instrumental in the early season success for varsity football this fall. This past week, he continued his strong contributions as he had a tremendous game for the Wildcats in their 51-30 win over Hotchkiss. James did everything for the Wildcats as he had three catches for 75 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground he rushed three times for 40 yards and a touchdown. All of this was done in the first half! The team and his coaches will need James to continue to bring his best as they move through their competitive season.
Megan Carey ’24- Varsity Field Hockey
Megan has made an impact on the varsity field hockey team since arriving at Williston. She is always working to improve her game and holds herself to the highest standard. This week Megan was a game changer against Hotchkiss and Millbrook. In the game against Hotchkiss, Megan made countless defensive stops and found herself alone in the offensive circle due to her incredible hustle. This same work ethic and tenacity translated to 4 goals against Millbrook. The Wildcats will continue to look towards Megan for her positive attitude and strong play this season.
Brody Richardson ‘26- Boys Varsity Cross Country
Brody had a tremendous race at the Westminster Invitational on Saturday placing 4th overall. The 9th grade running sensation has been having a great season but made a major statement in the competitive race against mostly 11th and 12th graders. Brody is one of the hardest workers on the team and is also a great teammate. He works hard in every practice and is always supporting others to do their best. Brody is certainly going to be a runner to watch for the remainder of this season and in seasons to come.
Lucy Hoyt ’25 – Girls Varsity Cross Country
Lucy had an outstanding race at Westminster on Saturday at the Richard Miller Invitational. Lucy placed 3rd in a race of 82 competitors with her season best time 22:40, pacing Williston to a second-place team finish. Lucy trained hard over the summer to come back ready to be a leader on the team. She is a great teammate, working to help everyone get better. The coaches are looking forward to her continued improvement, success, and leadership as they progress through the season.
Trip Bradbury ‘23 -Boys Varsity Water Polo
Trip has been an impact player for the boys water polo team this season. In a “must win” midseason game against Andover, Trip dominated the competition at both ends of the pool in a 13-10 victory. His 8 goals and 2 assists combined with 4 steals were no match for the visiting team. Trip’s game sense and skill have been wonderful models for the younger players on the team and, combined with his feistiness, provide a winning formula as the squad enters into a very important two week stretch.
Emily Crovo ‘23 – Girls Varsity Soccer
Emily is a crucial member of the girls varsity soccer squad. She is a great leader on and off the field, but she was exceptional this past week. The team relies on her work ethic and defensive skills as a center back, making key tackles and shutting down opponents. Not only was she solid in the back against WMA, but she also brought the ball up the field multiple times helping our offense. Her coaches are so grateful to have Emily as a captain of the team, and to have her supportive voice on and off the field. The Wildcats will continue to look toward Emily for her inspiring play and leadership as they work through their competitive season.
Max Fujimori ’23- Boys Varsity Soccer
Max has played a big part in the boys varsity soccer team’s strong start to the fall season. The Trumbull, Connecticut native’s offensive production this week helped the Wildcats overcome a stingy Pomfret team 4-0 and remain competitive with a powerhouse South Kent prep team. Max recorded three assists to break the deadlock with Pomfret last Wednesday before scoring a great goal against South Kent to lift the spirits of his teammates this past weekend. Max has also cemented his place as a leader of the team, as he consistently encourages his teammates in group huddles and on the field. The Wildcats begin a four-game home streak this Wednesday when they welcome Class B rivals Westminster to Easthampton. Max and his teammates are ready to play their best soccer!
Callie Manfredi ’27- Thirds Volleyball
Callie’s loves for volleyball has been apparent all season and has provided a positive example for her teammates. With a teammate injured, Callie asked to take her place, promising Coach Rohan that she would give her all. Callie hustled after several very difficult balls, and when the game was on the line, she delivered 5 straight service points from the line to bring the team from a 4-point deficit to the lead in the third and deciding game of the first ever Williston thirds volleyball victory. Callie is almost always one of the first to arrive at practice where she regularly volunteers to help put up the nets and help others before she starts her own warm up. Her positivity and leadership inspire her teammates to strive for more and the Wildcats will lean on these attributes this season.
JunSeok Hwang ‘23-Boys JVA Soccer
JunSeok spearheaded a strong offensive attack, scoring two goals and assisting on a third in JVA boys soccer’s 4-1 defeat of Pomfret on Wednesday. After assisting on the team’s first goal, Jun scored a lovely individual effort, dribbling past several defenders in the box before surprising the Pomfret goalie with a sly near post shot and goal. He added a second goal by pressuring the goalie into a costly error. Jun’s speed, toughness, and tenacity will be key to the offensive attack this season.
Zoe Simon ’26 – Girls JV Cross Country
Zoe has displayed tremendous improvement already in her first season of cross country. She led the way for the victorious Williston JV team at Westminster on Saturday at the Richard Miller Invitational. Zoe was the first JV finisher, ahead of numerous varsity finishers from six other schools in a field of 82 runners. Zoe has been training hard and brings a sense of fun to every practice. The coaches are looking forward to her continued improvement and success this season and for seasons to come.
Sloan Gajda ‘27-Boys JV Cross Country
Sloan ran in his first cross country race on Saturday in the JV race at the Westminster Invitational. He had an outstanding race and showed a good deal of potential as a runner. Sloan comes to practice every day ready to work hard and he participates in every activity with a positive attitude and determination to improve. The coaches are excited about his potential and look forward to witnessing his continued growth and development as they move through the fall.
Mia Towshend ‘26 – JV field hockey
Mia has been a welcome addition to the JV field hockey team this year. She scored both of the Wildcats’ goals in the tie against Bement last week. She’s fast, aggressive, and has strong stick skills. Her terrific work ethic and positive attitude make her a pleasure to coach and provides a provides a positive example for all of her teammates. The team is looking forward to more great offensive play from Mia as the season continues.
Shane Bussard ’25- JV Football
Shane has had an impressive start to the season for the JV football team. In the season opener against Eaglebrook on Friday, he led the team in tackles racking up multiple sacks. His quickness off the ball made him a challenge to defend, often leading Eaglebrook to double team him which created chances for his teammates to make an impact. The team will continue rely on Shane’s leadership as the Cats take on a tough Loomis squad this week.
Maya Green ‘26- JV Volleyball
Maya had a great week defensively for the JV volleyball team. In the Wildcats match against Pomfret on Wednesday she was instrumental in getting the first touch under control so that the team could send it back over the net. Against Stoneleigh Burnham on Saturday, she again made several nice passes. In addition, Maya is very supportive of her teammates. She is often the first person to shout out another player’s excellent play in post-game debriefings. She brings a team first attitude each day through her cheering on the bench and by helping to make practice a positive experience for all. Her coaches feel this is sure to be the start of another excellent season for Maya.
Jack Ballinger ’24- Boys JVB Soccer
Jack has been an important part of boys JVB soccer this season. He has been playing very well in different positions through the first few games. He has shown good skills and possesses a good understanding of the sport on the field. He always gives everything he has during the games and has become a role model for the youngest members of the team. His teammates trust him with his abilities and his vision of the field, making him a valuable player on the team and a nightmare for the opponent’s defense. Jack’s coaches and teammates will continue to lean on him for his strong play and leadership by example for the remainder of the season.