Amya James ’23- Varsity Volleyball
Starting from her middle blocker position since the beginning of the year, Amya’s play on the court speaks for itself. As a dominant hitter, Amya is frequently asked to generate instant offense when the Wildcats need it, often sending attacks over opponent blocks. She is a rapidly improving blocker herself, allowing the team to consistently front the defense regardless of the rotation. On Saturday versus WMA, Amya tallied five kills, two blocks, and a service ace in the closely fought second game. The Cats will continue to rely on Amya’s inspiring play as they move through the second half of the season.
Eli Goldberg Cook ’23- Boys Varsity Water Polo
Eli has quietly become a leader of the boys water polo team this season, leading by example through his hard work and positivity. Over the past week he asserted himself as a top defender on the team in addition to a timely goal scorer. In weekend matchups with Hamden Hall and Deerfield, Eli found himself matched up defending the opponent’s top scorers and effectively shut them down. Eli continues to make great strides in his understanding of the game through focus in practice and attention to his teammates. Eli will certainly be counted on as the team pushes for a playoff berth in the upcoming weeks.
Brooke Manfredi ’24 – Girls Varsity Cross Country
Girls varsity cross country moved to 6-1 with a big 24-31 win over Division 1 rival Miss Porter’s on the Avon Old Farms course this past Saturday. Brooke Manfredi, after tough challenges in previous races, ran a strong race and finished 10th with a time of 25:51, her best time this year. Brooke has been showing her power over hills this season while also encouraging others to follow her example. Her work ethic and positive team first attitude has provided an excellent example for her teammates to follow. Brooke is in prime condition to take on the final races of this season and the Cats will rely on her to bring her best to each meet as they work through the rest of the competitive fall.
Carter Cleary ‘25-Boys Varsity Cross Country
Carter ran an outstanding race for the boys cross country team against Avon this past Saturday. He showed true grit and determination as he ran to a new personal record, coming in third on the day. Carter is a very steady and reliable runner who runs well under pressure. He brings a great attitude to practice and encourages all his teammates to work hard and have fun. The Wildcats will continue to lean on Carter for his steady performance and positive attitude as they work through the rest of the season.
Skyler Walker ‘26- Varsity Girls Soccer
Skyler has been an integral part of the girls varsity soccer team this season. Her strong play continued as she played two outstanding games in goal for the Wildcats. Her athleticism and competitiveness were evident by tallying over 50 saves combined in the two games! Skyler’s improvement since the beginning of the season is something that deserves recognition, as she puts in the work to be the best keeper she can be for her team. As a freshman, Skyler has a bright career as a Wildcat and the team and her coaches are fortunate to have her competing for the green and blue.
Colin Larson ’24- Varsity Football
Colin has been a huge part of varsity football’s success this season. He had a breakout game for the Wildcats Saturday night at Andover with 9 catches for 170 yards. Additionally, Colin does much of the punt and kick returning and is a constant threat there as well. Colin is a phenomenal player with the ball in his hands and a great competitor. His teammates appreciate all he has contributed so far this season and they will continue to rely on him for his productive offense and leadership through example.
Louisa Coughlin ’23- Varsity Field Hockey
Louisa brings an energetic spirit and intensity to all that she does competing for the varsity field hockey team. In games this week, she was instrumental to the team’s success. Against Ethel Walker, Louisa was a leader to her teammates while stepping into positions she has never played before. All this hard work led to her first goal of the season. Louisa brought strong gamesmanship and strategy to the game against undefeated Westminster. She was involved in the consistent offensive and defensive play of the team. The Wildcats are better because Louisa is an integral part of the team, and her coaches and teammates will continue to rely on her as they move through the rest of the season!
Manuel González-Hudson ’23- Boys Varsity Soccer
Manuel, a senior captain, played incredible over the past week helping the Wildcats record memorable wins over Class A powers Choate and Loomis. The Cabo native scored the winning goal in a 2-1 win over the Wild Boars on Wednesday and played every minute against the Pelicans to secure a 1-0 win on Saturday under the lights on Sawyer Field. González-Hudson’s leadership has been a key factor in developing the team’s strong camaraderie.
Gabe Fallone ‘26- Riding
Gabe has taken the task of learning riding very seriously and has made improvements that show his natural abilities as an equestrian. Gabe is always ready for whatever is thrown at him whether it be asking him to ride a more complicated horse or to help a fellow rider out, proving his team first mentality. Gabe is a team player and a talented equestrian in training. His coach appreciates all he has contributed to the squad this fall.
Jack Mettey ’25- Boys JVA Soccer
Jack has been a quiet leader on and off the field since the first day of practice for the boys JVA soccer program. In addition to shouldering much of the scoring load for the team, he is always on time, focused, and ready to work proving his ability to lead by example. His goal on Saturday against Loomis helped earn a tough 1-1 tie for the Wildcats. Throughout the game, he excelled at winning the ball off long kicks and linking with the other forwards and midfielders to relieve pressure on the back and trigger counters for his squad. His coaches and teammates feel lucky to have him and expect even more goals to come. His hold up play at the center forward position has been a key part of the success that the Wildcats have experienced and they look forward to more inspiring play from Jack this season.
Amelia Sabetti ‘27-Thirds Volleyball
Amelia’s play was a bright spot on a tough day for the thirds volleyball team. She was the most consistent server on the day, and she scored some big points from the court as well. She ended the day’s biggest rally with an emphatic kill. Her play showed marked improvement from earlier games and the start of the season. Amelia has provided a strong example for her teammates that her hard work at practice pays dividends. The Wildcats look forward to her continued development this season.
Danny Bussard ’26- JV Football
Danny has been a great leader this fall for JV football and sets a great example for the new players on his team. Against WMA, Danny recovered a fumble and scored a touchdown. Additionally, Danny had an interception. He has been a force on the defensive side of the ball because his hard nose play and competitiveness is second to none. The Wildcats will continue to rely on Danny and his example as they move through the rest of their season.
Gabi Bobiak ’25- Girls JV Cross Country
Gabi Bobiak finished first in the JV race against Miss Porter’s at Avon Old Farms campus this past Saturday with her personal best time this season of 26:32. As a new runner to Williston’s cross country team, Gabi has been proving herself each week with her effort and personal drive to move up in position on the team. With continued hard work and focus, Gabi has everything needed to achieve a permanent varsity position and her coaches and teammates look forward to her continued growth this season.
Graham Williams ‘25- Boys JVB Soccer
Graham has improved tremendously since the beginning of the boys JVB soccer season. He has become a better all-around player, a better shooter, and a better teammate. Graham’s improvement was on full display this past week as he dominated the opponent’s defense during the last two games. He had two assists last Wednesday against Eagle Hill and he scored 5 goals against Pomfret on Saturday. Graham has given more intensity and aggressiveness to the Boys JVB attack, and he has been a very crucial player in the last two team victories. His teammates and coaches look forward to his continued growth and contributions as they move through the second half of the season.
Bella Marinello ‘26 – JV Volleyball
Bella has been central to the JV volleyball team’s performance all season but last week she really went above and beyond. On Saturday she exhibited her team first attitude by executing perfectly in her role as backup setter with her characteristic hustle, drive, and expertise. Her flawless performance with mere minutes of advance notice at a role she has barely practiced was vital in securing game 1 for the Wildcats. She followed this up with three powerful hits in quick succession in game 4 to secure the victory and put the match out of reach. Bella can always be counted on to display consistent passing, setting with precision, hitting with power, and serving with effective ball movement and accuracy. She is the quintessential all-around force on the team and is sure to continue to have a great season!
Ben Werder ‘25-Boys JV Cross Country
Ben has been an important piece of the puzzle for the boys cross country team this season. He ran a new personal record against Avon and helped the team sweep another meet. Ben brings a quiet, steady presence to the program and is always willing to work hard in practice. His coaches are very happy with the progress he is making as a runner and are excited about Ben’s future on the team.
Maya Polastry ‘26-Girls JV Soccer
Maya has been a very steady and reliable player at the defending midfield position all year long. She comes to every practice and game ready to give her all. On Saturday, Maya scored the Wildcats’ only goal against a very talented Westminster team. Maya played a vital part in preventing Westminster from scoring more than three goals. The Wildcats appreciate all that Maya has given to her teammates and coaches and will continue to rely on her significant contributions.