Francesco Grumo ’23- Boys Varsity Soccer
Senior defender Francesco led the boys varsity soccer team to shutouts over Salisbury and Deerfield last week. The Milan native’s physical play at center back comes at a pivotal point of the season where the Wildcats are looking to gain momentum as they approach the playoffs. Francesco’s skills will be put to the test against Kingswood and NMH this week as the Wildcats look to finish up one of the best seasons in school history.
Miranda Calderone ’23- Varsity Field Hockey
Miranda joined the team this season with an open heart and mind, ready to soak up her first-ever season playing field hockey. She has made the most of this opportunity and plays as though she is a 4-year veteran. Miranda leads by example through her hard work and dedication to improve each practice and game. In the team’s most recent game against Loomis, Miranda’s tenacity earned her the primary assist in our 1-0 victory. Her coaches are so glad that Miranda took a risk to try a new sport during her senior year and know that her high level of play will continue to contribute to the Wildcats’ success as they enter post season play.
Chance Thorne-Begland ‘23-Boys Varsity Cross Country
Chance had a great race for the Wildcats at the six school meet to finish out the regular season, placing 7th on the team and 11th overall. Besides running well, Chance provided positive leadership and support for his teammates as they faced adversity on a challenging course in unseasonably warm weather. Chance has been an integral member of the team’s success this year as he is always looking out for other members of the team and striving to ensure everyone has fun while competing. Chance’s coaches and teammates appreciate all he has given for the betterment of the team this season.
Kristen Trembley ‘23- Girls Varsity Soccer
Kristen has been a strong and reliable player for the girls varsity soccer team all season. She consistently works as hard as she can, and her coaches can count on her in the back line. Even if the defense gets beat, they know Kristen will be putting in the second effort and sprinting as hard as she can to get back. In the game against Loomis on Saturday, Kristen stepped in front of her player numerous times to win the ball and put her body on the line to help the team. She is the true meaning of a team player, and her coaches and teammates are grateful to have her competing for the Wildcats!
Mel McCullough ‘26-Varsity Volleyball
As a freshman, Mel has seamlessly stepped into the right-side hitter role for the Cats. Her play on the court consists of rambunctious forays across the court, a simultaneous display of joy, surprise, spontaneity, goofiness, and athleticism. This unorthodox presence has included a season-long improvement in all phases of her game where she impacts both the blocking and attacking fronts for the team. This past Saturday at Ethel Walker, Mel added setting to the list of skills that she has employed this season. Stepping into the role for the first time, she took on the responsibility of distributing the ball with the zeal and happiness that has come to embody her approach. Mel makes positive contributions on the court with a no-excuses, enjoy-the-moment, celebrate-your-teammates, type of attitude. Everybody could use a Mel in their life!
Colin Larson ’24- Varsity Football
Colin had a breakout game for the Wildcats Saturday night in their thrilling 45-43 win over Exeter. He recorded 7 catches for 91 yards and 1 touchdown while also returning a kickoff for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. His team first mentality along with his toughness are a huge reason the football team is having the success that they are this season. His teammates and coaches will continue to rely on him for his leadership through example and competitive play in both practice and games as they prepare for a bowl game in a couple of weeks.
Greta Saxe ’23- Girls Varsity Cross Country
Greta, a senior captain, ran a tough race at Berkshire School competing against three other schools this last Saturday. After several setbacks over the course of this season, Greta’s perseverance paid off. She ran her strongest race of the season and finished with a time only 8 seconds off her best of the year on this very challenging course! Greta kept her eyes up throughout the race, maintained solid form, and had an impressive and very strong finish. Her coaches are very proud of Greta for her hard work and for representing the Wildcats at this challenging, multi-school race!
Sam Fortier ’23- Boys Varsity Water Polo
Sam had a senior day to remember in the pool for varsity water polo! Earning significant playing time this weekend in a must win contest against Loomis and a tough matchup versus #2 GCDS, Sam made the most of the opportunity playing intense defense against some of the league’s best players, and igniting a stagnant offense with a big goal over the top defender of GCDS. Sam has worked tirelessly to improve his skills over the fall and all this hard work was evident on Saturday. As the team prepares for the NEPSAC tournament this upcoming weekend, Sam will be relied on to continue to contribute in all facets of the game.
Sierra Grandonico ’26- JV Volleyball
Sierra proved herself as an important member of the girls JV volleyball squad during the last game against NMH, with strong serving that led a 3-point streak during the third set against a strong opponent. Sierra picked up volleyball this season as a new sport and has worked hard to improve her skills throughout the season. Her hard work is now paying off as she has made several memorable points in recent games. Sierra frequently stays after practice to continue working on her passing, hitting, and serving skills. Her coaches have no doubt that she will continue to improve as the season approaches its final stretch. In addition to working hard and staying focused during practice, Sierra also shows her team first attitude by bringing a calm and kind presence to the team!
Edmon Tong ‘25-JV Football
Edmon has had a great season for the JV football team. This year he has stepped into an unfamiliar role and has played o-line all year. With no prior experience with the position and not knowing much about this role he has worked hard to find his footing. Proving his team first mentality and his work ethic, Edmond has improved tremendously, going up against much bigger kids and holding his own. Edmond’s coaches appreciate his leadership through example and attribute much of the team’s to success to players like Edmond, who go above and beyond to do what is best for their team, regardless of the situation.
Pierceson Squires ’23- Riding
Pierceson competed at her third Hunt seat competition this past weekend at End of Hunt Farm in Suffield, Connecticut. At the competition she won her class and helped her team become high point team of the show with only three riders competing out of six teams. Pierceson has worked incredibly hard and has shown support and positivity to her teammates throughout her process. Her coaches could not be more grateful to work with and watch this young lady turn into a fierce competitor.
Owen Dietrich ‘23-Boys JV Cross Country
Owen concluded his cross-country career on a high note at the Six School Meet at Berkshire on Saturday. Owen ran one of his fastest races of the season on a difficult course in unseasonably warm weather. The coaches are very appreciative of Owen’s leadership and support for the less experienced runners on the team. He stepped right into a leadership role at the start of the season and has been integral in guiding the younger runners throughout the season. He always works hard and supports other members of the team to do the same. Owen’s contributions and dedication will truly be missed next year.
Caroline Webster ‘27- Girls JV Soccer
Caroline has been consistently improving all year long as an outside midfielder for the Wildcats . Last week, she played two very solid games helping the team to beat Bement 3-1 and to hold a very strong Loomis squad to only a 0-4 loss. Caroline has been very coachable and has had a good attitude all season. Her coaches and teammates look forward to watching her continued growth for many seasons to come.
Meredith Cross ‘27-Thirds Volleyball
Meredith has been a quiet contributor, supportive teammate, and consistent performer all year. Meredith works hard every day in practice to learn, improve, and grow as an athlete and a teammate. Her positive energy makes the environment more pleasant for athletes and coaches alike. She constantly looks for ways to help the team and does whatever is asked of her without hesitation or complaint. She understands that winners are built on the practice floor, and she works toward that goal whenever she is on the court!
Ollie Haynes ‘26-Boys JVB Soccer
From goalie to striker, Ollie has been playing every position for the JVB soccer team this year. He brings a lot of energy to practice and especially to games. During the last few games, Ollie has maintained a high playing level. He defended well, scored, and assisted a couple of goals. He has improved tremendously since the beginning of the season and is always eager to support and encourage his teammates. Ollie’s coaches appreciate his team first mentality and his positive contributions to the team this season.
Mei Gazama ‘25-JV Field Hockey
Mei has shown steady improvement in her skills over the course of her second season on the field hockey team and her efforts paid off on Saturday. She was in the right place when she positioned herself on the post and tipped in a pass for a goal against Loomis. Mei’s quiet and constant presence serves as an example to her teammates of the importance of hard work. Mei’s coaches have enjoyed having her on the team this season and look forward to her continued growth in seasons to come.
Esther Glazer ’25- Girls JV Cross Country
Esther has been a consistent force on the Wildcats’ cross country team since she joined as a smiling new runner this year. At last Saturday’s race at Berkshire School, Esther and her team competed against three other schools in a very tough race. Esther remained focused throughout the race, keeping her eyes on finishing strong. At every turn, Esther pushed herself a little more which helped her move up in the overall race. On the final turn of the race, Esther had an impressive pace all the way to the finish line! Her coaches and teammates are looking forward to Esther’s consistent hard work and encouraging smile as we finish out the season.