Dore Adeosun ‘23-Girls Track and Field
Dore is new to the girls varsity track team this year but brings a wealth of track experience. She has slotted in naturally in the long jump and on the 4×100 team. At Saturday’s meet against Westminster, Dore began her day with a strong jump of 14’7″ to win the long jump. She also ran a solid leg on the 4×100 relay, which finished a close second behind a strong Westminster team. Dore’s performances so far were expectedly strong, but she saved her best for last when she volunteered to jump into the 4×400 squad to give the team a fourth runner and allow them to compete. The 400 is not an easy race, and Dore truly put the team before herself by stepping up to do this. Dore’s coaches appreciate her team first attitude which has helped make the team better for having her on it.
Gianluca Lanzilli ’23- Boys Track and Field
Gianluca, a third-year runner on the boys varsity track team, has really come into his own this season. Finding a home in the long jump and 4×100 teams, he has pushed the athletes in both those events to be better through his hard work and strong performances. On Saturday at Westminster, Gianluca had undoubtedly his finest meet yet: he began with a huge 21′ jump in the long jump, moving to fourth all-time in school history. Moments later, he led off a very quick Williston 4×100 team, setting the tone for this competitive squad. As if this wasn’t enough, Gianluca proceeded to high jump 5’8″ in his first competitive jumps ever, before running a blistering 10.95 100m dash – the third fastest time in school history. All this sets Gianluca and the team up nicely as NEPSACs get closer, and his team will rely on him to continue his strong performances.
Mia Grady ’23-Girls Varsity Tennis
Mia, the senior captain, had a thrilling match against NMH this week. Mia and her doubles partner, Daliah Elvin were down 0-3 early in their number 2 doubles match. Focusing on their crosscourt shots, the team rolled off 6 straight games to take a 6-3 lead. The NMH doubles team regrouped and fought back to tie the match at 6-6. After Mia and Daliah won the next game, the dynamic pair was one game from victory and Mia was serving. The pressure was immense, and Mia was admittedly nervous. Mia settled her nerves by winning the first point with a strong forehand and she never looked back. The girls won the exciting match 8-6. This was a crucial win as Williston upset NMH 5-4 in the overall team match. Mia has worked hard all season long to improve the consistency of her powerful ground strokes and when the pressure was on, Mia was her absolute best. The entire team appreciates Mia’s wonderful team leadership and her positive “we can do it” attitude. We look forward to watching Mia finish her Williston tennis career on a high note in the final weeks of the season.
Nick Nader ‘24-Boys Varsity Golf
Nick has had a fantastic season for the Wildcats golf program. He is a talented golfer with enormous scoring potential and has been a big part of the team’s successes. In the past couple of weeks, Nick has started to post scores that reflect his strong ability, proving his relentless work ethic. In recent matches, he played a key role in helping the team secure wins against Suffield and Kingswood-Oxford, and a tie with Loomis. Throughout the season, whether he played great, or not so great, Nick maintained a steady and positive attitude. Nick’s talent and optimism will surely play a key role in the success of the team as they head into the final two weeks of the season.
Campbell Collins ’23- Varsity Water Polo
Campbell has been an incredibly valuable member of the girls water polo team this spring. This past week highlighted all that she does for the team. In two big victories over Hopkins and Deerfield Campbell was a leader in all aspects of the game. She led the team in goals (6) and steals (6) against Deerfield as well as winning each swim off and drawing a team high 3 personal fouls. During practice Campbell works effectively with the younger players as they learn the game, sharing her knowledge and experience showcasing her team-first mentality. As the team prepares to defend their NEPSAC title, the team will need Campbell to continue to dominate her opponents as they prepare for championship weekend.
Colin Larson ’24- Varsity Baseball
Colin has been an important cog in the wheel of success for varsity baseball this season. In two wins over rival Suffield Academy, Colin went 5-9 with a 2-run HR and a double, scored 5 runs, and stole 3 bases. He also struck out 7 Tigers in 3.1 innings of relief in Saturday’s game. Colin is the prototypical “5 Tool Player” who helps the team in every facet of the game. His consistent effort in practices and games is notable and provides an excellent example to his teammates. Opposing teams are aware of his talent and try to pitch around him at times, but he still gets hits when needed and takes walks too, as his team leading 13 walks indicate. The team will be looking for Colin to continue to shine in the playoffs in two weeks.
Anna Sawyer ‘24- Girls Varsity Lacrosse
Anna has been critical to the success of the girls varsity lacrosse team this season in her third year as a starting defender. Her steady demeanor and consistent high-level of play bring a sense of calm to her teammates. Over the course of two games last week, Anna helped buoy defensive performances against NMH and Choate that allowed the Wildcats to earn exciting wins. After a slow start against NMH that saw six goals allowed in the first half, the Wildcats settled in to give up just one second half goal in the 17-7 victory. Against Choate, the Wildcats were locked in a back-and-forth contest against a talented team, leading 6-5 at halftime. Once again, the defense shut the door in the second half, allowing two goals in an 11-7 victory. Anna was a big part of both wins, stifling the top offensive threats from each team while being a great communicator and ball handler in the clearing game. Her team will continue to lean on Anna as they look to finish their season on a high note.
Joseph Killcommons ‘25- Boys Varsity Lacrosse
Joseph had a fantastic week for the boys lacrosse team as they gained two league victories over Suffield Academy and Canterbury. In the game against Suffield, Joseph got the offense going scoring 4 goals in the first half and adding 2 assists. He had a total of 6 points in the game on Wednesday. On Saturday night against Canterbury, if there was a goal scored it felt like Joseph was a part of it, as he managed to net 5 goals and add 4 assists, proving not only his skill but his lacrosse IQ. Joseph has been one of the Wildcat main stays in the offense this year and has become a leader on and off the field. Joseph continues to improve day in and day out as he comes to practice every day ready to get better. His coaches and teammates look forward to his continued growth and contributions for seasons to come.
Ava Medaugh ‘25-Girls JV Tennis
Ava has been a dynamic leader for the girls JV tennis team, staying after practice to work on her groundstrokes and practicing her skills as a doubles and singles player. Her positive attitude, love for the game, wonderful sense of humor, and support for her teammates make her a standout on the squad. She showcased her net game and powerhouse forehands during the latest first ranking doubles match with Sasha Gerhard, coming out with a 3-8 final score against NMH. Ava’s coaches appreciate all she has contributed this spring and look forward to her continued growth for seasons to come.
Daniel Zhang ’23- Boys Varsity Tennis
Daniel has been an important contributor all season for the boys varsity tennis team. As perhaps one of the tallest players ever play top play tennis at Williston, Daniel has improved tremendously over the course of the season, adding a ripping topspin forehand and new backhand slice to his game. He immediately impacted the success in doubles play, using his wingspan to cut off cross-court returns and send short lobs bouncing over the fence with ferocious overheads. His strong singles game has led him to have the highest winning percentage on the team at #6 singles. Despite his natural gifts for offensive play, Daniel has shocked strong opponents with patience and versatility on the singles court, often frustrating his opponents with consistency, poise, and placement. The team knew they had a strong doubles player coming into the season, but Daniel has proven equally valuable in the singles lineup. His teammates and coaches appreciate all Daniel has contributed to the team this season.
Vivian Walker ‘25- JV Softball
Vivian has been a positive leader on and off the field for the JV Softball team this season. Anchoring the defense at short stop, Vivian had an outstanding put out in the win against Miss Hall’s that swung the momentum in the Wildcats direction. Her speed on the bases and her offensive instincts mean she is likely to score every time she makes it to first base. The team will look toward Vivian to provide a spark to help lead the Cats to victory in their final two games!
Atticus Rudof ’23- Varsity Ultimate
Atticus has stepped into the role of handler this year and has made things happen for the varsity ultimate squad. He has built on his variety of throws, adding some controlled, curving forehands and long backhands to his repertoire. On defense, he has stepped up the intensity, working hard to make life miserable for the opposition. His coaches and teammates hope that his best is yet to come as they finish the year strong!
May Nguyen ‘24-Girls JV Golf
After learning to play golf this year, May’s growth on the girls JV golf team has been tremendous. She played in her first match last week, and she beat her opponent from WMA! More importantly, May played with great sportsmanship and camaraderie, having fun getting to know her opponent and working hard to improve her game. Her hard work each day has paid dividends in both her long and short game. Her teammates and coaches are all looking forward to more great golf from May in these final weeks of the season!
Grace McCullagh ‘25- Girls JV lacrosse
Grace has had a great season competing on the girls JV lacrosse team. Her strong play has continued as she was instrumental in the team’s defensive efforts this week. Two tough competitors from Choate and NMH had the Cats playing a lot of strong defense and Grace led the way with turnovers and ground balls. Her ability to anticipate the play is second to none proving her athletic awareness. Her game sense has helped the transition up the field time and again and has been a critical jumpstart for the offense. The Wildcats appreciate all she has given to her team and will rely on her continued efforts as they move through the rest of the season.