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Watkinson School

Category: Athletics

  • Mark Walker Named Head Coach of Watkinson Boys Varsity Basketball, Matt Walker to Assist

    Mark Walker Named Head Coach of Watkinson Boys Varsity Basketball, Matt Walker to Assist

    Watkinson School is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Walker as the new Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Basketball team. Matt Walker will assist his father on the sideline.

    Coach Mark Walker brings over 40 years of basketball coaching experience to Watkinson’s private school athletics program. He has served as an assistant coach for the program for the past two years, becoming an integral part of the staff. His previous coaching experience includes positions at Conard High School and Hall High School. Currently, Coach Walker is also the director of the West Hartford Boys Travel Basketball Program.

    “We are excited to welcome Coach Walker as our new Head Coach,” said Ann Haggerty, Athletic Director. “His coaching philosophy, which emphasizes positivity and encouragement, is an excellent fit for Watkinson. He is dedicated to instilling the values of sportsmanship in his players and helping them reach their full potential.”

    Joining the staff as an assistant will be Matt Walker, son of the new head coach, who brings his own track record of success. A coach for the CT Swarm and West Hartford Travel Basketball, Matt Walker recently served as the Junior Varsity Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach at Kingswood Oxford School.

    The Walkers are committed to developing young athletes through their non-profit organization, ‘On The Court.’ Founded in 2023, ‘On The Court’ provides basketball skills training to boys and girls ages 6 to 16. The program operates from March to November, and in the past two years, has trained over 450 young athletes.

    To learn more about Watkinson’s exceptional private school programs, schedule a visit today.

  • Eyeing Postseason Play

    Eyeing Postseason Play

    Watkinson’s boys and girls varsity basketball teams are in the final stages of regular season competition and both teams have postseason play on the horizon. The boys enter this week boasting a 12-1 record, including a big win against Hamden Hall Country Day School last week. The girls team, the winners of the 2023 New England Tournament, is currently 10-3. Both teams and their coaches are looking to keep the momentum going. Girls Varsity Coach Kristalyn Baisden reflects, “Despite 7 new underclassmen on the team this year, the girls varsity basketball team has had a strong showing this season with an 11-3 record, to date. We’ve emphasized a fast start and focused play from our starters in order to allow their teammates the opportunity to gain experience on the court. In our game against Westover last week, our entire team was able to contribute to scoring. With postseason play ahead of us, the team looks forward to building on their success so far!”

    boys varsity private school basketball

    Make plans to attend a game and support the Rams!

    Watkinson’s private school athletics program fields 18 interscholastic teams and completes in the Housatonic Valley Athletic League. Want to know more? Schedule a visit.

  • A Commitment to Community

    A Commitment to Community

    Watkinson School is pleased to recognize that Upper School Head Ryan Reese (of Simsbury) has been named as the Director of Recreational Soccer for Simsbury Soccer Club. Reese coaches boys varsity soccer for Watkinson alongside Danny White, another long-time coach for Simsbury Soccer and the club’s current Technical Director. 

    A multi-sport athlete himself, Reese still competes in distance running, triathlons, basketball, soccer, and skiing. Reese played highly competitive basketball throughout high school and college. During his 8-year tenure at Watkinson, Reese has coached varsity soccer and basketball. Less than a decade ago, Reese moved to Simsbury and wanted to get involved with local sports. A father of two young athletes, he has coached Simsbury Youth Basketball for players ages 5-10 and with Simsbury Soccer Club across the U5-U8 divisions. He is now happy to serve on the club’s board and collaborate with the club’s leadership.

    “Helping kids learn to love sports from a young age and begin to understand fitness and competition brings me a lot of joy. Those first few years of development are amazing to experience alongside players. Both my parents were incredibly active in my hometown and gave a lot of themselves to that community. I think this is my way of being able to do that here in Simsbury.” 

    Watkinson applauds Reese’s continued commitment to student-athletes beyond the scope of Watkinson’s athletic programs.

    To learn more about Watkinson School or its private school athletics program, schedule a visit.

  • Champs at Prestigious Bancroft Tournament

    Champs at Prestigious Bancroft Tournament

    The Charlie A. Bancroft Tournament is always a great early season test for our varsity basketball teams. Both Watkinson’s girls and boys varsity basketball teams emerged victorious. The girls beat Covenant Christian Academy 62-24, and the boys outpaced the Bancroft School 55-50.

    Assistant Athletic Director and Girls Varsity Coach Kristalyn Baisden says, “It allows the teams to play non-league competition that we could potentially face later in the postseason. It also is an opportunity for the team to build team chemistry and trust amongst each other. Our first game against Dublin School was a rematch of the Class D New England Championship game last season. While the first two quarters were pretty evenly matched, our team was able to pull away in the second half with our defensive execution and ability to hit shots. The team had a dominant win against Covenant Christian Academy in the championship game. Our full court defensive pressure was key in our big win. This was a great experience, where we claimed a historical championship for the second year in a row, as Bancroft has only hosted the girls side of the tournament the last two years (2022 and 2023).” 

    Boys Varsity Coach Dan Horwitz reflects, “Our Watkinson boys varsity basketball team left everything on the court in our championship game in the Bancroft tournament. Our team did whatever it took to get the job done and got to head home with the championship trophy. We emphasize being the most connected and most unselfish team we can be and our coaching staff is very proud of our team. We talk everyday about building a championship culture and that was on full display during this game.”

    Our private school athletics program fields 18 interscholastic teams. If you’d like to meet our coaches and see our athletes compete, schedule a visit.

  • New England Champions

    New England Champions

    With a 41-36 victory over Dublin School, Watkinson’s Girls Basketball team has won the 2023 New England Class D Championship!

    The Rams used smart, dynamic, poised, and tough-nosed team play to earn the program’s first New England championship in almost ten years. Congratulations to every player on this year’s team for your incredible growth, effort, and commitment to team. We are so proud of you!

    Kudos to our incredible coaching staff as well! In two short years, Coach (Kristalyn) Baisden, Coach Alferi, and Coach (Chris) Baisden have instilled a positive team culture that serves as the foundation for this success.

    Special congratulations to:

    • Kayla H. ‘23, who was named MVP of the Class D Tournament.

    • Coach Kristalyn Baisden, who was named the 2023 NEPSGBA Class D Coach of the Year.

    See a gallery of game photos here.

  • 1000 Points and an NCAA Division I Commitment

    1000 Points and an NCAA Division I Commitment

    Watkinson School is proud to announce that Kayla H. ‘23 scored the 1000th point of her high school basketball career as a Watkinson Ram on February 11th in a game against Forman School. Additionally, Kayla has committed to play basketball for Central Connecticut State University’s NCAA Division I women’s basketball team. 

    Prior to joining The Academy at Watkinson, Kayla played for Peddie and for East Hartford High. A captain of our girl’s varsity team, Kayla’s leadership was key this season because there are no seniors on the team. Coach Kristalyn Baisden added, “It’s hard to come in as a PG and get adjusted to a new school, a new team, and a new style of play. Kayla seamlessly adjusted becoming a strong leader for our team, on and off of the court. She can play the 1-5 for us, but she’s typically at the guard position offensively. Her bubbly personality and positive energy allowed her to fit right in with the girls on the team.“

    Kayla is averaging a double double this season (about 17 points and 10 rebounds). She was also recently selected as a NEPSGBA All Star and nominated for Class D Player of the Year. 

    About her time at Watkinson, Kayla added, “One of the biggest reasons I love playing at Watkinson is the culture. My team and coaches were very welcoming and trusted me from the start which made my transition smooth. My coaches and teammates work hard to get better with each game and practice. The uplifting environment of Watkinson is something I will never forget.”

    Through The Academy, Kayla takes classes at the University of Hartford (Physics and The Study of the Black Experience) where she received High Honors last semester.

    About Kayla being an exceptional student-athlete, Baisden said, “She’s a great role model, especially for our younger players, and she’s a pleasure to coach. Our entire coaching staff is grateful to have her on the team this year.”

    As of today, March 3, the Girls Varsity Basketball team is 19-2 and is in the New England Championship semi-final game today (#1 seed) at 4 at home against Bancroft School (#4 seed).

  • Watkinson Private School Senior Receives CT All-State Recognition for Varsity Soccer

    Watkinson Private School Senior Receives CT All-State Recognition for Varsity Soccer

    Watkinson School, a private school for grades 6-12/PG in Hartford, CT, is pleased to announce that Evan R. ’22 received an All-State selection for the 2021 Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association ‘Prep Small’ Team. The All-State banquet took place this past Sunday, April 10th at the Aqua Turf Club. 

    Evan was among the 24 members of the Prep Small team; these athletes were selected by the CSCA for having distinguished themselves in soccer during the past season.

    About Evan’s selection, Watkinson Soccer Coach and Upper School Head Ryan Reese adds, “Ryan was our voice on the field, and he was the player who compelled each of his teammates to be the best version of themselves. Not only is he our most skilled player, but he also most fully exemplifies what it means to be a Watkinson athlete. His kindness and supportive approach to bettering the squad are also paired with a beautiful brand of competitiveness, one that isn’t overly demonstrative or fake, but rather one that is deeply felt and respectful of the beauty of the game. He made all around him better with a timely tackle or perfect ball into the attacking third. In the most important moments, he was there – bagging two goals to put the finishing touches on a playoff victory over Christina Heritage.”

    The Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association was officially established in 1973. Since its inception, the Association has catered to the needs of the boys’ high school soccer players in our state. Each fall, at the conclusion of the scholastic soccer season, the CSCA selects a group of high school players to be designated: All-State, All-New England, and All-American. The Association holds an annual banquet to honor these players. 

    Evan is a three-sport athlete, playing varsity basketball and varsity ultimate in addition to varsity soccer, and in each case is a captain. He is also an honors student who participates in Watkinson’s rigorous Global Studies Program.

    Watkinson School, a private school for grades 6-12/PG, is Hartford, CT’s oldest co-ed independent day school. To schedule a tour of our private school and to see what our students,  parents, and alumni have to say about their experiences at Watkinson School, click here. Our next info session for prospective families is May 5 at 9am.

  • Girls Varsity Basketball Takes the HVAL

    Girls Varsity Basketball Takes the HVAL

    Watkinson’s girls varsity basketball team dominated the Housatonic Valley Athletic League’s 2022 Tournament last weekend, outscoring opponents in a nearly two to one fashion.  Following the tournament, Eva G. ’25 and Amaya M-H. ’22 have been named NEPSAC All-Stars.

    Facing Harvey in the semi-final, the girls won with a final score of 66-36. Amaya had a double-double with 31 points and 19 rebounds. Eva scored 17 points. The girls defense was on fire with Jamella W. ’24 pulling down 10 rebounds and the team had a total of 14 steals over the course of the game: Amaya had 7, Jamella had 5, and Paw S. ’22  had 2.

    The girls’ athleticism in the championship game against Christian Heritage was equally impressive. Coach Anna Alferi remarked, “This is the most balanced scoring amongst teammates I have ever seen at a game at this level of competition.” Once again, Amaya double-doubled with 14 points and 13 rebounds. The team’s offense was dominant and consistent with Kendall R. ’24 scoring 14, Eva scoring 12, and Paw S. scoring 12. The defense was both exciting and stable as Amaya added 9 steals and Paw S. had 5. Coach Kristalyn Baisden added, “The girls did a great job adjusting to Christian Heritage’s box and one defense and sharing the ball within our offensive sets!” 

    The girls are the number four seed in the New England Tournament and will face the five seed at home in Watkinson’s Wilson Gymnasium on Wednesday, March 2 at 4pm.





























  • CT Private High School Senior is #1 Commit to D1 Equestrian Program

    CT Private High School Senior is #1 Commit to D1 Equestrian Program

    Watkinson private high school senior Tessa B. signed her national letter of intent as the number one 2022 D1 commit to the University of Georgia equestrian team. The Georgia Bulldogs’ equestrian program has been the epitome of success since its inception in 2001. Since the program started, the Bulldogs have reached unprecedented heights, including six national titles, seven reserve national titles, six Southern Equestrian Championships, and three Southeastern Conference Championships.  

    Tessa entered into the horse world through a pre-school raffle, and it soon became a lifetime passion for her. Spending her winters in Wellington, Florida — competing on the elite competition circuit with the best riders in the world — has pushed her to be the best version of herself on and off the horse. Tess’ hard work and dedication has led her to become a national champion, be named the best junior rider of 2020 at the Washington international equitation final, and earn a team gold medal at the junior jumper final, among many other national accomplishments. 

    Tessa says, “All of my accomplishments could not have been possible without my family and the strong team I’m surrounded by — which includes Watkinson School — that has been a big part of her success and journey for the past seven years.”

    Pictured with her parents, Hagan and Alicia, on NLI signing day.

    Learn more about the culture of athletics at Watkinson School.

  • CT Private High School Junior Competes Nationally from Watkinson

    CT Private High School Junior Competes Nationally from Watkinson

    On Sunday, April 11, Watkinson private high school junior Elijah H. ’22 competed in the USA Gymnastics New England Region competition. This meet, which was held virtually, is the qualifier for the national championships. Elijah placed second on the vault, which qualifies him to represent New England at nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida on May 11-16.

    For the virtual regional competition, athletes competed at their home gyms and were judged via Zoom. While Elijah was competing with his team, Daggett Gymnastics, at the gym where he normally trains, each athlete must qualify for nationals individually.

    A competitive gymnast since he was 8, this is Elijah’s 7th time competing in regionals and third time making it to the national stage. 

    Athletic Director Ann Haggerty comments, “Elijah represents everything Watkinson athletics strives for: joy in competition, tenacity while working towards one’s goals, and being an encouraging teammate.  We are exceptionally proud of his work ethic and accomplishment.” Watkinson School requires students to participate in on-campus athletic endeavors; both inter-scholastic or club/intramural options are available. However, accomplished athletes who compete in sports Watkinson does not offer (like gymnastics, horseback riding, hockey, etc.) are given extraordinary support and flexibility to achieve in their chosen arena.

  • Quincy Amarikwa, the third speaker in series

    Quincy Amarikwa, the third speaker in series

    Watkinson’s Global Studies Program and Athletics Department are pleased to present Quincy Amarikwa as the final speaker in the three-part virtual winter AthleticMind Speaker Series highlighting leaders in sports and activism.

    Quincy Amarikwa played professional soccer in the MLS for over a decade and recently founded Black Players for Change, an organization of players and coaches within the MLS who are working for racial justice on a national level and who also extend their impact by doing work back in their own hometowns and communities.

    Quincy will join us Wednesday, February 24 to give us an overview of his work during All-School Meeting, then during Club 1 starting at 12:40, he’ll present and take questions in a Zoom event open to students and employees.

  • New Athletics Speaker Series Announced

    New Athletics Speaker Series Announced

    Watkinson is pleased to announce the AthleticMind Winter Speaker Series. This three-part event was borne out of a desire to provide special, inspiring programming for our students. This period of virtual schooling provides a perfect opportunity for students to explore what it means to have an athletic mind.

    The speaker series will feature elite athletes who have explored this question for themselves and want to share their stories with the Watkinson community. Each Zoom presentation will be followed by a question & answer segment which is open to all who attend.

    The first two virtual events:

    • Kendall Coyne and Kacey Bellamy from USA Hockey on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Kendall Coyne was in the news last week for being hired as a player development coach for the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) team, the first woman in Blackhawks history to do so.
    • Renee Montgomery, former UConn Husky and current WNBA player on Wednesday Jan. 30. Montgomery chose to sit out this past WNBA season to focus on social justice reforms such as voting rights and building up HBCUs.

    Director of Athletics Ann Haggerty comments, “At a time when young athletes are disappointed about canceled seasons because of the pandemic, it seems important to provide programming that can legitimately expand our athletes’ skill set, in this case their mind. I also think these dynamic speakers are going to inspire all of us!”

  • CT Private High School Sophomore Named Academic All-American

    CT Private High School Sophomore Named Academic All-American

    Watkinson private high school sophomore Elijah H. ’22 has been awarded the USA Gymnastics Academic All-American Recognition award this year. Robert Cowan, former USA Gymnastics Men’s Program Director, established the award in 1986 to encourage a high level of academic achievement in young athletes in addition to their athletic achievements. The award honors athletes’ development of values, morals, and social skills.

    The recognition has become a prized acknowledgment for these athletes, and a list of the recipients is also provided to the collegiate coaches to utilize for recruiting purposes.

    “The Junior Olympic athletes in the men’s program are tasked with training and competing, while also managing class work and attendance,” said Lisa Mendel, Men’s Program Manager. “It amazes me how much these student-athletes accomplish not only in the classroom and the gym but also in what they do to give back to their community. These truly are amazing individuals.”

    In order to be eligible for the USA Gymnastics Academic All-American Recognition award, athletes must be current USA Gymnastics student-athlete in grades 9-12 with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and complete an online application.

  • Watkinson Private High School Junior Named All-NEPSAC

    Watkinson Private High School Junior Named All-NEPSAC

    Congratulations to Watkinson private high school senior Angel T. ’21 for being named to the New England Prep School Athletic Council All-New England squad for boys basketball for the 19-20 season. A guard for the Rams, Angel is among 20 players from New England to receive the All-NEPSAC distinction at the class D level.

  • Preparing for the NCAA Recruitment Process

    Preparing for the NCAA Recruitment Process

    Through its ongoing partnership with the CT Junior Soccer Association, Watkinson private school and CJSA present a “Tackling College Sports Seminar” on March 5 at 7pm in Watkinson’s Foisie Family Amphitheater. The evening’s panel will feature Chris LeGates from Tackling College Sports, Watkinson’s award-winning College Counselor Terry Ullram, and several college coaches. RSVP your attendance here.

  • Watkinson Private High School Senior Grace Scholar Receives Two Accolades

    Watkinson Private High School Senior Grace Scholar Receives Two Accolades

    Junior elected a Student Trustee and was awarded Female Athlete of the Month.

    Watkinson School congratulates Nary O. ’21, who is a Grace Scholar at Watkinson, for being elected as one of Watkinson’s two private high school student trustees. One of 7 private high school students to run for student trustee to Watkinson’s Board, Nary gave a speech at an All-School meeting and was voted by her peers as the top candidate. She will serve in this role for a 2-year term and will attend Board of Trustees’ meetings to represent the students and provide a student voice for making decisions and setting policies.

    Within the same week, Nary was named the Female Athlete of the Month for September 2019. Nary’s coaches reported that Nary has become a key player for Watkinson’s girl’s varsity soccer team this year. She has a great touch on the ball and is instrumental in helping the team learn to keep possession, and she has really ratcheted up her defensive intensity. More importantly, Nary has become a vocal leader for the team. She helps her teammates learn and applies new concepts in practice and she has been stepping up in halftime and post-game talks, getting her teammates to stay focused and motivated. Her growth has been tremendous. Head of School Teri Schrader added, “Nary is the kind of student and leader who does her best work from being part of the work — never one to push her way to the front or to wherever there is the most attention. Instead, she is persistently and consistently herself; alert — more alert than any ten people put together — and always thinking. Her leadership and presence is understated but powerful!” Members of the community appreciate Nary’s positive presence around campus, always wearing her smile and giving out a “hello, how are you” and being truly interested in your answer. 

  • Watkinson Welcomes CJSA Athletes

    Watkinson Welcomes CJSA Athletes

    Watkinson welcomes the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association on November 5th as CJSA hosts an Election Day Clinic for boys and girls aged 7-12. The clinic will run from 9 am-2 pm and will include:

    • Warm-up & Speed and Agility

    • Technical Trainings Sessions

    • Small-Sided Games

    • Lunch (provided)

    • Larger-Sided Games

    The day costs $30 including lunch; register today. Questions? Please contact CJSA.

  • New Watkinson Boys Varsity Soccer Coach

    New Watkinson Boys Varsity Soccer Coach

    Watkinson School announces Donald Hathorn as the new boys varsity soccer coach. Hathorn comes to Watkinson with extensive coaching experience at the NCAA Division I and II levels, including the University of New Haven, Iona College, Niagara University, Valparaiso University, and Regis University.  Active on the local youth soccer scene, Hathorn has also coached at Farmington Sports Arena which is known for having one of the premier soccer programs in the area. 

    Watkinson boasts a storied boys soccer program, having won the New England Championship three times since 2008.  Also in that same period, two of the program’s alumni have gone on to play professionally; Rashawn Dally ’15 currently plays for FC Cincinnati, and Johann Smith ’05 who played professionally in England, Croatia, Sweden, Finland, Australia, and Canada.

    About Don’s appointment, Athletic Director Ann Haggerty comments, “Don brings just the right balance of soccer knowledge, positive energy, and commitment to helping students develop holistically through sport. He’s been an enthusiastic community member at each of his stops, and his former colleagues rave about his integrity and his ability to motivate and teach the game.”

  • Rashawn Dally ’15 Scores His First MLS Goal – Watkinson Private High School Alumni.

    Rashawn Dally ’15 Scores His First MLS Goal – Watkinson Private High School Alumni.

    Former Watkinson private high school soccer standout Rashawn Dally ’15 scored his first career MLS goal for FC Cincinnati on Saturday night at Nippert Stadium, helping lead his club past Houston by the final score of 3-2. Dally scored in the 38th minute of the contest, giving FC Cincinnati a 2-0 lead just before the end of the first half of play. Teammate Mathieu Deplagne played the ball just above the goal box, fell to the ground, recovered, and then played the ball inside the box to Dally who turned and scored. Dally reflects on his first professional goal.

  • Shamarla K. ’20 in Top 100 Nationally – Our Watkinson Private High School Senior.

    Shamarla K. ’20 in Top 100 Nationally – Our Watkinson Private High School Senior.

    Watkinson School private high school senior and six-foot guard Shamarla K. has been ranked by Don Olson’s ESPN Collegiate Girls Basketball Report as the 70th prospect nationally. She is the only player from CT in the top 100. Shamarla, who came to Watkinson in 9th grade, is a 4-year varsity starter and was a captain her junior year. She joined Watkinson’s 1000-point scorer’s club in her junior year, the 11th athlete to achieve this milestone.

  • Jess Testani Named Athletic Trainer of the Year

    Jess Testani Named Athletic Trainer of the Year

    Our incredible trainer, Jess Testani was recognized today by the Connecticut Athletic Trainers’ Association (CATA) as the secondary school Athletic Trainer of the Year! The award, given annually since 1994, is given to one trainer in all of Connecticut for outstanding contributions to the Athletic Training profession in Connecticut.

    The Connecticut Athletic Trainers’ Association (CATA) strives to improve the quality of health care for athletes, patients, clients and individuals and enhance the profession of Athletic Training, through leadership, education, and cooperative efforts with other organizations and allied health professions.

  • Watkinson Baseball Is Back!

    Watkinson Baseball Is Back!

    Watkinson Baseball returned to the diamond yesterday. Coach Dietelbaum says, “Playing again was awesome in and of itself, but winning 11-7 at Avon Old Farms was pretty sweet!”. Highlights included

    • Jack N. ’21 spun a gem, pitching a complete game, striking out 10, and allowing only 2 earned runs;
    • 8 different Watkinson players reached base, and 7 different players scored;
    • Lamiah S. ’22 made school history by being the first female to play in a Watkinson baseball game;
    • We had the largest Watkinson crowd ever for an away baseball game.
  • Shamarla K. ’20 Scores 1000th point

    Shamarla K. ’20 Scores 1000th point

    by Harrison Richman, University of Hartford Communications Intern

    This time last year, Alexsia R. ’20 was the 10th private school student in Watkinson’s history to score 1000 points in basketball. Now, almost one year later to the day, Watkinson is proud to add yet another name to that list. Junior Shamarla K. scored her 1000th point against Miss Porter’s School on Monday night.

    Family and friends came out to support the team, as they knew that Shamarla was only 16 points away from her milestone after scoring 23 last Saturday. Her stellar performances all season have helped Watkinson to 12 wins out of their 18 games played so far this season.

    Shamarla was recognized at All-School for her achievements, where she received a standing ovation for her accomplishment. She was presented with the game ball that she had her teammates sign, marking the beginning of a well-deserved tradition.