The joy of
teamwork
Fall Sports 2021
- Upper School
- Middle School
Upper School
girls varsity soccer
We had a great season. We went through a lot of ups and downs with players injured in addition to also being able to upset a few teams. We trained hard and we know at times there was a little frustration but we are grateful that the girls trusted us enough and followed through. We played a good, challenging last game. We wish our seniors the best as they move onto a new chapter and we look forward to the 2022-2023 fall season.
HVAL All Star winners:
Abigail G. '22 and
Paw S. '22
FROM THE CAPTAINS
Abigail G. '22
— The girl's varsity soccer team would also like to give a special shout-out to Ms. Haggerty. You've been a constant rock and supporter of the girl's team for many years and continue to do all you can to be there for us. Personally, I can say you've made my Watkinson athletic experience so special and I wouldn't be the athlete I am without you. Again, thank you for all you've done for us this year.
Sadie S. '22 —
First of all, I want to say how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to play with a team of such amazing girls. This experience, however, would not have been possible without the glue that held our team together. Coach Lee, you pushed us, supported us, made us faster, stronger, and I can confidently say I am a better individual because of you. As a senior, I was lucky to have had such an inspiring, kind, strong presence be a part of my final Watkinson soccer season.
Paw S. '22 —
Dear Coach Blake, thank you for encouraging and inspiring the girls to love the game as much as you do. You have shaped the team into something amazing and all I can say is we are not the same players we were during pre-season. You have pointed out greatness in each and one of us and without your coaching, I know we would all still be searching. Speaking for the seniors, we would not have wanted to finish our last dance on the field under the teaching of any other coach but you. From the beginning, you had faith in the team even when we did not have the best performances. Instead of giving up, you picked us up and for that, I thank Coach Blake for stepping up to the plate to coach us about the beautiful game.
girls varsity soccer
most valuable player
PAW S. ’22
Paw Shee is a consistent force to reckon with on the team and field. She has heart and love for the game of soccer and that is something that cannot be taught. She plays wherever she is needed and she takes practice as seriously as she takes the games and it shows. There is no one more deserving of this honor than her.
girls varsity soccer
most improved player
ALYCIANA A-A. '25
At the start of the season, she had a few challenges being new to the school and the team, running and figuring out how she fits on the team. She turned out to be one of our stronger defensive players and receptive and constantly curious about how she can improve her game.
girls varsity soccer
MCDONALD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
SADIE S. ’22
Sadie was selected as captain of the team by an overwhelming majority. She offers words of encouragement to the team when needed and you can always look to her to be fair and provide good direction.
girls varsity soccer
COACHES AWARD
JAYDA C. ’22 (top photo)
Jayda is easy-going and willing to do what is needed for the success of the team. She takes feedback well. She offers constructive criticism when needed and she operates from a space of integrity.
ABIGAIL G. ’22 (bottom photo)
Abby has stepped up to the plate and answered the call during our tough games. She’s the voice of the team, always offering words of encouragement and motivation. She is very vocal as she offers her perspective yet is still willing to take constructive feedback when needed.
jv volleyball
Entering the JV volleyball season with a roster full of players who were new to the game did not stop these spirited rams from playing their hearts out. This team boasted admirable drive and camaraderie, as well as mental toughness. Their fearlessness in taking risks like applying newly learned hitting skills to game situations made them such an exciting team to watch! Under the leadership of captains Olivia Laurie and Kayla Raphael-Shirley, our team was a force to be reckoned with, as evidenced by our undefeated record of four wins.
FROM THE CAPTAINS
Olivia L. '23 & Kayla R-S. '23 —
We had such an amazing season thanks to Coach Perkins and Coach Tomlinson. The knowledge we gathered not only as student volleyball athletes but also as a family was unlike any other. The volleyball family supported each other during both games and practices while our coaches pushed us to unleash our greatest potential. Even though we sometimes struggled, through those hardships, we triumphed greatly.
Thank you JV Coach Perkins and Varsity Coach Tomlinson for a memorable season.
JV Volleyball
most valuable player
BROOKE H. ’21
Brooke’s love of volleyball is reflected through her daily performance. She has become a staple for our team, through her daily dedication to strengthening her skills, and her aggressiveness in game situations. She has grown more confident in moving her feet and anticipating the ball, which has made her reliable when a third ball needs to be launched over the net, or when a ball is about to hit the floor, majorly contributing to our undefeated season. Along the way, Brooke has been a great team player, supporting her teammates and keeping morale high regardless of the score. We look forward to seeing her progress next season!
JV Volleyball
MCDONALD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
KAYLA R-S. ’23
As one of our team captains, Kayla has been an excellent role model and leader for her teammates. She radiates positivity in practice and during game situations, uplifting her teammates along the way. Her encouraging attitude and her approachability for players of all ages has helped us build a strong, cohesive team. Eager to improve her skills, she has been a role model by coming to practice early to scrimmage with her teammates, and leaving practice late after getting some extra instruction. Thank you for being a great leader this season!
OLIVIA L. '23 (bottom photo)
When the opposing team has a stand full of sixty screaming fans, all we need is one, Olivia L., to counteract their volume and energy. A mask is no obstacle for her unmatched ability to project her voice. Whether she is on the court or on the sidelines, Olivia is the first to enthusiastically celebrate a success with her teammates, or to lift them up after an error. Even for JV and Varsity double header games, Olivia is a reliable source of motivation and encouragement. We are grateful to have had such a spirited captain leading our team this year!
JV Volleyball
most improved player
ALICE X '25
New to volleyball, Alice started the season learning the basics; passing, and setting. By the end of the season, Alice’s wicked underhand serve and powerful hits have made her a force to be reckoned with. She approached our games with confidence, playing aggressively at the net and remaining calm under pressure. With the amount of progress she has made in a single season, we can’t wait to see her growth in the future!
JV Volleyball
COACH'S AWARD
KAELA S. ’26
Kaela truly embodied the meaning of being a teammate. She brought a positive attitude to each practice, eager to take advantage of instruction and strengthen her skillset. As a middle schooler, Kaela showed true commitment to our team by spending her free afternoons training with her high school teammates. She went above and beyond to support the varsity players and managers by traveling to distant away games, running the clock, and learning how to be a libero tracker. Thank you for all that you have done for our
team this year, Kaela!
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL
FROM COACH TOMLINSON
I was not very confident when I realized that we were starting the volleyball season with three returning players and a host of very new players. I was not sure who would be up to play Varsity, but I knew we had a multitude of JV players. Now I had to figure out who would play on either team. It was apparent I did not have many choices, so I had to think fast, and fast I did. I figured out very quickly what I needed to do, and that was to train them hard over the preseason and then determine who would go where. It was very clear that this was going to be a task, however I was surprised at how quickly some of the players picked up the skills, and I did express this to our Athletic director when I spoke to her after a few training sessions. The task was steep, but the reward was great. “What a transformation” Many people seeing these young ladies play for the first time, could not believe that they never played in a tournament before. I am very proud of the improvement in such a short time. Thank you ladies for trusting the process, and believing in what you were taught and executing that in a successful way.
FROM THE CAPTAINS
Morgan B. '22
— I want to thank Ms. Haggerty. She has been at the head of scheduling, cheering us on, and keeping us safe throughout COVID; the most challenging and stressful part of Watkinson athletics. Throughout this season, having fans at our games has been a challenge due to COVID restrictions, but Ms. Haggerty made sure that she was at every game to see us play our hardest, and our team is thankful for that.
Noemí V. '22 —
I am honored to express my gratitude to Coach Tomlinson on behalf of our team. Over the past few months, she has yelled at, hugged, and cheered us all into passionate volleyball players. She coaches us through her love for the game and show us, not only how to bump, set, and hit, but how to become kind, valiant women like herself. We want her to know that we appreciate her commitment to us and the care she puts into her guidance. This team would not have accomplished what we’ve accomplished this season without her. Thank you to her for all she's done.
Ayana P-M. '22 — Coach Perkins' faith, compassion, and encouragement are deeply appreciated by the members of our volleyball team. The bond she created with each of us as a player and a coach is irreplaceable; she are our anchor and best friend. She loves the game as much as we do, but maybe more than the game, she loves us. Cheering us on, reassuring us of our abilities, and greeting us with a warm smile and a high five, she never fails to remind us of our worth on the team and value to her. We are so thankful to have had her as our coach this season!
Volleyball
most valuable player
NOEMI V. '22
Mimi is a wonderful athlete to say the least she exudes such confidence on and off the court. I have had the privilege of knowing Mimi for seven years and I am proud to say she is an exemplary young woman. Mimi started to be curious about volleyball in the 6th grade. She could have chosen soccer, she is also an excellent soccer player, however I lucked out, because she chose to play volleyball. Mimi is well respected in our league, she is our strongest and most feared player both at the service line and at the net,and she has been very instrumental in our success over the years. Mimi is very involved in our training sessions, always helping to instruct and mentor the younger members of the team. As one of our co-captains, she is always directing the younger players on the court during the games when they seem lost and don’t know their position. I will certainly miss you Mimi. Good luck to you and I wish you great success. Help me celebrate Mimi hands down as our Most Valuable Player of the 2021 volleyball season. We are losing our Dynamite as she graduates this year and moves on to greater things.
Volleyball
most improved player
JAMELLA W. ’24 (top photo)
How do I start to describe Jamella? I met Jamella during the outdoor volleyball evening sessions during the pandemic, and realized that she could be a great asset to the team. She seemed enthusiastic so I was wishing and praying that she would agree to play volleyball in the fall. I was very pleased to see her at the preseason practice sessions and was even more excited when I saw how easy it was to coach her. Jamella is like a sponge and she pays particular attention when you are introducing her to a new skill. Fast forward to our first real season opener Jamella was fast as lightning getting to every ball diving on the floor to pick up balls. If I was not wearing a mask, everyone would have seen the joy as well as the awe I was expressing. Jamella has made vast amounts of improvements in a very short time. Her growth and maturity is vivid. It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I select Jamella as our first awardee for the most improved volleyball player of the 2021 season.
AMANI K. ’25 (bottom photo)
I chuckle a little when I remember the first day I met Amani, as we warmed up for the first practice. I was more excited about her height than anything else, we worked on passing and she sent the ball halfway across the gym. My exclamation was “oh boy!” I will have to hone in on that energy, but that will be good if I can get her to move, spike and block. I joked with Amani, that I was coming home with her for dinner, that was our little ice breaker. She smiled and each time she made contact at the ball I looked at her and said “dinner right”? It was at this point that I started working with her individually every evening to get her to bend her knees and try to make that first pass. As the season went on I would pull her out and work one on one on certain aspects of the game. This seemed to work with her, because I realized that she was very introverted. Little by little I could see her confidence taking hold and little by little I pushed her one step at a time. Amani was promoted from JV to Varsity within two weeks as a server. That was a task for her, but I am very proud to say that she has made vast improvements and that is the reason I am very proud to nominate Amani as one of this yeast recipients for most improved player of the 2021 volleyball season.
Volleyball
MCDONALD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
AYANA P-M. ’22
“This award goes to a player who is a positive contributor to the team, always exemplifies good sportsmanship and represents Watkinson in a positive way.” I wanted to use this quote, because this describes Ayana to the T. I had the privilege of meeting Ayana when she was in the 6th grade, this little girl was as sweet as can be. Then I saw her come out to volleyball practice. I immediately fell in love with her; what a big heart, confidence, and great spirit she had. This year, Ayana has been very vocal with the team; as a co-captain she tries to explain the fundamentals of the game to her teammates and tries to help boost their confidence. She gives speeches to these young ladies on a regular basis and just helps generally with any aspect of their game when she sees the need. She is hands down one of our best servers of the season. People might underestimate her, because of her size. “Please don’t.” She is very determined and fearless. Her quiet demeanor could fool you, but when she speaks, her voice commands you to listen. I am very proud to select Ayana as our McDonald sports woman of the 2021 volleyball season. I will certainly miss you and the leadership you brought to this team. As Ayana moves on to college, I wish her lots of success in whatever the future holds. Good luck, Ayana.
Volleyball
MCDONALD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
MORGAN B. ’22
Morgan is this year’s recipient of the coaches award. I wish I had a team full of players with Morgan’s attitude. I have also known Morgan since she was a 6th grader. I got to know her better when she came out to play volleyball. I have a special place in my heart for Morgan, because she is the person I yell at the most during practices and during the games and she never talks back or seems upset. She knows he is the most important person on the team. As the setter on the team, Morgan is like the quarterback on the football field or the point guard on the basketball court. Wherever the setter goes the team goes. I admire her determination, her strength and her poise. Morgan played her heart out this season and she is one of the reasons why we are in the position we are today. She fought for every point and encouraged her teammates when they seemed down. I applaud her, because she carried this team on her shoulders, even when she worked until 10:30 the night before a game. It is with great confidence that I select Morgan for the 2021 volleyball season's coaches award. Morgan I will miss you and as you venture into the future, my hope for you is that you are successful in whatever you choose to do.
cross country
The 2021 Cross Country team was led by captain Nick G. With only two returning members, and runners from grades 7 to PG, the team was impressive in the way they bonded, ran together, and supported each other in accomplishing their goals. Caroline, Kate, Sophia and Brett each took several minutes off their time over the course of the season, and Evan used his four years of cross country experience to support his teammates and coaches. Tommy placed in the top 20 at the Marianapolis Invitational, 10th at Hamden Hall, and he and Nick both placed in the top 25 at the HVAL Championship. Congratulations on a successful season!
FROM THE CAPTAIN
Nicholas G. '24 —
This season, the Cross Country team started out as a mere 3 or 4 runners at preseason. While the team is still relatively small, we have made lots of growth both in numbers and personal success. It’s clear that the coaches care deeply about our progress as runners, and it's great to see it pay off. At the start of the year, there were runners who had never run a 5k before in their lives, and seeing them set and achieve their goals is amazing.
cross country
most valuable runner
NICK G. ’23
One of our top two runners this season, Nick also led the team as our captain and a veteran team member since 6th grade. Hard-working, welcoming, and focused, he used a mixture of humor and experience to motivate his teammates to achieve their personal goals.
cross country
most IMPROVED runner
BRETT H. ’22
Brett joined the team this year as a senior and quickly became an integral part of the team. Over the course of the season he improved his time by an impressive 6 minutes, demonstrating the results of his hard work and commitment to the sport.
cross country
MCDONALD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
KATHERINE B-W. ’25
Kate brought her positive attitude and joy for running to every practice. Always with a smile on her face, Kate encouraged teammates and competitors alike. A true team player, she led strategy sessions with her teammates to help them work together to perform their best.
cross country
COACHES AWARD
TOMMY C. ’24
Tommy was a consistently positive member of the team. While he ran comfortably with teammates of all levels at practice, below the relaxed exterior was a tough competitor who fought for the top spot at every race. Not only was he the fastest Watkinson runner at the HVAL Championships, but he inspired his teammates to excel throughout the season.
BOYS VARSITY SOCCER
After missing out on the 2020 season, the boys varsity soccer team was eager to make up for lost time. This year’s squad was chock-full of seniors who were prepared to give their best effort each and every day in their final season as Rams. Early in the season, those nine boys demonstrated that it was possible to work hard while still having an incredible amount of fun on the pitch. Exceeding expectations, the team finished the season with a 5-6 record, earned the #3 seed in the postseason tournament, and won a quarterfinal matchup over rival Christian Heritage before ultimately falling in the semifinal. We couldn’t be prouder of the team’s development both in terms of skill and character.
FROM THE CAPTAINS
Evan R. '22 — Boys Varsity Soccer entered the season full of questions. Luckily for us, we landed a coach who presented even more. What position does each of you play? What goals do we want to achieve? Most importantly, why are you wearing crocs to practice? The energy Coach White carries has been critical for us. The early season made it no secret that our team would need to rely on hard work and vitality, and we all thank Coach greatly for maximizing everything we have. Who's better than us?
Joseph H. '22 — Mr. Reese is known face to Watkinson boys soccer. Although he may have looked like Ted Lasso, he was our incredible assistant coach. You always can count on Mr. Reese to be on the field for practice with his cleats on, ready to participate in all the drills. If the enthusiasm or energy isn’t there then we could always count on Mr. Reese to get us going. The enthusiasm for the game of soccer and being part of a team is very special and we are all grateful for this. We all thank you Mr. Reese for everything you put forward to this team. GO RAMS!!!
William E. '22 — Ms. Haggerty, thank you for helping us greatly during our season. Thank you for encouraging and assisting our team during practices and games. Overall our seasons would not be possible without your guidance. You were an instrumental part of our team and season as a whole, and I thank you again for the work you have done for us.
boys varsity soccer
most valuable player
EVAN R. ’22
This was an unquestionable decision. He 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 is 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 of Christina Heritage. Captain, Leader, Legend. Congratulations, and thank you, Evan.
boys varsity soccer
most IMPROVED player
JULIAN C. ’22
Julian entered his senior season without ever having scored a Watkinson goal. Bouncing through various positions, Julian hadn’t found his place on the pitch prior to this August. In preseason meetings, Julian found himself as our prospective #9 on the field, acting as a target forward who could hold the ball up for others and distribute to the attacking players on the wing. With each passing day, Julian’s work ethic and focus on execution resulted in impressive fitness, a fantastic first touch - be it in the air or on the ground, and a keen sense for space and opportunity. In the end, Julian did all we asked of him and more, netting six goals in 10 games. His passion and love of the game, as well as his enthusiasm and energy, are infectious, and his presence each day brought our team closer together. Congratulations, Julian.
boys varsity soccer
COACHES AWARD
ELIJAH K. ’22
Eli’s place on the field was set in stone from the first day of preseason, and his selection as our left back remained a constant throughout a slew of formation and personnel shifts throughout the early chapter of our campaign. The portrait of consistency, Eli never had a bad game. We relied heavily on his ability to keep the ball in front of him, and his distribution from the backline created countless offensive opportunities across the back half of our season. He fought through soreness without complaint, always offering his best effort and best attitude each day in practice. Making the most out of training sessions and bringing his teammates closer together through a good laugh, we, as coaches wish we had more time with Eli on the field. He is a gem of a player and an even better young man.
boys varsity soccer
MCDONALD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
JOSEPH H. ’22
Joey is jovial. His smile and energy embody the spirit of our team. Each day, from the moment he walks onto the field to the moment he unlaces his cleats, he laughs, he works, he supports, he jokes, he improves, and he brings people together. This approach to training translates to games, as well, as he shares the love of the game with his opponents. Always quick to pull someone up off the ground or to share a sideways glance about a questionable call from the ref, he plays with integrity. He always gives his best and treats the game with care. For all of these reasons, Joey is our recipient of this year’s Sportsmanship Award. Congratulations!
Middle School
MS Cross Country
FROM COACH DAN
Our middle school cross country season was a lot of fun!
I challenged the team to do 3 things everyday:
1. Be a Great Teammate
2. Try Your Best
3. Have Fun
Every team member succeeded in that! ! I am very excited for the future of our program and looking forward to our team competing in more meets next year. Proud of you all!
Believe in yourself. Believe in each other.
Go Rams!
MS CROSS COUNTRY
MOST VALUABLE RUNNER
SOPHIA B. ’27
Sophia leads by example every day in practice with her words and actions! She did an awesome job at our meets and truly loves to run! Great job!
MS CROSS COUNTRY
MOST IMPROVED RUNNER
ELLEN B. ’27
Ellen has improved every single practice! She constantly pushes herself and loves to race against teammates. Ellen ran in her first ever meet this season!
MS CROSS COUNTRY
McDonald Sportsmanship Award
PARIS W. ’28
Paris has a contagious positive energy that our team truly appreciates! It is not uncommon for her shoe to fall off during practice but Paris always manages to hop to the finish line...often with the help of her teammates! Go Paris!
MS CROSS COUNTRY
COACH'S Award
ZOEY S. ’28
Zoey is a phenomenal leader and a great teammate! She is focused everyday and makes everyone around her better. Zoey competed in a meet this season and our team is very proud of her effort!
MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCCER
FROM COACH KIM
This year’s soccer season was a success in so many ways. We first started with only 8 players, and then somehow got more than a full team of 13! Many of you have either never played soccer or were playing for the first time in a very long time. From day one, I was impressed by all of you- your determination, your excitement, and your willingness to learn and do better. Every practice, you all did everything you could to improve on skills whether it was dribbling, passing, or shooting- you never gave up and always stayed positive- which is everything a coach could ever ask for. Thank you for a fun season and I look forward to seeing how we grow next year.
MS SOCCER
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, DEFENSE
PAUL W. ’27
Paul bravely volunteered to take on this position for the team as our one and only goalie. From day one he asked for additional coaching and training. He took all of the tips during practices and games and applied them as soon as possible whether it was to get on the ground more, scream when he’s got the ball, or come out of the net to attack the ball before the opposing team took a shot, he improved every single game and it didn’t go unnoticed.
MS SOCCER
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, OFFENSE
WILL C. 27
Will was willing and able to play any and all positions on the soccer field this season. He was always one of the first players ready for practice and never complained. He always played aggressively even with a guard on his wrist. He scored our one and only goal of the season and the team couldn’t have been more excited for that moment.
MS SOCCER
COACH'S Award
LEILA Z. ’27
Leila showed from day one that she was ready to play. She wasn’t scared of anyone or anything coming her way and made multiple plays that helped protect the goal. She is also the team's #1 cheerleader, always rooting for them from the sidelines, making announcements about our games, and keeping the community updated on our successes. She always had something positive to say about each and every one of her teammates to help keep them going and stay confident.
MS SOCCER
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER Award
ERIC M. ’27
Small but mighty, Eric was another player who was able to play both defensive and offensive positions. Throughout the season Eric showed his strength against other teams by becoming more aggressive to get the ball from others and not allowing anyone in his way. He improved in every skill passing, dribbling, and communicating with his teammates. He was an important part of our success this year and I look forward to seeing how he improves even more in the future.
