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Fall Sports 2024
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Upper School
girls varsity soccer
The 2024 girls soccer season was a stellar blend of sweat, smiles, surprises, and skill. Led by our adept captains, Eva C. ‘25, Talia H. ‘26, and Kelsey W. ‘26, the group melded individual styles and strengths to develop the best possible version of our team play. The team finished with a 7-7 record, finishing right smack in the middle spot in the final HVAL rankings. Competitively, the team peaked with a thrilling, last-minute, come-from-behind 5-4 victory over highly ranked Harvey in the last week of the season. A major preseason question was, “Who will play in goal?” Well, Emily L. ‘27 came out for soccer this year and made such an immediate impact that we decided she was a keeper. We thank and celebrate our four seniors: Eva C., Melina M., Khachia B., and Becky Y for their presence and positive energy. Special kudos go to Talia H. and Hannah P. ‘27 for being named HVAL and WWNEPSSA All-Stars. In addition, Talia was selected to play in the 2024 NEPSGSA Junior All-Star game. Congratulations to the entire team for a fun and successful season!
FROM THE CAPTAINS
Eva C. ‘25, Talia H. ‘26, Kelsey W. ‘26
Throughout our season as captains, we have felt extremely proud of our team. We had
some bumps in the beginning of the season with trouble finding an assistant coach, but
everything happens for a reason because then we got Coach Niy. We were faced with a
difficult first game of the season when we were put to the test with a tough opponent.
We got past that and won our next few games. We’ve grown so much as a team with
the help of our amazing coaching staff. We not only have improved, but we have
created bonds that we cherish and will have for the rest of our Watkinson experiences.
We can’t wait for next season hopefully we won’t be faced with any spiders at practice
again!
girls varsity soccer
most valuable player
TALIA H. '26
Talia took charge of the central midfield position again this year, cementing her position as one of the strongest, most respected players in the league. She anchored our overall play. She was a force defensively, and she quarterbacked our attack. We loved watching her work her magic with the ball, changing direction against a pressuring defender and creating just enough space to get off a dangerous shot. She led the team in scoring but also found ways to get her teammates involved with possession and their own chances. As a captain, Talia consistently inspired and motivated her teammates, modeling both competitive fire and supportive kindness.
girls varsity soccer
MCDONALD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
EVA C. ’25
Just as she leads in the broader Watkinson community, Eva was a leader this season in the area of sportsmanship. A thoughtful student of the game, hard worker, supportive teammate, direct communicator, and conscientious competitor, Eva modeled what it means to put it all together with class and integrity. We thank you for your efforts, and will miss your presence and leadership next year, Eva!
girls varsity soccer
most improved player
NAIOMI B. '27
Naiomi reported to preseason with an obvious and inspiring commitment to fitness, hard work, and learning. The maturity she showed in these first weeks led to a significant advancement in her on-field play throughout the season and her role as an emerging leader. Naiomi put together a wonderful season in the outside back position and made a positive impact on the team.
girls varsity soccer
COACHES AWARD
ARIANNA R. ’27
Ari is a physically skilled athlete, but she earns this award with her set of intangible skills: hype, energy, spirit, smiles, volume, relationships. She knows how to get the group fired up; she pushes them into team mode, and shows them how to compete. Ari plays sports with a combination of joy and fierceness that is exhilarating and indispensable in its impact on the team. We thank Ari for her energy and all the intangibles this season!
jv volleyball
Our Watkinson JV volleyball team had a very fun and great season. We went into the season with a goal to have fun and get as much playing time for everyone as possible. We had multiple close and exciting games and ended with a 4-6 record. We are incredibly proud of the progress that was made by each individual and the team as a whole. It truly was a pleasure to work with this team and we look forward to doing it again next year! Congratulations on an awesome season!
FROM THE CAPTAINS
Caroline K. ‘27
I am so incredibly proud and grateful for the Watkinson JV Volleyball team. Every single
player has made substantial progress and has impressed everyone who's watched. Our
coach Mr. G, made this season so special and created an environment that we could all
have fun and smile on days we didn't think we wanted to. We learned a variety of skills
applied to volleyball and in the grand scheme of things. We learned to be kind and
support each other beside all of our differences and never let the challenge rear you
away from your end goal. I know next season will find a way to top this one!
Harper J. ‘28
This season has been an amazing experience, full of smiles, dancing, and poses. We
were positive and kept a smile on our faces no matter what, and we supported each
other during huddles and from the sidelines. I am immensely proud of everyone. We all
grew as athletes and formed new friendships.
JV Volleyball
most valuable player
LILLY D. ’29
Lilly has earned our most valuable player award with her excellent performance at the net and with her serving. Lilly still has a lot to learn about volleyball, but we as coaches are already extremely impressed with her talent and her potential. She worked incredibly hard all season and it all paid off with the progress we saw. Lilly worked her way onto the varsity roster midseason and even played in a few of the games. Lilly has so much potential and a lot of volleyball to play ahead of her. We look forward to having her on our team over the next four years and we cannot wait to see how good she will become! Great work this season!
JV Volleyball
MCDONALD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
HARPER J. ’28
This was Harper’s second season with the team and she served as one of our two captains this year. Being a captain means communicating with the other team before and after games as well as communicating with the referees on the court. Harper always has a positive outlook on the game and very rarely gets upset or flustered on the court. Harper always competes with integrity and always works as hard as possible both at practice and during games. She is encouraging to her teammates and is constantly trying to lead by example on the court. We look forward to having Harper on the team over the next three years and we can’t wait to see what she can do! Great work this season!
JV Volleyball
most improved player
RAYNAH M. '28
Raynah came into this season with very little knowledge of how real volleyball was played. However, she picked up the sport very quickly and became a crucial part of our team. Her play at the net was unstoppable with her hitting and blocking, but she also worked very hard to improve her serve. By the end of the season, she had one of our best and most consistent serves. She asked questions and asked for help all the time and then used the constructive feedback that we gave her to improve her game. We look forward to having Raynah on our team over the next few years and we can’t wait to see what she can do. Great work this season!
JV Volleyball
COACHeS AWARD
JA SENG RA N. ’26
Ja Seng Ra has been playing volleyball for a couple of years now and she is a player who every coach dreams of having on their team. She is always at every single practice and game and is truly dedicated to the team. She is always willing to do whatever is asked of her, including setting up and taking down the net and even staying for varsity games to help run the clock. However, we cannot forget about Ja Seng Ra’s skill as a player as well. She started every game because of her consistent passing and serving. The team often relied on her to pass the difficult serves or hits coming at the back row. Her serve got us out of many tight situations and even won a few games for us! Ja Seng Ra is always reliable and consistent and we as coaches can always count on her. Great work this season!
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL
The 2024 Varsity volleyball season was challenging but fun. Our players did their best during the season. I am very proud of the way they stayed with the games and never gave up, even when they were down. We had lots of fun traveling and playing together. Our team finished 5th in HVALS and went on to play in the Quarterfinals against Westover, which we were unsuccessful in winning. Wins and losses do not tell the real tale. I have had the privilege of coaching some amazing ladies. Their dedication to the sport was very appreciated by the coaches. Being a student athlete is not easy, but these ladies took it in strides. Attending practices and games day to day, sometimes getting back from games late and having to do it all over again the following day. I am very proud of this team, who although we were not winning many games, came to practice with lots of enthusiasm daily. I wish our seniors Pia, Abi, Julia, Autumn, Amani and Alice all the best in the future. I will miss you all and I know you will be successful young ladies. Thanks to the entire team for allowing me to be your coach. Hope to see our returning players in 2025.
FROM THE CAPTAINS
Amani K. ‘25
This season was challenging, but it taught the team to stay together and keep morale
up no matter the score. I'd like to thank Coach M for coming to Wat everyday after work
to coach us, and Mr. G for showing up to practice ready to serve fastballs to prepare us
for games against hard teams. I’m happy I was able to be a captain this year, and I’m
excited to return next year to watch one of their games and cheer them on!
Julia S. ‘25
It’s hard to believe that this is my last volleyball season, but it has been an unforgettable
four years. Trials and tribulations, successes and defeats, a team on the court and off of
it. From singing karaoke on bus rides to failed diving practices, I couldn’t be more
honored or thankful to have spent it with all of you. Looking back to my freshman year
on the team, I never would’ve thought I’d be a part of something this great, and I thank
you.
Volleyball
most valuable player
AMANI K. '25
Amani served as one of our core captains for the season. When I think of Amani, I am reminded of the first time she came to volleyball practice as a 9th-grade student. I immediately knew she was special because of the shine in her eyes when she first touched the ball. Although she was not familiar with the game, there was something about her approach to training that sparked my interest. I still believe that Amani does not understand her potential where this game is concerned. I smile when I see her step to the service line and toss that ball and timely unleash that powerful serve over the net. In my head I say, “Amani it’s a pity you don’t feel the way I do about your entire game potential”. At the net Amani can be very lethal as long as she gets full contact with that ball. I really appreciate the years I have spent in her presence - her quiet smile and her sideways glance at me when she makes a mistake on the court. I have gained a special respect for Amani, because of her quiet demeanor, however her eyes speak volume because they say what she has not voiced. I will certainly miss her. Amani, I wish you great success in whatever you choose as your career in the future.
JULIA S. '25
Julia is our second MVP for 2024 and she also served as one of our core captains for the season. Julia also started playing volleyball as a 9th grade student. She was not exposed to the game prior to that first day of practice as a JV player, however I saw that she was interested in the game, and throughout her four years of playing she has improved immensely. When she is in the back court, I can always depend on her to pass that ball. Julia is very opinionated and is not scared to express when she is not in agreement with anyone’s ideas. I really feel that this is a very good trait that she should never change. She constantly asks questions about skills that she is trying to master. Julia’s game has improved and she is known for her deadly serves. She is very passionate about the game and she supports her teammates on and off the court.
I have no fear that Julia will be her best self in the future. Julia I hope that the future shines bright for you.
Volleyball
most improved player
ABIGAIL S. ’25
When our libero went down in the third game of the season, I was conflicted about who I could trust to play the back court. On an impulse Abi’s number was called, and to my surprise, Abi filled the position like a pro. When a coach gives instructions and the player executes those instructions exactly as told, that makes the coach realize how focused that player is when playing the game. She is by no way the most experienced player on the court, however she is the most consistent. No coach likes a volleyball player to serve underhand, however Abi’s “underhand serve” has gained us many points. I think the other teams underestimated her serves, which worked in our favor. I am greatly appreciative to Abi for staying the course. Even when her number was not called to play in the first few games, Abi kept coming to practice and games and brought her stellar smile and positive attitude. Abi I have seen your growth, your patience and your determination, and that will serve you well in the future. I wish you everything that is good and keep smiling. You are a phenomenal person, and I know that you will be successful.
Volleyball
MCDONALD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
DESTENI D. ’27
Every player on the team would agree that this award could not go to any other player on the team. How does one describe this young lady? She is driven, polite, determined, a warrior for her team as the loudest and most positive person I have ever met. Destini cheers on her team and encourages them even when they are down. Every player on the team respects her frankness, her honesty and her outspoken attitude. She is not scared to call out her teammates. She thinks it is necessary, but the way she expresses herself is not confrontational, but caring. Destini speaks with authority and respect at the same time. It is with respect for this young lady and her demeanor that I have graciously and proudly nominated her for the McDonald Sportsmanship Award.
Volleyball
coaches AWARD
KAELA S. ’26
Kaela is what coaches call a very dedicated player. No mistaking her interest in the game. It’s a great feeling when a coach does not have to worry about setting up the net daily, the table during game days and the clock. Kaela is organized, dedicated and always prepared. Even though she got injured during one of our games, she was still at practice passing balls, watching the training and encouraging her teammates. She was on the sidelines cheering even when she was unable to play. That is what you call dedication. As coaches, when a player shows so much interest in her sport, it makes the coach respect such a player. As our defensive specialist, Kaela still has a lot more growth to experience. I cannot wait to see what she does for the upcoming season.
cross country
This season, our young and determined team worked hard to reach their personal and team goals. This year, the group spanned 6 grades and varied levels of experience, and they came together every day and grew as a team. For many, this was their first season, and they quickly learned how supportive the running community is. Cross country is a team sport, but running is also deeply individual; for a few, the goal of a race is to win, but for most, it’s a personal challenge, a healthy escape, or a way to find balance. The more experienced team members modeled good sportsmanship, supporting all runners as they crossed the finish line. Andy, Will, Caroline, and Kat led the team in this way, with displays of determination, athleticism, humor, and sportsmanship. Coach Chris and I look forward to what next season will bring.
FROM THE CAPTAINS
Andrew W. ‘25
Cross country to me has always been about the team spirit more than anything, and
with a bus filled to the brim with athletes ready for practice every day, that was certainly
not hard to come across. With the influx of new members, incredible positivity came
directly with it. An endless series of cheers for each other led us through each meet,
encouraging our best performance and strong races throughout the season. Thank you
Coach Chris and Coach Roberts for allowing such an amazing experience!
Katerina R. ‘26
I was honored to be named one of the captains of the 2024 Varsity Cross Country
Team. Due to injury, I haven’t been competing much this season, however I was still
able to gauge how much our team has improved from the sidelines.This progression is
in large part due to the efforts of Coach Roberts. She welcomed us to practice everyday
with a smile. Her dedication from planning workouts to coordinating meets is what has
truly made this season successful. I would like to personally thank both my coaches,
Coach Roberts and Coach Chris, for such an amazing season. Until next year!
Caroline G. ‘26
First off, I would like to thank the entire team, Coach Chris, and Coach Roberts for an
incredible season filled with personal records and fun. None of this would have been
possible without Coach Chris's unwavering support and dedication; he is the reason for
the drastic improvement of so many runners on our team. We all appreciate his insight
and ability to diversify our routes in practice with long runs, recovery runs, and speed
workouts. A big thank you to Coach Chris, and congratulations to the team for a
phenomenal season!
William H. ‘26
First, I want to thank Coach Chris and Coach Roberts for an amazing season. I also
want to thank the entire team for their dedication and grit over the course of the last
couple months. Race after race, I witnessed new members of the team run personal
records, all while supporting each other and maintaining a positive attitude. Running is a
mentally challenging sport, but our team was always filled with joy, enthusiasm, and lots
of hydrating! Congrats everyone on a successful season!
cross country
most valuable runner
WILL H. ’26
Will’s athleticism, work ethic, and leadership abilities as team captain were readily apparent throughout this cross-country season. On an individual basis, Will was consistently the first Watkinson finisher in every meet this fall. He also accomplished his “sub-21” goal of finishing a 5k race in under 21 minutes this season. As a captain, he led Watkinson’s relatively young team through their daily warm-ups, and guided them as they previewed race courses on meet days. We are very proud of Will’s accomplishments this season and excited to see him back next fall for his senior year.
cross country
most IMPROVED runner
MAX W. ’27
Dedication and hard work make Max the rightful recipient of the Most Improved award. Although Max was new to Varsity Cross Country as a freshman, he has improved steadily over the past 2 years. He started the season with a time of 29:37 at our first meet and finished at the HVAL Championship with a time of 22:09. To say his progress is impressive would be an understatement. We look forward to seeing you race next year!
cross country
MCDONALD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
CAROLINE G. ’26
A team member since 8th grade, Caroline has learned, grown, and improved as a runner, and team member and is now a captain. She cares and shows support for her teammates’ success as much as her own and will be the first one at the finish line to offer encouragement and congratulations. Caroline’s dedication to the team is evident in how she sets a positive example as a captain and mentor to the younger team members. Thank you, Caroline!
cross country
COACHES AWARD
ANDY W. ’25
Andy’s athleticism, mental toughness, and positivity have been a constant all season. He has learned how to build mileage in a smart and calculated manner, avoiding overtraining, while steadily pushing his limits; this has earned him impressive race times, respect and admiration from his teammates, and accolades from his coaches. Whether celebrating a teammate's victory at the finish line or offering guidance to less experienced runners, he values both individual and team success. It has been a pleasure to be able to coach Andy this season. Congratulations!
BOYS VARSITY SOCCER
The boys' soccer team took home two major lessons this year - one being about the importance of practice and the other being the importance of enjoying the game. After starting slowly, the boys won five of their last seven games. Getting more touches on the ball and working hard each day built a sturdier, more cohesive team and style. Beyond that, the boys forged meaningful relationships through our captains' leadership and just had fun playing the game. Our signature wins include an upset of the eventual league champions and an HVAL quarterfinal success against Williams. We thank all of our seniors for their work and dedication, and we can't wait to get out on the field next fall with all of our returning players.
FROM THE CAPTAINS
Aviv T. ‘26
Over the course of the season our team has improved so much and I'm so proud to
have been able to witness and be a part of it. I want to thank Coach Danny and Coach
Reese for everything they do. Truly the greatest duo since fish and chips - they bring
energy, passion, and dedication to our team every single day, and we wouldn't be the
same without them. I love this team, and I can't wait for what the future holds.
boys varsity soccer
most valuable player
JIBRIL H. ’25
Jibril's athleticism alone puts him in the conversation as a top-ten player in our league. His speed, strength, and quickness allow him to cover for his teammates, standing as a stalwart anchoring our defense and preventing countless breakaways and shots on goal. As the season progressed, he became far more confident with his footwork, taking space in front of him, beating opposing midfielders, and distributing opportunities in our attacking third. In a season of significant turnover and seeing so many starters graduate this past spring, Jibril's presence and communication on our backline have helped usher in the next generation of Ram defenders. His contributions are many, and we hope he continues to play and grow within the game of soccer for years to come.
boys varsity soccer
most IMPROVED player
CONNOR M. ’25
There is nobody who outworks Connor, nor is there any player who listens and accepts coaching more than Connor. He takes himself seriously as an athlete and a player, investing time and energy into his strength and fitness, while giving his best to each drill - even our active warm-up and daily touch drills. This mindset and sweat equity paid off, as he earned more minutes than ever throughout his senior season, found himself playing all over the field, and even bagging another goal to cap off his Watkinson soccer career. His leadership became more tangible and vocal, and his role on the team grew after each successful effort against opponents. Even with all of this in mind, he is still just scratching the surface of his abilities in soccer, and we hope he continues to play and improve as he heads off to college next fall. Congratulations, Connor.
boys varsity soccer
COACHES AWARD
LIAM W. ’27
Liam is very skilled - his years of playing the game consistently and passionately instantly propelled him into a leadership spot on our team, even last year as a freshman. That spotlight felt bright sometimes, as his decision-making was laden with the pressure of producing big moments. This year, Liam was ready for those moments, and he was far more ready for coaching and adjustment. He played quicker and more simply; he did the dirty work of winning balls and sitting deeper in front of our defense; and he built others up around him through distributing beautiful opportunities each game. All of this demonstrated new openness and growth as a player and teammate. He had his best season yet, and we all can't wait for more. Congratulations, Liam.
boys varsity soccer
MCDONALD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
JAMISON B. ’25 (top) and GRAHAM D. ’25
Our Sportsmanship Awards go to JamIson B. and Graham D.. These two seniors follow our team rules each and every day. They are the best versions of themselves as people, and they give their best effort at all times. They set the tone for what it means to be a teammate and friend, always being the first to celebrate a goal, support an injured player, or clap off a substitute. They have helped to build a culture that kids want to be a part of, and their efforts as players earned them more time on the field. When there, they carry the weight of representing the school with grace and confidence. They play hard and well while treating opponents with respect. All in all, they are ideal student-athletes, and we can't wait for their influence to pay dividends on our team for years to come. Thank you both for all you've given to the program.
VARSITY ROWING
With 12 Watkinson rowers across the Riverfront Recapture Boys and Girls Novice and Varsity teams, this is the most rowers Watkinson has had in a long time. Riverfront Youth Crews participated in five regattas, including the Head of the Riverfront, the Head of the Charles, and the Head of the Fish. Every Watkinson rower improved their fitness and confidence and developed the sense of teamwork that is uniquely demanded by rowing an eight. Across all types of boats, doubles or eights, sweeping or sculling, Watkinson rowers represented their school with excellence.
varsity ROWING
most valuable ROWER
MAXWELL M. ’27
Maxwell is one of those quiet soldiers. He is always busy — from getting equipment out or putting it away to lending a hand coxing or filling in another seat. He does so with a big smile and enthusiastic attitude. He is a team player and works to encourage his teammates to keep going when the going gets tough. I am extremely excited to watch Maxwell grow over the coming years.
varsity ROWING
most IMPROVED ROWER
WILL W. ’27
Throughout the season Will had a positive attitude and strong work ethic that would always lead to him having a positive impact on any boat he was in throughout the season. This work ethic throughout the season led to him to become one of the most reliable and productive athletes on the team. This is why I chose him for the most improved award this season. I look forward to continuing to see how Will progresses both as an athlete and as a student at Watkinson.
Middle School