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Spring Sports 2024
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Upper School
BOYS VARSITY TENNIS
The members of the Boys Varsity Tennis Team proved just how flexible and resilient they are this season. Despite battling some early injuries and difficult weather, the team consistently brought their best to practice and matches. Co-captains William Herzog and Robert Jendrejack demonstrated what it means to be effective captains, leading by example in all aspects of the game. We look forward to reestablishing a full line-up and continuing to improve on the courts next year!
FROM THE CAPTAINS
Robert J. '24 —
In my many years of playing tennis at Watkinson, I have realized the best aspect of tennis is watching everyone improve and change throughout the season. I want to thank Coach Max and Coach Haggerty for all their efforts in working with us this season, and to all my teammates I want to thank you for your effort and dedication. Go Rams!
William H. '26 —
This season, nine of the twelve players on the Boys Varsity Tennis roster were new to the team. Despite that, I watched the new players step up and play important roles. I want to thank everyone on the roster for their commitment to working hard every practice and trying to improve! Lastly, I would like to give a big thanks to Coach Max and Coach Haggerty for supporting the team every day and for always bringing positive energy to practice and matches!
boys varsity TENNIS
most valuable player
Will H. ’26
As the #1 Singles player and co-captain of the team, William led his peers on and off the court this year. His effort in practice and focus in matches led to a well-deserved win at the top spot.
boys varsity tennis
aaron dornan memorial coaches award
Will C. ’27
Will stepped up in a big way this year. Competing at second singles, Will fought hard in all matches and made some incredible plays. He improved significantly this season and will continue to have a large role in the future!
boys varsity TENNIS
MCDONALD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
Charles T. ’25
Charles displays excellent sportsmanship in both practice and match settings. His line calls are always fair, and he applauds both his teammates and opponents when they hit an impressive shot. His sportsmanship is inspiring to players and coaches alike!
boys varsity tennis
most IMPROVED player
Robert J. ’24
Despite suffering an ACL tear early on, Robert continued to work on his game and support his team throughout the season. As co-captain, he shifted to a coaching role after the injury and made sure to attend all matches this season.
GIRLS VARSITY TENNIS
The Girls Varsity Tennis team may have only had 11 players, but what they lacked in depth, they made up for with spirit. This was a talented group of players, but what made them special was their camaraderie. Led by team captains Brooke Herzog, Julia Schoenfeld, and Amani King, the team had a memorable season, which ended with a 2nd place HVAL trophy and a 6-3 record in the league. Coach Kroch and Coach Herzog are so proud of this group. A 6-3 record is a quality record, but what matters most is that girls had fun and pushed one another to be the best versions of themselves.
FROM THE CAPTAINS
Brooke H. '24 —
Each year I am a part of the Girls Varsity Tennis team, I get to see everyone grow as individuals and as tennis players. As a captain this year, I have witnessed the confidence in each player flourish throughout the season. I wanted to thank Mr. Kroch and Mr. Herzog for all of your support and being there for the team! Lastly, thank you to the players for your teamwork, always bringing a positive attitude, stepping up to challenges, and always supporting the team!
Amani K. '25 —
Despite being new to the captain role this year, I've seen how much the team has grown this season, and I'm grateful we made it to the Championship together. I want to thank Mr. Kroch(also known by the team as Rebecca) and Mr. Herzog for being the best coaches ever and letting us stop for food for most of our away matches. To the players, I would like to thank them for being amazing players, learning at every available moment, and having amazing sportsmanship.
Julia S. '25 —
For some, this has been a terrific first season on the Girls Varsity Tennis Team, and for others, a tremendous continuation of past seasons. For all, it's been a wonderful Spring together. Playing on the courts, traveling to away matches, and supporting each other through it all has been amazing and I couldn’t have wished for a better Found Family. Thank you for making our 2024 season one to remember. No matter what journey you embark on next, we will always be Rams, Oh Yeah!!!
GIRLS varsity TENNIS
most valuable player
Julia S. ’25
Each match Julia steps up to the challenge of taking on the best player from the opposing team, and this year the result was a 5-3 record. Julia had a tremendous season, beating Harvey’s #1 player--Julia was the only player to win against Cindy this year--and making a memorable run to the semifinals of the inaugural HVAL singles tournament. Julia was voted to be team captain and did a terrific job leading by example and supporting her teammates. Coach Kroch and Coach Herzog could not be prouder. Congratulations, Julia!
GIRLS VARSITY TENNIS
COACHES AWARD
Brooke H. ’24
It’s hard to quantify Brooke’s impact on the team. She’s a trusted leader and captain, a reliable teammate, and a fierce competitor. Brooke was voted to be team captain, and she took on the role with kindness and confidence. She also played some tremendous tennis this year with her partner Pia, earning a 5-1 record on the season. Coach Kroch and Coach Herzog are so proud of what Brooke has accomplished and we will miss her.
GIRLS VARSITY TENNIS
MCDONALD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
Amani K. ’25
Amani supports her teammates and always puts the team first. Amani decided to step down from playing in the singles tournament so that her sister, Amanda, could play. And she showed up to the tournament to support Amanda and Julia, even though she was disappointed to not be able to play. Amani is a kind and generous player and teammate, and she embodies the ideals of sportsmanship on and off the court. Congratulations, Amani!
GIRLS varsity TENNIS
most improved player
Ninah G. '24
Ninah joined the team this year and quickly caught the tennis bug. It has been such a thrill to watch Ninah climb the ladder and play in competitive matches, and she earned her spot, playing at 3rd doubles in the championship match. Congratulations, Ninah!
VARSITY TRACK
This was a year of growth in every way. Not only did our team double in size, but they competed fiercely, shattering 13 school records - a testament to their incredible talent and hard work. Supporting one another all season, a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and friendship was the foundation of their success. Senior members took younger athletes under their wings, providing mentorship and instilling confidence. We look forward to watching this group of athletes continue to grow throughout the next few years. Congratulations on a great season!
varsity TRACK
most valuable player
Oscar L. ’24
Without question, Oscar is the most talented athlete to compete for Watkinson in many years. He shows up to meets to win. His times speak for themselves, shattering the Watkinson records in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100, and 4x400 just this season. However, his contributions don’t end there; he is most valuable to the team as a mentor and leader. His humility, humor, and supportive leadership as a captain have been invaluable. Thank you, Oscar for your hard work and commitment to the team.
Jamella W. ’24
Jamella leads the team with her knowledge of the sport, her determination, her grit, and her support of her teammates. Her training this year earned her two first-place finishes in big meets and she is now the Watkinson record holder for the 100m, 200m, long jump, and the 4x100 relay. She sets an example for her younger teammates with her athleticism, energy, and positivity. Thank you, Jamella for a great season!
VARSITY TRACK
COACHES AWARD
Desteni D. ’27
There is no one more deserving of this award than Desteni. She brings a smile, kind words of support, and love for her team to every practice. Teaching and being a mentor for other throwers comes naturally to Desteni, and she was invaluable to the team for this reason. She stepped up as a leader, organizing events, spreading information, and being a spokesperson for the team as well. Thank you, Desteni for being such an integral part of the team this year!
VARSITY TRACK
MCDONALD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
James D. ’24
James has earned the Sportsmanship Award as his character and dedication have been a cornerstone of our team. His kindness and coachable spirit, always open to feedback, set an example for the rest of the team. He exemplifies true sportsmanship by offering encouragement and respect not just to his teammates, but also to his competitors. James always sets a high standard of behavior and performance, demonstrating that true excellence lies in the combination of both talent and character.
VARSITY TRACK
most improved player
Liam W. '27
From the first practice, we knew that Liam was a motivated and determined athlete who would achieve great things this season. He enthusiastically tried the long jump in practice and days later, jumped a distance that nearly qualified him for New Englands. He also competed in the 4x100 relay in several meets, helping his team shave seconds off their time each race. His willingness to take risks is admirable and inspiring to even our most experienced athletes on the team. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish over the next few years, Liam!
varsity ULTIMATE
This season, we were poised to elevate our level of play before anyone had stepped foot onto a field in the spring. Several of our players got plenty of reps in over the winter while playing in an indoor league, and that core helped set the tone for the season. Our new players, whether coming from other sports or from the middle school, jumped right in as well, and although it took us a while to record a win, we put up solid performances against some tough, athletic teams, and we were rewarded with a berth into the Division I State playoffs, where we eventually finished 7th out of 8 teams. From winning a marathon, 20+ minute point against North Branford, to beating our seed at the NEPSUL tournament, to providing the staff of a newly-opened Shake Shack with their first dinner rush, this team was a force to be reckoned with! Thanks so much to Ayla Facchini for her intrepid work as our stat-keeping manager, and to Patrick Gustafson and Rob Thomas for their help shaping our team as assistant coaches. Let’s go, Wat!
FROM THE CAPTAINS
Quincy G. '24 —
For the past three years, I've had the opportunity to play for Mr. Thomas! Many know him as the music teacher, but I know him as one of the greatest ultimate coaches ever. Mr. Thomas believes in you when you don't believe in yourself—which seems odd sometimes. I want to thank him because he's worked with me countless times to improve my mechanics, skill, and overall feel for the game. He's been a key piece in our team's development this year. Thank you, Mr. Thomas.
Forest G. '24 —
Coach Kozey stressed the importance of hard work, dedication, and spirit this year. His constant reminders to always put in 110% was felt both from players on the field and on the sideline. His approach to value decision making above all left players of all skill levels able to feel accomplished and capable of fulfilling the task at hand. There is no doubt that the success of this year's season, beating our seed NEPSUL, qualifying for D1 states, and sharing the sport of ultimate to new players, is all thanks to Coach Kozey!
Aviv T. '26 —
Being a part of Watkinson Ultimate this year has truly been special. In addition to making Division I states, I'm so proud of how much everyone has improved and grown in both skill and in spirit over the course of the season. I want to thank our amazing coaches and the athletic department as a whole for everything they have done to make this sport possible. It's been an honor and I can't wait for next year!
VARSITY ULTIMATE
most valuable player
QUINCY G. ’24
Sometimes statistics don’t tell the whole story about who a player is and what he means to his team. For Quincy, that is true, but the stats certainly help! With a team-leading 21 goals, a 93% catching rate and 15 assists to boot, Quincy made a huge impact on the field this season. He had 25 Ds to go along with that offensive output, but more than that, Quincy was the veteran captain we needed, elevating the entire team with his example and his effort. Well done, Quincy!
VARSITY ULTIMATE
coaches AWARD
FOREST G. ’24
Over the past several years, no single player has been quite as integrally involved in Watkinson ultimate as Forest Gill. A two-time captain, Forest worked his way back from injury over the winter to have a great season this spring. All along the way, he was an outstanding leader for his fellow teammates, both on and off the field. Congratulations, Forest!
OWEN R. ’25
Owen was having a fantastic season for us, leading the team in many defensive and offensive statistical categories, until a knee injury on April 27th cut that short. Many players would have taken that as a cue to give up on having an impact on their team, but not Owen. He was an invaluable presence on the sideline and in the huddle throughout the remainder of this season, whether keeping stats, scouting opponents, or encouraging his teammates. Congratulations, Owen–we can’t wait to see you back on the field next year!
VARSITY ULTIMATE
mcdonald sportsmanship award
AVIV T. ’26
Sportsmanship in ultimate is called “spirit of the game,” and it is an integral part of what makes the sport unique. An opposing team at the NEPSUL tournament had a small gift–some festive socks–for the player they thought had the best spirit, and they picked Aviv. We couldn’t agree more! Aviv embodies good spirit: he loves the game, respects his opponents, and plays incredibly hard. Congratulations, Aviv!
VARSITY ULTIMATE
most improved player
YEHYA A. '25
Yehya Amer began playing ultimate last year, and after a year on the JV team, all that experience was put to outstanding use. Yehya digested tons of information reagarding where to be on the field and how to operate in various offensive and defensive formations, and his first goal–in our last game at the NEPSUL tournament–was an instant classic. There will surely be more to come!
VARSITY GOLF
This Spring saw Watkinson's first official season of competitive golf in roughly 20 years and it surely did not disappoint. Seven golfers came out for the season and worked hard in practice rounds, as well as with a team instructor several days a week. The team won all 4 of its regular season matches and finished Runner-Up during a rainy HVAL Invitational at Green Woods Country Club in the hills of Winsted. Our team was led by the Most Valuable Player; Ariel Qiu, who finished 2nd overall in singles; as well as a solid round by Rory Bemis to take the 3rd overall trophy at the HVAL Invitational. I thank the entire team for all their work to make Watkinson Golf a reality this season!
FROM THE CAPTAIN
Adam C. ‘24 —
This was the first year of golf at Watkinson in a while and as the captain this year, I watched everyone grow this past spring and become better golfers. I want to say thank you to Mr. Gemme for being our coach and Ms. Haggerty for driving us to games. I would also like to congratulate the team for having a winning record!
VARSITY GOLF most valuable player
Ariel Q. ’26
Ariel has put lots of work into jump-starting Watkinson's Golf program over the past year or so, beginning with the creation of an indoor Winter program and culminating with our first official team season this Spring. She was the individual medalist in the three matches she competed in; all wins for Watkinson, and placed 2nd overall in the HVAL Invitational this past week. Her skills are impressive already and she improves with every practice.
varsity golf
COACHES AWARD
Jalen A. ’25
The definition of the perfect team player is "Someone who makes a positive contribution to the team through attitude and example. A coach would wish that they had a team full of this player." Jalen fulfills that definition to the "Tee". As a newcomer to the team this season, Jalen showed up every single day to practice and learn; even being the only player at the course on a few days when other players were at a match. He never complained, just kept working hard and earning his way into the starting line up during our final season match against Westover. Jalen always has nice things to say to his teammates during our practice rounds and I can not wait to have Jalen back on the team next season (which he has already signed up for)!!
varsity golf
MCDONALD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
Rory B. ’24
Rory B. — "The People's Champion" — was the definition of the McDonald Sportsmanship Award this season. His great attitude spread to everyone around him on the course and practice areas. He would always compliment others on good shots and somehow find a way to put a fun spin on the bad ones. Rory played well in every match this season, especially during the HVAL Invitational where he shot a nice 45 to earn 3rd place overall.
varsity golf
most improved player
Colby H. '24
Colby joined the team this Spring in his Senior year as a fairly new golfer. His work ethic and desire to learn and improve his skills can not be questioned. Colby's scores improved every week as we worked with him on the basics of the golf game and swing. All of the practice he put in during the season led Colby to an impressive final round of the season at the HVAL Invitational; helping drive Watkinson to a Runner-Up finish.
VARSITY rowing
Watkinson rowers competed with Riverfront Rowing 's (Hartford) youth team this spring. After putting in hours of work on stroke technique, physical power and stamina, Riverfront's team put themselves to the test in three regattas: the Saratoga Invitational, the Lowell Invitational, And US Rowing's Youth Regionals. Our three rowers, Evie H., Maxwell M., and Caleb G. all made significant contributions to this composite high school rowing team and represented Watkinson in exemplary fashion!
VARSITY ROWING
most valuable player
Caleb G. ’27
From the beginning, Caleb has been one of the best team players. He is constantly asking how he can help the coaches, how he can help his team and is willing to sit any seat in any boat at any time. This spring has been especially tough with the early and extended spring river flooding. Caleb never loses his positive attitude and is always encouraging his teammates both on and off the water. The team will greatly benefit from Caleb's growing leadership in the coming years.
Middle School
MS tennis
The two words that come to mind to describe the Middle School Tennis team are kindness and positivity. Despite losing many of previous year’s starters, all players brought an optimistic attitude to practice and trained hard each day! When matchday rolled around, the team cheered each other on and competed at every spot in the lineup. Although the team did not record any overall victories in the limited matches played, all players improved significantly over the course of the season!!
MS tennis
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Antonio G.. ’28
Antonio is an excellent tennis player and a strong leader of the team. In practice, he brings consistent effort and helps explain drills to his peers. Come gameday, he fights hard and actively applies what we’ve worked on in training.
MS TENNIS
COACHES Award
Jordy C. ’29
Jordy is an optimistic and joyful individual. She is always eager to improve her game and adapts to coaching advice well. It’s been wonderful to have Jordy’s positivity on the court day in and day out!
MS TENNIS
McDonald Sportsmanship Award
Virginia B. ’28
Virginia always has a smile on her face… and I mean always! She makes fair line calls, says the score before every point, and is the type of player whose positive attitude elevates the rest of the team!
MS TENNIS
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER Award
Katie L. ’28
Katy has held down #1 doubles this year, partnering up with a number of different teammates. She has improved considerably since the start of the season, using her speedy movement and powerful volleys to end points quickly!
MS ULTIMATE
The 2024 middle school ultimate season definitely had its ups and downs. We ended up winning one of our games as we played our fair share of tough opponents, including a team of all high schoolers. We had a lot of new students that tried frisbee for the first time this year and only a couple of returners. So, the goal of our season was to learn more about the sport and have fun while also trying to win a few games. Everyone who wanted to play in games had the opportunity to and for the most part, we had fun. Our four eighth graders are ready to go on and continue at the upper school level while our new sixth and seventh started developing their skills to use in our next season. It has been more than a pleasure being able to coach all of our players this year! Congratulations to everyone who played this year!
MS ULTIMATE
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Paul Z. ’29
Paul had a season full of ups and downs, but what remained consistent was his willingness to work hard and just play the sport. Paul has a competitive spirit and he always wants to win. There is no questioning his passion for the sport and his strive to improve his game. After last year, Paul quickly proved to be one of our best throwers and became one of our primary handlers. The improvement from last year to now has been tremendous as he has learned to be more patient and make good decisions with the disc. He is very good at distributing the disc to our cutters and he took on the difficult role of pulling to start most of our defensive points. Paul, we look forward to seeing what you can do as you continue to eight grade and high school over the next few years! Keep up the good work!
MS ULTIMATE
COACHES AwarD
Brooke G. ’29
Brooke was completely new to ultimate at the start of the Spring, but that did not stop her from trying her hardest each and every day. She is always asking questions about how to improve her throws and cuts on offense and she ended up being one of our reliable cutters by the end of the season. However, she was also a menace on defense, with a few great D’s throughout the season. Brooke is always open to feedback from her coaches and she always tries to implement it into her game. She constantly has a positive attitude and a smile on her face, regardless of the situation. It has been a pleasure to coach you this season Brooke and we wish you the best of luck in the future!
MS ULTIMATE
McDonald Sportsmanship Award
Gabe M. ’28
Gabe is one of the most hard working and sincere players you will ever meet. He is always looking for new ways to improve his game and is constantly asking questions about how he can get better. Gabe’s hustle was unmatched as he played in every single point that he could and consistently wanted to guard the other team's best player. However, the reason Gabe is receiving this sportsmanship award is because of his infectious positive attitude towards both his teammates and his coaches. He never has anything negative to say and always brings the best out of his teammates. He consistently has his head up no matter the situation and always encourages his teammates, even after a mistake. After every single practice and game, Gabe would come over to his coaches and say thank you and give a fist bump. This is something that doesn’t go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated as coaches. Gabe, you truly are one of the best players we have had the pleasure of coaching! Keep up the hard work and you will be very successful in the future!
