Congratulations to this week’s Athletes of the Week!
Girls JV Volleyball: Saher Al-Khamash, 12th grader
In the past couple weeks, Saher has shown great improvement on the court. Not only have her volleyball skills improved, she shows great leadership and a helping hand to the new first year players on her team. When times get hectic, I can count on her to keep an upbeat, positive attitude, ready to take on the next challenge. Thanks Sahar!
Varsity Football: Jackson Caputo, 12th grader
Jackson Caputo, a four year member of the Varsity football team has demonstrated his commitment to the team through his hard work and leadership through summer training, preseason camp and most recently his contributions in the first two scrimmages. Against Williston Northampton, Jackson had a big touchdown reception in the corner of the end zone to cap a successful afternoon and followed up against Salisbury School with two sacks, 10 tackles and a big catch on a critical third down conversion. His impact on the team can be seen through his mental and physical preparation as well as bringing enthusiasm and being coachable on and off of the field. We are looking forward to more great things this fall from Jackson.
Girls Varsity Field Hockey: Meaghan O’Brien, 11th grader
After dealing with a nagging injury throughout her sophomore season, Meaghan returned to the field hockey turf this fall healthy and excited for the season. From day one of preseason, Meaghan demonstrated an exemplary work ethic and commitment to taking her game to the next level. Her positive attitude and leadership did not go unnoticed by her coaches or teammates and she earned herself a spot as starting right back for our first game against Berkshire. Meaghan played an integral role in a strong defensive unit that held Berkshire to just one shot, as she helped the team capture their first win in a 1-0 game. We look forward to Meaghan’s strong play in the back throughout the fall.
Boys Varsity Soccer: Zach Davis, 9th grader
Zach played a big role in helping the boys varsity soccer team get their season started with a win against a talented Salisbury team. In his first game as a student at DA, Zach contributed valuable minutes and even earned himself a point with an assist on Senior George Fair’s goal late in the first half. More importantly, with the team holding onto a 1-0 lead as time was winding down and Salisbury was threatening to tie the game, Zach reentered the game in order to help stifle the oppositions dangerous midfield. The youngest player on the team, Zach has helped raise the level of practice with his tireless work ethic.
Girls Varsity Soccer: Jacqueline Minor & Audrey McManemin, 12th graders
Jacqueline and Audrey are returning girls soccer players and this year’s varsity captains. They have been impressively positive this year. Their willingness to go the extra mile during preseason to welcome the new student athletes and to ensure that our returners felt comfortable has extended through the first week of classes. In short, they have worked hard to make our team inclusive, positive and focused.
Girls Varsity Cross-Country: Victoria Patterson, 9th grader
Victoria decimated the competition in the girls’ underclass race at the Brush Invitational on Saturday. Running in the lead pack from start to finish, she raced to a stunningly convincing victory; it seems she is aptly named. Coming to us this fall from South Carolina, Victoria has brought to the team a sense of focus, professionalism, and intensity, but she has also been a supportive and involved teammate. Welcome, Victoria!
Boys Varsity Cross-Country: Ethan Thayumanavan, 12th grader
My nomination this week is for Ethan Thayumanavan, who is one of our co-captains. He was our #2 finisher this weekend, but he has been alone as captain since the start of the season while his partner has been out with an injury. Despite that, Ethan has done a terrific job leading the team in every aspect of our work together, and the fruits of his leadership were on display this weekend when a handful of runners new to Deerfield had great debut races at the Brush invitational.