Congratulations to the first spring Athletes of the Week! Thank you for helping to kick-off the spring athletic season at DA!
Boys Varsity Tennis: Matthew Wuyan ’18 & Gideon Yektai ‘18
Matthew was the only player to put a point on the board on Saturday, 3/31, defeating Groton’s #2 player by a score of 6-2, 6-4. He remained mentally tough under difficult circumstances, and we will lean on him heavily in the weeks ahead.
Gideon was a last-minute addition to our lineup at the Kingswood Invitational this weekend, and made the most of his opportunity. Though he was unseeded, he pulled off two huge upsets (of the #1 seed in doubles and the #3 seed in singles) to finish 3-3 on the weekend. Gideon played 116 games of tennis in about 32 hours; through his superior fitness, calm demeanor, and steadfast sportsmanship, all 116 of those games represented the best of Deerfield. We look forward to his further contributions in the difficult weeks ahead.
Boys Rowing: Spencer Hurst ‘20
Spencer began rowing this year and competed for the first time this weekend against Belmont Hill in our second eight. He proved to be an important member of the crew as they raced well against one of the top programs in the league.
Girls Varsity Lacrosse: Jordan Coan ‘18
The girls lacrosse athlete of the week is Jordan Coan. Jordan was named by her teammates as our first “Give More Player of the Day” – an internal team honor – and she has played an integral role within our strong defensive unit. Jordan has stepped into a new and critical defensive position this year, and her leadership has been consistent and positive. We’re excited to nominate her for this recognition.
Varsity Baseball: Jared Pantalony ‘18
AOTW for baseball this week is senior captain, Jared Pantalony. Jared pitched a complete game Saturday vs Cushing for our first league victory of the year (1-0 in CNEPSBL play). Jared pitched 7 innings allowing 4 hits, 4 walks, while striking out 5. The one run Cushing scored was unearned. Jared is a consummate team player, who consistently leads by example.
Girls Varsity Rowing: Bailyn Prichett ’18 & Anna Scott ‘18
This week’s Athlete of the Week award for girls’ rowing is shared by our two captains, Bailyn Prichett and Anna Scott. Both are formidable athletes in their own right and lead the team by diligent and unrelenting example, but they’ve earned AOW honors for the work they’re doing in support of the team rather than for individual efforts. In the erg room and at the boathouse, they have created a positive and supportive atmosphere that has helped everyone stay strong through the toughest of workouts; at the end of a recent erg day, they finished their pieces and almost immediately ran to teammates to cheer and encourage every last one across the finish line. As a result, we are enjoying a collegial and spirited team chemistry that will serve as the perfect springboard from which we can dive into our racing season next week. Thank you for your leadership and your teamwork, Bailyn and Anna, and congratulations!
Varsity Softball: Abby Persons ‘21
Softball’s athlete of the week is Abby Persons. She comes to each practice with a smile, asks questions about the game, and is improving tremendously. Abby makes her teammates laugh and have even more fun. She also knows when to focus and is doing awesome.
Varsity Water Polo: Sydney Bluestein ‘21
Sydney Bluestein ’21, fully supported by two veteran goalies—Doris Zhang ’18 and Amanda Brooks ’19—has embraced the demands of playing in front of the net. Her teammates were proud of the way she held her own in the face of the hard shots the Greenwich girls sent her way.
Girls JV Lacrosse: Sinclair Seeligson ‘18
Sinclair made an impressive goal and was a general positive presence during an especially cold and rainy scrimmage against St. Marks last Wednesday. She has continued to be a leader for the team and was recently elected captain by her teammates. Her energy, offensive skill, and fun nature are just some of the reasons that she is Girl’s JV Lax athlete of the week.
Boys JV Tennis: Noah & Oscar Depp ‘21
The doubles team of Noah and Oscar Depp is our nomination for the Boys JV Tennis team’s athlete of the week. Down 0-3 and then 1-5 against a gritty Cardigan team, Oscar and Noah overcame the first match nerves through teamwork, mindfulness, and keeping a positive attitude. After some deep breaths, they managed to slow things down and took control with an 8-6 win. Both players won tough singles matches as well, and were instrumental in the team’s 7-0 inspiring season debut.
Girls Varsity Tennis: Tori Waterfall ‘19
Tori is a strong doubles and singles performer for the Girls Varsity Team. Last week versus Groton Tori and Ashley dominated their doubles opponents with precise volleys and great teamwork. Tori went on to play an extremely competitive singles match and ultimately defeated her Groton opponent in a third set tie breaker!