Congratulations to this week’s Doors of the Week!
JV Volleyball: Karen Park ’26
Karen Park has had a great start to the volleyball season. She has played a number of positions and was asked to try yet another one—libero—during the JV volleyball team’s game against Loomis. Karen excelled: she received serve effectively, read the other team’s hitters, and made a few spectacular digs to extend points.
Boys Jr. A Soccer: PJ Pirsch ’28
The whole Thirds team is excited to see rookie PJ Pirsch earn recognition as our first Door of the Week. Small in stature with a big personality, PJ looms large on the playing field, impressing his teammates with his tenacious play and resilience facing off against larger opponents, whether that means bouncing right up after drawing a foul or robbing them of possession with his sneaky, skillful footwork, which never ceases to raise cheers from our bench—and sometimes the rival bench, too! His beautiful goal from deep against Loomis on Wednesday, our first score on the season, sent the rest of the team into a brief mania. PJ’s future in the system is bright, and he looks poised to serve an indispensable role as a midfielder on our squad this season.
JV Field Hockey: Alana McDonough ’27
This week, JV FH would like to nominate Alana McDonough ’27 as our DOTW. Alana has been key to our offensive efforts in our first three games of the season. Not only has she scored critical goals in each game, but she’s also displayed impressive grit and fiery determination in the offensive end. In our first game against Berkshire, Alana’s touch past the goalie was the only goal of the game! More generally, we have been deeply impressed and appreciative of her consistency this season; she’s been on-time and attentive at each practice. She seems to have the magic touch this season when it comes to getting the ball to the back of the goal! We can’t wait to see more amazing work from her this fall.
Boys Jr. B Soccer: Jasper Gruhl ’28
The Quad Squad Door of the Week is Jasper Gruhl ’28. As a new member to the team, Jasper has shown fantastic dedication and work ethic. Jasper’s approaches the game with quiet confidence and fearless play. Attacking every ball and never backing down from a one on one situation has made him a force to be reckoned with in the midfield. We have no doubt Jasper’s positive impact on the field will only continue to increase as the season continues!
Theater: Declan Kelley ’25
Declan’s unshakeable focus, commitment and professionalism is serving him well as he tackles his first major role (John Proctor in “The Crucible”) at Deerfield. Deeply intuitive, and a generous scene partner, Declan, even in these early days of rehearsal, is clearly demonstrating that he has the acting chops for such a complex and nuanced role. He is capturing Proctor’s internal conflict, guilt and rage beautifully. A delight in the rehearsal room each day, Declan Kelley is our well deserving Door of the Week!
Girls Varsity Soccer: Magda Curylo’26
The girls varsity soccer team celebrate Magda as their DOTW. A new member of the team and a new student to Deerfield, Magda’s passion for he game of soccer and her exemplary work ethic have been tremendous to watch this season. Magda is a competitor, who cares after her team and invests daily in her growth as a player! In this week’s game against Taft, Magda led with her work rate and gamesmanship to help secure the 1-0 win for the Big Green! We look forward to watching Magda continue to grow this season!
Dance: Noah Bennett ’27 and Jean Lukas Meza ’26
I would like to nominate Noah Bennett and Jean Lukas Meza for Co-Curricular Dance for service to the team! Last week the two of them, without any prompting or request from me, took out all of the tap mats and set up the tap floor prior to class. Each wooden mat weighs about 35 lbs and they carried out 8 of them and together created the floor for the tap classes that afternoon. I was incredibly grateful for their labor and the entire ensemble benefited from their selflessness.
Varsity Field Hockey: Julia Tamul ‘25
This week’s DOTW for Varsity Field Hockey is Julia Tamul ’25. Since the beginning of the season, Julia has been a positive role model for everyone on the team and has led by example both in practices and games. Julia was a key part of the team’s win against Milton Academy on Wednesday, outhustling her opponents, getting deflections in the offensive circle and setting her teammates up for goals. Her hard work and hustle all over the field paired with her endlessly upbeat and positive attitude has earned her DOTW.
Boys JV Soccer: Michael Hioe ’27
Michael has earned this DOTW for logging two 80 minute efforts in the last two games at center back. Our defense conceded only one goal in those games and it was a pure left footed shot nobody could have defended. Michael is new to JV and has immediately cemented himself as an anchor for the back line. He marks well, uses his head to clear balls, makes exquisite passes when he has time, and communicates strongly with his teammates. His poise, humility, and warmth make him an excellent teammate and have certainly helped set the tone for this season.
Music Concentration: Elisha Moise ’25
As the drummer in the school meeting house band, Elisha has set a great example of what it looks like to strive for excellence every day. He has made huge strides as a drummer, and he keeps the band moving forward by suggesting new repertoire and pushing the group to strive for the best possible performance of every piece.
Varsity Football: Will Machnik ’26
Will Machnik is the football team’s DOTW. Will is an outstanding two way starter for the Big Green. His athletic instincts make him a threat as a receiver as well as a corner back. Will had his first interception of the season on Saturday in a gritty performance at Suffield. We are excited to see Will continue to grow and compete.
Varsity Volleyball: Sofia Govi ’28
DOTW this week for varsity volleyball goes to Sofia Govi ’28. Sofia joins the varsity volleyball team as one of our only 2 underclassmen. She has been working hard to improve her passing and will become a staple in the DA defense. That is not easy considering Sofia has to play against some of the top offensive players in the league every day in practice. Besides her quickly growing skills, Sofia brings her enthusiasm and cheerfulness to every practice and game. She fits in seamlessly with the team and is always ready to play when called on. Congratulations Sofia.
Girls Thirds Soccer: Abby Paucar ’27
Abby consistently pumps up the team as our captain. Her positive energy and her competitive spirit motivate our team always – both on and off the field. Abby is a great leader, she encourages her teammates and always strives to make the team better. A true Door!
Boys Cross-Country: Chas Arnold ’25
The DOTW for boys XC is Chas Arnold. Chas has been a great leader, running core and dynamics, connecting with new teammates, and setting the tone for each practice. The team is off to a great start thanks to his leadership and example.
Thirds Volleyball: Maura Glynn ’28
The Door of the Week for Girls Thirds Volleyball is Maura Glynn ’28. Maura is an all-around wonderful teammate and player. She comes to practice each day focused and ready to play. She is clearly passionate about the sport and when she’s subbed out of a scrimmage, you can always find her practicing off to the side. Maura is great in any position on the court, but she especially shines in the back row. Her powerful serves are nearly unstoppable and have helped us take the lead in multiple games. We are so happy Maura joined the team and cannot wait to see what the next four years at Deerfield hold for her.