Congratulations to the first winter term Doors of the Week!
Girls Varsity Hockey: Gia Thompson ’26
This week was a tough choice for GVH Door of the Week since everyone worked hard and brought their best all week long. Gia Thompson has been dynamite in her second year with us, she played a 200 foot game against St. Marks and used her speed and grit to create many key offensive opportunities for the team. She was crucial for us on the penalty kill, and gave 100% every shift. We’re excited to see what the rest of the season will bring for Gia, and know the sky’s the limit!
JV Swimming: Nikol Kmita ‘25
JV swim would like to nominate Nikol Kmita ‘25 for Door of the Week this week. Nikol has shown tremendous improvement this season, even though she’s only been in the pool for a few days. She comes to practice each day eager to learn; she takes feedback well and is always happy to try an unfamiliar drill or stroke. Although she’s new to swimming, the challenges that come with learning something new haven’t fazed her. She still manages to come to each practice with a smile on her face and is finding the fun in even the most daunting tasks – like learning to dive! Nikol has a generous and positive spirit that will add greatly to our team dynamic. We’re so excited to see Nikol ’s growth as a swimmer this season!
Girls Varsity Swimming & Diving: Lillian Auth ’24
Lillian Auth earned the first DAGVSD Door of the Week spot with her positivity and tenacity in the opening week of our winter season. She approached each practice with an admirable focus on rebuilding technique and strength. In our first meet against Austin Prep, she embraced the challenge of swimming the 500 Free with only a few practices under her belt. One of our team’s axioms is “champions adjust.” Lillian did just that when she lost her goggles (and then her cap) over the course of the race’s twenty laps. Undeterred, she kept swimming and sprinted to the finish. The coaches are grateful that she has set an early example of perseverance and the benefits of a healthy sense of humor. Congratulations, Lillian!
Wrestling: Hudson Staniford ’27
Hutson Staniford showed the Deerfield spirit in his wrestling match against Pomfret this week. He came out strong and energetic, fighting stubbornly against a more experienced, stronger opponent. He wrestled with fire, grit, and toughness. He did Deerfield wrestling proud!
Girls Varsity Basketball: Anna Dyjach ‘24
GVBB’s Door of the Week is Anna Dyjach ‘24 — Anna has come to play this season. Just two scrimmages in, she is already leading by example with her calm demeanor and incredible work ethic. When Anna is on the court, be it a game or practice, she elevates the level of play and motivates her teammates to do the same. Anna does all the “little things” and the team is better for it.
Girls JV Basketball: Cecy Yazwinski ’27
The Door of the Week for Girls JV Basketball is Cecy Yazwinski. Despite being new to the team, Cecy has already had a great impact. She brings a wonderful attitude to practice every day and is always ready to give her all. She has fantastic instincts on the court that make her a phenomenal player. In Wednesday’s game against Westminster, Cecy racked up 12 out of the 29 points scored. We are so excited she joined the team and cannot wait to see what she accomplishes this season.
Theatre & Music: Vivian Wan ’25, Robbie Hua ’24, Sophie Petronzio ’25, Tyler Christopher Long ’26, Janis Zempare ’26, Ephraim Tutu ’24, Kwasi Adu-Gyamfi ‘26
When performing to celebrate someone’s life, one feels the immense responsibility to serve the family and friends of the departed, to make a beautiful space of sound that allows the congregation to feel united in beauty, celebration, and sorrow. These students rose to this most challenging task with sensitivity and performed beautifully, even under the tremendous pressures of schoolwork before winter break. Our community feels so much gratitude to you all. Thank you for the sacrifices you made to prepare and offer the gift of song.