Athletes of the Week: Winter Season Roundup
So far during the winter season, 23 athletes have been recognized as Groton Athletes of the Week. Coaches nominate players for standout leadership, talent, and spirit.
Week #1
During the first week of the winter season, varsity hockey dominated the awards, with Coco Wallace, a Second Former who plays girls varsity hockey, and Sixth Former George Bukawyn earning the accolade. Coaches Randi Dumont and Lauren Posillico called out Coco for stepping into the goalie position for the first time, unexpectedly, because the team needed her. “With the squad facing some early adversity and no goalie for the opening week of the season, Coco suited up in net to play a position entirely foreign to her,” the coaches said. “The team played tremendously in front of her, motivated by her energy, bravery and optimism.”
Coaches Bill Riley, Jon Choate, and Justin Conroy lauded George for his “athleticism, competitive drive, and tenacious fore-checking and back-checking,” as well as goals scored and important assists. “George is a consummate team player and we are proud of his commitment to Groton athletics,” they said.
Week #1
During the first week of the winter season, varsity hockey dominated the awards, with Coco Wallace, a Second Former who plays girls varsity hockey, and Sixth Former George Bukawyn earning the accolade. Coaches Randi Dumont and Lauren Posillico called out Coco for stepping into the goalie position for the first time, unexpectedly, because the team needed her. “With the squad facing some early adversity and no goalie for the opening week of the season, Coco suited up in net to play a position entirely foreign to her,” the coaches said. “The team played tremendously in front of her, motivated by her energy, bravery and optimism.”
Coaches Bill Riley, Jon Choate, and Justin Conroy lauded George for his “athleticism, competitive drive, and tenacious fore-checking and back-checking,” as well as goals scored and important assists. “George is a consummate team player and we are proud of his commitment to Groton athletics,” they said.
Week #2
Second week Athlete of the Week awards went to four basketball players and a swimmer. Boys varsity basketball player Connor Popik ’13 earned recognition for starting the season ready to work hard and lead. “He has been focused, motivated, and has led by example in our practices and games,” said Coaches Jon Lesage and Ron Dixon. They also praised his coachability and his scoring, particularly against Lawrence Academy. On the JV boys team, Coaches Joe Crail and David Nelson nominated Hayward Berkowitz ’15, noting his 10 points and nine rebounds against Milton Academy, his 11 points and five rebounds against Lawrence Academy, and his positive attitude.
Second week Athlete of the Week awards went to four basketball players and a swimmer. Boys varsity basketball player Connor Popik ’13 earned recognition for starting the season ready to work hard and lead. “He has been focused, motivated, and has led by example in our practices and games,” said Coaches Jon Lesage and Ron Dixon. They also praised his coachability and his scoring, particularly against Lawrence Academy. On the JV boys team, Coaches Joe Crail and David Nelson nominated Hayward Berkowitz ’15, noting his 10 points and nine rebounds against Milton Academy, his 11 points and five rebounds against Lawrence Academy, and his positive attitude.
Girls varsity basketball coaches Toby McDougal, Kate Dennison, and Sarah Palomo nominated Marissa Garey ’13 and Rachel Reed ’14 as Athletes of the Week. “Marissa got the offense going for Groton in a hard-fought game at home against Lawrence Academy, finishing with 12 points,” they said. “Rachel played tough for Groton on both ends of the floor, matching her teammate Marissa with 12 points of her own and adding 12 rebounds as well.” Maria Herrera ’13 caught the attention of swim coach Carol Wright, who reported, “Maria swam the final leg in the girls 200-yard free relay, caught up to the opponent, and won the race for Groton by .20 seconds.”
Week #3
During the third week of the season, girls hockey player Jenna Blouin ’13 stood out for scoring twice against Kingswood Oxford and tying the game in the last period against Kimball Union Academy. Coaches Randi Dumont and Lauren Posillico called Jenna “our most offensive threat of the tournament.” Coaches Jon Lesage and Ron Dixon nominated boys basketballer Tom Cecil ’13 for Athlete of the Week distinction: his 31 points, 17 rebounds, and two steals sealed a win against Thayer.
Also that week, the entire boys varsity squash team were Athletes of the Week, thanks to a thrilling match against Exeter. The team’s home opener was a nail-biting loss, according to Coach Dave Prockop, but character and heart characterized the team. “This unselfish group of teammates supports and encourages each other, and proved—in this match—themselves capable of a level of squash that bodes well for the season ahead,” the coach said.
Week #4
Groton's Athletes of the Week for week four of the winter season included boys varsity hockey player Dorien Llewellyn ’13. Coaches Bill Riley, Jon Chaote, and Justin Conroy described him as "attacking the net with intensity and finishing when it counts.” Dorien scored the goal in a 1-0 victory at St. George's that week and tallied another in a 3-0 win against Moses Brown. On the JV boys team, John Cecil ’17 took the honor for scoring 13 points, 15 rebounds, and nine blocks in a 1-point loss to Belmont Hill, and for going 10-10-5 in a 10-point win over St. Sebastian's. “He has shown a commitment to get better every day,” said Coaches Joe Crail and David Nelson.
Groton's Athletes of the Week for week four of the winter season included boys varsity hockey player Dorien Llewellyn ’13. Coaches Bill Riley, Jon Chaote, and Justin Conroy described him as "attacking the net with intensity and finishing when it counts.” Dorien scored the goal in a 1-0 victory at St. George's that week and tallied another in a 3-0 win against Moses Brown. On the JV boys team, John Cecil ’17 took the honor for scoring 13 points, 15 rebounds, and nine blocks in a 1-point loss to Belmont Hill, and for going 10-10-5 in a 10-point win over St. Sebastian's. “He has shown a commitment to get better every day,” said Coaches Joe Crail and David Nelson.
That same week, girls varsity hockey player Dorrie Varley-Barrett ’13 earned the accolade for her dependable play and her “exemplary work ethic and consistency throughout this season,” according to Coaches Randi Dumont and Lauren Posillico. “No matter the competition, Dorrie is able to set the tone for her team by making smart, reliable plays with confidence,” they said. “She is unwavering and unrelenting.”
Week #5For the fifth week of the winter season, varsity basketball player Marissa Garey ’13 earned Athlete of the Week for tenacious play against Governor’s Academy. “Marissa set an example of focused, aggressive intensity for her teammates on both ends of the floor,” said Coaches Toby McDougal, Sarah Palomo, and Kate Dennison. Marissa led the team in scoring.
In JV ice hockey, Ben Altshuler ’13 was recognized for tending goal for the first time in five years. Though he had not practiced, he made 32 stops in a 4-1 victory over Brooks. “We appreciate his unselfish, team-first gesture to fill a positional void,” said Coaches John Lyons and Mike Sheedy. Boys thirds basketball player George Klein ’16 received the shout-out for his critical scoring against Governor’s Academy. “George is a tireless worker in practice and gives the same effort in games,” said Coaches Arthur Clemente and Peter Quagliaroli. “At Governor's, he scored buckets at critical moments to keep us in the game.”
Week #6
Athletes of the Week for the sixth week of the winter season span squash, hockey, and basketball. Varsity hockey player Matt Pompa ’14 was noted for exceptional play, including 30 saves against BB&N and another 12 in a 5-0 shutout against Roxbury Latin. “He's been our best competitor lately, and we are proud of the way he is playing for his teammates,” said Coach Bill Riley.
Girls JV squash player Maddy Forbess was nominated for winning matches against Andover and St. George’s and for her work ethic. “Enthusiastic and passionate, she always wants to know how she can be a better player and constantly works on her skills,” said Coach Fred Cadeau. In girls JV basketball, Sashni-Cole Matthews ’15 stood out for leading the team through tough games against Thayer and St. Paul’s. “Sash was often the first one down the court on defense, slowing down the opposing team's momentum,” reported Coaches Kristen Leatherbee and Catherine Crowley. “Her positive attitude and encouragement boosted our team's spirit and helped us rally for double digits in both games that week.”
In boys thirds basketball, Ycar Devis ’14 earned Athlete of the Week for what Coaches Arthur Clement and Peter Quagliaroli called “tenacious defense, hustle, and competitive spirit. In boys thirds squash, Aron Cho ’16 went to the fifth game in a close match against a varsity player from Eaglebrook who had beaten a Groton JV player earlier in the season. He then won two additional matches against other players on Eaglebrook's ladder, followed by a game of king of the court with three of their players. “His love of squash, his perseverance, and his sportsmanship make Aron exemplary,” said Coach John Capen.
Getting a special callout during week six of the season was the girls varsity basketball team, which fought its way back from an 18-point deficit to defeat rival St. Paul’s, 43-39.
Week #7
In week seven of the winter season, Groton's Athletes of the Week included Second Former and varsity basketball player John Cecil, who impressed during the game against BB&N. "With Groton down 9-0, John came off the bench and gave the team the lift we needed to get us going," said Coaches Jon Lesage and Ron Dixon. “He finished the game with 13 points, five rebounds, and a couple of blocked shots.”
In week seven of the winter season, Groton's Athletes of the Week included Second Former and varsity basketball player John Cecil, who impressed during the game against BB&N. "With Groton down 9-0, John came off the bench and gave the team the lift we needed to get us going," said Coaches Jon Lesage and Ron Dixon. “He finished the game with 13 points, five rebounds, and a couple of blocked shots.”
Boys JV basketball player Johnny Lamont was recognized that week for tallying 11 points, six rebounds, and four steals in a hard-fought loss to BB&N. “The sophomore co-captain continues to be the heart and soul of the defense and has become a true leader and fine example on and off the court,” said Coaches Joe Crail and David Nelson. In boys JV hockey, Will Richardson ’15 yielded only one goal and turned away countless others, several during overtime, according to Coaches Mike Sheedy and John Lyons.
In girls thirds basketball, Abby Kong ’17 earned recognition for being the team’s star point guard and highest scorer. “She led us to our exciting victory over Middlesex,” said Coaches Amy Martin-Nelson and Rachel Sam. In girls thirds squash, Claire Peabody '16 won a marathon match: 4-11, 11-6, 12-10, 7-11, 11-2. "Claire showed endurance and toughness," said Coaches Libby Petroskey and Fred Beams. "Her victory was inspiring."
Also that week, Nosheen Hotaki ’14 earned Athlete of the Week recognition for swimming in three events and dropping an astonishing five seconds off her freestyle time. “She has shown tremendous improvement, thanks to a solid work ethic,” said Coach Carol Wright.
Look for more news about winter Athletes of the Week as the season progresses. Congratulations to all of Groton’s winter winners!
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