Congratulations Thomas!

Elon University - Basketball

The Hull family has been part of the Latin basketball program for many years, and we may have Ned’s older brothers, Will and Brad, to thank for Ned’s success. He cannot remember a time that he wasn’t around the game, which initially meant shooting baskets during the breaks in his brothers’ games, or trying, unsuccessfully at first, to score over them in the backyard. Eventually though, Ned grew, both figuratively and literally. He has always loved to shoot, but he learned to appreciate the sport for the team chemistry, the bond it takes to form that chemistry, and the results that can come from it. Ned says, “When five guys work as one, it is a beautiful thing to watch.”

As a Hawk, Ned has inspired us all with his work ethic. It’s a rare day that Ned Hull isn’t getting in some shots in the Belk, usually before the rest of the school arrives, and his 1200-plus points scored for Latin is a testament to the work he’s put in. A two-time All-State and All-Conference honoree, we will miss Ned’s leadership, consistency, and his uncanny ability to knock down the big shot. When evaluating his options for next year, Ned was impressed by top-of-the-line facilities embedded in a beautiful campus, and a coaching staff that genuinely loves the game and is happy where they are. But the biggest draw may have been watching the team, loving the way they played, and feeling like he would fit right in. He’ll only be a couple of hours north on 85, so make plans to take a drive and cheer on Ned as a Phoenix at Elon University next year.

Washington and Lee University - Track & Field

I like to call him the “Swiss Army Knife,” because Will has become such a versatile athlete. Initially drawn to track as a way to stay in shape for cross country and swimming, Will found his passion in the multi-faceted sport that allowed him to jump and run and throw, all within the same competition. As a two-time AllConference cross-country runner, Will seemed a natural fit for the distance events, but he was open to trying new things and discovered that sometimes the most uncomfortable situations lead to the most rewarding experiences - including becoming the first champion decathlete in school history. Will won the 10-event competition at last year’s Raven Multi Championship and was second this year, exceeding his previous best score by more than 400 points and finishing in the top 3 in eight out of ten events.

WILL VAUGHN

When it came time to choose his next adventure after graduating from Latin, Will was intent on finding an opportunity for balance. He wanted something far enough away that it felt adventurous, but also had a sense of familiarity. He was looking for academic rigor that would also be manageable. And he wanted a broad liberal arts education that still made it possible to spend time focusing on a specific area of interest. It was an added benefit, or perhaps the deciding factor, that Will felt at home on a track in the midst of the Shenandoah Valley. We look forward to seeing the new heights he’ll attain as he heads to Virginia next year to study and compete at Washington and Lee University.

Appalachian State University - Cheerleading Sam started competitive cheerleading when she was in first grade. You could say she tumbled into it. While doing cartwheels on the playground, a friend told Sam that she should join her cheer team, and Sam went home and told her mom. That set the wheels in motion, and Sam cheered competitively for eight years before becoming a sideline spark plug for the Hawks as a freshman.

Throughout her Upper School years, Sam has been a major contributor to the development of the cheer program. Her sharp motions, powerful tumbling, beautiful jumps and outstanding stunt technique opened up possibilities with choreography and new team skills. Sam says that cheering for Latin has allowed her to do what she loves in a super positive environment with supportive teammates, and there’s the added bonus of cheering on her other friends on various teams.

The collegiate recruiting process for cheer has the extra challenge of being late in the year, after most seniors have already made their decision. Sam tried out for several schools, but one program in particular stood out for the warm welcome of the coaching staff, the family-like feel of the team, and… even the possibility of cheering in the snow. Sam is looking forward to being in the mountains and cheering on the Mountaineers at Appalachian State University next year.

Sportsmanship Finalists: Lea Troutman, Carolina Sagasta Pereira, Alex Roberts, Jackson Scott

Sportsmanship Winners: Lilly Clark and George Smith

Supporting Athlete Finalists: Leiden Clark, Kayla Middendorf, Caeden

O’Neal, Henk Warrick

Supporting Athlete Winners: Avery Swartz and Hampton House

Scholar-Athlete Finalists: Ellie Chai, Hailey Kim, Sutton Shumate, Jacob Swimmer

Scholar-Athlete Winners: Helen Hurden and Aaron Logan

Quiet Leadership Finalists: Macy Thigpen, Janie Williams, Esrom

Ghirmay, Sean Rose

Quiet Leadership Winners: Mary Cate Kiser, Jane Cotchett, and James Van Nort

Performer of the Year Finalists: Sam Alexander, Morgan Smith, Devin Reinhardt, Ryan Sweet

Performer of the Year Winners: Ella Smith and Ned Hull

Multi-Sport Athlete Finalists: Crawford Fisher, Clara Juckett, Emilio Llerenas Soto, Jacob Snyder

Multi-Sport Athlete Winners: Eleanor Poole and Davis Sayman

Miss & Mr. Hawk Award Winners:

Mayes Fisher and Tyler Hendley

Coach of the Year

Mike Weiss

Newcomer Coach of the Year

Michael Chadwick

JV Coach of the Year

Elizabeth Owen

Middle School Coach of the Year

Jeff Wolfe

Assistant Coach of the Year

Giavonni Mack

The Wells Fargo Cup, presented and sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., recognizes overall excellence in high school athletics among NCISAA member institutions. As such, the Cup has become the single most valued athletic achievement award in North Carolina.

Since 1985 the Wells Fargo Cup has been presented to schools in each classification that accumulate the most points through state championships throughout the school year. The winning schools in each classification receive an engraved silver cup and a banner. Both awards are provided as permanent recognition of that year’s athletic excellence.