Latin School Winter Sports 2023

PRESIDENT: Jane Hunter

PRESIDENT-ELECT: Jen Dauska

PAST PRESIDENT: Nilma Amin

2022-2023 Booster Club Board

SECRETARY: Beth Pence

TREASURER: Alexa Cutter

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: David Gatoux

ASST. ATHLETIC & SPORTS

INFORMATION DIRECTOR:

Angel Trimble

Nilma and Samir Amin

Ivy and Brian Babcock

Susan Bliss and Stan Archibald

Darci and John Bly

Berry Bolt and Mike Guggenheimer

Jennifer and Ryan Clutter

Lori and Derek Copeland

Karen and Jim Cotchett

Alexa and Ernie Cutter

Jen and Bill Dauska

Nelia and Will Dolan

Carrie and Carl Fisher

Gabi and Rael Gorelick

Lisa and Ray Hill

Stacey and Steve Hitzemann

Greta and Rob Hord

Robin and Mitchell Hume

Jane and Tommy Hunter

Courtney and Bill Hyder

Catherine and Scott Kiefer

Kim and Tony Lashley

Jen and Chris Latta

Kate and Jeff Lee

Kristin and Allen Lewis

Jenny and Barry Lucas

Diane and Rob McLaughlin

Jill and Rob Miles

Kimber and Trey Morgan

Eydie and Blake Okland

Beth and Steve Pence

Amanda and Neil Salvage

Ashley and Aaron Smith

Jane and Trey Tune

Adri and Will Warrick

BOYS BASKETBAL L » 6-15

GIRLS BASKETBALL » 16-23

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WINTER 2023

CHEER » 24-29

DANCE» 30-31

SWIMMING» 32-41

WRESTLING » 42-49

COLLEGE COMMITMENTS » 50-51

ATHLETIC TRAINERS/ FACILITIES STAFF » 52-53

Letter from the Booster Club President

Congratulations to our State Champion Boys’ Swimming and Wrestling teams and to all our Latin winter athletes. It has been a successful season for our Hawks in so many ways:

• Several swimmers swam all-American times and wrestlers qualified for National Preps during their respective State Championships.

• The basketball programs had successful seasons and Ned Hull scored over 1,000 points on the newly named Jerry Faulkner Court.

• The Winter Sports Showcase welcomed over 1,000 guests who brought their energy to the MAC pool, Belk throwback night and Wrestling under the SAC lights.

• Our newly created Mission34 event gave our athletes, coaches, and parents an afternoon of candid discussion and helpful insights around mental wellness.

We are so thankful to all the Booster Club volunteers who supported Latin Athletics this winter. Our team did a great job managing events, concessions, buttons, gates, and producing this magazine. The BC board tradition of donating excess profits back to Latin Athletics continues in 2022-23. Please enjoy the re-branded SAC lobby and visit the BC webpage on MyLatin to learn more about recently funded projects.

I also want to thank Joe Teets and our winter Hawks Media Productions ’23 broadcasting team. Peyton Youse, Gray Takacs, Gabe Stein, Colman Freno, and Thomas Davis did fantastic work capturing home games, matches, and meets. Hawks fans near and far enjoyed their insights and analysis covering over 800 home competitions this year. Please continue to enjoy and share Hawks Media Production broadcasts with your family and friends.

We look forward to cheering on our wonderful baseball, softball, tennis, golf, soccer, track & field, and lacrosse programs with you this spring. Thanks for your support and Go Hawks!

Letter from the Athletic Director

Dear Hawks Fans,

I hope this letter finds you and your family well and off to a good start in 2023. In this edition of the magazine I am sharing my philosophy of Athletics developed over my twenty-seven years of involvement in this line of work. I hope you will find many of these beliefs weaved into the fabric of Latin Athletics. Please know how much your support of our program is needed and appreciated.

Go Hawks!

Sincerely,

David Gatoux, Director of Athletics

Of the many co-curricular offerings in a school setting, the athletic program perhaps most closely embodies the essence of community. From accommodating the majority of students to hosting the largest gathering of home and visiting spectators, the front door of Athletics is always open and, therefore, must be a beacon of excellence to further educate all participants in personal growth by affirming school values.

A crucial component of a successful athletic program centers on ensuring the environment is one of inclusivity and a place of belonging for the entire student body regardless of skill level or background. High rates of participation come from an emphasis on creating a welcoming environment that acts as a complementary classroom and an extension of teaching and learning in athletic spaces. Equally, role development for each participant fulfills the purpose of challenging and inspiring student-athletes to reach their full potential, while fostering an environment where everyone can have an impactful experience.

If done through an education-based lens, the idea that one of the main functions of Athletics serves to teach student-athletes life skills is not a new concept. Done with intentional effort by defining common language, this can be a powerful tool to align the teaching of social emotional skills in and out of the classroom by identifying, through consensus, a focused and limited number of competencies that will permeate throughout the program. Capitalizing on the opportunity for continuity in a 7th-12th grade athletic program is a must by creating curriculum for

and connection between all levels. Collaborative coaching staffs bear this important responsibility as they explore opportunities to tighten the connection and coherence for student-athletes moving between the various stages of development.

Support for and the belief in the power of dedicated coaches who not only instruct, but also serve as role models and mentors, is critical. At the center of a high performing athletic program are dedicated coaches whose number one priority rests in relationship-building with student-athletes, families, colleagues, and within their sport communities. Done effectively, a strong sense of trust spreads throughout, which inspires coaches to prioritize individual participant and team development in striving to achieve and surpassing stated goals.

In summary, a healthy athletic program is a community within itself that emphasizes excellence in results, achieved through dedication and a commitment to integrity. Success is not just about winning championships, but also about personal growth, character development, and sportsmanship. A progressive curriculum for each level in each sport is designed to challenge and inspire student-athletes to reach their full potential, while also teaching the importance of hard work, dedication, and upholding community values. With devoted coaches, clear goals, and a supportive community, an athletic program built in this manner will provide a positive, inclusive, and lasting environment where all student-athletes can thrive and succeed.

boys basketball

VARSITY: BOYS BASKETBALL

(L-R) Davis Sayman, Evan Wiggers, Ryan Latta, Jacob Snyder, James Jones, Nate Downey, Brendan Miles

BACK ROW (L-R) Head Coach Chris Berger, Ned Hull, Ben Houpt, Jacob Swimmer, Sean Rose, Nic Levy, Jordan Pence, Tyler Hendley, Assistant Coach John Fitch, Assistant Coach Michael Nelson

NOT PICTURED Assistant Coach Tyler Tafoya, Team Assistant Jerry Singleton

FRONT ROW

BOYS BASKETBALL: SENIORS

Congratulations! Congratulations!

Coach Berger describes Nate as the ultimate teammate. His hard work, positive attitude, and compassion for his teammates has made him a model Latin basketball player. Nate’s favorite Latin basketball memory was the Burlington School game in the Anthony Morrow Tournament last month. He says, “Belk Gym is a special place and it was awesome to get a big win in there.” If he could leave one thing to his team when he graduates it would be a copy of Mario Super Sluggers that actually works. Nate would like to tell aspiring basketball Hawks to remember to have fun – there are more important things in the world to worry about than basketball – and he would like to thank Jacob Snyder for giving him a ninety overall three-pointer on his version of the Hawks in NBA 2K. As far as his future plans, Nate says he’s “going to college, and we’ll see from there.”

Tyler’s leadership and athleticism is something every coach dreams of having on a team. Hawk fans will remember him for how he played with passion every single game, and always gives his all. Tyler’s favorite Latin basketball memory was the Atlanta trip last year, and he would leave the team a new couch for the locker room. His advice to young Hawks would be to cherish your memories here, and he wants to thank his parents for being so supportive of him throughout his life, and for always telling him to follow what his heart desires. Tyler has committed to play football for Furman University while continuing his education in business or finance.

(L-R) Davis Sayman, Ned Hull, Jacob Swimmer, Sean Rose, Tyler Hendley, Jacob Snyder, Nate Downey

NATE DOWNEY

TYLER HENDLEY - CAPTAIN

Ned’s coaches will always remember how Ned played the game the right way. His leadership on and off the court will be greatly missed. His work ethic is incredible and will serve him well at the collegiate level. Ned’s favorite CLS basketball moment so far was the trip to the final four of the state tournament last year. He would also like to give the team a new couch, and his words of wisdom for aspiring Hawks basketball players are to do well in school and work hard. Ned thanks all of the Latin basketball coaches for having confidence in his ability and for believing in him throughout his years of playing for CLS. Ned has committed to play basketball for Elon University and plans to study sports management.

Coach Berger describes Sean as a smooth, left-handed athlete who has inspired his teammates with his hard work and toughness. Sean’s ability to play both inside and outside of the paint make him a complete player. Sean’s favorite basketball memory was the St. Pius Christmas Tournament in Atlanta last year. He says the team “had a lot of fun, was able to bond, and we went far in the tournament.” A gift he would leave behind for the team is a “TREE” for the locker room, and a piece of wisdom he’d give to a younger Hawk is that if you desire success, know that it’s the hours of hard work that most people don’t see that matter the most. Sean would like to thank God for His infinite wisdom and grace, his family for their unconditional love, and Coach Berger and the CLS basketball staff for their belief in him, their unwavering support, and for teaching me to be a better man on and off the court. He would also like to thank his Aunt Tanya, who freely gave joy and wisdom, and finally, his friends for being there for him and for the many laughs. Sean plans to attend the U.S. Naval Academy to major in cyber security and compete for the basketball team.

Davis is described by his coaches as a hard-nosed point guard who is one of the toughest competitors to ever put on a Latin jersey. He describes his favorite basketball memory so far as just spending time with his teammates on and off the basketball court. As a gift to the team, Davis would leave behind a lot of Gatorades for next season. He would advise younger Hawks to always listen to and respect their coaches and mentors, and he wants to thank his parents for supporting him throughout high school and always being his #1 fan. Basketball is a secondary sport for Davis, who plans to play Division I golf at Davidson College next year, while studying business.

Jacob’s energy is infectious and helps elevate his teammates’ performance. He has shown incredible toughness throughout his CLS athletic career. Jacob’s favorite Latin basketball memory so far is the same as Nate’s – the win over Burlington School in the Belk. A gift he would leave behind for the team is a lot of green pants, so Coach Berger can see what it’s like. Jacob’s advice to younger Hawks is to always knock before going into the varsity locker room. A mentor he’d like to thank is Coach Paige, for always pushing him to be better.

NED HULL - CAPTAIN

SEAN ROSE - CAPTAIN

DAVIS SAYMAN

JACOB SNYDER

Coach Berger describes Jacob as one of the most improved players on the team. He works hard every day and has been an inspiration to his teammates and coaches. Jacob’s favorite CLS basketball memory so far was Throwback Night last year because it was the perfect way to end the regular season. A gift he would leave behind for the team is a “whole bunch of Febreeze” to make the locker room smell better. Jacob’s words of wisdom for young Hawks are to learn as much as you can from any coach you have at Latin. He says they will teach you much more than just the sport they coach. A mentor Jacob would like to thank is Coach Fitch for always encouraging him and giving him confidence in his abilities. Jacob plans to attend Wake Forest University next year, and although he is undecided on his major, he hopes to keep a basketball in his hand while he’s there.

1000 CAREER POINTS!

JACOB SWIMMER

JUNIOR VARSITY: BOYS BASKETBALL

FRONT ROW (L-R) Webb Kiser, Rossi Bellavia, Joe McGirt, Dallas Chapman, Aston Lee, Jack Hollmeyer, David Vaughn

BACK ROW (L-R) Assistant Coach John Fitch, Ronin King, Coleman Casey, Chuck Edwards, Wills Hutchinson, Walker Simerville, Head Coach Donay Fullwood

8TH GRADE: BOYS BASKETBALL

NOT PICTURED Porter Hecimovich, Team Manager Will Moody

FRONT ROW (L-R) Steele Fletcher, Ben Morgan, Connor Gannett, Henry Alt, Nick Smith, Boone Gaylord, Henry Graham

BACK ROW (L-R) Assistant Coach Pete Sung, Assistant Coach Michael Nelson, Evan Howard, Brayden Leach, Alex Dauska, Griffin Latta, Owen Bex, Cooper Holland, Head Coach Jonathon Wylie

7TH GRADE: BOYS BASKETBALL

FRONT ROW (L-R) JR Egner, Thomas Hanna, Jack Lilly, McNair Beaver, Jackson Kerr, Peyton Laughton, Gus Fochtmann, Parker Bange

BACK ROW (L-R) Head Coach Caleb Jordan, James Edge, Edward Fisher, Gavin Jones, Robert Comly, Jeylon Womack, Rylan Strife, Assistant Coach Brandon Harrell

RECAP: BOYS BASKETBALL

VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL

From Coach Berger

The varsity boys’ basketball team finished a very successful season with an overall record of 14-12 and 5-5 in the conference. The Hawks earned the #8 seed in the NCISAA state tournament and a bye in the first round. As the higher seed, CLS hosted Covenant Day in the 2nd round defeating the Lions 71-64. In the quarterfinals, the Hawks traveled to top-seeded Carmel Christian. In front of a sold-out crowd the two teams battled with the Cougars prevailing 65-50. Senior Ned Hull led the team in scoring, averaging 22.5 ppg to earn All-State and 1st team All-Conference recognition. Senior Sean Rose averaged 15 ppg and 9 rebounds for the Hawks. Our seven seniors carried on the tradition of Charlotte Latin Basketball and will be missed.

JUNIOR VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL

From Coach Fullwood

The JV boys’ basketball team finished with a record of 5 and 14. The team struggled with consistency and continuity because the team was continuously dealing with injuries and illnesses. The team did not have every member available for practice or game all year, but they persevered and improved as the season went along, laying the foundation for the future.

8TH GRADE BOYS BASKETBALL

From Coach Wylie

While the 6-9 record did not show it, the Hawks proved they could compete with anyone in the conference. Seven out of the 9 losses for the Hawks were by single digits. The Hawks defeated eventual conference champion Country Day earlier in the season on the road. The boys competed every day and learned a lot throughout the season. They will be a fun group to watch as they continue on throughout high school.

7TH GRADE BOYS BASKETBALL

From Coach Jordan

The 2022-2023 season for Charlotte Latin’s 7th grade boys’ basketball team was an exhilarating and rewarding season for all that watched the team this season. The Hawks started off with a victory over Charlotte Christian on the road, where every player had time on the floor and contributed to the win. They continued their winning ways with victories over conference foes including Holy Trinity, Covenant Day, Providence Day, and Cannon School. Finishing with a winning record of 11-3, the Hawks had breakout performances from Jaylen Womack, Edward Fisher, and Gavin Jones in crucial games throughout the season. Players like McNair Beaver, Jack Lily, Robert Comly, Rylan Strife, and Jackson Kerr also played key roles in wins throughout the season. James Edge, JR Egner, Parker Bange, Gus Fochtmann, Peyton Laughton, and Thomas Hanna all recorded buckets throughout the season and were keys to the Hawks success as well. An overall great season for Coach Jordan and Coach Harrell who look to coach the Hawks into next season.

Life is full of peaks and valleys. Don’t let the peaks get too high and the valleys too low.

- Coach Berger

girls basketball

VARSITY: GIRLS BASKETBALL

FRONT ROW (L-R) Alison Archibald, Charlotte Tune, Wallace Roberts, Anna Bly, Alex Bean, Maggie Hyder, Neely Hume, Evie McMahan

BACK ROW (L-R) Head Coach Eric Smith, Catherine Felkner, Julia Vandiver, Kayley Malone, Cameron Hutchinson, Mayes Fisher, Eleanor Poole, Manager Anya Amin, Assistant Coach Giovanni Mack

NOT PICTURED Assistant Coach Michael Littlejohn

Congratulations! Congratulations!

Mayes is funny, humble, tough, upbeat, and the epitome of a team captain. She sets an example on and off the floor with quiet, but effective leadership that her coaches rely on. Mayes is a crucial part of the team’s defense and leads the team in rebounds and steals. She is also a consistent scorer who is sometimes too un-selfish with the ball. Mayes says her favorite Latin basketball moment so far was the Atlanta trip last year because the team was undefeated and they had a lot of fun together. A gift she would leave her teammates is the best locker in the locker room, and advice she would give to younger Hawks is to join the girls’ basketball program because it is really fun and you make great friends while learning from awesome coaches. A mentor she would like to thank is her dad, Carl, for instilling her love for basketball and competition.

Catherine brings a great attitude to every practice and every game. She works hard and has improved all aspects of her game. Catherine’s sweet personality, her sense of humor, and her love for her teammates is a key to the team’s unity. Her favorite basketball memory is the same as Mayes’ – the Atlanta tournament last year – and for the same reasons. Catherine’s gift to leave to the team would be a couch in the locker room to rest on between school and practice. Her words of wisdom for young Hawks are to support the girls’ basketball team by either joining the program or attending the games.

Mayes Fisher, Catherine Felkner, Julia Vandiver, Eleanor Poole

MAYES FISHER-CAPTAIN

CATHERINE FELKNER

Eleanor is always ready when called on and she will do anything that is asked of her. She has worked hard to become a consistent contributor on the court, and her great sense of humor helps keep the mood light off the court. Eleanor’s favorite Latin basketball memory is of their annual secret Santa gift exchanges. If she could leave something behind for the team, she’d give them an instructor that can teach them how to tie and untie knots, specifically, slip knots. Her advice to younger Hawks is to join Latin athletic teams and enjoy time with teammates and friends.

Julia is a solid post player and rebounder, with the ability to step out and stretch the defense with her three-point shooting. She has a great desire to improve and takes coaching to heart, which has served her well with huge gains in defensive skills. Julia leads the team in blocked shots and has developed her game tremendously in her time on the varsity team. Her favorite CLS basketball memory is the Secret Santa exchange in Atlanta last year. As a gift to the team, Julia would leave behind a brush and hair ties so someone can take over her role as hair stylist. Her advice to young Hawks is also to join the girls’ basketball team or to get involved with the program any way you can.

ELEANOR POOLE-CAPTAIN

JULIA VANDIVER-CAPTAIN

JUNIOR VARSITY: GIRLS BASKETBALL

FRONT ROW (L-R) Natalie Berman, Georgia Hume, Drue Amin, Lydia Berens, Katherine Webb

BACK ROW (L-R) Assistant Coach Nikki Williams, Abbie Burns, Mollie Snyder, Morgan McLaughlin, Sydney Thune, Lucy Beam, Head Coach Elizabeth Owens

8TH GRADE: GIRLS BASKETBALL

FRONT ROW (L-R) Lilly Ingram, Graceyn Levesque, Lil Hyder, Stellyn Lee, Anna Grace Fahrney, Giselle Bezanson, Annie Hitzemann

BACK ROW (L-R) Head Coach Tammi Rogers, Elle Hahn, Sophie Edwards, Ava Nadeau, Sadie Griffin, Amalia Bordoloi, Ella Ingram, Assistant Coach Mary Yorke Oates, Assistant Coach Jen Dauska

NOT PICTURED Manager Lily Coble

7TH GRADE: GIRLS BASKETBALL

FRONT ROW (L-R) Landi Spinazzola, Caroline Coble, Cam Thomas, Harris Hollmeyer, Frances Roberts, Reynolds Burns, Eve Willette, Kennedy Clutter

BACK ROW (L-R) Head Coach David Gatoux, Ivy Brown, Sutton Ellison, Catherine Harry, Cecilia Clifton, Ainsley Bly, Lillie Boone, Assistant Coach Camille Seeley, Assistant Coach Ginny Comly

NOT PICTURED Mimi Hanley, Anna Day Harry

RECAP: GIRLS BASKETBALL

VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL

From Coach Smith

Varsity girls’ basketball ended the ‘22/’23 season with a record of 16-9, going 5-5 in the CISAA Conference. Highlights of the season included an early sweep of 4A opponents Durham Academy and Ravenscroft, as well as a home playoff win over Cary Academy. The Hawks were able to build on last season’s momentum finishing in the top half of the conference once again and earning a #6 seed in the NCISAA state tournament. Freshman Charlotte Tune led the team in scoring at 16.7 points per game and was named First Team All-CISAA. Mayes Fisher was selected to play in the NCISAA Senior All-Star game, although a soccer conflict prevented her from participating. The team graduates four seniors who have been very important to the program, but will return a lot of talent for next year’s squad.

JUNIOR VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL

From Coach Owen

The JV girls’ basketball team had an extremely successful season - finishing with a record of 10-6 against strong competition from both public and private schools in our area. Thanks go to Coach Berger for getting us a full schedule when many schools could not field teams! Key wins on the season came against a strong Charlotte Catholic team, 2 dominant wins over an always talented PD team, and our finale for a 2nd win against Cuthbertson High School. This group was one of the most fun I have ever coached, but also one of the most talented. Over the course of the season, they came together as a team and improved individually across the board. I think anyone who came to a game this year would agree that they were a fun team to watch. The future’s very bright!!

8TH GRADE GIRLS BASKETBALL From Coach Rogers

The 8th grade girls’ basketball team consisted of a group of fun, hard-working athletes. All of the girls were excellent teammates and celebrated one another’s successes. The girls competed hard in our games and never gave up, regardless of the score. We all enjoyed practicing together and talking about things well beyond basketball. Coach Oates, Coach Dauska, and I feel very fortunate to have coached such a special group of girls. These girls will be successful in all of their future endeavors.

7TH GRADE GIRLS BASKETBALL From Coach Gatoux

In a season chock full of highlights, the distinguishing characteristics of the seventh grade girls’ basketball team were its work ethic, unity, and outward support for one another. Ultimately, this team-first attitude, along with a talented group of young women, led to a successful 11-2 overall record. That said, the coaching staff took great satisfaction in the daily interactions with the team, as it continued to grow together and systematically improve over the course of the season. That was no more in evident than in the season-ending victory at Holy Trinity, which had previously given the Hawks one of its two losses. What will remain cemented in this team’s memory is celebrating together after a game of digging deep to overcome a nearly double-digit deficit with a late game 3-point shot to take the lead and great hustle on defense to hold on for the win. Needless to say, it was a fun season in which the coaches are most thankful for the many positive experiences with the girls and their families.

SENIOR NIGHT: GIRLS BASKETBALL

You can be here today and gone tomorrow, be grateful, be humble, be appreciative, be kind, be loving.

- Words of wisdom from Coach G

cheer

VARSITY: WINTER CHEER

FRONT ROW (L-R) Nandi Mageba, Sam Alexander, Zoe Bradley, Paige Fletcher, Natalia Gomez, Hannah Hurden, Mallory Morgan, Elizabeth Farmer

SECOND ROW (L-R) Janie Williams, Marley Shyer, Kaitlyn Utley, Jessie Adams, Kayla Middendorf, Charmaine Liao, Sloane Hobart, Darby Collins

BACK ROW (L-R) Team Manager Tori Vona, Assistant Coach Riti Canon, Lindsay Baker, Margaret Cotchett, Piper Piscitelli, Emily Hidell, Jane Cotchett, Head Coach Nancy Atwell

CHEER: SENIORS

Congratulations! Congratulations!

Senior Captain, Sam Alexander, has been a dedicated member of the Varsity Cheerleaders for six seasons. Her boundless energy and exceptional jumping, stunting and tumbling skills have earned her First Team All Conference honors for 3 years as well as the team Impact award for her many positive contributions. Most recently, Sam was named Conference Cheerleader of the Year as the top vote recipient in the All Conference voting. Sam is ALL IN for cheer and plans to continue the sport at the collegiate level. We will miss her next year.

Senior Captain, Jane Cotchett, is a natural leader and athlete. A six season cheer veteran, she is truly the total package with her strong cheer and dance technique, strength in stunting and tumbling skills and endearing personality. Jane makes sure everyone on the team feels valued and appreciated. She earned First Team All Conference honors for the last three years and was voted recipient of the Hawks on 3 award by her teammates for best representing our three values. Jane plans to continue her education at Auburn University in the Fall of 2023. She is a joy to coach and will be missed!

(L-R) Janie Williams, Sam Alexander, Marley Shyer, Kayla Middendorf, Jane Cotchett

SAM ALEXANDER-CAPTAIN

JANE COTCHETT-CAPTAIN

Senior Captain, Kayla Middendorf, is a role model for ALL Charlotte Latin athletes. A natural performer with outstanding presence and strength in basing, tumbling and dance, Kayla is a standout with a heart of gold! Kayla was elected to the All Conference team this fall and has earned both the team Breakthrough Award for most improved cheerleader, as well as the Hawks on 3 award as voted on by her peers. Kayla will trade in her blue and white for black and gold next year as she heads to Wake Forest University in the fall!

Marley Shyer is a beloved member of the Varsity Cheerleaders. She joined the squad in the Fall of 2021 as a new Junior at Charlotte Latin and was immediately embraced by her teammates. Marley has been extremely successful in learning cheer technique and her incredible strength and upbeat attitude make sure a highly sought after base. Her enthusiasm and dedication has made her a perfect co-chair for this year’s team philanthropy and spirit initiatives. We look forward to watching all that Marley does in the future!

Janie is a fan favorite, particularly with our Lower School students, who all seem to know her. She takes the time to speak and encourage all young Hawks. In her third season with the squad, Janie has developed into a fearless flyer who is always open to trying new skills. Janie’s work ethic combined with her sweet, playful personality have enhanced our practices and energize a crowd, especially when flipping off the top of a pyramid! Her kind heart and warm smile will be greatly missed!

-Coach Nancy Atwell

KAYLA MIDDENDORF-CAPTAIN

MARLEY SHYER

JANIE WILLIAMS

MIDDLE SCHOOL: WINTER CHEER

FRONT ROW (L-R) Karina Kashyap, Sejal Dhiman, Harriet Schorr, Valerie Filanowicz, Ivana Tewolde, Samantha Holder

SECOND ROW (L-R) Caroline Shamblin, Peyton Ann Mosteller, Grace Orsinger, Mina Hawgood, Emily Burleson, Sydney Grogan

BACK ROW (L-R) Assistant Coach Amy Kerr, Assistant Coach Liz Dannemann, Addison Salvage, Ava Khouri, Anjali Rao, Sophie Dunn, Jade Backerman, Whitney Baker, Head Coach Jenny Chapman

NOT PICTURED Hannah Rankin

RECAP: WINTER CHEER

VARSITY WINTER CHEER

From Coach Atwell

The 2022-23 Varsity Cheer squad added several new faces to the team for the Winter, including two South African exchange students. They kicked off the season at a combined practice with the newly formed Middle School cheer squad - a fun bonding experience! The varsity squad didn’t miss a beat and jumped right into basketball season with a growing repertoire of stunts, pyramids and new choreography. The team enthusiastically cheered at all home varsity girls and boys basketball games - including some nail biters that were won on last second shots! In preparation for the Winter Sports Showcase, the cheerleaders welcomed Coach Paige and several varsity wrestlers to practice for demonstrations on wrestling technique and scoring. It helped them better support the team during their match! Other highlights included the Thunderstruck routine for the Upper School Pep Rally, signing autographs for the youngest Hawks at a packed Lower School Spirit Night, and weekly workouts at Charlotte Allstar Cheer gym where they continued to focus on elite stunts and tumbling. GO HAWKS!

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEER

From Coach Chapman

The MS cheerleading program had a great start this winter season! 6th-8th grade girls had so much fun cheering for both the 7th and 8th grade basketball teams. The girls worked hard to learn chants and cheers and were most excited to learn stunts and build pyramids to show their Latin pride. The US cheerleaders and Coach Atwell were so supportive in teaching us cheers and chants and showing us what it means to support Latin on and off the court!

SENIOR NIGHT: WINTER CHEER

dance

VARSITY: DANCE

DANCE: SENIORS

RECAP: DANCE

This year, the Dance Team opened up tryouts for new and interested dancers to join the team in the winter season for the very first time. We were pleased to welcome two freshmen, Sloan Ellison and Avery Youse, who turned out to be lovely, talented additions to the team. The team performed at the varsity girls’ and boys’ basketball games, and really enjoyed the return to the full Winter Sports Showcase and a performance before the wrestling team’s senior night competition. See you next fall!

“

FRONT ROW (L-R) Agatha Stamatakos, Claire Fleischer, Elena Lapuente, Avery Youse, Kate Seaman, Cordelia Kim

BACK ROW (L-R) Head Coach Marcia Sheinis, Lydia McNichols, Olivia Fuller, Sloan Ellison, Olivia Morgan, Kate Warner, Ashley Burbank

(L-R) Agatha Stamatakos, Olivia Fuller

From Coach Sheinis

VARSITY: SWIMMING

FRONT ROW (L-R) Caroline Uys, Aaron Dunnigan, George Glassner, Nikhil Ashri, Thomas Hamilton, Brian Dong, Harrison Short, Alden Fletcher, Peter DiSciullo, Charley Floyd, Riley Hill

SECOND ROW (L-R) Arthur Cavalcanti, Ryan Urquhart, Clara Juckett, Allison Gaither, Lila Connor, Avery Swartz, Ryan Kim, Morgan Smith, Ansley Hoffman, Nicole Reed, Hailey Kim

THIRD ROW (L-R) Carolina Sagasta Pereira, Nicholas Willett, Tanner Willett, Dylan Ferro, Jed Smith, Ben Goldman, Alex Roberts, Maxwell Williams, Collin Degenhardt, Chanakya Ayinala, Watts Humphrey, Dorothy Patterson

FOURTH ROW (L-R) Zoe Panzo, Kavya Sagunarthy, Cassi Ratterree, Gabby Turner, Karlin Smith, Kristie Shams, Ben Spiegler, Leiden Clark, Fiona Harper, Lily Lund, Lucy Ratterree, Mary Cate Kiser

BACK ROW (L-R) Head Coach Michael Chadwick, Ivy Monk, Zachary Spicer, James Harper, Lilly Clark, Aidan Hill, Wiley Spinner, Bryce Spangler, Norvy Clonz, Assistant Coach Angel Trimble, Assistant Coach Liz Matrejek

NOT PICTURED Gabe Piscitelli, Merritt Backerman

SWIMMING: SENIORS

Congratulations! Congratulations!

AVERY SWARTZ-CAPTAIN

Avery’s favorite swimming moment was the Asheville trip last year. She says she felt so grateful for her amazing team throughout the entire trip and had the most fun of any Latin sporting event she has ever been a part of. If Avery could leave a gift behind for her teammates, she would leave a cleaner girls’ locker room. Her advice for younger Hawks is to go to practice (great advice, Avery!) and do not take it for granted when you have the chance to be active with your friends. Avery is definitely somebody that you want on your side. Wherever Avery goes, she immediately makes waves. A state qualifier in the 200 IM, 100 fly, and 100 breast and a team captain this year, Avery has been foundational for the Latin swim team. Avery, never forget the impact that you have on the people around you. Maintain your focus and never lose sight of your dreams. We can’t wait to see all that you achieve in this life.

The high energy at meets and the pasta dinner celebrations afterwards are Mary Cate’s favorite part of Latin swimming. Like Avery, she would like to leave the gift of a cleaner locker room….or fish flops like hers for all the girls. Mary Cate’s advice to younger Hawks is that working hard and having fun aren’t mutually exclusive. She says you should look for the joy in hard work and enjoy spending practices and meets with your teammates. Mary Cate would best be described as a “go getter.” A state qualifier in the 200 freestyle, Mary Cate is a true standout in the pool and on the track. It is no small feat to balance two varsity sports, yet Mary Cate is able to do so without complaining. Mary Cate, never forget to enjoy the little moments in life. Between the trails or the laps, bask in the joy of being able to do these sports so effortlessly. Thank you for being the standard of what it means to work hard in all things.

FRONT ROW (L-R) Avery Swartz, Clara Juckett, Allison Gaither, Leiden Clark

BACK ROW (L-R) Mary Cate Kiser, Hailey Kim, Lilly Clark, Carolina Sagasta Pereira, Morgan Smith, Tanner Willett, Alex Roberts

MARY CATE KISER

Morgan’s best swimming moment so far has been making it to states in her first year of swimming. It was her very last swim at conference championships and she led-off the girls’ 200-free relay. She says hearing everyone cheer when she got to the wall was the best feeling. Morgan’s parting gift to the team would be a mop for the locker room, and her words of wisdom for younger Hawks are to work hard, strive for goals, and have fun with teammates. Morgan is one of the strongest people you’ll meet on this pool deck. Morgan’s strength lies in what she is able to carry, both internally and externally, including her hope in this world, in other people, and in herself. A state qualifier in the 200 freestyle, Morgan has proven her versatility in the pool. Morgan, never forget that pressure can be real but fear is a liar. In life, all you can do is your best and trust that everything is working itself out for good. The hope that is in you will carry you through whatever hardship you may face in the future.

Achieving her first state qualifying time in the 200 freestyle –after only swimming it once before – that is Carolina’s favorite Latin swimming moment so far. Her parting gift to the team would be the passion they need to excel in swimming and in other aspects of their lives. To younger Hawks, Carolina advises to follow your passion…but also to understand that if your passion fades, taking a break may help you find it again, and come back stronger. Carolina is a fighter and when she puts her mind to something, it would be best that you trust her determination and encourage her along the way. A state qualifier in the 200 freestyle, Carolina is finally starting to see for herself what the coaching staff has seen in her all along. Carolina, never forget that you need to trust and have faith in this life. You can do so much by yourself, but you have so many people around you that are here to make your journey just a little less burdensome. Trust is something to be earned and I thank you for putting your trust in me this year.

Hailey’s favorite Latin moment was winning last year’s conference championship by one point. Though our girls’ team was the “underdog,” as Patty would say, the energy and excitement and hard work of that day marks it as one of Hailey’s best swimming memories. As parting gifts to the team, Hailey would give everyone a silicone team cap or community makeup wipes. A piece of advice Hailey would give to younger Hawks would be to find the balance between hard work and fun; hard work during practice and fun during meets. That combination gives the best results both in the pool and within the team. Hailey has been a key contributor for the Charlotte Latin swim team. A state qualifier in the 200 IM, 100 breast, 50 free, and 100 free, Hailey has certainly made an impact in the pool. But there is much more to Hailey than just swimming. Hailey, never forget that even the highest flying hawks need to come down to rest every now and again. Soar to new heights but remember to find peace in the stillness as well.

MORGAN SMITH-CAPTAIN

CAROLINA SAGASTA PEREIRA-CAPTAIN

HAILEY KIM

Clara says her favorite Latin swimming moment so far has definitely been the volunteering day and gift exchange party. Her gift to the team is a sign on the pool deck that says “Get over on the wall so everyone can finish,” which is really a gift for Coach Trimble so that she won’t have to repeat herself every day. Her words of wisdom for young Hawks are that trying something new can be very intimidating, but if you stick with it, you may end up loving it and meeting new and amazing people. Although Clara is an All-State field hockey player and a soccer player, this was her first year on the swimming team. It was clear to all the coaches the moment she walked on the pool deck that Clara is something special. Her humility, kindness, and respect are just a few characteristics that make Clara so unique and such an incredible teammate. Clara, never forget that what is in you is far greater than whatever you face in this life. Rather than strive for perfection, give yourself opportunities to make mistakes in life. For it is not from the successes but rather the mistakes that we learn the most about who we are and the direction that we are going.

On one of her very first days of practice, Leiden learned to dive, and that is her favorite swimming moment so far. She would like to leave the team with some anti-fungal foot cream, and she would advise younger Hawks to try your best and finish the race. That’s the advice she received when she was worried about having a fast time in one of her first races. Like Clara, Leiden was one of a few senior girls that decided to take a leap of faith and sign up for the swim team. At home on the soccer field, the pool was new territory for her. What may have started as a slight apprehension of doing a flip turn – and a larger fear of doing a start – Leiden trusted the process and has made enormous improvements this season. Every day she walks on the pool deck, everyone’s mood is immediately brightened. Leiden, never forget the light that you bring to the people around you.

Allison’s favorite moment with the team so far was the white elephant party at the Harpers’ house, and her parting gift to the team would be shower shoes for the locker room. Allison’s words of wisdom are ones she embraced this year: It’s never too late to try a new sport! Allison is an All-Conference soccer player for Latin, who thankfully decided to give swimming a try this year. Allison immediately impacted the team with her lighthearted and carefree charisma. At each meet Allison has competed in this season, she has dropped time. You could say she is something of a quick learner. Allison, never forget that you don’t need permission to shine. You are enough just as you are and you are valued in everything that you do.

Lilly’s favorite swimming moment is one she gets to experience just about every day: laughing with friends before practice and the five min social kick that is part of our daily workouts. If she could leave behind a gift for her teammates, it would be extra water shoes so no one has to step on the floor of the locker room. Lilly’s parting advice to younger Hawks is simple: Have fun and be competitive. Lilly swam for the Hawks as a freshman, but chose to focus on her primary sport of volleyball the next two years. Coach Trimble asked her to come back her senior year. A state qualifier in the 50 and 200 freestyle, Lilly is one of the most natural athletes on the pool deck, even though she still has some issues jumping off the block. One thing I have learned about Lilly, she stays true to her commitments. Lilly, never forget the passion that you have for doing everything with excellence and humility.

CLARA JUCKETT

LEIDEN CLARK

ALLISON GAITHER

LILLY CLARK

Tanner’s favorite swimming memory was winning the conference championship last year and seeing the excitement on the seniors’ faces. He says the moment stuck out because he was proud to be sending them off in the right way - and he hopes to experience that feeling this year. A gift he would leave for the team is his lucky swim cap that has yet to tear or break during his 4 years of swimming at Latin. To younger Hawks, Tanner advises to talk to the coaches when you are struggling. They are there to help you and only want the best for you. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to the upperclassmen, who want to do all they can to make your swimming experience as great as theirs was! Some people might describe Tanner as a man of few words. While this may be true, he would better be described as a man who is intentional with his words. When Tanner speaks up, you better listen. A captain for the Hawks this year, Tanner is a gentle spirit whose presence brings confidence and peace to anyone around him. Tanner, never forget how valuable your voice is.

Alex’s favorite Latin swimming moment was when he achieved his first state cut in his senior year, after having been on the team for 4 years and getting close but never to that next level. He also loved winning conference champs last year, since the competition was tight and there were a lot of good teams at the meet. If he could leave the team a gift, it would be a conference championship followed by a state championship, and he would advise younger Hawks to stick with it. Alex says swimming is among the hardest high school sports that you can do, not just because of the strain it puts on your body but also because of the mental toughness that you need to have to come in everyday ready to improve your skills. Alex is a captain for the Hawks this year and after 4 years of being on the swim team, he achieved his state cuts in the 100 and 200 freestyle. One thing is for sure, Alex Roberts never gives up on his dreams. Alex, never forget your fighting spirit.

TANNER WILLETT-CAPTAIN

ALEX ROBERTS-CAPTAIN

MIDDLE SCHOOL: SWIMMING

FRONT ROW (L-R) Tuck Speckman, Sophie Wenninger, Reese Gail, Georgia Howard, Zoe Custodio, Caroline Burleson, Sia Gullapalli

SECOND ROW (L-R) Greyson Connor, Jason Hooper, Elizabeth Wolff, William Hamilton, Sienna Moulton, Lucy Hoke, Ryan Griggs

THIRD ROW (L-R) Head Coach Laura Thomsen, Brooks Rutherford, Grace Short, Laura Gray Monk, Eva Mosiashvili, Davis Query, Brooks Brawley, Assistant Coach Jen Keith

BACK ROW (L-R) Ethan Sung, Sloane Celli, David Sammons, Yaz Hathiram, Oliver Heinzerling, Vincent VanHoose

NOT PICTURED Thomas Greathouse, Sofia Heaton, Sam Lyons

RECAP: SWIMMING

VARSITY SWIMMING

From Coach Chadwick

My first season as the Head Coach of the Hawks swim team was an honor and a joy. Having been coached by Patty Waldron, I was excited to build on the incredible program that she carried the past 15 years. During the regular season, our boys’ team proved their strength early on and remained undefeated. Our girls team had a fantastic run having only lost one meet to Country Day. At the CISAA conference championship, our boys achieved their 12th consecutive CISAA title and our girls walked away with a 2nd place finish. Both teams proved their determination and grit and we knew that we needed to bring our best to states.

The Hawks brought a large team of 45 swimmers to the NCISAA state championships. The meet was electric from start to finish. We opened and closed the meet with both our boys’ and girls’ teams winning the 200 medley and 400 free relays in record performances. Our boys’ team won their 4th consecutive state title and our girls’ team won 3rd place, only 2 points behind a very strong Country Day team. As a former swimmer for the Hawks and first year coach, it was something special to see our athletes come together as a team and support each other on each and every race.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SWIMMING

From Coach Thomsen

The Middle School Swim Team enjoyed another successful season this year. Despite being plagued by injuries and illnesses, both the girls’ and the boys’ teams trained hard and were overwhelmingly successful in competitions. Both teams finished with a record of 12-3, only losing to Providence Day School once and Holy Trinity twice. In the GCMSAA Championship, the girls finished 4th and the boys were 2nd. Top finishers in the girls’ championship meet included 7th graders Reese Gail (3rd in 200 free and the 50 backstroke) and Grace Short (3rd in the 50 breaststroke). On the boys’ side, 7th grader David Sammons won two events, breaking meet records in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:49.88 and in the 50 backstroke with a time of 26.37. Eighth grader Thomas Greathouse also won two events and broke two records with a time of 56.87 in the 100 individual medley and a time of 24.88 in the 50 butterfly. Congratulations to all of our team members!

You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you take that first step and just go for it.

-Natasha Hastings

VARSITY: WRESTLING

FRONT ROW (L-R) Garrett Godshall, Christopher Rogers, Will Edwards, Davis Hord, Vivek Rao, Austin Chapman, Max Thompson, Spear Gorelick, Na’il Diggs, Liam McConaughy

MIDDLE ROW (L-R) Fielding White, Matt Cohen, HT Stinson, Mac Fletcher, Carson Clutter, Henk Warrick, Jack Mosrie, Aditya Banerjee, Charlie Shamblin, Austin Flowers, Grant Clark, Noah Downey

BACK ROW (L-R) Assistant Coach Stephen Starner, Assistant Coach Sam House, Assistant Coach Noah Satterfield, Hampton House, George Lynch, Jack Hall, Thomas Hunter, Banks Cutter, James Van Nort, Max Custer, Hunter Loeffler, Kigen Chepkonga, Gabe Carpenter, William Brawley, Assistant Coach Richard Fletcher, Assistant Coach Logan Branham, Videographer Mike Turner, Head Coach David Page

NOT PICTURED Evan Park, Ethan Randall, Assistant Coach John Bryant

photos by Leah Custer

WRESTLING: SENIORS

Congratulations! Congratulations!

Max has shown incredible dedication to the Mat Hawks program. Although he suffered significant setbacks, Max was determined to work his way back into the starting lineup. Quiet by nature, he brings a high level of athleticism and skill to the team. Max’s favorite Latin wrestling moment so far has been taking trips with the team to experience wrestling in different settings and having the opportunity to bond with his teammates. As a parting gift, Max would leave the Mat Hawks the indomitable motivation to win. His advice to younger students is that you grow the most when you go out of the way to challenge yourself, so don’t be afraid of discomfort.

Hampton followed his older brother, Sam, to the wrestling team, and has grown into a great leader who teaches younger wrestlers what it means to be a Mat Hawk. A third place finisher at last year’s state championship, Hampton looks to help propel the Hawks to another state title. His favorite wrestling memories are the team trips to Washington, DC and Baltimore. Hampton’s advice to others is to be invested in what you are passionate about. Find something you enjoy and are good at and go after it, all in. His parting gift to the team would be an understanding of leadership and what it means to be there for their younger teammates.

FRONT ROW (L-R) George Lynch, Vivek Rao, Henk Warrick

BACK ROW (L-R) Hampton House, James Van Nort, Max Custer, Thomas Hunter

MAX CUSTER HAMPTON HOUSE

Thomas was a significant contributor as a freshman at 113lbs. Since then, he has grown a lot and had to overcome a knee injury to return to the starting lineup. Coach Paige says Thomas is a key part of the social wellbeing of the team. He has a tendency to know what is going on with his teammates, and is always willing to help those who may be struggling through some difficulties. Thomas recalls two experiences from his freshman year as his favorite: The trip to DC and the team winning the state title. His advice to young Hawks is NOT to take for granted the culture and coaching in Latin Wrestling, and he would leave behind the gift of patience to freshman on the team – because success does not come right away in the sport of wrestling.

Vivek joined the Latin community and the Mat Hawks as a ninth grader, and became a starter and placed in the 2020 state tournament as a sophomore. He brings valuable depth and experience to the middle weight classes, and his work ethic both in the classroom and in wrestling are a model for all Mat Hawks to follow. Vivek’s favorite wrestling moment was winning the team’s tenth consecutive state title. His gift to the team would be the recognition of how important your relationships with your younger and older teammates are – not just in wrestling but as you navigate through the rest of high school and beyond. Vivek advises others to embrace what you are not good at and struggle to improve it, because that’s where you have the most room to grow.

A member of the wrestling team since sixth grade, George has always been willing to step in whenever the team needs him. Whether it was filling an opening in weight class, keeping the scorebook during dual matches or acting as an assistant coach for his teammates. Coach Paige says George’s academic strength and his high level of maturity are valued contributions. George also names the team trips as his favorite moments, because of the opportunity to bond with teammates and share amazing experiences, even though the tournaments are challenging. His parting gift to the team would be to preserve the amazing locker room culture and the brotherhood they share. His advice to younger Hawks is to soak up the opportunities, advice, and knowledge shared by coaches and others around you. Say yes to every chance you get to learn something or improve yourself.

James is a two-year captain whose leadership has added tremendous value to the wrestling program. On and off the mat, he leads by example through his commitment and work ethic. His high level of maturity and his desire to help younger teammates learn skills in wrestling and everyday life have made a big impact. James says his favorite Latin wrestling moment was being a starter on the state championship-winning team his sophomore year, and the gift he would like to leave the team with is a 2023 state championship trophy. James has this advice for younger athletes: Being able to enjoy the journey will make you a better wrestler.

VIVEK RAO

THOMAS HUNTER

JAMES VAN NORT-CAPTAIN

GEORGE LYNCH

Although he has wrestled since sixth grade, Henk burst on the wrestling scene his junior year. Given an opportunity to start, Henk made the most of it by placing third at the NCISSA state tournament and earning his role this year as a starter and a captain. Coach Paige says Henk’s leadership through the off season and into this year has been tremendous. His work ethic and positive attitude have been contagious for all current Mat Hawks. Like many of his teammates, Henk names the trip to DC as his favorite wrestling memory. The gift he would like to leave behind for the team is the leadership from years’ past that was taught to him by former Mat Hawks, and his advice is to have fun and “don’t stress” because you perform better when you are enjoying it.

RECAP: WRESTLING

VARSITY WRESTLING

From Coach Paige

The 2023 wrestling team had a great season returning our program to the top of NCISAA wrestling. We started the year off strong going 5-0, winning the Cary Academy Duals. We traveled to Baltimore, MD going 2-2 at the Gilman Duals. We hosted 9 other independent schools from North and South Carolina at our inaugural Carolina Prep Duals. And most importantly, we finished the season strong winning both our conference and state tournaments in dominant form. Our team finished with a 26-4 dual meet record, and pushed our 8-year record against NC independent schools to 71-1.

MIDDLE SCHOOL WRESTLING

From Coach Wolfe

The Charlotte Latin Middle School wrestling team had a wonderful year! The team record was a stellar 8-1. The team ended up 3rd in the GCMSAA conference with many individual place winners. Theo Fletcher (83lbs.), Trey Paige (113 lbs.) and Patrick Cunningham (195 lbs.) earned 1st place. Clifton Gorelick (138 lbs.), Cooper Cumbus (145 lbs.), Cole Bradley (160 lbs.) and Holland Loeffler (170 lbs.) earned 2nd place. The coaching staff was impressed with our team’s grit and determination each and every week of the season. The eighth graders will be missed as they move up to varsity and the seventh graders will take on the leadership for next season.

HENK WARRICK-CAPTAIN

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog

-Mark Twain

MIDDLE SCHOOL: WRESTLING

FRONT ROW (L-R) Andrew Stravino, Kolton Arnold, John Harris, Jonah Hawa, Max Thune, Theo Fletcher, Kemp Chapman, Dino Lambos

MIDDLE ROW (L-R) Samuel Yin, Durham Teddy, Davis Jones, Alex Clonz, Emery Lew, Max Negrin, Trey Paige, Asher Tallent, Barrett Hicks, Ian Hu

BACK ROW (L-R) Head Coach Jeff Wolfe, Baker Humphrey, Marc Farah, Holland Loeffler, Patrick Cunningham, Chase Warrick, Cooper Cumbus, Cole Bradley, Clifton Gorelick

NOT PICTURED Smith Ragsdale, Assistant Coach Richard Fletcher

congratulations Winter College Commits

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill - Soccer

The spring season coming up will be my first opportunity to coach Ella, but I’ve been lucky enough to know her since she was in the sixth grade. Ella’s soccer career began because she coveted her older brother, Kyle’s, soccer uniform and she was determined to have one of her own. She’s been playing ever since, and says her favorite thing about soccer is the competitive aspect of the game. She loves competing against others, and herself, by setting goals and working hard to attain them. Although she’s a two-time All-Conference and All-State honoree, and last spring’s CISAA Player of the Year, what I admire most about Ella is her consistency. Her consistency in attitude, leadership, and effort speaks volumes about her character and will serve her well at the next level.

Ella comes from a family of Tar Heels, so it was natural for her be drawn to Chapel Hill. She says she realizes that the opportunity to get an outstanding education while playing with a soccer team of the highest caliber will push her harder than she’s ever been pushed…and that’s exactly what she craves. We can’t wait to see all that Ella will accomplish as she follows the family tradition and heads to UNC Chapel Hill next year.

Congratulations Ella!

Hampden-Sydney College - Football

Like Ella, Sam was drawn to his sport by watching older siblings – and cousins. He started playing at 9 years old, and says he immediately enjoyed the physicality and free expression it provided. He also loved being able to run past people without being touched, dusting his opponents and earning his Sam-tooshifty nickname. As a three-year starter for Latin, Sam scored touchdowns in every way possible: running, receiving, and returning…but his impact on the team extended far beyond big plays. Sam is a mentor to younger players, he models hard work and dedication, and he truly loves his teammates.

That connection is what Sam was looking for at the next level, and he feels he found a place where the brotherhood is evident and the energy is electrifying. Sam is a smart guy, and he recognizes that football is just one part of life – having a top-tier education and being surrounded by a winning culture on and off the field are important to him. We will miss Sam, but look forward to seeing him continue working to be great as a Tiger at Hampden-Sydney College. Congratulations Sam!

Furman University - Football

He’s currently playing basketball, and he’ll run track in the spring, but his collegiate commitment is for football. The sport didn’t make a great first impression on Tyler, who started playing in fifth grade and immediately hated it. He didn’t play much, and when he did, he didn’t like getting hit. What he did enjoy was catching drills, so when he got the opportunity to play receiver in Middle School, he found his passion for the gridiron. As a senior, Tyler was a veteran starter and a captain for the Hawks. He played all-out in every play, in every game, scoring on long touchdown receptions, intercepting passes, and pancaking defenders.

When Tyler was considering his options for college, he took a visit to Greenville, South Carolina, and immediately fell in love with the campus and the athletic facilities. He was impressed by the coaching staff and their interest in learning about the person behind the player, including his family, and the details they shared about how Tyler could make an impact in their program. While we will definitely miss the big-play moments, the gritty toughness, and the ability to make others better that Tyler brought to our program, we can’t wait to see him shine at the next level as he heads to Furman University next year.

Congratulations Tyler!

ELLA SMITH

SAM HAINES

TYLER HENDLEY

United States Naval Academy - Basketball

Sean’s basketball journey began when he was six years old. He was a multi-sport kid back then, playing baseball and soccer as well. As he started to grow, he felt the most natural on the court, and he started to dedicate himself to improving his skills every day. His dad is a former player and gave Sean tips to help him elevate his game. The thing Sean loves most about the sport is actually the process of becoming a better player – putting in the work when no one is watching and then having that work show up in games. For the Hawks, Sean’s ability to play outside or inside the paint make him a complete player, but it’s his hard work, his tenacity, and his smile and sense of humor that make him a beloved teammate.

Back in September, Sean had the opportunity to visit Annapolis and sit in on some classes related to cyber security, which is the field he is interested in studying, and heard first-hand from the professors about the career opportunities available after graduation. He also had conversations with the coaches, watched basketball practices, and enjoyed spending time with the team. He left feeling like he’d found a future home that would help him excel in all areas of life and made the decision to commit to the United States Naval Academy after graduation.

New York University - Soccer

When he was only four years old, Devin was introduced to soccer. He says his parents wanted to expose him to every sport, so played a lot of different things growing up, but soccer was always his favorite. He took pride in being the best juggler and had a lot of fun playing in 3v3 tournaments with his friends. Fast forward to Devin’s freshman year at Latin. I was actually coaching against him in the first game of that season and recognized his incredible talent as the opposing coach. Devin’s skill on and off the ball, his understanding of the game, and his presence on the field have earned him well-deserved recognition. Coaching him again as a senior allowed me to get to know the incredible young man that Devin has grown into.

A long-time goal of Devin’s has been to attend an elite academic institution while playing for a competitive soccer program, and he thinks he found the perfect fit in downtown Manhattan, the financial capital of the world. With an interest in studying finance, Devin found the setting very appealing and he says that meeting the coaching staff and current players made him feel right at home. He’ll be trading his Latin blue for NYU purple as he heads to New York University next year.

Williams College - Cross Country and Track & Field

For those that know Helen, it will not come as a surprise that Helen’s motivation for joining the cross country team her freshman year was not because she thought she had a knack for running, but because she was looking for a way to make new friends in what she describes as the “terrifying maze of Upper School life.” She achieved that goal, and so much more. It seems insufficient to describe her senior season as a breakthrough year, but Helen progressed from a junior year-best of 20:28 to a perfectly-executed 18:35 at the conference championship to win the individual title and lead her fellow Hawks to a girls’ team win. In spite of that success, Helen says what she enjoys most about cross country is the support, love, and acceptance found in her teammates and coaches, the thrill of pushing past her own preconceived limits, and spending time in nature.

Helen is a very thoughtful student-athlete, and she can provide a very specific, detailed list of all of the attributes that played a factor in her college decision. To sum it up, a unique academic calendar, a joint study abroad program at Oxford University, a commitment to the arts, and a small-town environment surrounded by mountains all played a role. We have no doubt that Helen will make even more new friends as she heads north to Massachusetts and immerses herself in all that Williams College has to offer.

Congratulations Helen!

Colorado College - Cross Country and Track & Field

Mary Cate began running cross country and track in sixth grade and clearly found her passion. She says she loves the ability running has to develop deep relationships rooted in the joy and discomfort that define the sport, and that it’s given her her best friends, her happiest moments, and some of the most important lessons of her life. As a competitor for the Hawks, Mary Cate has done it all. An All-Conference and All-State athlete, she is toughness personified and will do whatever it takes to help her team.

When Mary Cate started looking at schools, she took a visit to what she knew to be a small, outdoorsy school at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Their academic structure, and of course the setting, were very appealing, but it was an impromptu practice that sealed the deal. Mary Cate had asked the coach about the team culture, and his response was to invite her to join them on a run. She did, and that was all it took. The first school she visited turned out to be the only one she applied to, and we couldn’t be happier to announce that Mary Cate will be moving west to compete for Colorado College next year.

SEAN ROSE

HELEN HURDEN

DEVIN REINHARDT

MARY CATE KISER

(L-R) Kristin Edwards, Colin Murray, Cheri Pratt

FRONT ROW (L-R) Oscar Baez, Ephraim Akihola, Guillermo Yepes, Greg Lucas, Rosario Colace, Donnie Moore, Michael Bocian, Fabian Baez, William Strickland, Tim Scott, Melvin Leak

BACK ROW (L-R) Stephen Starner, David Reyes Rivera, Lilian Aguilar, Fay Lucas, Kay Rigo, Oscar Mendez, Richard Smalls

NOT PICTURED Shane Barthram, Leonid Amiramov, Roderick Hyatt, Marcolina Lugo, Brandon Nichols, Brian Rigo