Athletics

The boys’ varsity and girls’ varsity basketball, coed fencing, and coed skiing teams had an excellent winter season at Cheshire Academy. Modifications were made to ensure all athletes were given time to play, and proper protocols were followed to provide the highest level of safety for athletes, as well as coaches and trainers, resulting in the teams being able to play a cumulative 20 games.

According to Associate Head of School David Dykeman, the success of Cheshire Academy’s winter athletic program was due to commitments from the school community, working with peer schools to formalize a schedule, and from coaches, trainers, and athletes who underwent COVID-19 testing weekly prior to games. “For us to play 44 games in the fall and 20 in the winter, and be prepared with a full slate for spring athletics … we’re really proud of that.” The seasons did not come without sacrifices, however, all of which were made to keep the students as safe as possible. For example, spectators were not allowed to attend games in the winter due to them being held indoors. While parents were unable to watch in person, games were streamed online for remote viewing.

Roughly 16 games were held for the boys' and girls' varsity lacrosse, varsity baseball, and varsity softball teams for the spring season. Track meets were held in both in-person and virtual formats, varsity girls' tennis had approximately five matches, and coed varsity golf took to the Fairview Farms Golf Course for a match. To accommodate the schedules of other schools and to allow for COVID-19 testing, the academic schedule was modified for the spring season (April 8-May 15) that included shortened days on Fridays instead of Wednesdays, allowing for games to be played on Fridays and Saturdays.

KIM BOGEN NAMED NEW HEAD SOFTBALL COACH

Kim Bogen

Cheshire Academy has hired Kim Bogen as its new head softball coach. Bogen previously served as an assistant coach at Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury, Connecticut, and is also a private pitching coach for approximately 40 softball pitchers across the state. She was also a three-time all-state selection when she played at Seymour High School.

Bogen is taking over for Sam Cieri, who accepted an assistant coaching position at Bryant University. “I’m excited about this opportunity,” Bogen said. “There’s a great foundation here. I hope to continue to build on that and make it stronger.”

Cheshire Academy has solidified itself as a perennial New England power in recent years. The Cats have reached a Western New England Prep Softball Association title game in the last seven years and won the last three Class B championships.

WINTER SPORTS AWARDS AND SIGNING DAYS

Student-athletes continued to commit to playing their sport of choice at the collegiate level through a series of on-campus and virtual signing day events, including commitments to Bentley University, Manhattan College, Monmouth University, Swarthmore College, University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, and Williams College.

Associate Head of School David Dykeman with Board of Trustee Award recipients Megan Olmstead '21 and Ethan Okwuosa '21.

During CA’s annual Winter Sports Awards ceremony highlighting the achievements of the school’s student-athletes, an additional recognition was given to Thomas Craley ’21, highlighting his accomplishments as a member of the USA High School All-American Fencing Team. During his time at CA, Craley placed first in the Connecticut State Fencing Championship in foil, among other feats.

Thomas Craley '21 and coed fencing Head Coach Matthew Socia.

Cole Baker '21, Jack Brandon '21, and Thomas Fox '21.

William Soren ’21 and Karen Soren.

Girls' varsity lacrosse Head Coach Molly Purcell, Lauren Davis ’21, and girls' varsity lacrosse Assistant Coach Sarah Lasoff-Hodge.

Abraham Attah ’21.

From left: Megan Olmstead ’21, Lauren Davis ’21, Abraham Attah ’21, William Soren ’21, Emmett Parkerson ’21, Thomas Craley ’21, Mia Ferry ’21, Cassie Parmelee ’21, Liliena Storer ’21, and Zach Hrubiec ’21.