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CLASS NOTES

CLASS NOTES

Hilltop

SPORTS NEWS FROM CAMPUS

SPORTS A Different Ballgame

Softball team brings joy to the field in 10-5 season.

If softball coach Matt Underhill had to pick one word to describe how this year’s team approached each game, it would be “joy.” When Underhill, who also teaches English, took on the coaching position a few years ago, the team had no travel or club players and no athletes who aspired to play after high school; they went 1 in 14 that season.

“If this team was going to work, we needed to get a solid pitcher,” says Underhill. “I worked with admissions, hit the road, and met with as many potential players and parents as I could.” Eventually, he recruited a talented pitcher whom he credits with getting the team on its feet. Underhill suspects that pitcher, Lulu Leppard ’24, may be the best batter in New Hampshire.

Now, when the Wildcats take the field it’s a whole different ballgame—but this is still New England, and the weather thinks for itself. During the six-week softball season, there are times when games are rescheduled and suddenly the girls are playing four out of five days of the week. All this happens alongside strength training sessions, practice, and time spent analyzing game videos. These girls just don’t quit.

“I was surprised that even when playing softball for two hours or more every day, it never gets boring or repetitive,” explains Leppard. “The team provides an energy that makes you want to work hard and improve. I have learned that it is okay to have an off day, and there is always someone there to support you. There is no team on campus like the softball team.”

The game against Proctor Academy this past season was one of the biggest highlights of the season.

“It was a weird game and we didn’t play well at first, but we tied going into the final inning,” explains Underhill. “Lulu hit a home run and we won the game. The absolute joy was just fantastic to see. This is a group that rises to the occasion, and with the players we’re bringing in next year, we’re in a great spot.” K

ON PAR

Teegan Duffy ’24 was the first KUA golfer to compete in the Pippy O’Connor Independent School Girls Golf Championship. Duffy, a three-sport varsity athlete, finished 21 out of 61 golfers, earning an honorable mention from the event organizers.

TOP NHL PROSPECT

Adam Fantilli ’21 was selected in April to represent Canada in the 2022 International Ice Hockey Federation U18 World Championship in Germany. Fantilli plays with the Chicago Steel and in August committed to the University of Michigan. He’s considered one of the top 2023 NHL draft prospects.

SIGNING INTENT

Defenseman Jordan Harris ’18 signed a two-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens after captaining the Northeastern University Huskies in his senior season. Harris scored his first NHL goal on April 29 in a win over the Florida Panthers.

“The team provides an energy that makes you want to work hard and improve.” —PITCHER LULU LEPPARD ’24

BIG LEAGUE

Coach Underhill led his team to a record 10 wins this season.

HOME COURT

Abby Kelly ’15 will return to her alma mater of Bowdoin College, where she was named assistant coach of the women’s basketball team. Kelly is one of the most decorated players in the Polar Bears' history.

BE WELL

Director of Sports Medicine Bob Hyjek P'20 '20 says goodbye after 25 years on The Hilltop.

SELECTED

Bleyton Hopps-Thompson ’25 was selected to play for the Iroquois National U15 Development Team in the Heritage Cup, an event held for U.S. lacrosse players to promote international competition. The team is composed of Native players who compete in international lacrosse competitions as a nation.

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