CELEBRATING WINTERS CLASS OF 2022

were no strangers to racking up wins on the basketball court.

For the women’s team, head coach Jeff Christian said he was delighted in their growth as players and people. Although there was only one senior, exchange student Ieva Ziemele, she helped the team to a successful season.

“These were a group of incredible young ladies,” lauded Christian. “They loved each other and I’ve never coached a team where the players were all in for each other all season long.”

The four seniors on the varsity men’s squad also made an impression on their coach Brendan McShea.

“

Matt Moore is a leader and just does it the right way. He’s the guy who took the most charges, was super unselfish and led the team in assists as well. Teammates loved him and he was very easy to coach. Davis Reyes was the toughest kid on the team and guarded the best wing player every day. He did a great job being a voice on the court and on the sideline holding his teammates accountable,” said McShea. “Diego (Valencia) was a tough guy on the inside. He did all the tough, dirty stuff you need from guys near the hoop and showed teammates how to play hard. Then, there’s Joe Aguiar. The guy just works. He’s super successful off the court and still put in all the time and effort for basketball and no one got better or gave more of a spark when we needed to get the team hyped up.”

Softball/Baseball

Seniors were key components for the varsity softball team as well. With only three due to grades and/or injury, Emily Aguiar, Katie Johnson and Sierra Berry were proverbial jacks-ofall-trades for head coach Buddy Berry.

“They all played multiple positions this year due to inexperience and injuries. Emily played first base, second base, right field and center field. Katie played third base, center field and left field. And Sierra played catcher, pitcher, first base, third base, shortstop, center field and left field,” explained Berry. “They were all wiling to be diverse and agile to help the team in any way possible. They were also captains on and off the field, and Sierra led the team in RBI’s and walks and was selected to the 2022 Evening Optimist Club High School Softball All-Star game.” For new varsity men’s head coach Austin Calvert, his five seniors truly exemplified what it means to be a Winters baseball player To him, simply being their coach was an honor unto itself.

“Matt Moore is an absolute competitor and a goto leader. When Matty has the ball in his hand, you know he’s going to give his teammates everything he can. He’s ‘Winters baseball’ to his core. Conner Ray, in a lot of ways, is the backbone of our team. He’s constantly contributing RBI’s and quality at-bats. His leadership has been an immeasurable impact on our success,” hailed Calvert. “Davis Reyes has battled through some injuries but never lets that stop him from contributing and supporting the team.

Ian McCrary has been one of my favorite guys since December and you will find his picture in the dictionary next to the word ‘coachable.’ He’s constantly striving to better himself on and off the field. Then Grayson Roberts brings confidence and energy to the team. Previous injuries have kept him out of uniform this season, but that hasn’t stopped his impact on our program.”

While there are other teams with amazing seniors on them, unfortunately not every coach has been available for comment. If there’s anything one can derive from the words and feelings regarding these seniors, however, it’s that they embody the grit, selflessness and determination of the generations of Winters Warriors who them.