Titans Victorious

RIFLERY

Riflery on target with another undefeated season

Not even the worst pandemic in 100 years could stop the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Riflery team from raising another banner.

For the fourth time in five years, WMA’s Riflery program finished with an undefeated season, winning all of its regular season matches before placing first against other prep and high school teams at postseason tournaments. The Titans extended their regular season winning streak to 32.

Led by Ryan Cordeiro ’21, Coach Bill Passy’s team went 9–0 during the regular season, won the Connecticut High School Riflery League Shoot O , the NRA 4-Position Sectional and the Prep School Gallery Match.

“This year, because we didn’t know what other schools were dealing with, for us to come out and perform as well as we did and have a perfect season was pretty incredible,” Coach Passy said.

Ryan finished with the highest scoring average in the Connecticut High School Riflery League for the season. It’s the first time in school history WMA had a student with the highest average.

“Ryan had another great season,” Coach Passy said. “We almost expected it; he worked with us in the fall for his athletic concentration. He’s had a solid career here for us. He’s really a once-in-a-lifetime shooter for someone at the high school level, and I’m lucky enough to have a second one because Dan Wesson ’18 was one and now Ryan Cordeiro. I can’t thank Ryan enough for what he’s done for our program the last four years.”

RIFLERY

Titans place 4 on all-league Riflery team

A great shooter needs discipline, and that was never more evident than during the 2020–21 school year, which saw a lifetime’s share of adversity due to COVID-19.

Despite all of the distractions, four members of the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Riflery team stayed poised and earned All-League honors from the Connecticut High School Riflery League.

Ryan Cordeiro ’21 (first place), Jiwon Lee ’23 (third), Steven Holik ’22 (fourth) and Jake Girhiny ’22 (eighth) placed in the top 10 in the 12-team league, earning the quartet postseason honors. The group paced the Titans to wins at the Prep School Gallery Match and NRA 4-Position Sectional, as well as the league title for the fourth time in five years.

“I think our program is in a good spot,” Coach Bill Passy said. “We have been lucky to get kids who want to be in the program and buy into what we are teaching. We tell them from the beginning that it won’t be easy, they’ll have to work hard, and certain positions will be uncomfortable at times, but they still show up and perform. As a coach, you can’t ask for much more than that. I feel very lucky to be able to lead these kids and watch them perform.”

FROM LEFT: Ryan Cordeiro ’21, Steven Holik ’22, Jake Girhiny ’22, Jiwon Lee ’23 and Coach Bill Passy.

LACROSSE

Girls’ Lacrosse lands 3 on All-NEPSAC team

Two longtime Wilbraham & Monson Academy Girls’ Lacrosse players received a nice pat on the back as they completed their careers, while a first-year player continued to show why her lacrosse future is so bright.

Payton Klepacki ’22 earned All-New England Prep School Athletic Council honors following the 2021 season, while Grace Dineen ’21 and Charlotte Derose ’21 were named to the honorable mention list.

Payton, a highly recruited midfielder, completed her inaugural season for the Titans, while Grace and Charlotte capped careers that date back to the Middle School.

“I feel that I played well this season, but anytime I look back on a season or watch film on myself after a game I always find room for where I can improve and elevate my overall game,” Payton said. “I was very honored to receive the All-NEPSAC award for Girls’ Lacrosse. I couldn’t have done this without our amazing coaches—Coach (Christa) Robinson and Coach (Tim) Dineen—and my teammates. We worked hard, and we are looking to build from this past season.”

FROM LEFT: Charlotte Derose ’21, Payton Klepacki ’22 and Grace Dineen ’21.

LACROSSE

Captain Payton Klepacki ’22 a top prospect

Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Payton Klepacki ’22 made a quick impression on the Girls’ Lacrosse team, as she was voted a captain last season before playing her first game for the Titans.

Payton made an impression at one of the biggest lacrosse camps in New England, too, earning one of only four top prospect awards at the one-day 5 Star Prospect Day in Connecticut in March.

“I thought I played well but I always think I can do better,” Payton said. “But a lot of coaches told me they recognized my hard work and how I put e ort forth when I played. It was so windy that day—the net literally picked up during the all-star game and flew away.

“I was shocked just to make the all-star game because I was playing with really good people all around me. I was surprised. And then they announced the top players from the event, and I was named. I was really excited and thrilled.”

Coach Christa Robinson wasn’t surprised by Payton’s preseason accomplishment.

“Payton leads the team by example. Her passion, commitment and strong work ethic have all impacted her teammates in a positive way this season. She is always giving 110-percent e ort in everything she does all while adding her good sense of humor.”

LACROSSE

J.J. Fox ’23 earns elite showcase bid

After each attendee competed in four games, men’s lacrosse college coaches recruiting at the Epoch Boys North American Showcase provided a list of players for the event’s all-star game.

Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s J.J. Fox ’23 was on the list.

Among many of the top players in the Class of 2023 from the United States and Canada in July in Pennsylvania, the Titan attackman was selected to play in the North American Showcase All-Star Game.

“I was invited by the Epoch sta along with other players from all over the United States,” J.J. said. “I knew a lot of college coaches would be there, and it was a great opportunity to showcase my skills and represent the WMA community with a chance to get recruited.

“I was very honored to be chosen out of so many talented players. It was a great honor and privilege to play in front of so many amazing college coaches and professional lacrosse players.”

Luke Robinson ’23, right, celebrates a goal during WMA’s 2021 season.

LACROSSE

Luke Robinson ’23 adds to national all-star résumé

It can be di cult for athletes to stand out at a showcase event.

Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Luke Robinson ’23, however, makes it look easy.

After playing the event’s standard three games, Luke was selected to compete in the all-star game at the One Percent Showcase in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, in July.

Luke was just one of 40 players in the Class of 2023 to participate in the all-star game. His accomplishment comes eight months after being named the top defenseman at the Nike Boys Philly Showcase in Pennsylvania.

“I felt fortunate to have the opportunity to play with the top talent in the 2023 class. The team I was placed on (2023 White) connected well from the start and ended the day undefeated, which was rewarding for us all.

“I was really excited to hear I was selected to be on the all-star team at the end of the day. I was able to be coached by two current Premier Lacrosse League players. I learned a lot from them throughout the game.”

In July, Luke earned a spot on Team New England and played in Maryland at the Under Armour All-America Underclass Tournament, one of the top lacrosse events in the country.

“Luke has been a staple of the WMA Boys’ Lacrosse program since eighth grade,” Coach Mike MacDonald applauded. “He was the top defenseman on the team this year, and he is a true student of the game. Luke’s dedication and consistency has helped open up solid academic and athletic opportunities at the next level.

“Luke is already known amongst the coaches in the league as one of the top players, and I will be looking to him for a lot of leadership moving forward. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the Robinson family over the past decade, and I am excited for Luke’s opportunities as a student-athlete moving forward.”

BASEBALL

Baseball pair selected to All-Western New England team

Spring sports were cut short due to COVID-19, but the season was long enough for Wilbraham & Monson Academy baseball players Liam Shea-Gallagher ’24 and Dan DeNucci ’22 to show their talent.

Liam and Dan were selected to the All-Western New England Prep Baseball League Second Team in May following the abbreviated 2021 campaign.

Liam established himself as a sure-handed shortstop and mature hitter for the Titans, while Dan’s performance on the mound earned him the team’s Most Valuable Player Award.

“Liam is a passionate and talented baseball player,” former coach Jim Irzyk said. “At the plate he sees the ball as if he were a senior and veteran player. In the field he has solid instincts, a strong arm and good range. In short, he truly enjoys playing the game.”

“Danny was our most consistent pitcher this season. He is a smart pitcher. He is confident in locating all his pitches on any count. This confidence makes him e ective, and when combined with his competitive nature he is a joy to coach. Because he is able and willing to mix his pitches, his complete game win against Berkshire was splendid.”

Liam Shea-Gallagher ’24, left, and Dan DeNucci ’22.

RUGBY

Gianna Courtney ’22 stars on U19 team

When it comes to sports, Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Gianna Courtney ’22 loves to hit.

In July, Gianna hit some of the top rugby players from the mid-Atlantic region when her New England Free Jacks U19 team played DC Old Glory in a home-and-home series. She competed for the junior program of the professional rugby organization based in Boston, Massachusetts.

New England won the first game 19–7 in Virginia July 10, before DC won the finale in Massachusetts 33–0 July 18. The games consisted of four 15-minute quarters. Gianna was selected to the 20-player squad after a pair of tryouts.

“I had an amazing time. I know I have made some really great friends during this. The coaches were really supportive and were there if you had any questions,” Gianna said. “I was personally nervous to be so far away from my parents but getting on the bus with the girls and my friends made the nerves go away. I think staying in the hotel really bonded us. Just being back out on the pitch was a great feeling. Win or lose I had a great time.”

Gianna said the WMA program and the one match the Titans competed in during the Spring of 2021 greatly helped prepare her to compete with and against some of the top rugby players on the East Coast.

“Well, I first started playing rugby at WMA my freshman year,” she explained. “We started from the basics, which every player needs to know. Thankfully this year we had a game. Because of COVID-19, I didn’t think we would have a chance to get on the field. Mr. (Don) Nicholson (Director of Athletics) really pushed for us to be able to play. Those games and practices made me feel confident enough to go try out for the U19 team.”

Charlotte Derose ’21 Grace Dineen ’21 Marenthe Hofstede ’21 Genna Miccoli ’22 Madeleine Soukup ’22

FIELD HOCKEY

Field Hockey quintet earns All-Academic honors in 2020

Due to the pandemic, the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Field Hockey team didn’t play any games on the field in Fall 2020.

Regardless, the Titans still found plenty of success o the field as five team members earned national academic awards.

Charlotte Derose ’21, Grace Dineen ’21, Marenthe Hofstede ’21, Genna Miccoli ’22 and Madeleine Soukup ’22 were named to the 2020 Keith Waldman Optimal Performance Associates/ National Field Hockey Coaches Association High School National Academic Squad.

“These five student-athletes’ commitment to their academics is tremendous,” Coach Liz Squindo praised. “All of the challenges brought upon in the past year-and-a-half did not deter them from their academic progress. We’re very fortunate to have their academic leadership in our classroom and athletic leadership on our field hockey pitch.”

The association recognizes juniors and seniors who have an unweighted GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher.

BASKETBALL

Kyle Filipowski ’22 wins gold for USA Basketball

Kyle Filipowski ’22 wears blue for the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Boys’ Basketball team, and he’ll wear blue next season when he plays at Duke University.

In late August, Kyle added a few colors to his uniform: red, white and blue.

Kyle scored a game-high nine points in a 21–14 win against Estonia to lead Team USA to the gold medal at the FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup in Hungary.

The USA repeated as champions at the annual event, which drew four-player teams from 18 countries. Kyle and his teammates went undefeated, cruising through three pool games before beating Lithuania, Belarus and Estonia in the knock-out round.

“For USA, we had expectations,” said Kyle, who verbally committed to Duke University in July. “We weren’t settling for anything less than gold. That was our goal. That’s what we were there for. For the Olympics, basketball and other sports win gold almost every year. It was awesome to live up to those standards.”

Also awesome was the chance for Kyle to represent his country on a world stage outside of the United States.

“Getting the opportunity to play for Team USA and represent my country, not everyone gets to do that,” Kyle added. “It’s a huge honor. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an experience like no other.

“Going to another country, and how they look at the USA, and how I was able to show what we represent and what we stand for, that was pretty cool.”

Kyle Filipowski ’22, far right.

TRACK

Ava Aguiar ’23 competes at elite mile race

Olympians. Passion. Camaraderie.

And, hey, free running gear.

For Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Ava Aguiar ’23, there’s no better way to spend a summer night.

In the presence of some of the most well-known names in the sport of running, Ava toed the starting line with the top runners in Massachusetts at the Tommy Cochary High School Mile in Falmouth, Massachusetts, Aug. 14.

“I wanted to participate in the Tommy Cochary High School Mile because it was an amazing opportunity,” Ava said. “You get to meet so many cool people and everyone shares the same passion and love for running, which is really fun. Not to mention it was also special because one of the main themes is making smart choices and I think, especially at the high school age, that’s a really important message to spread.”

Ava and the other competitors were treated like pros, provided with new running shoes, a singlet, shorts and a racing bib with their name on it. The event took place before the Falmouth Elite Mile, which drew some of the top milers in North America, including Craig Engels, who competed in the Olympic Trials in 2016 and 2021.

“I would definitely say the highlight of my experience was meeting Craig Engels and Molly Seidel,” she said. “I’ve looked up to them for a while and seeing them was super cool and unexpected. Someone took us into another room and Molly came in and did a Q&A and we got to hold her (bronze) medal she had just won at this year’s Olympic Games (in the marathon), and take a picture with her.

“When they took us out onto the track to start getting warmed up that’s when I saw Craig. I won’t lie, I was definitely fangirling. I was like, ‘No way he’s talking to me right now.’ It was surreal. They’re both so nice, and I hope to see them again.”

Ava Aguiar ’23, second from left, with fellow competitors at the Tommy Cochary High School Mile.

RUGBY

Harrison Reed ’22 lands professional rugby opportunity

Wilbraham & Monson Academy Boys’ Rugby player Harrison Reed ’22 has big plans, and those plans are starting to take shape.

In his home country of England in July, Harrison landed a spot on the Ampthill RFC, a professional team that plays just one level below the premier league.

“I was overwhelmed with emotion when I found out I had finally achieved what I had always dreamed,” Harrison said. “I remember getting the news and going straight to my parents to let them know, and they were overjoyed for me and the opportunity that I had been given. Almost a month on, I still feel absolutely buzzing about the whole thing and what the future could bring.”

Harrison started playing organized rugby when he was 6. He played for the Olney RFC from ages 8–16, and joined the junior team of Ampthill as a wing when he was home last year due to COVID-19.

“I knew that my skill level would be at a level that they would be looking for and that my work ethic would also catch their eye. It has always been a dream/goal of mine to play rugby at the professional level and this was an opportunity that I could not refuse,” he said. “Playing pro rugby at such a relatively young age would also set me up well with university options here in the U.K. as I now have many of the top university rugby programs in the country wanting me to come in.”