Athlete of the Week

STEPHANIE IZZI ‘13 AND PHOEBE SHEPHERD ’11
KENT J.V. SOCCER
Fall Post-Season

Coach Anne Russell writes,
“Stephanie Izzi commanded the field at the Striker position this year. Although she was only a Third Former, she played like a Senior, often being asked to play both offensive and defensive midfield, and thriving at those positions, as well.”

“Stephanie was a key component of the team’s success against Berkshire, a 3-0 win, and a 2-2 tie versus Loomis. Izzi finished the week with 3 assists, and completed the season with 4 goals, and 4 assists.”

“Phoebe Shepherd was the main distributor for the offense this season. She utilized her polished ball skills to serve up the strikers, switch fields, or lay the ball off to a fellow midfielder.”

“Phoebe played well in the most challenging games, and scored our only goal in a 2-1 Taft loss. She scored several fantastic goals at season’s end, including a great shot just inside the left post against Loomis. Phoebe finished the season with 9 goals, and one assist, and earned top scoring honors for the team.”

Congratulation, Stephanie and Phoebe!!!

MARCEL PITRE ‘10
KENT VARSITY FOOTBALL
Fall Post-Season

Head coach Todd marble nominates Marcel Pitre as Kent’s final Fall “Athlete.”

“Marcel ran for 109 yards on 31 carries, and on the defensive side of the ball, intercepted 2 Loomis passes-returning one for the go-ahead touchdown in Kent’s 13-8 victory over their rival from Windsor in the annual “Spoon Game”.

“He was the team’s leading ground-gainer this season with 734 yards. He also led the team with 4 interceptions, and 7 pass-breakups. Marcel was a deserving recipient of the Most Valuable Player Award at season’s end.”

Congratulations, Marcel!!

CHELSEA FAGAN ’10
KENT VARSITY SOCCER
11/9-11/14

Soccer coach Jesse Klingabiel writes,
“Chelsea anchored the Kent defense in two very different games this week. On Wednesday, she played impeccably in the back, keeping pressure on The Gunnery as the team controlled the play in a 4-0 victory. Having ensured that the opposition would not threaten the goal, she was rotated up to the attack, where she had a number of good looks on net passes from Hanna Davis, and others.”

“On Saturday, we faced Loomis, the number one team in New England, and the defensive line was under duress for most of the game. Unfazed, Fagan broke up attack, and allowed the defense to give up only 2 goals in the flow of play.”

“As Captain and central defender, Chelsea organized the defense, and led the way with hard work and consistent game day performance. In a season of uncertainty, Chelsea’s high level of play was one marvelous constant for our team this fall.”

Congratulation, Chelsea!!!

ELI SALEEBY ‘10
KENT VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY
11/9-11/14

Coach Jeremy Sokolnicki recognizes Eli Saleeby for his 4-year commitment to Kent Cross Country.

“Eli has been a key part of the Cross Country program. He quickly earned a space for himself on the Varsity squad, despite being younger and much smaller than the other runners at that time. Eli is familiar with hard work and with the demands of racing over the 5K distance. He has made significant improvement in his 4 years, serving as a terrific co-captain this year.’’

“Eli finished the regular season with a 20th place finish in the Founders League meet with a time of 17:12. His Kent career culminated with the New England race, run in pouring rain, mud, and standing water. Battered but not beaten, Eli crossed the line in 27th place, second for the Kent team.”

“His team mates and coaches have been able to count on Eli in every race day for the last 4 years. His presence will be greatly missed next season!”

Congratulations, Eli!!

NICOLE MARVIN ‘12
KENT VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY
11/2 - 11/7

Varsity field hockey coach Cortney Tetrault nominates Nicole Marvin as this week’s female “Athlete”.

“Nicole, a sophomore midfielder, was the only freshman to make the Varsity squad last year.  She has quickly made a name for herself early in her career. With three goals this season, and several assists, Nicole has proven to be an offensive spark from the midfield.”

“Her technique is excellent, and she delivers the ball to the forwards with accuracy. In last week’s victory over rival Choate-Rosemary Hall, Nicole was unstoppable in the midfield. Her defense was outstanding, as she persistently bothered Choate’s offensive line.”

“Nicole is enthusiastic, and competes with a positive attitude. She is the perfect candidate for the 100% award, as she hustles through each and every drill, and truly gives her all each time that she steps on the pitch.”                                 

LAUREN SWEITZER ’11
KENT VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY
11/2 - 11/7

Cross Country coach Laura Herr has writes,
“After having surgery at the end of the summer, Lauren has, by necessity, slowly eased into her training for cross country. I am proud to say that during the last few weeks, she has really taken off, dropping minutes in each competition!”

“Recently, at the annual Founder’s League meet, Lauren raced among our Varsity runners, and finished a team fourth, thanks to dropping almost 2 minutes from her previous personal best.”

“She has real determination and grit; Lauren is a fierce competitor, and has a mental edge over other racers. She is an example of what athletes can accomplish when they put their mind into the race.”

Great job, Lauren!!!

ASHLEY COLE ‘10
KENT VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY
10/26 - 10/31

Head girls Varsity field hockey coach Cortney Tetrault nominates Ashley Cole as this week’s female “Athlete”.

“Starting nearly every game for the past two years, Ashley Cole has established herself as one of the prominent midfielders on the Kent Varsity Field Hockey team. She has an excellent touch on the ball, and excels at beating defenders one on one with her sneaky Y-dodge. This was evident in our 3-0 victory over Pomfret, a game in which our opponent’s coach singled Ashley out as being one of the most athletic opponents that they had faced all season!”

“Her excellent field vision and tenacity allowed her to feed the ball to the forward line, and put them in scoring position in the pouring rain last Saturday, as Kent defeated Kingswood-Oxford, and Ashley was again a major factor in that victory.”

“Although she has battled a sprained ankle since pre-season, Ashley’s solid work ethic and perseverance have allowed her to steadily improve. As a coach, it’s rewarding to be able to work with such a talented and smart individual. (Ashley is also on the High Honor Roll!) She has certainly proved herself to be one of the top scholar-athletes here at Kent.”

Terrific job, Ashley!

OSCAR UMAR ’11
KENT VARSITY SOCCER
10/26 - 10/31

Varsity boys soccer coach Tim Booth has nominated Oscar for this week’s Kent “Athlete of the Week”, stating,

“Oscar has been a force on the soccer field this season. As the team approaches the challenges of the season’s stretch run, and fights for a post-season berth, Oscar has stepped up his game in remarkable ways. He was a pivotal player for us in 2 wins last week over Avon and Taft.”

“He has taken on the major duties of distributing the ball on offense as our main center midfielder. He also has been a force on defense, stepping to balls, winning tackles, and making his head a major offensive weapon. He is a team-first, selfless player, scoring opportunistic goals in big moments, and providing the team with steady leadership, both vocally, and by example.”

“Oscar is a fine young man, and a fantastic citizen in the Kent community. We, as a coaching staff, and as a program, are very proud of all that Oscar continues to accomplish on the pitch, and off.”

Congratulations, Oscar!!!

KIERAN BRETZ ’11
KENT 3rds SOCCER
10/19 - 10/24

Kieran Bretz is this week’s male choice for “Athlete of the Week.” Coach Jonathan Shoop heartily endorses his pick.

"The boys Thirds soccer captain, Kieran Bretz, netted 3 goals against Trinity-Pawling on Saturday. His first score came off a beautiful cross from team mate Stanley Chung, put directly on the far post, the next being a grinder score in front of the goal.”

“His third goal, completing his “Hat Trick”, was spectacular. Kieran scored on a direct kick from nearly 35 yards out, putting the ball in the far upper “90” of the goal; it was quite pretty!”

“In a game that ended 9-3 with Kent ahead, the team had many highlights, including another 3 goals from Jun Suk Lee, and two assists for goalie Charlie Pardoe.
“It was a glorious day for Kent 3rds soccer!”

Well done, Kieran!!!

LAUREN MINER ‘11
KENT J.V. SOCCER
10/19 - 10/24

Head girls J.V. soccer coach has nominated Lauren Miner as this week’s female “Athlete”.

“Lauren, one of the tri-captains of the girls’ Junior Varsity Soccer team, has been a fantastic sweeper behind a defense which has been showing steady improvement as the season progresses.”

“She has proven herself to be composed under pressure, a solid player no matter what the field conditions. Her play was pivotal in our dual wins versus Kingswood- Oxford (2-1) and Miss Porters’ (4-2) on Parents Weekend.”

Lauren has tremendous timing, and is able to contain and tackle the most skilled of players. She is helpful, reliable, and always positive out on the field.”

Although she does not have much of an opportunity to score goals, she is happy to support the team in perhaps the most important of positions.”

Congratulations, Lauren!

AMIE PRITCHARD ‘11
KENT VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY
10/5 - 10/10

Coach Cortney Tetrault sings high praises for her candidate, Amie Pritchard.

“Amie has been selected as an All-Star since her Freshman year, and this season, she has truly been living up to that reputation that landed her a spot on such a selective team.”

“In last week’s win over Williston-Northampton, Amie tallied half of the team’s goals in a 4-1 victory. Amie’s style of play was quick and feisty, using her stick skills to dodge several defenders, before rocketing a shot past a stunned goalie. The force and technique that she uses to strike the ball has made Amie’s drive one of the most powerful in the league.”

“ Aside from tallying 2 goals herself, she set up the first goal of the game with a beautiful assist to Senior Alexandria Van Sternberg. Amie’s game sense and vision of the field allows her to be a true playmaker, and the offensive spark that has contributed to this season’s early success.”

Congratulations, Amie!

LIAM FISTOS ‘11 and JUSTIN SHUGRUE ’13
KENT CROSS COUNTRY
10/5 - 10/10

Coach Jeremy Sokolnicki has nominated Liam Fistos and Justin Shugrue as the squad’s choice for this week’s award.

“Both are new to the team this season, and both have been displaying impressive efforts. They have risen to become core members of the Varsity, and have been making terrific progress thus far. They bring positive attitudes daily to practice, and are eager to improve at this demanding sport.”

“During practice, they can be counted on to push themselves when needed, and hold back when appropriate; they embody what this team needs to rise to the next level for Kent School. In a sprint to the finish in our most recent meet, they ran a dead heat, pushing each other throughout.”

“We look forward to the coming weeks to see what the future holds for both Liam and Justin. We’re excited at the possibilities!”

Congratulations, Justin and Liam!

PAUL UM ‘11
KENT 3RDS SOCCER
9/28 - 10/3

Coach Jonathan Shoop has nominated veteran 3rds standout Paul Um as his
choice for this week’s award.

“In a 6-0 drubbing over the mighty Millbrook Mustangs, Paul netted a rare 3 goal “hat trick”. His first goal was on a penalty shot, after he was brought down hard in the 18
yard box. On Saturday, versus Trinity-Pawling, Paul added yet another tally to his team-
leading total.”

“Paul has for the last 2 years been a leader on our team, and is continuing on in the same manner. He is a real force to be reckoned with on the front lines as a striker. Hat tricks are hard to come by, but Paul can really find the back of the net.”

Congratulations, Paul!

LINDSEY SWEITZER ‘11
KENT CROSS COUNTRY
9/28 - 10/3

Head Coach Laura Herr writes of the impressive efforts of a very dedicated athlete, Lindsey Sweitzer.

“Lindsey improved her time at the “Canterbury Invitational” cross country meet by almost 2 full minutes as compared to the same meet last year. Her time was a testament to her big heart and dedicated training over the course of the summer.”

“Her performance helped her teammates to take the 11th spot out of 17 teams- an impressive accomplishment as we faced off against Division I schools. (typically, we compete against Division II opponents) We look for even greater things from the squad this season, and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”

Well done, Lindsey!

TYLER WILSON ‘10 -
KENT VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY
9/21 - 9/26

Coach Jeremy Sokolnicki issues high praise for Tyler Wilson.

“Tyler is my nomination this first week, not only because he is running so well for the team, but because he is such a solid all around person. He has been a leader by example, starting with the team 3 years ago, as have several of his fellow Sixth formers.”

“This past weekend, Tyler placed in Kent’s top position at the Canterbury Invitational with an excellent effort, shaving a full minute off of his time at the same race 1 year ago. This is a huge improvement for a runner with several seasons of racing under his belt.”

“This promises to be a strong season for Tyler, and we all look forward to his continued leadership on the team.”

Congratulations, Tyler!

ARDEN REYNOLDS ‘11
KENT VARSITY SOCCER
9/21 - 9/26

Head Coach Jesse Klingabiel writes, “Arden has been a dynamic component of all that the girls Varsity soccer team has undertaken this season. She has played defense and midfield with intelligence, and a fierce competitive drive.”

“During practice, she is focused, and takes direction well, leading to game day success. In each of our games this past week, Arden was a major factor in our success.

Against Canterbury, she was involved in both of Kent’s goals, scoring one, and assisting on the other in our 2-0 victory. On Saturday, she helped control the central portion of the field, and simply owned the flanks when playing out wide.”

Congratulations, Arden!