Athlete of the Week

LAUREN BRADY ’10
GIRLS VARSITY LACROSSE
5/17 - 5/22

Girls Varsity lacrosse coach Cortney Tetrault nominates Senior Prefect Lauren Brady as this week’s female “Athlete of the Week”.

“Four year varsity member Lauren Brady finished off a terrific athletic career at Kent with 30 goals and several key defensive saves, especially in our come-from-behind victory over Ethel Walker.  At half time, Kent was down by 5 goals, and tied the game with 4 minutes remaining, thanks to Lauren’s outstanding individual defense. The winning margin was 2 goals, and Lauren was clutch in possessing the ball much of the time as time expired.

 Lauren won the Walcott-Mulligan Award (Most Valuable Defender) this season. I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching Lauren the past 3 years, and wish her the best of luck with the soccer and lacrosse teams at Hamilton College next year!”
 
Congratulations and thanks, Lauren!

CAROLINE MELLY ’10
GIRLS VARSITY LACROSSE
5/10 - 5/15

Girls Varsity lacrosse coach Cortney Tetrault nominates Senior Co-Captain Caroline Melly as this week’s female “Athlete of the Week”.

“Starting every game on the Varsity lacrosse team since her arrival as a new 4th former, Caroline’s speed, athletic ability, and desire to compete make her a huge factor in the program’s recent success. Against Gunnery, Caroline had 5 goals and an assist, and notched 2 more goals in the win over Kingswood-Oxford, bringing her season total to a remarkable 25 goals. Defensively, she came up with a huge interception in the last 3 minutes of the game against K-O, and safely moved the ball up field out of harm’s way.

Caroline’s enthusiasm is contagious, and her genuine love of the sport makes her a pleasure to coach. She plays with grit and determination no matter what the circumstance, and demonstrates a remarkable positive attitude. As a Captain of both Field Hockey and Lacrosse, Caroline embodies all that Kent athletics represents, and she has brought both programs to higher levels.”

Congratulations, Caroline!

ELI SALEEBY ’10
KENT J.V. LACROSSE
5/10 - 5/15

J.V. Lacrosse coach Curtis Scofield has nominated Kent’s male “Athlete of the Week”.

“Senior Eli Saleeby has been our squad’s most consistent play-maker all season, and this past week was no exception. In our game Saturday versus Trinity-Pawling, he scored his 3rd goal of the game in overtime, to give us a well-deserved win.

Eli has had several other outstanding games this season. He had a 4-goal game against Northfield Mount Hermon, and an amazing effort against Salisbury in which he had not only 3 goals, but a game-winning assist as well. On a fast break, Eli took a monster hit, but delivered a perfect pass to Theo Thompson for the pivotal score in the hard-fought game.
Leading by example has been Eli’s hallmark throughout his Kent career, in all areas of school life. He has been a special Senior Prefect, and I thank our 2-year Captain for his efforts on and off of the field of play.”

Congratulations, Eli!

DAVID SANCHEZ ’12
KENT J.V. BASEBALL
5/3 - 5/8

J.V. baseball coach Todd Marble has high praise for Kent’s male “Athlete of the Week”.

“David Sanchez was masterful on the mound as well as at the plate last Wednesday, leading Kent to a 4-0 victory over Taft. He went the entire distance on the mound, striking out 13, while yielding only one hit, and issuing just 2 bases on balls.
In a rarity at this level of play, the game took just 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete, with David rarely falling behind an opposing batter, and often retiring Taft’s hitters 1-2-3.

In addition to his dominating pitching performance, he drove in the first 2 runs of the game, and scored the third (all the team needed). Throughout the season, he and Griffin Wilson have shared pitching duties for a talented and spirited J.V. squad- each has thrown superbly, keeping Kent competitive in every game.”

Congratulations, David!

STEPHANIE MORALES ’13
GIRLS J.V. LACROSSE
5/3 - 5/8

Girls J.V. lacrosse coach Kristen Benjamin nominated this week’s female “Athlete”.

“Stephanie Morales stepped up to play 3rds goalie this season, despite having no experience with lacrosse at all, and has become very, very valuable between the pipes. She had 10 saves in one half of the 3rds game on Friday, assisting in Kent’s 7-6 victory over Litchfield.

On Saturday, she played the whole J.V. game, since our regular starting J.V. goalie was unavailable. Stephanie had many spectacular saves. It was, unfortunately, not enough to keep the team from losing, 12-10, but she, and the entire team should be proud of their efforts. Thanks, Stephanie!”

Congratulations, Stephanie!

ROSSY BRITO TRINIDAD ’10
KENT VARSITY SOFTBALL
4/26 - 5/1

Head Varsity softball coach Jonathan Shoop has a worthy nominee in Senior Rossy Trinidad.

“On Sunday, Rossy represented Kent at the annual Founder League All-Star game, played at Loomis Chaffee School. True to form, she was called on to play 3 different positions. She played typically well in the field, but really came through at the plate.”

“Rossy went 1 for 2 in the game. She came to the plate with her team leading just 1-0, in the top of the 7th inning. Her “seeing eye” single was the key hit of the game, driving home 2 runs, and giving her team a more secure 3-0 lead.”
“The game ended quietly in the 7th, with Rossy’s squad victorious. She is a gifted player, and a fantastic Captain.”

Congratulations, Rossy!

DAE HYUN (SAM) KIM ’11
KENT 3rds LACROSSE
4/26 - 5/1

3rds Lacrosse coach Tim Booth has high praise for this week’s nominee.

“As the 3rds Lacrosse team’s goalie for the past 3 seasons, Sam Kim has demonstrated an extraordinary talent for keeping the ball out of his net. There has been no better goalie in the league this year.”

“Sam has made tremendous strides as a lacrosse player, and a young athlete. In posting 2 wins last week against Taft and Trinity-Pawling, Sam gave up a total of 5 goals, including a stellar 1 goal-allowed performance against a skilled Taft squad.”

“Credit certainly is due to the entire team. Many players have evolved quickly, there has been strong veteran leadership, and a terrific team camaraderie. But our successes this season are always anchored by our goalie and Captain, Sam Kim. He embodies character, sacrifice, and the spirit of team play every time that he steps in the cage.”

Congratulations, Sam!

J.J. JABLONSKI ’10
KENT VARSITY BASEBALL
4/19 - 4/24

Head Varsity Baseball coach Matt Herr’s candidate for the male “Athlete of the Week” is 6th Former J.J. Jablonski.

A 3-sport varsity athlete, J.J. is a true impact player in all 3 seasons. This spring, he is the team’s starting Shortstop, and also is called upon to close games on the mound.

He is also a productive offensive player, currently hitting over .500.

On Saturday, against a competitive Kingswood squad, J.J. made 2 diving catches, and had a big 2-run double high off of the center field fence. Late in the game, he was called on in relief of fellow Senior Conner Smith, who had pitched 6 strong innings. J.J. sealed the Kent win with another strong pitching performance, saving the win for Smith.

Congratulations, J.J.!

KYLE OLSON ’10
KENT EQUESTRIAN TEAM
4/19 - 4/24

Riding instructor Bettina Cloutier nominates Kyle Olson as our female “Athlete of the Week”.

“On Sunday, April 18th, Kyle competed in the Kent School Combined Test, held at our own Kent School Stables. The event combines scores in Dressage and Stadium Jumping. “

“Kyle finished in fifth place in the Training Division, riding Kent School’s own horse, Charley. She followed that performance competing in the Novice Division on another Kent horse, Monty. She finished in second place in that division.”

Congratulations, Kyle!

DUNESKA MICHEL ’12
KENT J.V. LACROSSE
4/12 - 5/17

Head J.V. lacrosse coach Kristen Benjamin nominates Duneska Michel as our female “Athlete of the Week”.

` “Duneska was an integral part of our win against Westover, going aggressively to ground balls, and always being in the right place for the mid-field transition.”

Then, she helped out the 3rds team in their first game, contributing her experience and solid play to help a team made up of mostly beginners.”

Finally, Duneska played the entire game vs. Canterbury, helping her team to a 20-3 victory, in which 8 different girls scored. She has matured a great deal personally and as a player in one year’s time, and her coaches are all very proud of her progress.”

Congratulations, Duneska!

MICHAEL BRUNELLI ‘11
KENT VARSITY GOLF
4/12 - 5/17

Golf coach Jeremy Sokolnicki has a very unique nominee as this week’s male “Athlete”!

“Mike Brunelli started playing with the team this spring, and has been one of it’s stronger and more consistent contributors. With a smooth swing, sharp mental focus, and an uncanny ability to rattle his opponents, he brings a new attitude to Kent golf.”

“Mike was previously a Medalist (low score) against Westminster and Berkshire, shooting a 39 on a par 36 course. Saturday’s match vs. Gunnery capped his early season performances nicely. He returned to the clubhouse in 76 strokes (18 holes), tying Kent’s Kyle Hyde for match Medalist.”

“In dramatic fashion, Mike had a HOLE IN ONE on the 18th and final hole, which is an uphill, 163-yard par 3 over water, a heavily back-to-front sloped green, trees covering your left high approach, and the clubhouse and both teams watching from the porch next to the green as the final group arrived. Impressive…..the shot of a lifetime!

Congratulations, Mike!

ASHLEY COLE ’10
KENT VARSITY LACROSSE
4/5 - 4/10

Head lacrosse coach Courtney Tetrault nominates Ashley Cole as our first Spring female “Athlete of the Week.”

“Co-Captain Ashley Cole led the Varsity lacrosse team in two decisive victories against Westover and Canterbury last week. A veteran Attack, she has a good scoring sense, and is skilled at setting up her teammates in positive scoring position.”

“Last week, she scored 9 goals, and had one assist. Ashley has a team-leading 13 goals in 3 games. I’m delighted with how quickly Ashley has adjusted to her role as co-captain, and feel confident that her leadership will help to bring her teammates together as a cohesive unit. When the game is on the line, I’m confident that when #10 has the ball, she will make intelligent decisions, and will score at will”

Congratulations, Ashley!

NICHOLAS RADCLIFFE ‘11
KENT VARSITY BASEBALL
4/5 - 4/10

Head Baseball coach Matt Herr has nominated Junior Nick Radcliffe as the first Spring male “Athlete of the Week”.

Nick is an outstanding baseball player. In his second full season on the Varsity, Nick has really stepped up his game, and has matured both physically and mentally in a year’s time. His strength has improved markedly, which will only help him as his athletic career here at Kent continues.

Last week, Nick had 2 very solid games. He hit the ball well, and his defense was solid when playing first base, or the outfield. Against Gunnery last week, Nick started on the mound, working 5 strong innings, and garnering his first pitching win of the season. He received strong support from his teammates with 10 runs scored, in a 10-5 Kent victory.
Nick’s strong start out of the blocks this season bodes well for the Varsity baseball squad.

Congratulations, Nick!