Graphic by William Gao/The Choate News
Spring athletic teams are ready to return to competition after a two year Covid hiatus. The Wild Boars are thrilled to showcase their energy and skill as they enter the regular season.
Boys’ Lacrosse
After a rocky start in last year’s abridged season, the Boys’ Lacrosse team had some work to do; however, with a slew of recruits and after a successful preseason with wins against Phillips Academy Andover and Blair Academy, the team is shaping up to become a dominant presence in the Founders League. In their first home game under the lights in five years, the boys impressed the crowd with their victory over Brewster Academy. Outstanding performances came from Owen Tunney ’24 and Daniel Mahoney ’23, who put his body on the line for a goal while losing a couple of teeth in the process. With the captains Nick Sokolosky ’22, Braydon Ellis ’22, Lewis Schrock ’22, and Adam Carroll ’23 guiding Boys’ Lacrosse, the team is expecting great things to come.
Girls’ Softball
Since the 2021 season, the softball team has grown closer together and evolved into a powerhouse on the field. Being a team with predominantly underclassmen last year, they have matured over the off-season and have gained more depth with the addition of their new recruits. The softball team is off to an explosive start with their two scrimmages winning in devastating fashion; they dominated St. Paul’s School, 10-1 and Lyman Hall, 11-1, with notable performances from Jordan Wallace ’24, Heidi Li ’23, and Lauren Ben-Ezra ’22. Each player dominated both at bat and while fielding. Watch out for the softball team this year!
Boys’ Golf
As with most teams on Choate’s campus, the cancellation of last year’s season was a serious impediment, but that has not stopped the Boys’ Golf team. Determined to elevate their game to the next level, the boys have worked hard this off-season and are now ready to face fierce competition throughout the season. This year’s team is the first in Choate’s history to have all varsity players capable of shooting under par. Along with returning captain Vasily Konachenkov ’22, the addition of UPENN commit Tucker Silva ’23, and rising star Jake Kavanaugh ’23, the team is ready for action. The boys have 14 upcoming matches this season and are aspiring to bring home a Founders League Championship.
Boys’ Baseball
The baseball team is looking good so far this season. The team is almost entirely made up of upperclassmen, guaranteeing their chemistry and leadership. Despite not having a preseason, the Boars were still able to pull through and win their first game on March 30 at The Hotchkiss School with a notable run from Mac Cady ’23. The team hopes to continue with success throughout the season.
Girls’ Lacrosse
As Girls’ Lacrosse heads into the spring season, there is a clear emphasis on rebuilding the program with a new coach, Ms. Katie Keogh, and a number of talented underclassmen. With that being said, the girls are excited to improve their technical skills and team chemistry. The first game of the season was a huge success as the Boars won 19-11 against Miss Porter’s School. Mieke Buterbaugh ’23 scored a whopping six goals, winning the team’s Baddest Boar award. The team has already seen some positivity in their first two games and are pumped to improve both individually and as a team as they prepare to face some fierce competition in the weeks ahead.
Boys’ Crew
Boys’ Crew heads back to the water with numerous new members, who are eager to learn about Crew. Since the team only has one senior, the main goal for the season is to build a solid foundation for the years to come. The team morale is looking solid, as everyone is ready to have fun and compete in regattas every weekend — a major shift from having only one unofficial race last year. The team is ready to continue their hard work and is hopeful for a successful season.
Girls’ Crew
Girls’ Crew is proving to be wildly popular this season, as there are currently 51 members on the team. After a preseason trip in San Diego, the team is focusing on emphasizing healthy competition and team-building. Practices continue to be rigorous as the girls prepare for about eight regattas in total. The team will fill eight to ten boats due to the sport’s increase in popularity. The upcoming season looks promising for Girls’ Crew, as the team has many eager learners alongside the skilled returners.
Track and Field
This year, track is looking to be a special team. They have a team full of young talent, eager and thrilled to compete at their first meet. The returners, notably juniors Payton Garcia ’23 and Raye Osayimwese-Sisson ’23, are taking on a new role as veterans, looking to lead the newcomers. Long distance 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 relays are looking strong and are expected to perform well on race day. While the ultimate goal of this season is the same as it is every year — winning the Founders League — the team remains focused on making improvements in time and having fun.
Boys’ Volleyball
This season, Boys’ Volleyball has seen great potential as they begin to face opponents. Since the team currently has many new players, they are working through the kinks as they prepare for both upcoming home and away games. The team continues to work towards a strong foundation, hoping to win a championship.
Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate Frisbee is a diverse team with a great array of athletes bringing different skills to the table. The team consists of both returning and new players who are enjoying the fun nature of the sport. They started off the season strong with a win against Gunnery School, boosting the confidence of numerous team members. The team is mantaining their strong bond even in the competitive nature of the game.
