Athletes of the Week

Introducing our Athletes of the Week program! Each week, 爆走黑料 coaches nominate one student-athlete from their team who stood out by demonstrating our core values of purpose, passion, and integrity. These athletes show exceptional dedication, leadership, and sportsmanship, both on and off the field, embodying what it means to be a 爆走黑料 Wildcat. Read below for more information on each of the Athletes of the Week.

 

AJ Tanihaha 鈥�27- Boys JV Basketball

In the final game of the year, when his team needed it most, AJ found his rhythm. He knocked down three three-pointers in the second half, helping the Cat鈥檚 hold off a persistent Westminster team and secure a 45-39 victory. AJ鈥檚 passion for the game is evident鈥攈e鈥檚 a tireless worker who puts in countless hours to improve. In this game, that dedication paid off. It was a great way to close out the season and a significant steppingstone for AJ as he and the team head into the offseason.

Hieu Le 鈥�28- Boys Thirds Basketball

In a season-ending win over Bement, Hieu hit two of his biggest buckets of the year to push his team ahead for good and create enough separation to get the win. He hit consecutive 3-pointers to turn a small deficit into a lead, then played solid defense going the other way to keep the opponents out of it. He also provided a ton of positive energy in timeouts and huddles, keeping the Cat鈥檚 focused through the final whistle. Hieu has been an important piece of the puzzle of success this season and his efforts are appreciated by all.

Will Feinstein 鈥�31- Boys Fourths Basketball

Will is the heart of the Mighty Fourths basketball team, as shown in Saturday鈥檚 game against Deerfield.聽 Will is an exceptional member of the team, consistently a kind presence and displays clear leadership with his peers. On Saturday, Will contributed to the team鈥檚 defeat of Deerfield, scoring the first batch of points and beginning the game with momentum that carried the team through. His impeccable rapport with his team and consistent upbeat attitude makes him truly a critical part of the team.

Skyler Walker 鈥�26- Girls Varsity Basketball

Skyler scored her 1000th career point in the penultimate game of her junior season, and led the Wildcats to two exciting road victories in the final week of the season. 聽The junior scored 27 points on Saturday against Cheshire and came up with a defensive stop and a key loose ball in the final seconds of the game to help 爆走黑料 hold on for a 67-65 victory. 聽Then, on Wednesday, Skyler led the Wildcats to a come from behind 57-50 victory against Miss Porter鈥檚. 聽Skyler led all scorers with 26 points as well as 19 rebounds and 4 assists. 聽Skyler鈥檚 1000th point came in the opening seconds of the second half, and put the Wildcats up 32-30, their first lead of the game, and a lead they would keep for the remainder of the contest. 聽Skyler鈥檚 milestone reflects her talent, hard work and dedication. 聽She is a great leader on and off the court, and 爆走黑料 is looking forward to seeing all that she will achieve in her senior year!

Francesca Gionfriddo 鈥�26- Girls Varsity Diving

Francesca won her second consecutive Babcock Invitational championship in the diving event on Saturday, capping off an undefeated season in her event.聽 She is a dedicated athlete and an incredible teammate.聽 She is looking to defend her NEPSAC Championship this Wednesday and her team wishes her the best of luck.

Hayden Hutner 鈥�26鈥揃oys Varsity Hockey

Hayden centered the Wildcat’s top line and amassed a point-per-game average throughout the season. Hayden brings positivity and professionalism to every meeting, practice, and game and embraces the team motto of Better Every Day. Last week he tallied a goal and two assists in the final two games of the season. Hayden has worked hard to improve his game this season and the Cat鈥檚 look forward to another strong season from Hayden.

Catie Putt 鈥�26- Girls Varsity Hockey

Catie has been a versatile and invaluable player for the girls varsity hockey team all season, seamlessly transitioning between forward and defense. Her unique skill set, strong abilities, and team-first mentality have been instrumental to the team鈥檚 success. No matter the challenge, Catie is always willing to step up and do whatever the team needs. Her strong skating, sharp vision, and smart decision-making make her a true asset on the ice. She has excelled as a penalty killer and never hesitates to sacrifice her body to block shots. Off the ice, Catie brings energy and positivity, keeping things light and fun while maintaining a fierce competitive spirit. She鈥檚 been a crucial part of the team, and her coaches and teamates forward to her continued contributions for the rest of the season.

Peter Suranunt 鈥�26- Boys Varsity Squash

Peter fought his way to #8 on the ladder this year and proved to be indispensable in creating a warm and competitive team culture. At NEPSACs he didn’t lose a game, winning 9 straight against strong opponents, proving that he is the best #8 in Class E. Peter is also perpetually good-spirited, brings music to practice helping his team lock in, and this past weekend brought the team out for authentic Thai food. He is a leader on and off the court and his coach and teammates appreciate all he has contributed to the team this season.

Wes Gibbons 鈥�28- Boys Varsity Swimming

Wes put together an incredible performance at the Babcock Invitational on Saturday posting best times in all of his events.聽 He finished 3rd in the 200 freestyle and was the Babcock Invitational Champion in the 500 free.聽 These performances are a testament to the hard work he has put in over the course of the season and we expect to continue to see great things from him at next week鈥檚 NESPAC Championships.