Unsung Senior Athletes, Spring 2020

But wait! you say. How can you make contributions of any kind when your season was cut short – way short – by the coronavirus pandemic?

 

Like everything else these days, this thrice-yearly recognition which began in 2004 is different.  This time, it honors senior athletes, nominated by their coaches, who managed their disappointment, rallied their teammates, and kept their heads in the game (figuratively speaking, of course) during this unprecedented, unpredictable, and totally surreal time in history.

 

Both Madison Flinchum (pitcher, shortstop, second baseman) and Grace Slotterback (pitcher, third baseman) served as captains of the varsity softball team.

 

“Madison and Grace have been committed to Collegiate softball since they were in Lower School,” Coach Robby Turner said. “Their similarities are amazing.  Both attended RiverCats sessions, led the JV to its most successful season in 10 years as 7th graders, and became varsity starters as 8th graders.

 

“Grace has thrown a perfect game and had a walk-off hit to defeat Trinity.  Madison has been our starting pitcher for three seasons and led us to the state semifinals in her sophomore and junior seasons.  Both lead by example. They build up their teammates and pick them up when they’re down. They’ve always done whatever it takes to get the job done, and they do it with a smile on their faces.  They’ve continued to work hard during these trying times. Their teammates recognize them as rock solid.”

 

Deven Pandya and Mac Hester have played varsity tennis for five years and as sophomores made key contributions during the Cougars’ 2018 run to the Prep League and VISAA championships.

After three scrimmages before the March shutdown, Pandya was playing No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles and Hester No. 5 singles and No. 3 doubles. Since then, as captains, they’ve stayed well connected to their team via Zoom.

 

"Deven and Mac are the real deal,” said Coach Karin Whitt.  “They were, of course, heartbroken that their senior season was cut short, but as they’ve always done, they figured out how to reset and make the best of the situation. 

 

“They continued to get to know their newer teammates and kept up with the teammates they already knew.  They encouraged everyone to participate in the weekly challenges and maintain their fitness.  Whether we were discussing a defining moment, latest tennis topic, upcoming challenge, or just chatting as if we were sitting in the team room, they were engaging and leaders by example.  We will certainly miss their dedication, but it’s their unwavering sportsmanship and leadership that we will miss the most."

 

Cate Hill, whose soccer career began when she was an 8^th grader, and Hayley Dunn, who joined the squad as a freshman, have been key players in the success of the Cougars’ program during their time wearing the green and gold.

 

“Cate’s nickname is ‘Chill’ which fits her to a T,” said Coach Rob Ukrop. “She has a great work ethic and is a steady performer at left back. She made an incredible clearance off the goal-line late in the state semifinal game against Norfolk Academy in 2018.  The game finished tied 0-0, and we advanced to the finals on penalty kicks, where we won the first of our back-to-back state titles. We respect how calm and supporting Cate is, always sharing a smile with her teammates.

 

“Hayley’s knowledge of the game and her team-first attitude make her the only Collegiate girls soccer player to start at every position on the field. She began training as a goalkeeper prior to the 2019 season to help the team since we had only one returning goalkeeper after the graduation of Maisy Fling (an All-VISAA selection and William & Mary recruit). Hayley is a positive leader of our back four and has embraced her role whether she is starting or coming off the bench. We love her positive energy and enthusiasm for the team.”

 

Gracie White (distance), Shreya Sharma (hurdles/jumps), and Chandler Eddleton (sprints/jumps) are long-time track and field competitors who served as captains during their abbreviated senior season. Sophia Warner, a junior and fourth captain, spoke for her teammates and coaches with these insights.

 

 

Hayden Johnson, a long sprinter (400 meters outdoors, 500 indoors, 4x400 relay), has committed to run track for Division III Gettysburg College. A four-year varsity performer, he placed fifth in the 500 in the Prep League indoor championship in a personal best 1:10.40 and has a lifetime best of 54.27 in the open 400 outdoors.

 

 

Connor Romanosky earned a spot as a second baseman on the varsity baseball squad as a junior after working his way up through Collegiate program.

 

“Connor possesses great energy and enthusiasm for the game and for his teammates,” said Coach Andrew Slater. “He has always been ready to roll and made those around him better by his selfless attitude and commitment to being a team-first player. He’s shown up each week on our Zoom meetings with a great deal of spirit. Connor has always been a spark plug and positive-energy guy for our team.”

 

George Ahearn has played lacrosse most of his life, and his senior season as a starting attackman promised to be his time to shine.

 

“Somewhere between last May and July, George flipped a switch,” Coach Andrew Stanley said.  “When we got to our summer tournament, we saw a real change.  Against Culver Academy, the No. 1 team in the nation, he demanded the ball and asserted himself as a leader and player in an entirely new fashion. The best part was the way the team responded. He led winter culture meetings. He worked on his stick, and he worked and he worked and he worked....

 

“Then, he approached the two scrimmages we did get to play with a level of energy and passion that was inspirational. He scored an amazing diving goal to tie the game late against Douglas Freeman that allowed us to win in overtime in a super-meaningful benefit game under the lights with a great crowd. George did the work to put himself in a position to have the ball in big moments. In the very few moments we did have this spring, he didn't disappoint.”

 

Gracie Clarke, a University of Richmond lacrosse recruit, has been a stalwart on defense for the Cougars the past two seasons and a captain this spring.

“Gracie has been an incredible leader behind the scenes,” said Christina Dobson, Collegiate’s first-year coach. “She’s a phenomenal player and great person who really represents what it means to put in hard work to reach your goals.  She has a positive energy that’s truly contagious and raises the level of those around her. She's been an integral part of our team community (since the shutdown), mentoring younger players and leading by example.”

 ~ Weldon Bradshaw