Unsung Senior Athletes, Winter2023

Addison Thompson has played varsity basketball for three years and this winter averaged 8.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. She also led the Cougars in made free throws (50) and free throw accuracy (74%), quite an accomplishment when you consider that she must quickly shift her pace from her typical pedal-to-the-metal in the open court to calm, cool, and collected at the line.

 

She dropped 26 points on Christo Rey, and on Senior Night, she scored 24 (her uniform number, by the way) to lead the Cougars to a 47-29 victory over the Central Virginia Disciples. She also had 13 points in a hard-fought win over St. Stephen’s-St. Agnes, 11 in a victory over Trinity, and six points, six rebounds, and six steals in a triumph over St. Catherine’s.

 

“Addison could literally take over a game and did so in some key moments this season,” said Coach Rives Fleming. “She was a potential game-changer for us. The team fed off her energy.”

 

In the estimation of boys varsity basketball coach Del Harris, Robbie Aboud, a 6-3 forward, was always the right guy in the right place at the right time. He shot well over 50 percent from 3-point range, often on passes from 6-8 Luke Smith, who found himself double teamed inside and kicked the ball out to the perimeter. In addition to his shooting, he was skilled at finding the right angle and hauling in key rebounds in key situations.

        

“Robbie always gave his all every time he stepped on the court and selflessly helped the team in any way he could,” Harris said. “He’s a true Collegiate man who has battled adversity and shown his leadership through his actions. He’s truly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches.”

 

Grayson Hepp was a member of winter track sprint group, no small feat considering the capricious weather in Central Virginia that made training for explosive events challenging. He made the most of the situation, though, and contributed in ways far beyond the numbers on a stopwatch.

 

“Grayson is the epitome of a team player,” said Brent Miller, who oversees the boys track program and coaches sprinters, hurdlers, and jumpers. “Although he was only able to compete once in the 55 this year and while he was very excited to do so, he offered to give up his spot if there was someone else who wanted to run the event. He worked hard every day in practice, cheering on his teammates and pushing them to be better. Between reps, he always encouraged others as they ran by, which as a senior meant a great deal to the younger athletes. His positive attitude and willingness to do whatever he could to help the team inspired everyone.” 

 

Martha Jamison competed as a hurdler and pole vaulter on the winter track team. Her personal bests (10.56 in the 55 hurdles and 7-0 in the pole vault) reflect marked improvement since she began her track and field journey as a middle schooler.

 

“Martha is an athlete who puts a lot of time and attention towards two events that require considerable skill development,” said Beth Kondorossy, head girls track coach. “She’s found events that she really enjoys and which benefit the team greatly. Because of her calm and consistent presence, she was very much a leader on our team.”

 

Carter Meagher, a distance freestyler, has been a member of Collegiate’s swimming program since the 7th grade and a varsity performer since the 8th. She earned a personal best 2:01.15 (a two-second improvement good for 15th place) in the 200 free in the 2023 VISAA meet and played a significant role in the Cougars’ back-to-back League of Independent Schools and state championships.

        

“Carter has always put her heart and soul into every swim,” said Mike Peters, the LIS and VISAA coach of the year. “She’s worked extremely hard throughout her career, always swimming the most grueling of races with excitement.” 

   ~Weldon Bradshaw