Unsung Senior Athletes, Spring 2026

Janey Ferry has played varsity lacrosse the past two seasons and in her last time around she earned a starting role as a defender.

 

“Janey is a coach’s dream and a teammate’s best friend,” said Coach Carter Toohers. “She competes in all facets of the game and during practice and makes the people around her better. After playing very little last year, she has turned into a key contributor for us. We are so proud of her.”

     

In his third varsity lacrosse season, Thomas Shaia served in a backup role as a defender.

 

“Thomas is one of those guys who every single day shows his commitment level,” said Coach Jason Archbell. “He’s vocal on the sideline, he cares about his teammates, and he cheers them on. He had an injury coming out of wrestling that held him back, but he was still just as invested, filling water bottles, supporting his teammates, and helping coach kids on the sideline. He’s just that kind of guy. He stays focused. He’s an awesome kid.”

 

In his second varsity lacrosse season, Reid Moyer, who plays attack, played a role similar to Shaia’s.

 

“Reid always got the sideline going during games,” Archbell said. “He has a good understanding of the game, he asks questions, and he really tried to learn and get better. Like Thomas, he’s so invested in the team. He broadcasted how much he cares in everything he did.”

 

Leila Gazoni, a defender and four-year varsity soccer athlete, served as a captain this past spring.

 

“Leila has embraced her leadership role with our young team,” said coach Rob Ukrop, whose squad finished 17-3-1, won its 5th consecutive League of Independent Schools title and reached the VISAA tournament semifinals. “She’s always sharing a positive message with her teammates. She puts team success first. She works hard to make sure our team stays connected both on and off the field.”

 

Dylan Callaghan is a right handed pitcher on Collegiate’s baseball team, which finished 18-8, placed third in the Prep League, and reached the VISAA quarterfinals. In 23.2 innings, he recorded 33 strikeouts.

          

“Dylan has improved leaps and bounds through his high school career and provided significant and meaningful innings for us as a starter and out of the bullpen,” said Coach Andrew Slater. “He’s been a great teammate and has really grown into a competitor on the mound.”

 

Alecia Carter has competed in Collegiate softball for five years including the past two on the varsity team.  She was versatile and had a whatever-it-takes mindset, typified by her willingness to step in behind the plate as a catcher, play in the outfield, and serve as a pinch runner. On the base paths, she stole 10 bases in 10 attempts and proved adept at using her initiative on delayed steals, advancing on overthrows, fighting through rundowns, and forcing opponents to make difficult plays.

 

“Alecia is a great teammate: supportive, encouraging, and willing to fill any role,” said Coach Kelsey Watson, whose team earned the LIS sportsmanship award. “She guided younger players, pushed her teammates in the weightroom, led pregame team huddles, and set an example of what it means to be a servant leader.”

Taylor Jenkins, well known for his success on the soccer pitch, earned a spot on the varsity golf team this spring after playing only recreationally in the past.

 

“Taylor is extremely coachable and is like a sponge for information provided by teammates and coaches,” said Coach Shep Lewis, whose team placed 3rd in the Prep League and 6th in the VISAA. “He brought a heightened competitiveness to our team, and as a soccer captain and future Washington & Lee soccer player, he never shied away from an opportunity to compete. He has elevated practices and is ultra supportive of his teammates.”

 

Aaron Atkins, who specialized in the shot put, served as a track and field captain and ended his career with a personal best 40-5 in his event of choice.

 

“Aaron is the epitome of a leader by example,” said Brent Miller, head boys track coach. “He’s always prepared, he gets his throws in and works hard in the weight room, and he’s always holding the other athletes accountable. Aaron has a high level of expectation for himself. That translates into the way he serves as a captain.”

 

A longtime member of the cross country and distance track contingent, Macy Boyer served as a team captain during her final season. During her career, she achieved personal bests of 2:36.17 in the 800, 5:48.94 in the 1600, and 12:34.12 in the 3200. She was also a standout 4x800 runner and ran a leg in both the LIS (second-place finish) and VISAA (fourth) championship meets.

 

“Along with the other captains, Macy has worked really hard to make a big team feel small,” said Beth Kondorossy, head girls track coach. She’s a co-chair of the honor council and a true leader who’s greatly respected both on and off the track. When she’s on the track, she’s dialed in whether it’s a workout or a meet, and she’s great about keeping an eye out for the younger athletes.”

~Weldon Bradshaw