Unsung Senior Athletes, Winter 2019

Meet the latest class of Unsung Seniors, an industrious and dedicated group of Collegiate athletes who made notable, if understated, contributions to the culture and success of their teams during the winter of 2018-2019.
Brooks Moore played varsity basketball for two seasons. A member of the JV gold team as a sophomore, he made the jump to varsity as a junior thanks to a solid work ethic and fervent desire to compete in an exciting time in the history of boys’ basketball. A 6-3 guard, he saw spot duty his first year, then became a solid role player and, in the final weeks, a starter on whom his teammates depended.
 
“Brooks’s ability to make the correct passes, snag big rebounds, guard the opposing team’s best player, and offer calming and inspiring words to his teammates made him a significant contributor that helped his team finish strong down the stretch,” said Coach Del Harris, whose squad went 15-10 and earned a share of the Prep League regular season title.
 
“His efforts in practice and his improvement became obvious. It’s not easy to go through the process, wondering if it will pay off, but Brooks did. When you believe in yourself, believe in your coaches, and trust the process, your time will come. It has been my great honor to coach this exceptional young man."  
 
A three-season athlete (field hockey in the fall, mountain biking in the spring), Eliza Goggins played varsity basketball the past two winters. Versatile and team-oriented, she played mainly on the wing but also jumped in at forward in games and practices. Each day, through her energy, enthusiasm, and selfless approach, she pushed, challenged, and encouraged her teammates to be the best they could be.
 
“Eliza’s great attitude stood out,” said Coach Rives Fleming whose squad finished 17-9 and reached the quarterfinals of the VISAA tournament. “She came to open gyms, she asked questions all the time, kept things fun, and she had a genuine desire to get better. It’s hard to imagine the team without her positive presence the past two years.”
 
Virginia Kauders has been a three-season runner (cross country and track) since Middle School. This past winter, she ran 6:01.41 in the 1600 and recorded a personal best 13:14.70 in the 3200.
 
“Virginia is a shining example of a lifelong distance runner,” said Coach Matthew Richardson. “She has a love for running that she enthusiastically shares with her teammates and friends. As a captain in both cross country and track, she has been dedicated to her training, not only seeking to improve individually but to inspire her teammates to make each other better every workout, every season, every year.
 
“Virginia shows up early and leaves late. She always competes with intensity and purpose while also supporting the entire team. She embraces the daily joys of each run while finding purpose and motivation in the challenge.”
 
In each of his high school years, Matthew Barbieri has played a role in Collegiate’s musical, most notably as Shrek this past fall. A top student, he’s also been a member of the chorus and orchestra, served as captain of the drumline, and co-chaired the Judicial Council. Somehow, he’s found time for track. This past winter, he ran the 55 hurdles in 9.52 and the 500 in a personal best 1:24.21.
 
“Matthew has been a joy to have on the team,” said Coach Brent Miller. “He drives others around him to be better, and he is always thinking of how to improve. It is easy for me to trust him to take a group of his teammates and put them through a hurdle workout. Having him on the team only makes my job easier. He will certainly be missed next year.”
 
In his six seasons as a Collegiate swimmer, Connor Mulligan has competed mostly in the breaststroke and individual medley.  In his last race, the 100 breaststroke at the VISAA championship, he swam a personal best 1:04.18.
 
“Over the years, Connor was consistently one of the hardest workers on the team,” said Coach Mike Peters. “He always looked for a way to help the team. When the Prep League meet was in the final events, Connor asked what he needed to do in the 100 breaststroke. My answer was, ‘Everything you can.’ That was exactly what he did.  He dropped two seconds off his season best, moving up four places.  He followed that up with another almost two-second drop two weeks later (in state competition) to close out his swimming career.”
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