Unsung Senior Athletes, Spring 2021

Please meet the Spring 2021 class of Unsung Seniors, a group of Collegiate varsity athletes who made solid but often understated contributions to their teams’ success during their final season wearing the Green and Gold.

 

Four years ago, softball coach Robby Turner elevated Lily Hunnicutt from the JV when he found himself shorthanded and in dire need of reinforcements. He’s definitely glad he did.

 

“Lily was willing to do whatever she could to help out and has continued to do just that throughout her career,” Turner said. “She has learned multiple positions (mainly third base and left field) and done so with a smile on her face.

 

“If a bunt was needed, Lily would do it.  If a tough catch in a big game was needed, Lily would make it.  If a player needed a hug or a pep talk, Lily would give it.  As a captain this year, Lily has continued to do whatever was needed to help our team be the best that we could be.”

 

Brooke Mattingly transferred to Collegiate from Cosby High School as a junior and joined an established and very successful soccer program.

 

In her final season, she started on defense (at left back) on a squad that finished 14-4 and runner-up in both the League of Independent Schools and VISAA.

 

“Brooke competed hard early in tryouts to work her way into our starting line and had a terrific season,” said Coach Rob Ukrop, who was assisted by Allie Albright and Stew Williamson.  “She was a huge part of our success with her fierce desire to win. She’s grown in confidence and resiliency, and her teammates look to her for energy and intensity in big- game moments.”

 

McCullough Campbell, a defender and long-stick midfielder throughout his years in the boys lacrosse program, collected 46 ground balls and caused 20 turnovers in 18 games during his final season.

 

It’s the intangibles that stand out, however.

 

“McCullough is a talented athlete and fiery competitor who’s been an outstanding leader for us on and off the field,” said Coach Andrew Stanley, whose squad finished 13-5, placed second in the Prep League, and reached the quarterfinal round of the VISAA tournament.  “He was able to accept and give feedback in a way that allowed us to grow as a defense and build the trust needed to play a team game well.”

 

The role of a defender in lacrosse can be thankless: minimal stats, few SportsCenter-like highlight plays, little notice save for goal-allowing mistakes. As a stalwart at the position for the 2021 LIS champion, Regan Berger has never shied away from the last-line-of-defense-before-the-goalie responsibility.  

 

 “Regan has helped the team achieve great things and has acted as selfless leader behind the scenes,” said Coach Christina Dobson, whose squad finished 12-3, won the LIS, and placed second in the VISAA tournament.  “She’s truly seen as an invaluable member of this family by those of us who are with her on the field every day.  She’s a diligent worker and a kind and empathetic person. Regan leads through her actions and is always looking to help make the team better. Regan really is the backbone of our defense and has truly paved the way and set the standard for young defenders coming up in our program.”

 

Chase Conquest, a long-time practitioner of the sport of tennis, served as a captain and played No. 5 singles and No. 2 doubles during his final spring season.

 

“Chase has been all about Collegiate tennis since he was quite young,” said Coach Karin Whitt.  “While he excels on the court, it is his under-the- radar chats with teammates, his guidance, and his thought-provoking debates that make him such a good teammate.”

 

Elyse Cram has been a positive presence on the track team, specifically the distance contingent, since middle school. Need someone to run the 3200? Elyse is good to go. Or the 1600?  Elyse will give it her best shot. Or a leg of the 4x800 relay?  Yep, Elyse again, always with a smile.

 

A contributor to this spring’s LIS and VISAA championship effort, she concluded her career with personal bests of 11:54.62 in the 3200, 5:25.99 in the 1600, and 2:28.67 in the open 800.

 

“Every day, Elyse puts in her best work,” said Coach Beth Kondorossy, echoing the sentiments of Elyse’s teammates. “Whether on the track, on a run through the neighborhood, or at sports performance, she’s motived to run well.” 

 

Quietly but with excellence, Olivia Nolt has contributed to the effort that resulted in the first LIS outdoor track title since 2010 and VISAA championship since 1995. She scored in three individual events – triple jump (3^rd, 31-11.75), 300 hurdles (3^rd, 51.37), 100 hurdles (4^th, 18.27) – and ran a leg of the winning 4x100 relay team (51.21) in the league meet. The next week, she ran a leg of the runner-up 4x100 (51.40) and placed third in the triple jump (32-7.25).

 

“Olivia has been willing to step out of her comfort zone to try new events,” Coach Kondo said. “She sets a great example for younger athletes and is always eager to give advice and encouragement.” 

 

Beckett Foster ended his sophomore track season with a throw of 96-0 in the discus, his event of choice. Despite the Covid-related inconveniences and almost two years without competition, he continued to train and finished his final season with a personal best 131-1 (as well as 35-11 in the shot put, his secondary event). 

 

“It’s hard to think of another athlete who has worked as hard as Beckett prior to and during this season to make the type of improvement he has made,” said Coach Brent Miller. “He can consistently be seen in the shot or discus ring working on his technique, both before and after practices, and he is a great influence for all his teammates.”

 

Halsey Hallock has mixed track – specifically the sprint events – with a host of academic and theatrical commitments and has brought positive energy and a smile to all of his endeavors.

 

“I’ve been so impressed with Halsey this season,” Coach Miller said. “He has been dedicated to the team and to improving every day, and he’s made it a priority to focus on supporting all his teammates. In addition to his individual races, he’s run legs on both the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays, several times stepping in at the last minute. Whether he’s cheering on the team or running in his own race, he gives his best. He models the effort our coaching staff tries to instill in each of our athletes.”

    ~ Weldon Bradshaw