Honoring Competitive Excellence

So here we are once again, near the end of another school year, honoring a group of spring-sport athletes with awards attesting to their competitive excellence.
When the stakes were highest, they “dug deep” and delivered their best, and their accomplishments, for sure, were memory-makers. That’s why their teammates selected them. That’s why their coaches offer laudatory words.
 
There’s more, though, much more. This spring, you see, wasn’t just about impressive statistics, school records, all-star recognition, and SportsCenter moments.
 
As we resumed interscholastic play after a year away, it was about humility, leadership, sportsmanship, and gratitude. It was about the joy of the challenge and, of course, resilience and perseverance. And, in a world in which distancing and, at times, isolation became commonplace, it was about the singular beauty of the team experience.
 
Those are the themes that run through the citations below, delivered by coaches with considerable input from the young men and women who shared this three-month journey of renewal with the honorees.
 
Soccer

Most Valuable Player: Marianna McComb
“Marianna had an incredible season,” said Coach Rob Ukrop of the senior center midfielder, captain, and League of Independent Schools player of the year who contributed five goals and seven assists during her final season. “She’s the heartbeat of our team.  Her experience, composure on the ball, and will to win were key components to our success.  Marianna is an incredible teammate who quietly led through her actions both on and off the field.”

Most Improved Player: Addison Thompson
“As a young and inexperienced goalkeeper at the varsity level, Addison worked hard to earn the starting position midway through the season,” Ukrop said of the sophomore who recorded eight shutouts and has averaged .618 goals-against in 16 games. “She was able to come up with big saves to keep us in several close games.”

Team Award: Emma Barrett, Bella Zeballos, and Lauren Brabrand
“Emma, Bella, and Lauren are three seniors who made significant contributions throughout this season,” Ukrop said. “Emma and Bella were terrific captains and leaders who played positions all over the field.  Unselfishly sacrificing individual stats for the good of the team, they embodied the spirit of our team by being others-oriented. Lauren contributed as a member of the ‘bench mafia,’ providing positive words of support and energy to her teammates throughout the season. She also scored a beautiful right-footed goal earlier in the season which won one of the largest cheers of the season.”
 
Golf
 
Lowest Scoring Average: Jack Barnes
“Jack filled the No. 6 position in most matches, which is an unlikely spot for the team's top scorer (1.2 shots over par per nine holes),” said Coach Jeff Dunnington of the sophomore, an All-Prep League and All-VISAA performer. “Jack quickly became comfortable in his role, emerging as a steady contributor in the final group, consistently boosting our overall score. He was medalist six times this season, including a 3-under 33 on the front nine at Hermitage's Manakin Course and, his most impressive round, a 1-over 73 on 18 holes at Hermitage's Sabot Course in gale force winds. Jack 2-under 70 at Williamsburg National earned him All-State honors, helping the team to the state title.”
 
Most Valuable Player: George Montague
“George has been a steady contributor to the varsity golf team since his freshman year and has emerged as an unquestioned leader on one of the best golf teams in Collegiate's history,” Dunnington said of Montague, who earned All-Prep distinction. “George held the team’s second-best scoring average, but his steady, laid-back leadership style helped a young team filled with talent mesh into a tight-knit championship team. His team-leading even-par 72 at the Prep League Tournament helped the Cougars secure their first league title in 14 years. In addition, his one-over 73 at Williamsburg National helped secure the state title, marking the only time in school history the team has won both championships in the same season.”
 
Team Award: Hunter Milligan
“Hunter has been the heart of the team,” Dunnington said of Milligan, a varsity golfer since his 8th grade year. “He is both supportive and fun to be around. He shot an even-par 72 at this year's Prep League Tournament, earning him his third All-Prep honor. The following week at the state tournament, Hunter again fired an even-par 72, this time earning his first All-State accolade. Hunter brought a contagious enthusiasm to the course, weight room, and bus every day and kept everyone loose and having fun, as he has for the past five years.”
 
Girls Track and Field
 
Most Valuable Performer: Ashley D’Ambrosia
“Ashley has been a loyal, driven, passionate, and committed member of our track program since she began in the winter season of her 8th grade year,” said Coach Beth Kondorossy of the Washington & Lee-bound senior captain who shares the school record in the pole vault (11-6) and 4x100 relay (49.98) and was cited as the outstanding field event performer in the VISAA championship meet for her second place finishes in the vault (11-0) and triple jump (32-11) and third in the long jump (16-2).  “She’s an athlete who at championship meets bounces from event to event, trying to earn as many points for the team as possible. Her bubbly attitude and dedication make the track a positive environment for everyone.”
 
Most Valuable Performer: MK Myers
“MK is a competitor,” said Coach Kondo of the sophomore who won two events (800 in a school record 2:22.73 and 3200 in 12:17.79) in the LIS meet and captured the 3200 (12:28.70) and finished second in the 800 (2:28.35) in the state meet. “She’s an athlete who will do whatever the team needs her to do. She competes hard in practice every day, and she’s dominant when race time comes. Her teammates respect her for not only her performances but the type of dedicated teammate that she is.”
 
Excellence: Gabi Deglau
“Gabi is such a good thrower who takes the sport seriously,” said Coach Kondo of the sophomore who won the LIS discus title (school record 115-4) and placed second in the shot put (32-1.5) and a week later won the VISAA title in both the shot (34-8) and discus (109-4). “She’s become a student of the sport, she’s dedicated, and the amount of time she’s put into improving her technique in the off season and through the pandemic is impressive. She takes time to help her teammates as well. Gabi is coachable and welcomes feedback. Gabi is the real deal.”
 
Spirit: Molly Woods
“Molly was the heart and soul of spring track,” Coach Kondo said of the junior captain. “Her uplifting attitude brightened the mood and pushed everyone to think positively. Her smile lights up a crowd as she encouraged everyone to see the bright side. Molly was authentically supportive of every athlete. She built others up and was always there to give a pep talk, offer words of encouragement, or lend a helping hand.” 
 
Coaches’ Award: Catherine Horner
“Catherine has a fire for competition and a desire to win,” Coach Kondo said of the junior middle distance runner who placed second in the LIS meet (1:04.06) and fourth in the state (1:02.58) in the 400 and anchored the 4x400 and 4x800 in both championship meets. “She’s passionate about track and was always out there after practice getting in extra reps and trying her best to be better and pushing her teammates to be better. She loves to cheer when others are competing and was constantly helping her teammates. If Catherine ever had an interest in coaching at Collegiate, I’d hire her in an instant.”
 
Boys Track and Field
 
Most Valuable Performer: Will Neuner
“Will’s dedication to our track program and his work ethic were such an example to his teammates,” said Coach Brent Miller of the junior middle distance runner who won the Prep League (1:59.10) and VISAA titles (1:57.53) in the 800 and anchored the state champion 4x800 team and the Prep League champion and state runner-up 4x400 teams. “He constantly sought ways to improve the little things that would give him an edge over his competitors. His team-first approach was clearly evident, as he was always the first to volunteer to run multiple events for points rather than personal bests, which is critical when competing for championships. He made his teammates better. His constant you-can-do-it attitude pushed all of his teammates to be their best.”
 
Most Valuable Performer: Krystian Williams
“Krystian’s story is remarkable,” Miller said of the sophomore who set the school long jump record (23-8.75) and was selected outstanding field event performer in both the Prep League and VISAA championship meets for his performances in the long, triple, and high jumps.  “He’s one of the top jumpers in the state, but he is constantly working to improve every practice. He is also one of our top sprinters. He is never one to focus on his own accomplishments, and his teammates notice this about him. Krystian is a competitor and team player, and his impressive abilities had a huge impact on the team in each of our meets. Krystian does pretty much everything on the track, and he does it all at an elite level.”
 
Excellence: Cam Holdych
“Cam always gave his best whether during practice or in meets,” said Miller of the junior sprinter/hurdler who ran the second leg of the Prep League champion and VISAA runner-up 4x400 relay. “Perhaps his best quality was his ability to bring his teammates together, which was evident in the way they respect his leadership. He was always willing to do what was asked, and he did it well. He’s a team-first guy: a great athlete with a great attitude who encourages everyone to get better while pushing himself to his limit every practice.”
 
Spirit: B Pollard
“B was one of the most supportive leaders on the team this year,” Miller said of Pollard, who in his last race combined with Cam Holdych, LJ Booker, and Krystian Williams to break the school 4x100 record (43.57). “As a captain, he led by example and encouraged those around him to be better. He constantly pushed himself, but he always seemed more excited when he saw his teammates improve. B’s humble leadership was evident in how our team performed in championship meets, not just on the track but by earning the Prep League’s Sportsmanship Award.”

Coaches’ Award: Alfred Stratford
“Alfred’s season was cut short by a shoulder injury, but he still showed up to practice every day and acted as a leader, especially for the jumpers and sprint groups,” Miller said of the senior high jumper with a 6-6 personal best. “Not many people can understand how difficult it is to be injured and still lead your teammates through training and competition. Alfred did that as a captain and never complained. Never once did he let personal disappointment impact the team and consistently did everything he could to keep the focus on others and build their confidence. Having Alfred on the track, with his maturity and leadership, was like having another coach out there.”
 
Girls Lacrosse 
 
Most Valuable Player: Hallie Brost  
“As our leading scorer (76 goals in 15 games), Hallie was a force to be reckoned with all over the field,” said Coach Christina Dobson of the senior attack, an All-LIS selection. “She was face-guarded and double- and triple-teamed and still found a way to find the back of the net.  She has impeccable speed, field presence, and lacrosse IQ.  Her tenacity, drive, spirit, and fight are really contagious. Hallie truly came into her own this season, rose to the occasion, and led our team in a year that has truly been like no other.”
 
“Who Do You Play For?” Award: Amani Kimball-McKavish 
“’Who Do You Play For?’ is a tradition within our team that honors that selfless team player we all trust and who does the little things behind the scenes,” Coach Dobson said, referencing the contributions of the junior midfielder, also an All-LIS selection. “Amani is the player every coach and teammate want on their side.  While she was always one of the best players on the field, she did the things off the field that were seemingly small but so big in the long run.  She led by example. She is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached. She has the uncanny ability to raise the level of those around her. She knows when a teammate is down and how to pick her up.  Before one of our big games, she wrote every single player a note of appreciation and encouragement so they would feel a sense of confidence going into that competition.  She is the heart of this group and the glue that holds everyone together.”
 
Coaches’ Award: Tate Crawford 
“Tate is an outstanding leader who always represented our core values as a program and looked to find ways to improve her game and support those around you,” Coach Dobson said of the Davidson commit, a senior attack who earned All-LIS honors. “She’s responsible, empathetic, and dedicated.  She truly cares about her teammates and strives to excel on and off the field.  Tate has shown immense improvement, and her commitment to the team has always been apparent.”
 
Boys Lacrosse
 
Most Valuable Player: James Beeghly
“James arrived on the scene this season with a force few saw coming,” said Coach Andrew Stanley of the junior midfielder and All-Prep League selection. “A powerful dodger with a shot that makes goalies question their career choice, he set the tone for us on offense game after game.
 
Most Valuable Player: Bobby Marlatt
Bobby’s impact went way beyond his outstanding play,” said Stanley of the junior midfielder. “He used his role as a captain and his ability as a lacrosse player as a vehicle to positively impact the experience and lives of the entire team. With a calm, poised approach, he set the priorities for the season and kept the team on track through the ups and downs of the season. Bobby worked as hard to serve others as he did to score a goal or scoop a ball.”
 
Rob Kelly Spirit Award, established by Kelly’s family and friends of the 1987 Collegiate graduate, honor student, and athlete to recognize the efforts of gifted student-athletes whose spirit of leadership exemplifies an outstanding and unwavering effort to achieve team goals: Warner Lewis
“We weren’t sure Warner would make the team this year,” Stanley said of Lewis, a freshman attack.  “After the roster was set, we weren’t sure he would ever see the field. After he earned some time, we weren’t sure he would ever start. He did all of those things and more with a drive and determination that earned him the respect of his teammates and the focus of his opponents. He was an easy choice for this award because of his love of competition, passion for the game, and desire to play for his team.”
 
Unsung Hero: Henry Mountcastle
“His position changed, his role changed, and his playing time changed, but Henry’s attitude and drive never changed,” Stanley said of Mountcastle, a senior midfielder. “He approached every day with a smile and competitive drive that made it impossible to keep him off the field. Whether we needed a stop on defense, a big clear, or an offensive spark, Henry was in the right spot to give the team the boost it needed.”
 
Coaches' Award: Warner Cabaniss
“Facing off can be a lonely task,” Stanley said, referencing the role of Cabaniss, a Christopher Newport University commit. “You take a pounding hundreds of times a year to try and get the ball for your team. You rarely get to score goals, and you always have a long sprint to the sideline at the end of each rep. You have to balance your emotions better than the rest of your teammates, and you have to be willing to take more individual feedback than almost anyone else. Warner has been the consummate team player throughout his four-year career. Despite missing his junior season, he will graduate with more draws taken in three years than many have taken in four and finishing fourth in program history in wins (336 in 662 attempts). He gave us everything he had every time he stepped on the field. He played through frustration, injury, and the constant focus of each of our opponents.”
 
Selfless Savage of the Year: Buck O’Neill 
“Buck was the glue of the defense who truly embodied what it means to be a Selfless Savage:  a ‘selfless’ leader and teammate and a ‘savage’ competitor,’” Stanley said of the senior captain and defenseman. “Buck played the majority of the season with an injured shoulder and ribs, which were so bad it changed how he was able to throw the ball.  Despite his injuries, he still set a school career record (54) for biscuits (knocked down passes) despite missing his entire junior year.”
 
Softball
 
Most Valuable Player: Laila Gwathmey 
“Laila has been a starter since her 8th grade year and has always been willing to do whatever the team needed,” said Coach Robby Turner of his second baseman, a two-year captain, All-LIS honoree, and Dickinson College commit. “She’s respected throughout the LIS as a player to be reckoned with.  She was feared as a hitter, and opposing coaches would often pitch around her rather than take the chance that she will beat them with her bat.  She was our leading hitter with a gaudy .650 batting average and also led in hits (27), RBI (19) and stolen bases (18).  Her range and arm strength provided us with outs that seemed unlikely.  Her greatest contribution, though, has been as a leader.”
 
Coaches AwardElla Mitchell
“Ella’s contributions do not fit neatly into a box,” said Turner of the Cougars’ senior centerfielder, an All-LIS selection. “Offensively, she is our lead-off hitter. She stole 18 bases and led the team with 24 runs scored. Her speed and ability to get on base made her a very tough out.  She also hit for power and led our team in home runs (three) including a grand slam.  Defensively, she covered a lot of ground, got to balls that other players might not have reached, and threw out four players from centerfield.  As a captain she was an excellent leader who helped mold our young players into ‘Collegiate’ softball players.”
 
Top Newcomer:  Jordan Gross
“I was after Jordan Gross to play softball for many years,” Turner said of his sophomore first baseman.  “She attended my camps when she was younger, showed plenty of potential, and finally decided to play as a ninth grader. After Covid, Jordan picked up where she left off and even learned a brand new position days before the season began. She was our second leading hitter in terms of batting average (.490) and hits (24) and third in stolen bases (9) and RBI (14).  She’s learned the game of softball on the fly as she was in the starting lineup since Day One.”
 
Tennis   
 
Most Valuable Player: Ty Colina
“Ty worked hard to improve his game each and every day,” said Coach Karin Whitt of Colina, a junior who earned All-Prep honors for his third-place singles finish. “Playing No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles can be daunting for some, but Ty approached every match with a renewed hope for success, looking to improve and problem-solve.  He has a mental toughness which his teammates look up to.”
 
Most Valuable Player: George Simonton
“George is one of the hardest workers in practice and matches, with a no-quit attitude,” Coach Whitt said.  “His problem-solving skills on court allowed him to be undefeated (17-0) in singles (at No. 6 where he was All-Prep, a distinction he also earned in No. 3 doubles with Dorian Colina). It doesn’t matter who he’s playing or what position, he will figure out a way to beat his opponent.”
 
Team AwardReid Coleman
“Reid brought unmatched energy to the team, on the court and in the weight room,” said Coach Whitt of Coleman, a junior who with Colina finished 10-4 in No. 1 doubles. “He’ll stretch with you, hit with you, eat bagels with you, work out with you, cheer for you, and basically do anything to make the team better.  With his positive energy and his extraordinary effort level, he leads by example.”
 
Baseball
 
Jeffrey Robertson 110% Award, created to honor the former Collegiate baseball player, a 2001 graduate, who passed away in 2003: Donovan Williams and Will Porter.
“This award goes to players who hustle and give everything they have and who demonstrate determination, commitment and heart, as Jeffrey did,” said Coach Andrew Slater. “Donovan consistently brought the energy and effort in everything he did on and off the field. You always knew exactly what you were going to get with Donovan. He always gave you his best in an effort to help the team.  Will has been recognized for his selfless nature and supportive demeanor. He’s always willing and able to help the team in any way that he can.”
 
Team Award: Heth Alexander.
“Heth is the epitome of a great teammate,” said Slater of his senior co-captain, a first baseman and right-handed pitcher (5-2 record, 33 strikeouts, 1.41 ERA) and All-Prep selection. “He’s selfless, energetic, and always ready to roll. He was always willing to do whatever it took for the team to be successful and was incredibly supportive of his peers while providing tremendous leadership to his younger teammates.”
 
Offensive Most Valuable Player: Hank Shield
“Hank consistently produced at the plate and on bases,” said Slater of the Cougars’ junior rightfielder, an All-Prep honoree whose ledger includes a .371 batting average, .436 on-base percentage, two home runs, 20 RBI, 18 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases. “He has an advanced skill set offensively, and we look forward to watching his progress in the future\.”
 
Defensive Most Valuable Player: Hartley Rahman
“Hartley has an advanced feel for the game for his age,” said Slater of his freshman second baseman who had a .947 fielding percentage, 15 assists, 57 putouts, and only four errors in 76 total chances. “He did a tremendous job slowing the game down in the field.”
 
 
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