Unsung Senior Athletes, Fall 2022

Now that the whirlwind fall athletic season has finally come to a close, please meet the latest class of Unsung Seniors, a hardy group of Collegiate athletes who have contributed to the success of their respective programs but have done so often well beneath the radar.

 

Michael West, a two-way lineman and team captain, has played varsity football for two years.

 

On defense, he played both tackle and end, and his stat sheet shows nine solo and eight assisted tackles, three tackles-for-loss for minus-6 yards, and 2.5 sacks for minus-10 yards. In the Cougars’ homecoming game against Norfolk Academy, he experienced a lineman’s dream when he returned a blocked punt 12 yards for a touchdown.

 

On offense, he started at center for much of the season.

 

“Playing center is critical,” said Coach Mark Palyo. “Michael had to deliver the ball well to the quarterback while also recognizing the defensive sets so he could make protection calls. Then he had to execute his own block against opponents where he’s often outmatched physically. It is a lot of responsibility, and Michael handled the position well and always fought hard for his team.” 

 

Ellie Leipheimer has played midfield on the varsity field hockey team for two seasons, and regardless of the day, weather conditions, or situation, she invariably brings what her teammates and coaches describe as “Sunshine.”

 

“Ellie is a great teammate,” said Coach Kelsey Smither, whose team finished 17-5 and won both the League of Independent Schools and VISAA championships. “She always has a smile on her face, she works incredibly hard in everything she does, and she brings energy and a positive, bubbly attitude.

 

“Ellie came to so many open gyms over the summer straight from working Summer Quest camps all day. This fall, she stayed after long days to help coach Tallyho.  She’s a fun-loving, dedicated student-athlete who’s coachable and a great example of all things good.”

 

Collin Kimball-McKavish, who’s committed to Rhodes College for baseball, is a three-year member of the varsity soccer team who has been a spark off the bench, a starter, and a member of what Coach Rob Ukrop calls the “bench mafia.”

 

As a junior, he manned the goal, recording 15 shutouts and a .249 goals-against average and helping the Cougars to an undefeated season and Prep League and VISAA titles.

 

He showed his true character, though, not so much when all was going well for him but when he faced challenges that tested his resolve and resilience.

 

“After Collin started our first five games in 2022, we made a goalkeeper change,” said Ukrop, whose team finished 16-3, won the Prep League, and reached the state semifinals. “While Collin was disappointed, his team-first mentality shone through, and he’s embraced his role with class and grace.”

 

Ann Carter Arendale joined Collegiate’s tennis program as a 7th grader and earned a spot on the varsity as a sophomore. Playing in a backup role this fall, she was 3-0 in singles and 15-2 in doubles.

Eloise Revere, often her doubles partner, also joined Collegiate’s tennis program as a 7th grader and made the varsity roster as a junior. In her final season, she recorded marks of 6-1 in singles and 11-2 in doubles.

 

“It’s not always easy to come to practice willing to give it your all and work on improving every day when you are unsure if you will be in the upcoming lineup,” said Coach Allyson Brand, whose team finished 16-0 and won its second consecutive LIS and VISAA titles.  “Both A.C. and Eloise have done that with their heads held high.

 

“Their willingness to strive for improvement on a daily basis helps the entire team, especially pushing those above them in the ladder. They are always willing to go when we ask them to play, even if it’s at the last minute. They’re great teammates, whether on the court or cheering from the sidelines.”

        

For two years, Jordan Deane, a Kenyon College commit, has played outside hitter on Collegiate’s volleyball team, which finished 20-3, won its second consecutive LIS title, and reached the VISAA quarterfinals.

 

“Jordan has been committed to not only her own improvement but the improvement of the program,” said Coach Rose White. “She comes to practice ready to do whatever is asked of her. Her hard work has paid off this season as she has played in critical moments, most recently in every set in the LIS championship match. Jordan is a great example of working hard every day, being a positive influence, and waiting patiently for your opportunity to shine.”

 

Cross country is very much a team endeavor, and Kate Turnbull, Nat Lurie, and Whit Wallace exemplify all that is good about the concept of make-each-other-better. The trajectory of the season highlighted by the girls team’s LIS and VISAA championships and the boys team’s second place finish in the Prep League and third place in the VISAA shows that the Cougars took that concept to heart whether they were competing on the course or cheering from the sideline.

 

“Kate is a terrific teammate and hard-working athlete who has made a huge impact on our program over the years,” said Coach Matthew Richardson. “Her encouraging style makes others want to be a part of the team, and she routinely challenges herself and others to reach their goals.

 

“Nat has been a longtime member of the program and has contributed both as a steadfast friend and terrific runner. Nat delivers his very best every day at practice. Despite dealing with injuries, he’s kept the faith and pushed himself to become better. This year he earned all-league honors and played a crucial role in the success of our program.

 

“Over the years that Whit has competed on the varsity squad, he has always brought positive energy, humor, and determination to every practice and meet. A quiet leader, Whit has consistently pushed himself and others to get better each and every day.”

~Weldon Bradshaw