As the temperature drops, winter sports continue to heat up. A new season is underway. From basketball and swimming, to squash, hockey, and indoor track, winter sports are in full swing. Here is what we have to look forward to this season:
The basketball team is in its second year with Coach Andy Luther. Over Thanksgiving, the team traveled to New York City to play 91st Street, the Sacred Heart School in Manhattan. The team had a great time exploring the city together and enjoyed a competitive game against 91st Street. “It really bonded our team and brought us closer,” said Captain Karina Absalon. The Bullis Tournament in mid-December was a great learning experience for the Gators, as they faced many talented teams who they had never faced before. Additionally, during Christmas break, they played in a four-day tournament in Princeton, New Jersey. They played, among other teams, Princeton’s Sacred Heart School, Stuart Country Day, whom they scrimmaged earlier in the year. The team is thrilled with the number of freshmen playing this year, and have added three freshmen and two sophomores. Absalon is excited to see what Chetanna Nweke ‘20 can do, and “expects her to play big minutes this year,” which she has already started to do.
The swim team had record numbers attend their interest meeting earlier this year. Coach Bob Walker even noted that the team will be making cuts this year, which is not always the case. They joined the basketball team in New York City to swim against 91st Street. So far, they have been swimming competitively and have won one of their two meets. Various freshmen seem to be very talented and are already performing well, and are excited to continue improving.
Kathryn Paravano, an indoor track senior captain, says she wants the student body to know that “you don’t have to enjoy running to join track. There are people on every end of the athletic spectrum on the track team, and everyone is encouraged to join. Track is a great opportunity to work out and get into shape during the winter months.” Paravano also sang praises for the coach, Ms. Tavia Burke, saying, “[She] is the nicest and most qualified track coach you will ever meet. Ms. Burke was on the Jamaican Olympic track team (and yes, she knows Usain Bolt) and really helps us become better runners by critiquing our form. She is both a coach and a friend to us.” Paravano says that the track team would love to have some supporters at their big end of the season meet at Georgetown Prep on February 8.
The ice hockey team is looking forward to another successful season with a new assistant coach, Mr. Toby Mensforth, and many first time players. They participate in the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League (MAGHL AA), which includes schools like Holton Arms and Holy Cross. Practices take place at Cabin John Ice Rink in Rockville. Last year, the hockey team had the opportunity to play at the Verizon Center. This year, hockey is trying to fundraise by working at the Verizon Center during a Caps game. Grace Heming ‘17, ice hockey captain, says, “Hockey is awesome. It’s so much fun, even if you aren’t very good at it because all that matters is that you put in effort, try your best, and aren’t afraid to mess up.”
Squash, which has recently become a popular choice amongst students, is expecting continued growth this year. Last year, the team had around 30 members and have grown to about 45 this year. They practice at Bethesda Sport and Health, three times a week for varsity once for JV, and each practice is about an hour long. Matches are played against BCC, National Cathedral School, and Georgetown Day School, and each occurs several times a season. Senior Captain Caroline Zorc thinks that, “the most fun tradition we have is stopping at Smoothie King on the way to practice, since so many of the upperclassmen drive.”
Overall, winter sports are looking forward to having great seasons. They are excited to represent their school, both in their respective leagues and out of the state. Teams always love to have supporters, so important winter athletic dates are listed below. Go Gators!