AWcoverFALL2025

The Enduring Value of Athletics at WMA

by brian p. easler Head of School

IIndependent New England boarding schools are renowned for their rigorous academics, picturesque campuses and, notably, their commitment to holistic student development. A cornerstone of this philosophy, exemplified by institutions like Wilbraham & Monson Academy, is the compulsory Athletics & Afternoon Program. Far from being a mere extracurricular, this tradition serves as a vital pedagogical tool, instilling discipline, fostering community and cultivating essential life skills that align perfectly with WMA’s core values of “Live Clean. Speak True. Work Hard. Play Fair.”

WMA’s athletic programs are a powerful antidote to the sedentary tendencies often associated with intense academic pursuits and the popularity of online gaming. By requiring participation, the Academy ensures that every student engages in regular physical activity, promoting not only physical health but also mental well-being. The structured nature of these programs, most days starting at 3:30 p.m., provides a necessary break from the classroom, allowing students to expend energy, reduce stress and return to their studies with renewed focus. This mandatory engagement, which includes choices from competitive varsity sports to recreational activities like fitness, yoga or robotics and drama, often introduces students to pursuits they might never have considered, broadening their horizons and potentially uncovering hidden talents or passions. As WMA emphasizes, the program is designed to develop a “healthy, active lifestyle” and build a “strong mind, body and spirit.”

Because of the “Work Hard” nature of athletic pursuit, these programs are unparalleled incubators of discipline and resilience. Whether it’s demanding pool and track training, rigorous drills on the athletic fields or courts, or the commitment required in a team sport, WMA students learn the importance of perseverance and pushing beyond perceived limits. The Academy’s philosophy stresses that academic excellence and athletic competitiveness are interwoven to build strong character. Students experience firsthand the direct correlation between effort and improvement, a lesson that transcends the athletic field and applies to all aspects of life. The shared experiences of triumph and defeat teach invaluable lessons about

sportsmanship, humility and the importance of supporting others, echoing WMA’s “Play Fair” tenet.

Perhaps most significantly, compulsory athletics at WMA forge a unique sense of community and belonging. On the field, court or rink, students from varied backgrounds and interests, representing over 20 countries, unite under a common goal. The shared struggle, the collective effort and the mutual reliance inherent in team sports break down social barriers and build strong bonds. Upperclassmen mentor younger students, and friendships are formed that often last a lifetime, reinforcing the Academy’s emphasis on peer interaction and community. This communal aspect is particularly crucial in a boarding school environment, where the team often becomes a surrogate family, fostering a supportive atmosphere for personal growth. While some might argue that these types of programs limit individual choice or impose undue pressure, WMA’s extensive offerings across fall, winter and spring seasons, coupled with options for upperclassmen to pursue independent activities, ensure a suitable outlet for every student’s interest and ability. The compulsory nature ensures universal participation, preventing the self-selection that might leave some students feeling isolated or inactive, and instead, encourages all Titans to find success, measured not just by wins but by growth and improvement.

Athletics & Afternoon Programs at WMA are far more than just physical exercise; they are integral to the Academy’s educational mission. They cultivate physical health, instill discipline and resilience, and, most importantly, foster a profound sense of community. By requiring participation and aligning with its core values, WMA equips its students not only with academic prowess but also with the robust character, collaborative spirit and enduring life skills necessary to thrive as “challenge-seeking citizens and leaders of an evolving world.”

Respectfully,

e ditor

Teddy Ryan

Associ Ate e ditors

Russ Held

Bill Wells

A rt director

Chris Tinnesz

Advisory Bo A rd

Brian P. Easler

Melissa Earls

Heather Hamel ’08

Don Kelly

Janet Moran

Sean Valentine

co N tri BU ti NG W riters

Jon Brook

Gary Cook

Melissa Earls

Brian P. Easler

Russ Held

Reese Laviolette

Mike Mannix

Janet Moran

Kristin Oldham

Sean Valentine

Bill Wells

d esi GN

Stoltze Design

p ri N ti NG

Puritan Capital

p H oto G r A p H y

Paul Bloomfield

Chris Evans

Copperhound Photography

Getty Images

Heather Hamel ’08

Russ Held

Dave Roback

Bill Wells Various contributing photographers

Bo A rd of t r U stees

Scott B. Jacobs ’75, Chair

David A. Reeves, Vice Chair

Mark R. Shenkman ’61M, Vice Chair

Linda B. Griffin, Vice Chair

Caitlin S. Flynn ’06, Treasurer

Bonnie Faulkner Ryan ’82, Secretary

Raymond J. Anton ’61M

Christopher C. Antonacci ’06

Helen Assefaw ’14

John J. Baker

Melissa M. Besse

William R. Guerin ’89

John LaCrosse

Dohun Lee ’99

Robert F. Little

Andrew P. Mele

Stephanie T. Robbins ’10

Craig A. Rubin ’63W

Paul J. Sullivan ’91

t r U stees e meriti

Eric W. Anderson

Michael J. Flynn

Richard S. Fuld ’64W

Benjamin F. Wilson ’69W

Life t r U stee

William E. James ’64W

James E. LaCrosse ’50W

Donald J. Stuart ’73 ALU

Alumni, we’d like to hear from you! Send your current contact information and news to alumni@wma.us.

“Academy World” is published in the spring and fall for alumni, parents and friends of the Academy. Please direct comments and letters to:

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oU r m issio N

Wilbraham & Monson Academy offers a transformational experience where students become challenge-seeking citizens and leaders of an evolving world.

Wilbraham & Monson Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, gender identity, and any other categories protected by federal, state or local law.

Get Social with u S !

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy @wilbraham_monson @wmaalumni

Bill Guerin ’89 38 Xavier James ’84 40 Rick Bennett ’86 42 Kelsey Gomes ’13 44 Ben Hewett ’06 46 Christina Wakefield ’14

48 Jeff Cook ’85

50 Julie Duffy ’03 52 Jared Osumah ’12

54 Scott Atherley ’84

W m A spot L i GH t

18 Commencement

20 Prize Day

24 Spring Trimester

30 Athletic Hall of Fame

W m A ALU m N i

56 Senior Stone: Arlene Goodman ’96

58 Alumni Games

60 Alumni Reception: New York City

68 New Trustee: Dohun Lee ’99

69 New Trustee: Helen Assefaw ’14

70 Class Notes

64 Travel: New Zealand 65 Travel: England depA rtme N ts 4 News from the Hill 7 Fine & Performing Arts 10 Titans Victorious 12 Athletics Highlights 16 Middle School f A c ULty

61 Italy & Switzerland: Reese Laviolette

62 Nova Scotia & New Brunswick: Jon Brook 66 Outside the Classroom i N memori A m

78 We Remember A rc H ives

80 Connections to Basketball

The school affiliation of Mr. James L. Brown IV ’55M was incorrectly listed in the “We Remember” section of the Spring 2025 issue.

o N t H e cover

Bill Guerin ’89 hoists the Stanley Cup after leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to the National Hockey League title in 2009. correctio N

supporting wma

Frank & Anya Martin P’26

‘If

it will help the school, we’re in’

by sean Valentine Director of Development

WWhen I met Frank and Anya Martin for coffee in Amherst, Massachusetts, it became apparent very quickly to me that these were generous people. They took time out of their very busy schedules to grab some breakfast and chat about their lives, family and why they have supported Wilbraham & Monson Academy. They didn’t need to do this. They could have easily demurred, but no.

“If it will help the school, we’re in,” Mrs. Martin texted. “How about Tuesday at 8:30?”

No surprise, really. The Martins had already made an impact on WMA when, in the summer of 2024, they wasted no time stepping up when asked if they would support some revitalization work in the Greenhalgh Gymnasium.

“A no-brainer,” Mr. Martin said. “Obviously the athletics angle spoke to us, but also the fact that it would benefit lots of students down the line, not just right now.”

But let’s back up.

If you are a fan of college hoops, the Martin name is probably familiar. Mr. Martin, a Miami, Florida, native, has been the head coach of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Men’s Basketball team since 2022. He previously held head coaching positions at South Carolina and Kansas State. Rumor has it he’s pretty good.

Mrs. Martin grew up in New York City, is a CPA and, coincidentally, a former UMass Amherst Track & Field star. She still holds the UMass record for the indoor 55-meter hurdles.

The couple met at Northeastern University when Mr. Martin was an assistant coach and Mrs. Martin was working in the university admissions office while getting her master’s. Their eldest son, Brandon, has begun his own

coaching career, while daughter Amalia is in college for pharmacology.

The family’s WMA journey started in the Fall of 2023, when son Christian ’26 enrolled as a Grade 10 student.

“I knew about WMA by way of (WMA) coach Mike Mannix,” Mr. Martin said. “He had worked with a former assistant coach of mine. When it became clear public school wasn’t a good fit for Christian, we reached out and made the connection.”

“It’s been great,” Mrs. Martin said. “WMA has been really good for him. We couldn’t be happier.”

Mr. Martin agreed and said, “I taught high school math before going into coaching full time, so I know what it’s like. He (Christian) plays

Being thankful for what you had and sharing it with others, was just what you did. Frank and I spent our early years stretching and barely making ends meet. We’re lucky enough to have gotten where we are, have our family taken care of and be in a place to give back.”

anya martin p’26

basketball, but it’s the education, the academics that are most important, and WMA is providing that.”

“It would be nice, though, if fewer of Christian’s games fell on the same night as Frank’s,” Mrs. Martin joked. “Who do I talk to about that?”

As Mr. Martin’s coaching career took them to Ohio, Kansas, South Carolina and now Western Massachusetts, generosity has become part of the couple’s makeup. They have always made a point of giving back their time and resources to causes and organizations important to them, with cancer research, education and their church being the topmost priorities.

Mrs. Martin has been a major supporter of the UMass Track & Field program since well before her husband’s appointment, providing both financial support and spending time

with the team. Both sides of their family have been touched by cancer and, as a couple, their Coaches vs. Cancer events have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for research. COVID and the move to Massachusetts sidelined their philanthropic activities somewhat, but you can’t keep generous people down for long.

“We’re just now getting to a place where we’re ready to get involved locally again,”

Mrs. Martin said. “It took some time to settle, get our children’s high school education finished or sorted. Now we can dig in again.”

What drives the Martin’s generous spirit, both toward WMA and all the causes they care about?

“My family didn’t have much growing up,”

Mrs. Martin said. “But we always had what we needed. When someone came into our home, they

were treated like family. Being thankful for what you had and sharing it with others was just what you did. Frank and I spent our early years stretching and barely making ends meet. We’re lucky enough to have gotten where we are, have our family taken care of and be in a place to give back.”

Mr. Martin said, “We’re both from working-class families and made our own way. We believe it is important to give back where you can and what you can. We discuss things together and, if we believe in it and it will make a difference, we’ll try to do it.”

WMA is deeply appreciative for the support the Martins have shown. If you would like learn how you can support the Academy, please contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@wma.us or 413.596.9182.

News from the Hill

from Left: Kinabe Dana ’28, Jonathan Kakule ’28, Brendan Ricca ’27, Joseph Prickett ’27, Colin Moussette ’26, Nathaniel Jasmin ’27, Seandre Suban ’27, Jayden Lee-Choi ’26, Ha Anh Nguyen ’25 and Faculty Marshal Don Kelly. Missing: Ryan Cooley ’26.

Top National Latin honors go to 4 students

With nearly 50 years of teaching experience, Mr. Don Kelly knows a thing or two about Latin. And he certainly knows that a quartet of students earning the highest possible honor on the annual nationwide test is impressive.

Four Wilbraham & Monson Academy students, all under the tutelage of Mr. Kelly, earned Gold Medals on the 2025 National Latin Exam.

Ha Anh Nguyen ’25, Ryan Cooley ’26, Jayden Lee-Choi ’26 and Seandre Suban ’27 received their Gold Medal at School Meeting in May. Of the 30 students who took the exam, 15 posted scores worthy of national recognition, including six Silver Medals.

“The students who won medals are very conscientious students overall,” Mr. Kelly said. “They took the review we do in class for this exam very seriously. The results speak for themselves. I think the students find the exam fun almost like playing trivia as they are challenged on Latin grammar, Roman History, classical mythology and English derivatives from Latin words.”

latin award winner S

Gold Medal: Seandre Suban ’27, Jayden Lee-Choi ’26, Ha Anh Nguyen ’25, Ryan Cooley ’26

Silver Medal: Brendan Ricca ’27, Jonathan Kakule ’28, Colin Moussette ’26, Kinabe Dana ’28, Joseph Prickett ’27, Nathaniel Jasmin ’27

Magna Cum Laude Certificate: Norah Osborne ’28, Alex Longridge ’26, Gabriel Cruz ’25, Avery Kay ’26

Cum Laude Certificate: Bohong Zhou ’27

Grade 9 trio wins regional ExploraVision award

Think Grade 9 science is easy and boring? Not at Wilbraham & Monson Academy.

A three-person team from Mr. Matthew Rafala’s STEM 9 Physics class won the regional award for last year’s Toshiba ExploraVision STEM competition.

With the country split into six sections, WMA claimed first place for Region 1 (Northeast).

“I am so proud of the students for the work they did on this project,” Mr. Rafala said. “They worked together to design a new version of athletic tape that is both stronger than current tapes to provide adequate support during the healing process, and which contains transdermal pain medication and a transdermal hormone to encourage ligament growth and repair. Their paper was very well written and gave a thorough description of how their hypothetical product would work.”

Gabby Ravosa ’28, Luna Wai Tung Li ’28 and Jonathan Kakule ’28 teamed to create Smart Tape.

“The group worked well individually but also showed a strong sense of collaboration,” Mr. Rafala said. “They dug into several academic journal articles, and they used the information they found to design a very reasonable product that helps to solve a very specific problem.”

Mr. Rafala explained that Smart Tape “aims to improve ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear recovery by creating an athletic tape which provides structural support while also transdermally delivering pain medication and proteins to encourage ligament growth and repair.

“Their project has a strong basis in reality and fits the theme of ExploraVision extremely well. Anyone who reads their project description will find a clear description that makes it very easy to understand.”

Vicky Luo ’28 earns French gold

This has been a great year for Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Vicky Luo ’28 when it comes to French.

Actually, it has been “une super année.”

A student in Madame Fabienne Dubois’ Honors French 3 class, Vicky earned a Gold Medal, won her chapter and placed fifth in the country on the 2025 Grand Concours.

“Often, measurements of my progress in learning French are not extremely evident, so I’m happy to receive this award for how far I’ve gotten,” Vicky said. “I’m also surprised to see myself fifth in comparison to the entire nation because I’ve never put myself on that scale before. I’m proud of this achievement, but I also believe that there is a lot more to my language ability so I would love to use this as an opportunity to kickstart more vigor in learning.”

Vicky was one of 25 WMA students to win an award on the Le Grand Concours. The Gold Medal is reserved for students who score in the top 95 percentile on the exam.

“Vicky is an exceptional student who is motivated and dedicated to learning French,” said Dubois, WMA’s World Languages Chair. “She has great skills and a great work ethic. She is a pleasure to have in class and in French club.

“I was not surprised when Vicky earned a Gold Medal in the contest because she was doing great in the practices. In class, she is always focused and she puts in her best effort in all circumstances.”

french award winner S

Level 1

Silver Medal: Carlotta Palumbo ’26

Bronze Medal: Jiabei “Michelle” Huang ’27

Honors Certificate: Juan Pablo Teran-Bravo ’28

Level 2

Bronze Medal: Julia Chang ’29 Francesco Minoves ’27

Honors Certificate: Hailey Tabb ’29

Chloe Roumeliotis ’26

Gavin Woolridge ’26

Level 3H

Gold Medal: Vicky Luo ’28

Bronze Medal: Yuan “Linda” Xiao ’25

Constanza Valenzuela Lastra ’26

Honors Certificate: Alicia Ferrer de Brugada ’27

Harlowe Grozio ’28

Kendall Schechterle ’27

Surya Kapa ’27

Level 4H

Honors Certificate: Mark Tobias ’25

Celia Hansen ’26

Lillian Ricci ’26

Level 5AP

Silver Medal: Cooper Dwyer ’25

Breslin Grozio ’25

Emma Landry ’25

Bronze Medal: Noah Stich ’25

Honors Certificate: Alba Pelaez Rodriguez ’25 Katie Hutcheson ’26

Noah Stich ’25 named Outstanding Senior in French

When it comes to French, Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Noah Stich ’25 is number one.

Actually, he’s numéro un.

Noah received the American Association of Teachers of French Outstanding Senior in French Award, which is presented to one senior per school “on the basis of academic excellence and an exceptional commitment to the study of French,” according to an AATF press release.

“This award is very meaningful to me because my hard work over five years of French at WMA has come to fruition into something tangible,” Noah said. “Studying the language of French has allowed me to expand my cultural horizons through the rich and diverse Francophone world. I’m thankful for my classmates and, of course, of my teachers for allowing me to succeed with the language.”

Noah was selected to the Société Honoraire de Francais at WMA and served as President of the Academy’s French Club. He studied French for five years.

“Noah is receiving the 2025 Outstanding Senior Award for his dedication and commitment to the French program at WMA,” World Languages Chair Fabienne Dubois said. “This award is only given to one senior per school annually. For the past three years, I have enjoyed teaching Noah and seeing him mature and thrive as a student. I am glad he continued learning French until the level AP, and I am excited that he intends to pursue languages in college.”

Spanish 1

Silver Medal:

Ireoluwakitan Akindele ’26

Lillian Bonner ’28

Honors Certificate:

Jayden Ahn ’28

Yejun Lee ’27

Ryan Letendre ’28

Xin Lian ’28

Mingyang Wang ’27

Spanish 2

Silver Medal: Shuhan Li ’27

Ka Leung Yip ’27

Bronze Medal:

Seoyeon Bae ’28

Luna Li ’28

Charlotte Young ’27

Honors Certificate:

Marina Hall ’28

Min-Chan Koo ’26

Sarah Laporte ’28

An Le ’28

Trey Ledoux ’26

Finley Monroe ’28

Vlad Nikulin ’25

Sanyu Nsibirwa ’28

Golden opportunity for Andrew Chang ’28, Daniel Pierce ’29 on National Spanish Exam

It’s very clear to people on campus that Ms. Maridol Linares loves teaching Spanish at Wilbraham & Monson Academy, and it’s her students who benefit from that passion.

Andrew Chang ’28 and Daniel Pierce ’29, both students of Profesora Linares in Honors Spanish 3, earned Gold Medals on this year’s National Spanish Exam.

Remarkably, Daniel’s accomplishment came at the honors level despite being in Grade 8.

“I’m thrilled to share news about this year’s National Spanish Exam,” Ms. Linares said. “Out of 29 students who are attending my classes, 20 received national recognition, with awards ranging from Honorable Mention to Gold Medals. I’d also like to highlight a truly remarkable accomplishment: one of our middle school students (Daniel Pierce ’29) earned a Gold Medal in Level 3 Honors, a level typically taken by high school students.”

Nosa Oghagbon ’26

Rosie Rodriguez ’27

Woohyuk Seong ’26

Piper Young ’27

Jefferey Zeng ’28

Spanish 3

Silver Medal: Patrick Dorunda ’26

Bronze Medal: Pietro Avanza ’26

Honors Certificate: Gabby Ravosa ’28

Ainsley Trueman ’26

Spanish 3H

Gold Medal: Andrew Chang ’28

Daniel Pierce ’29

Silver Medal: Nikos Kratimenos ’28

Bronze Medal: Nava Berezin ’28

Honors Certificate:

Sze Lun Chan ’28

Ben Goldsmith ’28

Khloe Thomas ’28

Spanish 4H

Silver Medal: Wyatt Cavanaugh ’27

Lily Meier ’26

Bronze Medal: Brady Chisholm ’27

Honors Certificate: Romy Allen-Schubert ’27

Sara Di Pangrazio ’27

Tokuto Hoshiyama ’25

JP Ramesh ’26

Spanish 4/5

Conor Forrest ’26

Caterina Ravosa ’26

Spanish AP

Silver Medal: Gabe Hall ’26

Honors Certificate: JiMin Hong ’25

Sophia Najeebi ’25

Dakotah Thomas ’26

Fine & Performing Arts

Ryan Cooley ’26 dazzles with key performance

Athletic competitions are filled with second chances next half, next quarter, next possession, next play.

Music competitions … that’s not the case. Often for musicians, there is just one chance, and it better be good.

Ryan Cooley ’26 was more than good at a recent event he was great.

Competing at the Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts (ATAM) New England Music Festival in Waltham, Massachusetts, in April, Ryan placed third in the New England Piano Championship category.

“This was my first year competing in the Championship category,” Ryan said. “All of the

other contestants were such talented pianists, and I enjoyed hearing them play and being exposed to so many beautiful pieces. I am so appreciative of my piano teacher who helps me select and learn the music. It took a lot of time and effort to be able to play these difficult pieces, and I am so excited that all of my hard work paid off.”

Ryan, who has taken piano lessons since kindergarten, performed Debussy’s “Deux Arabesque” and Mozart’s “Fantasia” in D Minor. Although he has played at this event in previous years, it was his first time showcasing his talents in the championship group.

“In the Championship category, contestants are asked to perform two classical pieces of contrasting styles,” Ryan said. “Debussy’s ‘Deux Arabesque’ is an impressionist piece that draws from Western and Arabic musical themes. It is

The most challenging aspect of playing at this type of event is that you only get one chance to perform, so there is definitely pressure to play your song perfectly.”

r yan Cooley ’26

a very light and flowing piece that is technically and musically challenging. Mozart’s “Fantasia” in D Minor is from the Classical period and is very dramatic. There are sharp contrasts between sections, especially in tempo and dynamics.

“My piano teacher and I chose these pieces because they are both difficult to play, expressive, technical and complement my playing style. They have quickly become two of my favorite pieces.”

Ryan added that playing at this type of venue is completely different than in the comforts of home. Much like a playoff game, any type of mistake becomes magnified.

“The most challenging aspect of playing at this type of event is that you only get one chance to perform, so there is definitely pressure to play your song perfectly,” Ryan said. “It’s also a very tense environment because you are playing for a judge, and the room is filled with the other contestants and their families. It’s important to relax and play the piece to the best of your ability, not letting nerves or pressure overwhelm you.

“I always try to forget that there is an audience. Knowing that so many people are listening to me play can be nerve-wracking and cause me to lose focus. Instead, I imagine that it’s just me and the piano in the room. In a competition, the judges are basing their decisions not only on your accuracy and overall performance, but also on dynamics, emotion and musicality. It’s important to be expressive and really feel the emotions of the song.”

Spring Performances & Events

Our Spring Trimester was filled with performances by our talented musicians, singers, actors and dancers. The Academy Dancers dazzled with “Blueprints for Success” in Founders Theatre, our “Kaleidoscope of Sound” spring concert took place in Griffin Athenaeum and Academy Players performed “Macbeth” in Founders Theatre.

• Gia Minh Tran ’26 is all smiles on electric guitar.

• A reflection of Pauling Lim ’27 performing on cello at the Spring Concert’s “Kaleidoscope of Sound.”

• Madison Goodwin ’25 on stage during “Macbeth.”

• Academy Dancers, from left: Lily Ricci ’26, Marina Hall ’28, Isabelle Rivera ’25 and Avery Kay ’26 during “Here Comes the Sun” as part of “Blueprints for Success.”

G irl S tenni S

Titans claim Suffield tournament title

The Wilbraham & Monson Academy Girls Tennis team was very good all spring, finishing the regular season 10 – 3.

And then came the Titans’ finale, where they were not very good they were great.

WMA completely dominated the Suffield Invitational, reaching the championship match in all four divisions, winning three.

“It was truly amazing for our team to win the Suffield Invitational,” said co-captain Emma Landry ’25. “The victories were reflective of our team’s dedication and composure over the course of the season, along with the enthusiastic and unwavering support of our coaches. Having all of our singles and doubles competitors in the championship matches was remarkable, and I was thrilled to end our strong season with such a positive experience.”

The team title was the best way to send off Coach Jay Hamilton, who announced his retirement during the season after

serving as head coach for 22 years. It was Coach Hamilton’s first time winning the team championship at the Suffield Invitational.

Romy Allen-Schubert ’27 and Emma won the #1 and #2 singles titles, and the duo of Kendall Schechterle ’28 and Jessie Wang ’29 claimed the #1 doubles championships. Co-captain Malena Donovan ’25 and Celia Hanson ’26 made it to the final in #2 doubles.

Additionally, Emma finished her six-year career on varsity with 53 wins as a Titan.

“Reaching 50-plus career wins as a Titan would have been unimaginable to me during my early seasons,” said Emma, who made the varsity program in seventh grade. “As a middle schooler, I had so much admiration for the older players I competed with and against, and their poise and love for the game is something I try to replicate. I hope that along with my wins, I was able to impart these values to the younger players on our team.”

Eoin Cavanaugh ’27 takes 3rd at New Englands

Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Eoin Cavanaugh ’27 wanted a medal. He got it. Check that he earned it.

Eoin placed third in the 100-yard backstroke at the New England Prep School Athletic Council Swimming & Diving Division III Championships at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, in March.

A five-year swimmer for the Titans, it was the first time Eoin placed in the top three at the season finale.

“My goal heading into the championship was to medal,” said Eoin, whose previous best finish at the championship was sixth. “After looking at the heat sheet and the seedings, I knew what time I needed to swim. Time was less important to me. This meet, all I really wanted was to medal.”

The event had a preliminary round as well, which can be tricky in regard to strategy. A conservative pace landed him the third seed headed into the final. He was so locked in moments prior to the starting gun for the final that he didn’t recall his name being announced.

However, from the moment he hit the pool, he was ready.

“The race went out fast,” Eoin explained. “(The) backstroke is unique as you do not know where anyone else is as you are facing backwards. For this reason, you have to trust yourself and when you start to hurt you have to go faster and push through. I finished and looked up at the board and saw the ‘3’ next to my name and was just happy.”

Eoin’s time was one minute, 2.76 seconds.

“It felt good to get third at champs as it felt like all the hard work had finally paid off,” he added. “It also makes me excited for the future and how I hope I will continue to perform in future races.”

track & field

Hannah

Grudzien ’25

wins 2 New England titles

Talk about going out on a high note. Hannah Grudzien ’25 … wow!

In her first season of track at Wilbraham & Monson Academy, Hannah won two events and placed second in another at the New England Prep School Track Association Division III Championships at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts, in May.

Hannah’s efforts led the Titans to a third-place finish among the 27 teams at the final meet of the spring season. She won the javelin with a school-record throw of 121 feet, 8 inches, as well as the shot put with a heave of 35-5.5. She placed second in the discus with a toss of 100-8.

“I thought my performance was great,” Hannah said. “I was shocked as much as everyone else who was there. I wasn’t expecting to throw as far as I did from the beginning to end. My adrenaline worked in the best way it could have.”

With Hannah’s help, the Titans completed yet another undefeated regular season.

“The girls team finished a third undefeated season (11 – 0),”

Coach Danielle Vartabedian said. “They are so blessed with talent and depth, grit and determination, it makes coaching them exciting and rewarding.”

The Titans capped off their third straight undefeated regular season, extending their winning streak to 40 dating back to 2022.

WMA Girls

Hannah Grudzien ’25 Javelin, 1st, 121-8; shot put, 1st, 35-5.5; discus, 2nd, 100-8

Adrianna Chechile ’26 400, 3rd, 59.24; 200, 4th, 26.06; long jump, 4th, 16-1

Caitlin Stratton ’26 Pole vault, 4th, 7-6

Genevieve Tremblay ’26 Javelin, 5th, 95-2

WMA Boys

4×400 5th, 4:23.52 nep S ta divi S ion iii re S ult S (top 6)

Freddy Shubrick ’27 200, 4th, 23.17; 100, 6th, 11.40

Gabe Cruz ’25 Pole vault, 2nd, 11-0

4×400 6th, 3:40.51

Titans craft perfect season

Perfection. Amazing.

The Wilbraham & Monson Academy Girls Lacrosse team completed a perfect 2025 season when it defeated Miss Hall’s 16 – 4 in the Titans’ final game.

With a combination of veteran experience and youth, a high-powered offense and a swarming defense, Coach Annie Kandel’s team went 13– 0. Incredible.

“Win after win, this team touched perfection by being committed to each other, to excellence and to refusing to lose, despite whatever obstacles might have been in their way,” Coach Kandel said. “Simply put, these girls this team have achieved the ultimate team goal: perfection.”

From the outset, the Titans’ captains Ally Orquiola ’25, Abby Brunelle ’25, Ashley Birkenshaw ’25 and Katie Hutcheson ’26 led by example and repeatedly kept the team together.

“The biggest strength of our team was our chemistry,” Katie said. “We established a great culture off the field, which led to connections between players in games. This was exemplified by the fact that more than half of our goals were assisted, and our passes on the clears were the best I have ever experienced with a WMA lacrosse team. Everyone truly cared about one another, and we became a very close team.

As players, this team was extremely unselfish, always looking for the feed first and taking time to find the right pass.”

“The team culture was so strong,” Coach Kandel echoed. “We had the perfect balance of encouragement for one another and competitive practices. The seniors and captains demonstrated with their behavior and expectations that each player was working for self-improvement and team growth at every practice and game. We were fun-loving and enjoyed our time together, but we kept our drills focused on making progress. It is not easy to strike a balance between friend and competitor, but this special group achieved that.”

Along with Ally, Abby, Ashley and Katie, the roster included: Natalie Cedeno-Villegas ’25, Sophia Nguyen ’26, Sadie Krause ’26, Chloe Roumeliotis ’26, Dakotah Thomas ’26, Kendall Washington ’26, Gretta Marosits ’27, Callie Klepacki ’27, Piper Young ’27, Natalie Blais ’27, Khloe Thomas ’28, Mya Shonak ’28, Sarah Laporte ’28, Riley Maher ’28, Finley Monroe ’28, Adelina Brown ’28, Chloe Corneau ’29, Sabina Zwyrbla ’29, Elle Hersman ’29, Madison Stephenson ’29, Hailey Tabb ’29, Katherine Neves ’29 and Olivia Collins ’30. Dr. Anthony Kandel served as the team’s assistant coach.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Middle School News

Grade 7 Future City team takes talents to international stage

The trip of a lifetime came early for 10 students in the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Middle School as they competed in the highest round of the annual Future City competition in Washington, D.C., in February.

The team, led by Grade 7 Science teacher Jamie Gouin, won the local and regional events to advance to the international stage. The competition, held this year at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Capitol Hill, included 39 teams from the United States and five more from China.

Partaking in the event were Class of 2030 members: T.J. Lee, Quintus Kim, Caroline Harvey, Tre Goldsmith, Callan McMahon, Tanner Cavanaugh, Olivia Collins, Mackenzie Clancey,

Joseph Odei-Boateng and Cooper Haluch.

The team presented for 90 minutes on consecutive days.

“I thought the team did an excellent job and represented WMA very well,” Mr. Gouin expressed. “We were a first-year school, so there was a learning curve and I am proud of this team paving the way for future Titan teams. The judges asked some very difficult questions and the students rose to the challenge of answering the questions.”

While the team did gain valuable experience at the local and regional level, the international contest presented a different ordeal.

“Our students needed to present at least three times a day in front of multiple crews of judges,” Mr. Gouin expressed. “This was unlike the regional competition, where they only were

required to present once or twice during the event. In addition, finalists do not need to present in the auditorium for the finals.”

The Titans did not place (top five). However, this was the type of quest that could have a profound impact on a student.

“I think the students were able to create memories that they will keep for the rest of their lives,” Mr. Gouin said. “They were able to meet students from around the country and from China. This event also provided them the experience to present their ideas to professionals and hopefully inspire many of them to have a future career in science, technology or engineering.”

Future City, where students model a metropolis 100 years from now, is part of the Grade 7 curriculum at WMA.

• from Left: AJ Vartabedian ’30, Callan McMahon ’30, Sophia Gormally ’30, Maggie Comeau ’31, Jiaying “Mary” Chen ’29 and Jessie Wang ’29. Missing: Isabelle Graham ’29.

Spanish students excel at national level

Tenemos estudiantes de español muy inteligentes en sexto grado.

All seven students in the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Grade 6 Spanish class with Ms. Andrea Santos received recognition for their performance on this year’s National Spanish Challenge.

Five students won the highest honor, a silver ribbon for outstanding achievement: Abbigail Whittier, Julien Olanoff, Damian Hutchinson, Noelle MacDonald and Olivia Fallon. Rania Khan and Makenzie Pierce earned purple ribbons for excellent achievement. The accomplishments came despite the class being held for just two trimesters.

“They all did very well, and I am very happy for all my students,” Ms. Santos said. “For this level there are two prizes, a silver ribbon for outstanding performance and a purple ribbon for excellence. We got five silver ribbons and two purple ribbons. It’s incredible that every student in the class won a prize considering that it is a national exam. Only one student had ever studied Spanish before and for everyone else it was completely new.”

This was the first time that members of the Middle School took the NSC, an assessment exam for pupils in Grades 1 – 6.

“I used to do this for French when I taught at the Middle School, and it was always a great

Artists shine at statewide exhibit

Many people at Wilbraham & Monson Academy believe we have an advanced Fine & Performing Arts program.

Apparently, people at the state level feel the same.

Seven students from WMA’s Middle School were selected to have their artwork displayed at “Connected Through Color,” a virtual statewide youth art month exhibit that was on the Massachusetts Art Education Association website last spring.

“I wanted to enter student work into the exhibit in order to bring notice to the art of our middle schoolers here at WMA, not only for our immediate community and families but to be a part of the larger Massachusetts K – 12 exhibit,” Middle School art teacher Theresa Chianese said.

Three Grade 8 students (Jessie Wang, Jiaying “Mary” Chen and Isabelle Graham) and four students in Grade 7 (Sophia Gormally, Callan McMahon, Maggie Comeau and AJ Vartabedian) had pieces displayed.

“Art is important for our middle school students because they are learning to communicate through a visual language,” Ms. Chianese said. “They are able to express ideas, emotions and experiences through the use of various elements of art: line, color, shape and composition. Conversely, they are also learning to make observations and engage in inquiry of visual imagery, which is important in our current visual culture.”

• from Left: Director of the Middle School Stuart Whitcomb, Olivia Fallon ’31, Noelle MacDonald ’31, Damian Hutchinson ’31, Makenzie Pierce ’31, Rania Khan ’31, Abbigail Whittier ’31, Julien Olanoff ’31 and faculty member Andrea Santos.

experience as students felt motivated and excited about their results,” said World Languages Department Chair Fabienne Dubois. “I felt that Andrea had taught and prepared her sixth graders so well that it would be a great year to start this challenge contest for Spanish. Results are even more impressive, knowing that these students only had half-a-year of Spanish.”

Senior Moments

The Class of 2025 celebrated its Commencement Exercises, the 221st of the Academy’s storied history, on Corbin Field outside the Athletic Center on May 24. Here is a look at some of the highlights:

1 Pattaranunt “Elle” Poonsornsiri ’25, left, accepts her diploma from Head of School Brian P. Easler. 2 Mariana Mujica ’25 during a reflective moment at Commencement. 3 Class of 2025 students lay their Senior Stones on a wall in front of Rich Hall, while Director of College Counseling John Boozang, left, assists. 4 Giordana Valerio ’25, center, with her parents Maria Errichiello, left, and Ciro Valerio. 5 Rose Marie Sadlak ’25 is all smiles. 6 The Class of 2025 on the front steps of Rich Hall. 7 Eliza Leach ’25, center facing camera, walks in the senior class procession toward the Commencement Tent on Corbin Field.

8 Senior Class student speaker Emma Landry ’25.

Prize Winners

The Academy’s storied tradition of Prize Day and Commencement has honored students who have excelled in all parts of campus life. The presentations of awards were made on Prize Day, May 23, and Commencement, May 24.

S pecial prize S

Harriet Jones Nelson Trust

Breslin Grozio ’25

Gift of the Class of 1965

Yuan “Linda” Xiao ’25

Billy Lak Prize

Vaishnavi “Vivi” Venkat ’25

Stephen D. Luckraft

Memorial Award

Cooper Dwyer ’25

Berube Prize

Phuong Tran Ha

“Stefanie” Nguyen ’25

Pieria Prize

Madison Goodwin ’25

Kyle E. Webb Award

Gabriel Cruz ’25

Dr. George E. Rogers Scholar

Athlete Award

John Crocker ’25

Markell and Monson Class of 1898 Award/Owen David Dow Memorial Award

Yougun Yang ’25

Dr. Joseph P. Cebula

Memorial Award

Anh Nghi “Kathy” Dang ’25

Phil Shaw Award (Female)

Hannah Grudzien ’25

Phil Shaw Award (Male)

Kayden Chhoun ’25

Trustees Cup

Girls Tennis team

Class of 1977 Award

Mingjun “Max” Li ’27

Davison Prize

Ximena Perez Garcia ’26

John L. Nepomuceno Prize

Ryan Cooley ’26

Alumni Award

Mary Kathleen

“Katie” Hutcheson ’26

Trustee Award

Lily Meier ’26

eveline barber departmental award S

Center for Entrepreneurship, Economics & Finance

Finance

Brant Stoltz ’26

Entrepreneurship

Vladyslav Nikulin ’25

AP Macro Economics

Breslin Grozio ’25

AP Micro Economics

Anh Nghi “Kathy” Dang ’25

English Department

ESOL Language & Literature

Yucheng “Tony” Sheng ’28

Grade 9 English

Vicky Luo ’28

Grade 10 English

Joseph Prickett ’27

George H. Hefflon Memorial Award

Ryan Cooley ’26

AP Senior English 12

Emma Landry ’25

Howe S. Newell Senior English Award

Kayden Chhoun ’25

Fine & Performing

Arts Department

Visual Art – 2D Design

Thao Phuong “Hailey” Pham ’26

Choral

Rebecca Kakule ’25

Music Jazz Ensemble

Yunchang “Daniel” Hur ’25

Marilyn Erickson Memorial Prize

Yougun Yang ’25

History & Social Studies Department

World History

Vicky Luo ’28

AP Human Geography

Natalie Blais ’27

AP US History

Mary Kathleen “Katie” Hutcheson ’26

AP World History

Linda Xiao ’25

AP Capstone

Joseph Prickett ’27

AP Psychology

Patrick Dorunda ’26

Mathematics Department

Algebra

Charlotte Young ’27

Geometry

Jefferey Zeng ’28

Precalculus

Andrew Chang ’28

AP Statistics

Vinh Khang Nguyen ’26

AP Calculus AB

Anh Nghi “Kathy” Dang ’25

AP Calculus BC

Jayden Lee-Choi ’26

Ernest J. Lawton

Memorial Award

Phuong Tran Ha

“Stefanie” Nguyen ’26

Rensselaer Mathematics and Science Award

Jayden Lee-Choi ’26

Science & Technology Department

Computer Science & Technology

Thao Nguyen

“Hana” Tran ’27

STEM 9

Vicky Luo ’28

Biology

Bruno Alvarez Camacho ’26

AP Biology

Colin Moussette ’26

Chemistry

Hanming “Joy” Xu ’27

AP Chemistry

Gia Minh Tran ’26

Physics

Breslin Grozio ’25

Engineering Cooper Dwyer ’25

Edward F. Morris Prize

Breslin Grozio ’25

AP Environmental Science

Phuong Tran Ha “Stefanie” Nguyen ’25

Bausch & Lomb

Science Award

Yuxiao “David” Zhou ’26

World Languages Department

Intermediate Latin Jayden Lee-Choi ’26

Advanced Latin Ryan Cooley ’26

Intermediate Spanish Lily Meier ’26

Advanced Spanish Gabriel Hall ’26

Intermediate French

Vicky Luo ’28

Advanced French Cooper Dwyer ’25

Catherine Ingraham Award for Excellence in French Emma Landry ’25

induction of cum laude

Don Kelly, President of WMA Chapter of the Cum Laude Society

Class of 2025

Anh Nghi “Kathy” Dang

Madison E. Goodwin

Breslin J. Grozio*

Tokuto Hoshiyama

Emma E. Landry*

Han Ngoc Le

Phuong Tran Ha “Stefanie”

Nguyen ’25*

Noah Stich

Donggyun “Dion” Suh

Vaishnavi Venkat*

Linda Xiao

Class of 2026

Jayden Lee-Choi

Ryan P. Cooley

Mary Kathleen L. Hutcheson

Lily Y. Meier

Yuxiao “David” Zhou ’26

*Elected as Juniors

Most Valuable Member Awards

Atlas (Newspaper)

Ryan Cooley ’26

The Hill (Yearbook)

Mariana Mujica ’25

major prize winner S

The Frank Chapin Cushman Memorial and Cora Pease Chandler awards are considered to be the two most prestigious prizes awarded each year at Commencement.

Breslin Grozio ’25

Presented each year to that student of Wilbraham & Monson Academy who best lives up to the Academy’s motto of: “Live Clean. Speak True. Work Hard. Play Fair.”

cora pea S e chandler award

Emma Landry ’25

Presented each year to that student who has shown the best Wilbraham & Monson Academy spirit during the school year, excelling in character, courtesy, scholarship and athletics.

Closing Ceremony

WMA’s Middle School held its Closing Ceremony on May 22 and with it honored many of its finest and brightest students. Director of the Middle School Stuart Whitcomb was the emcee for the event held in Greenhalgh Gymnasium.

1 Director

students. 2

all

5

Awards 2024 – 2025

1

2

3

The following students were presented with major prizes during our annual Middle School Closing Ceremony on May 22.

4

5

Spring Trimester

Campus was a happening place during our Spring Trimester in 2025. Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights:

1 Thao “Hailey” Pham ’26, left, with Yougun Yang ’25 at the Prom at GreatHorse in Hampden, Massachusetts.

2 Ximena Perez Garcia ’26, left, and Renata Schmalb Amorim ’25, right, enjoy a light moment with Sara Di Pangrazio ’27 during pre-Prom photos at GreatHorse. 3 At Prom, from Left: Nosa Oghagbon ’26, Regiane Alycia Gaspar-Martins ’25, Osezuwa “Zuzu” Abulu ’25 and Kanyinsola “Kanyin” Ajayi ’25. 4 Ximena Perez Garcia ’26, center in blue, reflects the students’ sentiment of interest at an all-school pep rally in April.

5 Donggyun “Dion” Suh ’25 gives a wave after walking out of the last School Meeting to be held in Alumni Memorial Chapel. 6 Isabelle Rivera ’25, left, and John Crocker ’25 participate in a Crossing Borders Day workshop activity. 7 cLock Wise from top Left: Han Ngoc Le ’25, Ha Anh Nguyen ’25, Phuong “Stefanie” Nguyen ’25 and Nghi Anh “Kathy” Dang ’25 sport their college T-shirts. 8 Yuan “Linda” Xiao ’25, right, and fellow Hamilton College commit Breslin Grozio ’25 (via FaceTime) on College T-Shirt Day. 9 Class of 2025 students proudly display their colleges of choice on the steps of Rich Hall. 10 Gabriel Cruz ’25 enjoys a laugh at the Senior Banquet in Lak Dining Hall. 11 Three bears, politely using the stairs below the Monson Bell, walk through campus during a weekday morning in April. 12 from Left: Charlotte Young ’27, Seoyeon “Soy” Bae ’28, Ashley Li ’26 and Vicky Luo ’28 pose at Global Scholars Night in Griffin Athenaeum.

Fall 2025

WILBRAHAM & MONSON ACADEMY

Registration - Orientation - Matriculation - Convocation

It was another great start to another great academic year … the 222nd in the Academy’s history. Our enrollment, at 374 students, included representation from 21 different countries and 13 states. Optimism was in the air in late August.

1 from Left: Dakotah Thomas ’26, Ryan Cooley ’26 and Thao “Hailey” Pham ’26 at a Club Fair as part of Titan Fest. 2 Harlowe Grozio ’28, right, shares her talents during a face-painting activity with Adelina Brown ’28. 3 Chance McEvady ’32 signs the Matriculation Book. 4 Maxime LaBelle-Lavallee ’26 offers inspiration as a student speaker during the Convocation Ceremony at School Meeting in Greenhalgh Gymnasium. 5 Damian Hutchinson ’31 spots the camera at Convocation. 6 A view of our Convocation Ceremony from the balcony overlooking Greenhalgh Gymnasium. 7 Ethan Pham ’28, center, and family. 8 Faculty member Tim Harrington ’73 greets new students during Matriculation festivities. 9 Head of School Brian P. Easler, left, with Annabelle Anton ’32 during the book signing portion of Matriculation. 10 The ceremonial walk of new students through the Academic Gates to open our Matriculation Ceremony. 11 New students pose on the front steps of Rich Hall. 12 Assistant Director of Admission Stephanie (LaRiviere) Hodges ’04 was brilliant in sharing her own experiences and advice to new students during our Matriculation Ceremony.

Campus Facilities Master Plan: Phase II Updates

Project progression targets August 2026 opening

As we progress through Phase II of the Campus Facilities Master Plan, Head of School Brian P. Easler shares an update of the transformation of Alumni Memorial Chapel into a Dining Commons and kitchen and servery. For updates and more information, visit www.wma.us/about/builds.

April 25, 2025 was a stunning spring day on the WMA campus. That’s exactly what I was thinking while I watched the entire Academy community converge on the groundbreaking site, which teemed with donors and board members and special guests: lovely day, for sure.

It’s not often any school embarks on a project with the scope and magnitude of impact this one will have on the entire WMA community, and certainly the kind of seismic shift it will have for Wilbraham & Monson Academy. The ceremony outside of Alumni Memorial Chapel was a humble gesture of gratitude for the donors who have made it happen and a celebratory kickoff to a new era for WMA.

The first meaningful work on the project was an effort to preserve the perimeter trees from construction damage and to open up the sightlines to the stunning architecture of the Chapel. Although minor in scope of the project, the visual impact of this initial step was quite striking. Of particular note was the removal

of two damaged and unhealthy trees from the south side of the Chapel, which exposed the clock tower and the stained-glass windows that have been encased in concrete for as long as anyone remembers. Once the windows are exposed (they are still in there) and refinished, the natural light into the dining room will be spectacular.

As I wrote this update, the concrete forms were being assembled for the foundation of the kitchen and servery.

The pews, pulpit and hand-carved millwork were removed and stored for future use. Many of the pews and much of the historic millwork will be repurposed meaningfully in the new dining space.

The basement of Alumni Memorial Chapel has been remediated of hazardous materials, and was shored up to handle the added weight of the motorized lifts and scaffolding necessary for the interior dining room renovations.

We still predict the project will be completed in time to be ready for the 2026 – 2027 school year!

• Jala Witherspoon ’27, left, Sarah Laporte ’28, center, and Adelina Brown ’28 take part in a communitywide beam signing ceremony for the new kitchen and servery.

• The ceremonial groundbreaking event, with the help of the Board of Trustees and families.

• Head of School Brian P. Easler, left, with Board of Trustee member John LaCrosse during the ceremonial beam signing in early October.

•

• Work in progress facing the exposed, inner back wall of the altar/stage area in Alumni Memorial Chapel.

Scan QR code to watch the construction update video

This year’s Athletic Hall of Fame class was the third enshrined at the Academy. WMA honored classes in 2007 and 2009, and it continues to celebrate the outstanding athletes, teams, coaches and contributors who have shaped our storied athletic history.

Congratulations

CLASS OF 2025 INDUCTEES

INDIVIDUALS

Hugh Harrell, Coach/Administrator

Gary Cook, Coach

Dana Gahres ’74, Athlete

Harrison B. Wilson III ’73, Athlete

Brittany Barry ’11, Athlete

Russell Dinkins ’09, Athlete

TEAMS

Boys Basketball 1968-1969 (Wilbraham Academy)

Girls Soccer 2000

PAST INDUCTEES

Class of 2007

Phillip J. Cardone, Coach

Phillip H. Shaw Jr., Coach/Administrator

Class of 2009

Capt. Timothy Jessup ’87, USMC, Athlete

Harold “Bud” Porter ’44W, Athlete

Football 1966 (Monson Academy), Team

Boys Track & Field 1989, Team

Induction Celebration

Saturday, Oct. 11, Lak Dining Hall

CLASS OF 2025 INDUCTEES INDIVIDUALS

Hugh Harrell, Coach/Administrator

Hugh Harrell proudly served Monson Academy and Wilbraham & Monson Academy from 1953-1990. Among his many responsibilities were coaching Basketball, Baseball, Soccer and Football. He also served as a mathematics teacher and Athletic Director.

Gary Cook, Coach

Gary Cook served as the Boys Soccer Coach from 1981 to 2015, winning 234 games. His teams achieved significant milestones, including New England Championships in 1998, 2002 and 2006. His teams also claimed multiple Class M Championships through the Ray Brown Cup and the Western New England Prep School Soccer Association. Notably, his teams secured the WNEPSSA Overall Championship, ranking first among 50 schools in 2005 and 2006. Cook was honored as the Massachusetts Prep/Private Coach of the Year in 1998 and 2005, and he is a member of the WNEPSSA Coaches Hall of Fame.

INDIVIDUALS

Dana Gahres ’74, Athlete

Dana Gahres is regarded as one of the all-time leading scorers in school history on the basketball court. As the starting point guard and co-captain, he led the team to the 1973 New England Championship. He was honored as a team MVP and started at point guard for all four years. He also starred in baseball, playing shortstop all four years and won team MVP honors during his time on the diamond. At Hartwick College, Dana earned DII NCAA All-American honors twice and is a member of the Hartwick Hall of Fame.

Harrison B. Wilson III ’73, Athlete

Harrison B. Wilson III distinguished himself as a versatile athlete at WMA, excelling in football as a wide receiver and kick returner, and contributing to the basketball team as a guard during their New England championship season in 1972-1973. He also showcased his skills on the baseball field as a shortstop. At Dartmouth College, Wilson earned All-Ivy League honors in football in 1976 and set a record for receiving yards while also starting at shortstop for the Dartmouth baseball team.

Brittany Barry ’11, Athlete

Brittany Barry was a two-time All-American and National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Region selection. She was a three-time Boston Globe Prep School All-Star and received All-State and All-League accolades. Barry set the program record with 81 goals (in three seasons) and captained her team to the WWNEPSSA Cup League and the Western New England Class B championships in 2010. At the College of Saint Rose, she led her team to the Division II national championship in 2011. Prior to WMA, she set the Massachusetts single-season state record with 59 goals while at the High School of Science & Technology.

INDIVIDUALS

Russell Dinkins ’09, Athlete

Russell Dinkins broke school Track & Field records in the 4x100 meters, 4x400, 300 hurdles, 400, 800 and 1500. The three-time Most Outstanding Athlete at the D3 NEPSTA Outdoor championships also earned All-American honors at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 2008. At Princeton, Russell was a First Team All-American selection as an NCAA Champion in 2013 (distance medley relay). He was a two-time Second Team All-American (800m, 4x400m) and a six-time Ivy League champion. Post-collegiately, he placed fourth at the 2017 USA Indoor Championships in the 600m and has competed at four USA Championships.

TEAMS

Boys Basketball 1968-1969

New England Class B Champions (19-2)

Front row, from left: Kevin Rhodes ’71, Steve Stratos ’69, Ford Dabney ’69, Dennis Marshall ’69, David Castleman ’69, Roger Wallace ’69.

Back row, from left: Manager Norman Landerman ’70, Benjamin Wilson ’69, Richard Meehan ’69, Brian Marsden ’69, Garry St. Jean ’69, Stephen McDowell ’69, Neil Harrington ’69, Coach Michael Shepperd.

Girls Soccer 2000

On ground: Ashley Augusto ’04

First row, from left: Amber Fijol ’01, Katrina Rodzik ’05, Maria Merritt ’05, Jaime Prashaw ’01, Megan McKeown ’01, Jennifer Reid ’01, Kathryne Scyocurka ’02, Lauren Pinkston ’01.

Back row, from left: Head Coach Don Nicholson ’79, Assistant Coach Karen Nicholson, Manager Josh Clauss ’01, Katrina Tsoumas ’02, Elizabeth Hurlbut ’02, Carrie Scott-Smith ’03, Nicole Nicholson ’03, Stacie Brzoska ’04, Bethany Reid ’04, Laura Craven ’04, Miranda Carr ’03, Angelique Kelley ’03, Manager Julie Duffy ’03, Assistant Coach Trish Lynn.

alumni in athleti C s

Bill Guerin ’89

‘I had a lot of great memories … with the crew of friends I had we were creating memories every day’

by bill wells Director of Student Promotion

Few people can honestly say they reached the peak within their industry.

Happiness? Sure. Success? Absolutely. But the one percent of the one percent? Unequivocally the best of the best? No.

In the world of professional ice hockey, Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Bill Guerin ’89 has made it to the top of the mountain a few times. Remarkably, he’s done so in different

capacities. Even now, he’s trying to accomplish what so few others have.

Mr. Guerin is one of the greatest American-born hockey players in the history of the National Hockey League. His playing career spanned 18 years, which included becoming just the 214th player to skate in 1,000 career games in the NHL, which dates back to 1917.

“I believe it was loving the game, consistency and health,” said Mr. Guerin, who was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013. “I consistently trained hard and that enabled me to perform at a high level while staying healthy. My love for the game made all of this possible.”

But Mr. Guerin did much more than merely

play in the NHL. He thrived, winning his first of two Stanley Cups in 1995 with the New Jersey Devils the team that selected him with the fifth overall pick out of Boston College in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.

“Words can’t describe the feeling (of winning the Stanley Cup). Honestly,” Mr. Guerin said. “It’s just the peak of everything you’ve worked for as an individual and a team. (It was) very emotional.”

Nearly 15 years and six other teams later and with retirement on the horizon, Mr. Guerin was traded late in the season to the powerful Pittsburgh Penguins. He embraced the change, recording 15 points including two game-winners in 24 playoff games as the Penguins claimed the 2009 Stanley Cup.

“The difference (in the experience) was four children,” Mr. Guerin said. “(My wife) Kara and I were together for the first one and had always tried to explain the experience to (the kids). This time around we got to share the experience together as a family.”

Between Stanley Cups, another dream came true for Mr. Guerin three times. He was selected to play for Team USA at the Olympic Games in 1998, 2002 and 2006.

“Representing your country in any way is one of the highest honors you can have,” said Mr. Guerin, who played a key role in the team winning the silver medal in 2002 in Salt Lake City, Utah. “I take a lot of pride in the fact that I have been able to represent the USA multiple times and every time it was an amazing experience.”

Professional hockey, however, did have its downfalls.

While players in the NHL are often the most fit and toughest athletes of any sport, the physical play game after game takes a toll, especially for someone like Mr. Guerin, who didn’t hesitate to use his 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame. The most challenging part, though, actually came off the ice.

“It’s not an easy life despite what most people think,” Mr. Guerin said. “The trades were tough, too. Tough on me but tougher on (wife) Kara and the kids. New schools, (new) teams, having to make new friends every few years got tough.”

Mr. Guerin played for eight teams. To the outsider, that may appear that Mr. Guerin wasn’t wanted. Quite the contrary. More than once, he was traded later in the regular season to a team hoping to make a deep run in the playoffs. In his 18 seasons, Mr. Guerin’s teams fought for the Stanley Cup 15 times.

Upon his retirement, Mr. Guerin’s 429 goals ranked seventh all-time among American-born players. He also handed out 427 assists for a total of 856 points in 1,263 games. He became the first player in NHL history to record 20 or more goals in a season for seven different teams. He was named to the NHL All-Star Game four times.

When he retired from playing in 2010, he didn’t stay away from the ice long. Instead of being on it, he was up a few levels, hired in 2011 as Pittsburgh’s Player Development Coach.

“I always knew I wanted to stay in the game, I just didn’t know if it was going to be coaching or management,” Mr. Guerin said. “After taking a player development job with Pittsburgh, I was exposed to all areas of the business of hockey. It was clear that being a GM is what really excited me.”

In 2014 he was promoted to Assistant General Manager, with the Penguins hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017, giving him four for his career two as a player and two in management.

“It was a totally different experience than as a player but still very rewarding,” he described. “You put a lot of work in behind the scenes and to see it all pay off makes everything worth it.”

Another promotion came just months after his fourth Stanley Cup, with Pittsburgh elevating

Mr. Guerin to General Manager of the team’s American Hockey League affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Pennsylvania). Two years later, he was offered a job too good to pass up General Manager of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild.

“The most challenging thing is making sure the entire hockey operations department is running strong,” said Mr. Guerin, whose team has reached the playoffs five of the six years he’s been GM. “It’s definitely a moving target. I have an incredible support staff that helps me every day with this.”

Mr. Guerin didn’t play hockey at WMA, instead opting to be a member of the Springfield Olympics, a powerful club team in Greater Springfield, Massachusetts. Regardless, Mr. Guerin loved his time at the Academy, so much so that he joined the Board of Trustees.

“I guess my big thing was helping bring the hockey program (back),” Mr. Guerin said. “It’s a lot more difficult than I imagined. We have some great people who are very passionate about it and it got done. As a board member, I just want to help make the school better.”

In his six years as a student at the Academy, a number of people helped make Mr. Guerin better, namely Mr. Phil Cardone, Mr. Don Kelly, Mr. Don Nicholson ’79 and Mr. Bill McCullough. Mr. Guerin also played Boys Lacrosse for the Coachmen, who won four consecutive Connecticut Valley Division II titles from 1986– 89, which included his senior season.

“I had a lot of great memories,” he recalled. “I think beating Longmeadow (my senior year) in lacrosse and winning the championship was one of the best, but with the crew of friends I had we were creating memories every day.”

A native of Wilbraham, Mr. Guerin lives in Wayzata, Minnesota, with Kara. They have four adult children: Kayla, 28, Grace, 26, Liam, 24 and Lexi, 22.

Xavier James ’84

‘WMA shaped me academically … I was a good student, but WMA made me better’

by mi K e manni X Leadership Giving Officer

Xavier James ’84 came to Wilbraham & Monson Academy because of his, and his mother’s, desire for a stronger and more challenging academic environment. Sports was never a factor in the decision to attend the school.

Now, more than 40 years later, Mr. James has risen to the position of Chief Operating Officer of the Major League Baseball Players Association, the labor union for all Major League and Minor League baseball players.

Although he developed an early passion for sports, he did not initially envision a career in the field, particularly in baseball.

“During my time at Wilbraham, I played football, basketball and track,” Mr. James said. “Ironically, I never participated in baseball.”

The journey to WMA from his hometown in New York was made possible by the organization “A Better Chance.”

“I applied to a program called A Better Chance,” Mr. James said. “It is an organization that provides kids that are academically promising to attend private schools all over the country. ABC suggested WMA for me. I visited the school and met the headmaster. It seemed to be a fit and the rest is history.

“WMA shaped me academically. It was challenging especially considering where I was coming from. I struggled to make the transition in my first year, but I made a successful transition and it laid the academic foundation for college. I was a good student, but WMA made me better.

“My writing improved immensely. For the first time in my life I was writing term papers and that trained me well because that is what I did the most in college, especially as a political science major. WMA helped me get to where I am today because of how well it prepared me.

“In terms of teachers at the Academy, Mr. Ed Dunn was both my football coach and history teacher. Mr. Dunn was an outstanding teacher and coach. He was the person that made the largest impression on me in both sports and academics. He was a fantastic faculty member.”

After receiving a bachelor’s degree from New York University, Mr. James remained at NYU to attend law school. His juris doctor degree from

NYU gave him his first opportunity to work in sports as he eventually worked in the legal department at HBO focused on original programming.

“I drafted and reviewed contracts in connection with various shows produced or distributed by the network, which included sports programming such as Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel and boxing,” Mr. James said. “Among other things, I drafted the boxing contracts that were sent to promoters like Don King and Bob Arum, and then I was promoted out of the legal department into the HBO Sports department as a business executive.”

Mr. James later returned to NYU to earn an MBA.

“Opportunities continued to present themselves and one of those was meeting Gary Sheffield, who was a Major League Baseball player at the time we met,” Mr. James said. “I became his lawyer after leaving HBO, which opened the door for me to work in the baseball industry.”

Mr. James now works in Manhattan, N.Y., as the Chief Operating Officer of the MLBPA and lives in nearby Westchester County, where he raised his three children with his wife, Leticia. In his current role, Mr. James helps oversee the MLBPA as it serves as the collective bargaining representative for players and also represents some of their collective bargaining interests.

Working with Major League Baseball players has been an experience that has a “full circle” feeling for Mr. James.

“I grew up in the South Bronx, not far from Yankee Stadium,” he said. “I can recall being in my neighborhood and hearing the noise from Yankee Stadium as Reggie Jackson had a three home run game in the 1977 World Series. I was a Yankees fan, and Reggie Jackson was my favorite player. Connecting what I do now to childhood moments like that is very special to me.”

Mr. James now cherishes the opportunity to give back and impact lives. He serves as the Vice Chair for the Players Trust (the charitable arm of the MLBPA). The organization’s mission states: A world in which Players are engaged in their communities, helping others realize and experience hope, prosperity and wellness.

WMA shaped me academically. It was challenging especially considering where I was coming from. I struggled to make the transition in my first year, but I made a successful transition and it laid the academic foundation for college. I was a good student, but WMA made me better.”

X aV ier james ’84

“I try to give back by serving on various boards of nonprofit organizations,” Mr. James said. “I enjoy assisting organizations whose mission statements specifically help young people develop.”

As he looks back, Mr. James recalls what helped him navigate his career path so successfully. While teaching in NYU’s sport management program, he would encourage his students to keep an open mind about what path they might take in the sports industry.

“Keep your options open,” he said. “I would tell my students to do research and consider all options before you make a decision on what pathway you will follow because the sports industry is more diverse than working for teams or leagues. The former president of CBS Sports, Neal Pilson, offered this advice to me: ‘Sales is an evergreen skill set. Learn how to sell. That will be transferable to any industry including sports. Most importantly learn how to sell yourself.’”

alumni in athleti C s

Rick Bennett ’86

‘My experience at WMA was a huge, huge success … the school gave me a chance’

by russ hel D

Associate Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications

There have been many chapters in the book of life for Rick Bennett ’86.

And none, perhaps, as important as the one scripted during his one year at Wilbraham & Monson Academy.

“My experience at WMA was a huge, huge success,” Mr. Bennett said. “I’m so glad I did it. I was definitely not going on to play college hockey without being there. The school gave me a chance, and I wanted so much to prove my worth.”

The proof today is in the form of a decorated hockey career that includes high-level college and National Hockey League tenure as a player and now as a college coach.

Oh … and there was a national championship in there, too.

That fame as a heralded coach transpired for Mr. Bennett in the form of a NCAA Division I title in 2014 at Union College, a school of 2,000 students where all but its hockey teams competed in Division III.

And while the rest of the world viewed that championship run as a Cinderella story, it was anything but for Mr. Bennett and the Schenectady, New York, program.

“People say it was a miracle-type thing for the team, but I can disagree,” Mr. Bennett said. “We

still had very, very good players. We didn’t start out (the season) very well, but we picked it up and had a lot of steam at the end.

“We had older guys, which you certainly don’t see today, and we were all business. We reached the Frozen Four two years before that, and we were just happy to be there then. In 2014, there was no more ‘wow’ to it. We had players who had been there before, and they were so focussed.”

And as a defining moment (to date) of his career, it has delivered.

“As much as you never want to forget, there is almost a constant reminder about that team and that season,” Mr. Bennett said. “It’s always there in recruiting …”

That Mr. Bennett, whose love for hockey has stretched from the youth level to the NHL, even embarked on a hockey career is likely in his words the miracle. And it started late during his postgraduate year at WMA.

“With my counselor (Ms. Judith Roberts), who was so great to me, we had a list of 30 schools and Providence was No. 30,” Mr. Bennett said. “They had reached the NCAA final (in 1985) and PC was a tremendous reach for me. I was not heavily recruited, and when the season ended I went to a prep school (all-star) game at Harvard with a lot of top guys my age. I had a good day and after that game, things changed for me. I made that decision to commit to PC that summer.”

At Providence, he blossomed. Mr. Bennett was a four-year letterwinner, co-captain, Hobey

Baker award finalist and an All-American. He was a third-round pick in the NHL Draft, and playing parts of three seasons with the New York Rangers highlighted his 10-year professional career.

Mr. Bennett has spent all but two of the last 25 seasons behind the bench in the college ranks. The first five were as an assistant at PC. Then came 18 years at Union, including the last 12 as head coach.

“My time at Union was tremendous, still is and we had a good split,” said Mr. Bennett, who spoke fondly of a 10th-year (championship season) reunion last year. “It’s a special place and it was a special time.”

He moved on to a one-year stop as an assistant at Quinnipiac University and was hired in the same capacity in June at the University of Maine.

“I was in a great spot (at Quinnipiac) with (head coach) Rand Pecknold, who has the potential to be the all-time winningest coach in Division I history,” Mr. Bennett said. “And now I’m back with (Maine head coach) Ben Barr (a former Union assistant) with a storied program (Maine) that speaks for itself.”

“I am working hard to be the best assistant coach,”Mr. Bennett said. “I’m learning and getting better all the time. If an (head coaching)

opportunity happens somewhere, I’d be honored. I’ve already done that, and right now I am certainly not riding it out at this (career) point.”

Multiple high-level coaching honors which Mr. Bennett is adamant in saying pale in comparison to winning hockey games have included the Spencer Penrose Award, as the American Hockey Coaches Association Division I Coach of the Year in 2014.

“I’ve never been a person who cared about points (and awards),” Mr. Bennett said. “They look good and smell good, but I’m not about that … and never have been.”

Statistically, you’ll find what Mr. Bennett humbly described as a “probably inflated” PG season of 30 goals and 69 assists in 20 games under head coach Bill McCullough at WMA.

“I’ve always wondered about that, because I was playing defense and forward, and I don’t remember it being like that,” he said. “We had players who were pretty good hockey players. And the line that I was on? Jimmy Kervick and Chris Falcon? They were tremendous and that’s what really helped me.”

After graduating from the former Classical High School in his hometown of Springfield,

Massachusetts, Mr. Bennett said, “WMA was the only school that had reached out to me.”

Mr. Bennett played football for a very short time at WMA, before a pinched nerve sent him over to his familiar spot on the soccer field for the fall. A season of lifting and outdoor track rounded out his time on campus.

“I was there for hockey and, outside of that, it was tremendous for me,” Mr. Bennett said. “Academically, I was far from ready to go to college and I was unsure if hockey was in the plan. It was special just to see the other side of life. I hadn’t been wearing a sports jacket and tie to school. That was an eye opener for a guy from Springfield. That structure, that sets you up for life.”

“The class structure, the smaller classrooms. You had to be prepared going into class. You couldn’t hide, and I’ve taken that with me through life.”

Along the way, Mr. Bennett has devoted family time and life to wife, Karyn, daughters Haley, Brooke and Lakyn and sons Race and Danny.

“I still text or talk to people, but I haven’t been back to campus in a long time,” Mr. Bennett said. “Shame on me. But I did talk to the Head of School (Brian P. Easler) about the hockey program, and I am so happy they revived it.

alumni in athleti C s

Kelsey (Gomes) Ruppert ’13

‘My WMA experience is summed up in one word: Grateful’

by sean Valentine Director of Development

Attended a National Hockey League or Major League Baseball game lately?

If so, you have probably experienced or seen at least one of the following things: bobble-head night, T-shirt toss, veterans being honored, youth program participants running the bases or a community leader riding the Zamboni. Maybe you’ve gotten a commemorative co-branded soda cup or had your photo taken with the mascot at the Family Zone.

If any of these have been part of your Tampa Bay Lightning game experience over the past few years, then you have experienced the work of Kelsey (Gomes) Ruppert ’13.

As the Account Manager for Partnership Marketing at Vinik Sports Group (the ownership group of the Tampa Bay Lightning), Ms. Ruppert works with the team’s partners to connect their goals and brand with Tampa Bay’s fans and community.

“I love my job because it’s always different,” she said. “There is no typical day. Sometimes I’m setting up tents outside the arena for a corporate partner and checking on all their advertising items; other days I’m scheduling player visits with a local children’s hospital and then working with our media team on commercial placements and scoreboard graphics.

“I work with 15 different partners during the season, from national brands to local brands so it’s a fast-paced environment but really rewarding.”

Ms. Ruppert has been in Tampa Bay, Florida, since early 2020, first working for the Tampa Bay Rays before joining Vinik Sports Group in 2022. But she has been activating sponsorship and executing contracts for sport partners since graduating from High Point (North Carolina) University in 2017.

“I went to college as a BioChem major,” she

said. “I played club soccer and softball too, but eventually stopped to focus more on academics. I found I missed sports, having played so much growing up. It’s a part of me, so I decided to change my major to Communications & Sports Management.”

A six-month internship with the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League gave Ms. Ruppert the opportunity to experience many different aspects of a professional sports team and the business. This included working with the team’s corporate and community partners. She found she enjoyed the impact and dynamism of this work.

“As anyone who has interned anywhere knows, you end up doing a bit of everything, and this is where I discovered partnerships,” Ms. Ruppert said. “I loved making connections in the community, and that the work was on and off the field. I knew I could never do a desk job, so this seemed like a great fit. I’m not sure I’d have made this discovery without my Spirit experience. Internships all the way!”

Ms. Ruppert never looked back.

After a stint in external operations with the Southern Conference, she took a position as Partnership Services Coordinator with Learfield IMG College in Winston-Salem, N.C., working with Wake Forest University Athletics.

In January 2020, she joined the Rays as Corporate Partnerships Services and Activations Manager.

“I moved in January 2020 to Tampa, Florida, and of course, in March, everything changed!” Ms. Ruppert said of COVID-19.

“But baseball was one of the first ‘normal’ things to come back in some fashion, but it was a modified season for our partners. No in-person gatherings, player visits or on-field experiences. It had a lot of

broadcast-based elements and online events. I also had the team’s entire portfolio of 65 partners!

“But I got to attend the World Series that year in Texas for Games 1 and 2, and got an ALCS (American League Championship Series) ring, so that was really amazing after all the hard work from the 2020 season.”

Ms. Ruppert switched from grass to ice by joining Vinik Sports Group and the Tampa Bay Lightning, but only partly. Vinik Sports Group also operates the Yuengling Center at nearby University of South Florida and manages the school’s athletic partnerships, so Ms. Ruppert works with many of the company’s collegiate partners too, which brings its own challenges.

“We do basketball and football,” she said. “Some of the work is the same, but there are some

differences. Player interactions are a lot different, for instance, especially with the new NIL (Name Image & Likeness) rules. So my work there tends to be more around advertising and broadcast rather than player based.”

But before all that, she was a Titan.

Growing up in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, Ms. Ruppert was well aware of the Academy as a youngster. Her older brother Nick attended the WMA Middle School, so she was often around campus for games and events.

She says she always had the option to attend the Middle School herself, but chose to stay in her local school, much to the chagrin of WMA Girls Soccer Coach Don Nicholson ’79, who knew a good player when he saw one.

“My brother is four years older, so I was always around WMA,” Ms. Ruppert said. “Coach Nicholson learned I played soccer and would come and watch my youth games. He really wanted me to come, but I liked my middle school. Finally, I came to WMA for my freshman year, which is funny because that same year Nick transferred to Suffield Academy!”

As a varsity athlete in soccer, softball and basketball, Ms. Ruppert’s days were very busy, but she somehow found time to be a Gold Key tour guide and write for the Atlas newspaper.

“Mr. (Erik) Kindblom and Mr. (Don) Kelly were my softball coaches, and Mr. (Stuart) Whitcomb was one of my assistant basketball coaches,” she said. “I had Dr. (Kathleen) Gorski as my chemistry teacher and loved it. It’s a hard subject, but she really helped me to understand it. She’s the reason I started as a BioChem major in college.

“WMA will always be a place I take my family back to visit, stay up to date on the changes and understand the impact they are making on the students for years to come after they leave WMA. My WMA experience is summed up in one word: Grateful. Grateful for all the ups and downs, wins and losses, difficult classes and for the faculty always wanting the best for the student athletes.”

One of Ms. Ruppert’s best friends at WMA was soccer teammate Christina Wakefield ’14, whom she knew from the youth league before coming to the Academy.

“Our parents knew each other, and we played against each other before becoming teammates at the Academy,” Ms. Ruppert said. “We had 10 seniors on the team when I graduated in 2013, so Coach Nick took a big hit that year. I’ve lost touch with many of my other teammates, sadly, but not Christina. She was my maid of honor at my wedding and is now coaching at my alma mater!”

So what’s next for Ms. Ruppert’s career?

“Having worked in partnerships from the team and league perspective, I’d love to jump to the brand side of partnerships,” Ms. Ruppert said. “It would be interesting to see it from the other side,

and knowing how the team office thinks would be really useful to the brand. Working on the team side across multiple locations can be long hours, and with two young daughters at home now, a little better work-life balance wouldn’t be a bad thing either!”

So next time you’re enjoying the sights and sounds of your favorite ballpark or arena, remember that someone like Ms. Ruppert is behind the scenes making the partner signage, broadcast commercials, advertisements, promotions and in-game features part of your fan experience.

alumni in athleti C s Ben Hewett ’06

‘I learned to prioritize, to adapt and to face new challenges head-on’

by m elissa earls Associate Head of School, Dean of Academics

Ben Hewett ’06 has been immersed in the game of baseball since age 3.

A lifelong athlete turned coach, entrepreneur and mentor, Mr. Hewett now stands at the helm of a youth sports empire in Illinois he leads 36 baseball and softball teams, operates a training facility and mentors hundreds of aspiring athletes each year. Yet when he reflects on the formative moments that shaped his life and career, Wilbraham & Monson Academy remains a cornerstone.

Mr. Hewett transferred to WMA for his senior year alongside his brother and postgraduate Marc Hewett ’06, a fellow ballplayer recovering from Tommy John surgery. Leaving behind a familiar school where he had already earned his stripes as a team captain and standout athlete wasn’t easy.

“I fought my dad not to go,” Mr. Hewett said. “I was at a good baseball school (Framingham High School), with senior year to look forward to. Then suddenly I’m at WMA, dressing up for class and forced to play a second sport.

“I was playing soccer with Coach (Gary) Cook, and learning a whole new offense and defense, and a way to play the game that was challenging compared to freshman year at my other school.”

It was a humbling shift but ultimately a transformative one.

“At WMA, I had to restart,” Mr. Hewett said. “It forced me to grow up, take care of myself, live independently. I learned to prioritize, to adapt and to face new challenges head-on. College wasn’t a culture shock because I’d already experienced so much at WMA.”

Mr. Hewett quickly made his mark at WMA, helping lead the baseball team to a co-championship with Salisbury School in 2006. He fondly remembers being coached by Mr. John Boozang and Mr. Erik Kindblom, and playing alongside his brother.

“The relationships I built there have lasted my entire life,” Mr. Hewett said. “We all go to each other’s weddings. And bachelor parties. Those bonds are real.”

Following WMA, Mr. Hewett and his brother played at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, where Hewett was a three-year starter, earned an All-Academic Team selection and has the distinction of being the program’s only Gold Glove catcher.

He went on to play professionally for three seasons (2011 – 2013). He earned his master’s in Business Administration after transitioning to collegiate coaching at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, where he won back-to-back conference championships as an assistant coach.

But Mr. Hewett’s ambitions didn’t end on the field. Simultaneously, he was building a business that has since become one of the largest youth sports programs in the Midwest.

College wasn’t a culture shock because I’d already experienced so much at WMA.”

ben hewett ’06

As founding president of the Illinois Hawks Baseball & Fast Pitch, Mr. Hewett oversees elite travel teams, year-round skills development and mentorship for players ages 10 to 18. His teams have sent more than 320 athletes to college programs, with 10 reaching the professional ranks.

“I wanted to create a place that focused on year-to-year growth and development,” Mr. Hewett said of the Aurora, Illinois-based, organization. “We take the best players and put them on select teams, but the heart of the program is about building character, confidence and work ethic.”

He’s also the owner of a state-of-the-art, 76,000-square-foot sports dome that serves as a training ground not just for his teams but for other local programs and community athletes. His model is as much about opportunity as it is about skill.

“I want these kids to see that with hard work and the right mindset, they can go far,” said Mr. Hewett, who lives in Oswego, Illinois, with wife, Hannah, and their dogs Boston, Henry and Yogi.

Despite the scale of his success, Mr. Hewett still finds challenges in the day-to-day work.

“There’s so much intricacy in running this between coaching, managing parents and staying on top of the logistics,” he said. “One of the hardest parts is not always being able to enjoy the games because you’re handling everything else.”

Yet, the rewards are just as great. Mr. Hewett understands that similar to teaching, when you watch a kid grow over the years, not just as an athlete but as a person it’s both motivational and inspirational.

“Seeing them succeed, knowing you helped shape that journey, it’s incredibly fulfilling,” he said.

Hewett credits several individuals with shaping his own path.

“Coach Boozang, Coach Kindblom those guys made an impact,” he said. “So did Mr. (Brian) Easler. I can empathize with Mr. Easler. He adapts and gets his message out better than most people. I still follow him. He’s an amazing leader.”

Mr. Hewett shared advice for today’s students: “Put your feet in the ground build your foundation. Trust the process. Don’t focus on results focus on your work ethic. That will serve you for the rest of your life.”

Mr. Hewett continues to follow the Academy’s growth from afar.

“I think WMA is doing a phenomenal job,” he said. “The school is thriving. It’s great to see where it’s heading, because it shaped who I am.”

Now a husband, business owner and mentor, Mr. Hewett lives a life defined by commitment, resilience and joy values he says were sharpened and solidified during his time at WMA.

“I’m living a happy life,” he said. “And I have WMA to thank for that.”

Christina Wakefield ’14

WMA ‘showed me the level of effort it takes to build a winning team and how important it is to do the small things right’ alumni in athleti C s

by sean Valentine Director of Development

In May 2025, Christina Wakefield ’14 was named Assistant Coach for Women’s Soccer at High Point (North Carolina) University. This followed similar coaching positions at Auburn University, Stephen F. Austin State University and Gettysburg College. Ms. Wakefield spoke with Director of Development Sean Valentine about her passion for sports, coaching philosophy and how WMA prepared her for (and steered her toward) a career in collegiate athletics.

WMA: When did you know that coaching was what you wanted to do?

Ms. Wakefield: Honestly it wasn’t really on my radar until college. In my junior year (at Boston University), I tore my ACL, and then I tore my other ACL my senior year. At that point I knew I wasn’t ready to give up soccer, and I felt athletics was a really huge part of my identity. But I also knew that I was going to have to shift into something other than actively playing, so I decided to give coaching a shot and see if I liked it. I got hired at Gettysburg and loved it. Since then I have bounced around to keep pursuing it.

What is your role with the team as an assistant coach, specifically?

My focus primarily is with the team’s attacking forwards, getting possession of the ball and scoring goals. So during our practices that’s what I’m working on with them: setting up plays, drilling patterns, getting reps on goal, etc. It’s also preparing our attack for the other team’s defensive strategies, so that means watching a lot of video and figuring out what we might be up against. Then on game day, it’s bringing that knowledge and practice together while also helping our players adjust to what’s happening on the field in real time. I was a forward myself, so that’s where my passion is.

hat about off the field?

Recruiting. That’s the other huge part of the job. I’ll go to different places sometimes just by myself and other times with the head coach and watch games from early morning to 6 p.m. or later observing young players. Sometimes you only see a specific player

for 10 or 15 minutes and have to decide if they’d be a fit just from that. Then it’s communicating with the family, trying to get them to come to campus, managing all of those logistics, working with the Admissions Office and our team’s head coach. It’s a lot, and the process has been a little different at each of the schools I’ve been at, but I love getting to know the players and identifying their skills.

Are you keeping the players on track with their academics, too?

Not at Auburn or here at High Point University. The team has a dedicated academic advisor who oversees all that, but I will help organize and get players to study halls, especially when we’re on the road. Obviously the NCAA has rules around academic eligibility, so it’s an important thing to be aware of. It’s a piece of the recruiting puzzle as well; you don’t want to bring someone in who isn’t going to be able to stay on the field because of their academics, so we look at their GPA and other indicators during that process. So we kind of control it, but at the same time women soccer players seem to have things well in hand, at least in my experience.

How would you describe your approach to coaching?

I’m a hard coach! I demand a lot from my players. But I can’t do that until I build the trust and connection to have them buy in and listen. So it’s all about relationship building, and once we’ve got that we can build something together. It’s also about understanding that every player is different, and then finding ways to get through to each of them individually, whether it’s around technical soccer stuff or life. So, yeah, I’m demanding but I work to earn it first.

As a young player, did your own coaches influence your thoughts on becoming a coach yourself and your approach to it?

Totally. Coach (Don) Nicholson at WMA was a huge influence on me, as were my college coaches. They showed me the level of effort it takes to build a winning team, and how important it is to do the small things right. Coach Nicholson taught me that coaching doesn’t end at the sideline; that it’s so much more than just soccer. He taught me about life and tackling challenges. I absorbed all these lessons, and I’ve found I really enjoy being that voice for the young women on my teams. It’s one of the main reasons I love my job so much.

Your sister attended WMA, so did you know you were going to as well?

Yeah, pretty much. My sister Chelby graduated in 2009 and she played for Coach Nicholson. He knew I played too, so he’d ask me to be the ball girl at their games. Coach Nicholson was a great recruiter, and he’d come watch my youth games at Soccer City in Wilbraham (Massachusetts). So it was pretty much a done deal.

You played basketball at WMA as well? No, actually. I was the team manager my senior year. I’ve never played basketball competitively in my life! But I was on the ski team!

Earning an MVP (Soccer and Skiing) and Coaches Award (Skiing), no less. What else comes to mind about your time at WMA?

I was a Gold Key tour guide for at least a couple years, I remember. I joined Bike Club with Mr. (John) Lombard in my senior year. Summer of junior and senior year, I was a Beech Tree Summer Camp counselor. I remember so many

teachers like Mr. (Stuart) Whitcomb, Mr. (Brian) Lautenschleger, Ms. (Meg) Hutchinson, Mr. (Wally) Swanson, Ms. (Erika) Whipple, Mr. (Mike) Mannix. I read all the Academy newsletters and the (Academy World) magazine, and it’s so nice to see so many of my teachers still there.

You are good friends with Kelsey (Gomes) Ruppert ’13. She is in this Academy World issue as well for her work with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Yes! That’s so funny. Our parents knew each other and we were soccer teammates, and actually played against one another in club league. We’ve stayed tight since WMA, and I’ll definitely be crashing on her couch when I’m in Florida recruiting.

What’s next for you?

It’s still a lot of recruiting, and then preseason training. I’m really looking forward to the season. The university is amazing and the people have been fantastic. Right now I’m focused on making our team the best it can be. I don’t plan to stop coaching anytime soon!

Notes: Ms. Wakefield attended Boston University, graduating in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. As a Terrier, she was a First Team All-Patriot League selection as a senior in 2017 and helped the team capture back-to-back Patriot League titles to earn consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division I tournament. She was selected for the Bloomsberg Leadership Academy, aimed at growing leadership skills in work, school and athletic environments. She also earned her master’s in Administration of Higher Education from Auburn University in 2022.

alumni in athleti C s

Jeff Cook ’85

‘WMA ignited a lifelong passion that was able to become the focal point of my career’

by gary C oo K Faculty, retired

If you are looking for Jeff Cook ’85, you will find him again this fall in the same place he has been since he entered Wilbraham & Monson Academy in the ninth grade on a soccer field.

Upon the completion of his playing days as a Coachman and at Bates College, Mr. Cook swapped his boots for a whistle, and he has coached soccer ever since!

First a year in the preps, then to college as an assistant, a head coach, off to the professional side, and today as a collegiate head coach.

A lifelong learner, Mr. Cook spent eight years earning the most challenging and top-tier European coaching licenses including the prestigious Union of European Football Associations Pro License.

Through it all, the roots and memories of his Academy experience teachers, teammates and especially coaches remain strong, as is his commitment to values, and the transformation of people and lives that happens through playing sports.

“I believe WMA helped me understand the student-athlete perspective and an appreciation for the lessons that athletic participation can teach that impact an individual in every area of their lives,” he said. “In my opinion, an impactful coach is one that is a teacher, a mentor and simply

uses the chosen sport as a vehicle to create lasting impact. The technical skills or athletic capacity increases as you go up to higher levels but, at its foundation, sports is about relationships, common goals and creating memories.”

Arriving in 1981 as a day student, Mr. Cook departed a true scholar-athlete. He fully embraced the daily challenges and opportunities of this community. A three-year varsity starter, Mr. Cook was a key piece during his senior year of Coach Gary Cook’s first playoff team.

Mr. Cook had never held a lacrosse stick until WMA, when Dean Bill LaBelle gave him one and said, “This is your spring sport!” He earned team MVP honors in 1984 and was a senior co-captain.

A varsity wrestler for all four years, he was a senior co-captain, team co-MVP and he competed at the Prep Nationals at Lehigh University.

Academically, a full transcript of successful Honors and AP classes led to his induction at graduation as a member of the Cum Laude Society. Mr. Cook earned WMA’s George E. Rogers Award for scholarship, participation and sportsmanship in athletics, and he was the Senior Class Commencement speaker.

Looking back, Mr. Cook said: “The impact that WMA has had on the trajectory of my career and my life would be very hard to put into words.

“It opened up avenues that would not have been available without this experience going to school with students from around the world, exploring academic opportunities in a whole new way … the soccer program at WMA ignited a lifelong passion that was able to become the focal point of my career.”

At Bates, Mr. Cook captained the soccer team and also played four years of lacrosse. He graduated in 1989 with an economics degree.

Mr. Cook began his coaching experiences, one year again with LaBelle (then the Headmaster of the Winchendon School) coaching soccer

and lacrosse while teaching. He moved on to a graduate assistant role for the men’s soccer team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Mr. Cook secured his first head coaching position at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, winning more than 30 games in his three seasons. In 1994, he became an assistant coach in the Ivy League at Dartmouth College.

“Jeff was an outstanding assistant, and I knew he wouldn’t last (here),” Dartmouth coach Fran O’Leary said. “Jeff had an even-keeled nature. He listens and he chooses his words carefully. So many coaches scream and yell, not him. He’s a real thinker and his career demonstrates clearly Jeff is one of the best coaches in the country.”

His career was on its way, with two Division I head positions over the next 17 seasons. In five years at the University of Cincinnati, the Bearcats qualified for their first NCAA tournament, reached their highest national ranking (No. 15) and he was named Conference Coach of the Year in 1997.

Mr. Cook returned to Dartmouth in 2001 for the first of 12 seasons as head coach. His teams won five Ivy League championships, made seven NCAA tournament trips including two Sweet 16s, earned five consecutive Team Academic Awards and had several All Americans.

Mr. Cook later worked for the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer as a professional coach to assist their youth development program. Among other duties, he was head coach of the Under 17 and Under 19 squads, and first assistant for the Bethlehem Steel of the USL league.

“At the pro level, I learned it is very important to stay true to your beliefs and be authentic,”

Mr. Cook said. “There can be high pressure and intense environments. You can’t try to copy someone else or make decisions out of character. Trust is all important, and character development was central to my WMA experience in and out of the classroom.”

In 2018, Jeff became the men’s soccer head coach at Penn State University. His teams have won the Big Ten, returned to the NCAA postseason and he has been named a Coach of the Year.

He has won more than 240 career games at the collegiate level, produced over 30 professionals, including Senior International and Olympic players, All Americans and Academic All-Americans. More than 12 former players or assistants are now head coaches, a testament that

Mr. Cook loves the teaching, the life skills and mentoring that coaching includes.

Mr. Cook traces a lot back to his experiences at WMA.

“My memories focus on the people when I think back on the incredibly powerful experience I had at WMA,” he said. “The friends I made, like David LaBelle (’85), Tony Pangan (’85), Terry Chan (’84), countless teammates and classmates. The teachers and staff that helped shape me … Mr. Cook, Mr. LaBelle, Mr. (Steve) Detra, Mr. (Phil) Cardone and Mr. (Bill) McCullough, my college counselor Judy Roberts and many, many others left an impression of care and guidance that lasts with me until this day more significantly than a specific class, academic topic, or even the result of a game or how a season went.

“There was, and remains, a feeling about WMA, the walk up the hill, school meetings at the Chapel, practice fields, the wrestling room Mr. Detra’s art and architecture class, he created such a great atmosphere, these images remain in my mind’s eye and are unquestionably positive.”

Mr. Cook is especially proud of the love and support from his wife, Christina, and sons Liam and Kieron, both Penn States grads.

Coaching has a tally attached to it: wins and losses, titles, championships, awards. But the human side of any great coach over a career, like Mr. Cook’s, is what really matters. His leadership, forming relationships that last, mentoring others in your field, memories of joy and sorrow, character and values reflect all that is great about athletics.

We never know what experiences and human connections will change our lives forever, until long after they happen. Or where a calling and a love of a sport might lead to a career and a journey. What we do know is where to find Jeff Cook, Class of 1985, this fall.

alumni in athleti C s

Julie Duffy ’03

‘WMA shaped my trajectory. It gave me independence and helped me understand how I learn best.’

by melissa earls

Associate Head of School, Dean of Academics

In the world of athletics, true impact is often measured not in wins or rankings, but in growth both individual and collective.

For Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Julie Duffy ’03, now a respected coach and recruiter in the inner circles of women’s lacrosse, that principle has guided an impressive and evolving career rooted in mentorship, development and lasting influence.

Currently serving as a coach at the Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts, and as a full-time staff member with the Revolution Lacrosse youth club team, Ms. Duffy has

dedicated her professional life to shaping athletes from their first experience with the sport to their final steps toward collegiate play.

While her résumé includes nationally ranked NCAA teams, international coaching assignments and numerous All-American athletes falling under her tutelage, she resists taking credit for the accolades.

“Are these my achievements? I’m not sure,” Ms. Duffy said. “It’s coaching. My job is to help the athletes grow and when they do, that’s the real success.”

Ms. Duffy’s coaching career began as a graduate student at Ithaca (New York) College, followed by her first head coach appointment at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio.

Always ready for a challenge, Ms. Duffy went on to undertake a pioneering effort: launching the women’s lacrosse program at the University

of Findlay (Ohio). In a few short years, she led the team to national prominence, finishing among the top 25 in NCAA Division II.

Later, at Merrimack College in North Andover, Mass., she guided her team to victory over the defending national champions and ended the season ranked nationally, with multiple players earning All-American honors.

Ms. Duffy’s path has afforded her the relished privilege to coach internationally, working with the Swiss National Women’s Senior Team and the Haudenosaunee Nationals U20 team experiences she describes as deeply rewarding both personally and professionally.

“I got the Swiss job when I was in the college world and was on the IWLCA board of directors,” she said. “One of the people that was on the board with me saw the opening and suggested to me that I apply and the rest was history.

“When I was coaching the Swiss I met another American coach Will Mraz, who is currently the head women’s lacrosse coach at Nichols College, and built a lasting coaching friendship. He applied for the Haudenosaunee job and asked me to be his assistant. Both were super fun opportunities!” Her leadership now extends beyond the collegiate and international arena, to one she is particularly well suited to embrace, having pursued a teaching degree as an undergraduate. At the club level, she works with more than 400 athletes, ranging from first grade students to high school seniors. The demands of the role are significant long hours, weekend commitments and the challenge of adapting one’s energy to meet a wide range of developmental needs that

accompany such an age span but she embraces the work with obvious enthusiasm.

“Coaching is non-stop,” Ms. Duffy said. “You’re always engaged on the field, with families, recruiting. The scope is enormous. But the reward is unparalleled when an athlete finds that breakthrough moment or commits to playing at the next level.”

At Brooks School, Ms. Duffy has found a professional home that reminds her in many ways of WMA.

“Finding success in a small-school environment is particularly fulfilling,” she said. “There’s a sense of community and shared purpose that mirrors what I experienced at Wilbraham & Monson.

“WMA shaped my trajectory. It gave me independence and helped me understand how I learn best. As someone with learning differences, that kind of support was crucial.”

Ms. Duffy played lacrosse and basketball at WMA, and she was manager of the WMA Hall of Fame Girls Soccer team that won the New England Championship in 2000.

She credits her advisor, Mr. Paul Jette, with helping her mature and discover strategies for academic success.

“He worked with my teachers to make sure I had the tools I needed,” she said. “That

Coaching is about helping athletes find their version of success — even when it doesn’t look like everyone else’s.”

julie D uffy ’03

Those early connections continue to resonate.

“It’s amazing how paths still cross coaching against alumni, hearing from former classmates,” she said. “The network WMA provides has stayed with me throughout my career.”

Ms. Duffy’s advice to current students is both practical and heartfelt: “A career in athletics has been one of the best choices I’ve made. It’s demanding long hours, weekend work but incredibly fulfilling. Sports teach resilience, build community and provide endless opportunities to give back. Whether through coaching, officiating or mentoring youth players, there are so many ways to stay connected and make an impact.” experience made me want to pursue teaching and ultimately led me to coaching, which is really just another form of teaching.”

Ms. Duffy spent some time recalling a growing litany of faculty members who continue to have a lasting influence on her and her work: Coach (Don) Nicholson ’79, who inspired her to major in history and remains a touchstone in her coaching philosophy (“I quoted him just last week ‘It’s not the weather, it’s what you wear’”); Ms. Cara (Martin) Clark, who introduced her to the college she ultimately attended; and faculty members such as Mr. (Stuart) Whitcomb, Mr. (Erik) Kindblom, and (Ms. Erika) “Whip” Whipple, the athletic trainer.

“Now that I’m coaching full time, I truly understand how much it takes to do what they did and how deeply they cared,” said Ms. Duffy, who said that when Mr. (Brian) Easler was announced as the next Head of School, it was “THE happiest day for my class.”

These educators, she said, modeled what it means to be committed to students’ success both inside and outside the classroom.

“Most of them are still at WMA, which says a lot,” Ms. Duffy said. “I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with people so passionate about what they do.”

Her journey shaped by hard work, mentorship and a deep love for the game serves as a powerful example of the influence that committed educators and coaches can have on the lives of young people.

“Coaching is about helping athletes find their version of success even when it doesn’t look like everyone else’s,” Ms. Duffy said. “That’s what WMA taught me, and that’s what I try to pass on.”

In the end, her story is less about personal accolades and more about legacy the kind built one athlete, one lesson, one moment at a time.

alumni in athleti C s

Jared Osumah ’12

At WMA, ‘I started doing the extra things to get better’

by mi K e manni X Leadership Giving Officer

Jared Osumah ’12 sits in his office at the Martin Jacobson Football Performance Center at the University of Massachusetts and smiles as he recounts how his early career in football, and his experience with the sport while at WMA, led him to where he is today.

Mr. Osumah was named the General Manager and Director of Player Personnel at UMass in January 2025 after three seasons as a pro/college scout for the New York Giants of the National Football League.

It’s a playing and career path that has taken Mr. Osumah to WMA, the University of Maine (wide receiver), Wesleyan University (Graduate Assistant Coach), Rutgers University (Player Development/Asst. Director of Recruiting), New York Giants (scout) and now UMass. And it was something that was cultivated shortly after moving onto campus in Wilbraham.

“The first year I played football was (as a student) at the Rectory School,” Mr. Osumah said. “I played junior varsity in eighth grade and varsity in ninth grade. My sophomore year was my first year at WMA and that is when the love for football grew, and I started doing the extra things to get better. Two teammates, ShaCor Privott ’14 and Nico Manning ’10, pushed me to put in the work because they saw potential in me.

“The first sport I ever played was soccer. My dad is Nigerian so that came from his background. I played a little bit of everything baseball, basketball, soccer. I even dabbled in tennis and swimming. I was pretty fast and had some natural ability so it was fun to do.”

Finding the game of football and, like many people working in the sports industry, having an incredibly impactful coach can be the starting point for a post-playing career journey into sports.

“(WMA Football) Coach Jeff Vartabedian was my first football coach to get me really into the sport,” Mr. Osumah said. “Coach V’s wife, Danielle Vartabedian, was my jumping coach on the track team. I had a great relationship with his entire family while at WMA. Coach V’s passion for the game was something I admired and took with me onto my next step in the game.”

Mr. Osumah looks back and is able to connect his ability to evaluate talent to a critical step in his development as a student of the game.

“I began to feel that I wanted to be a scout or do something similar while I was at WMA,” he said. “My junior and senior year, I watched a lot of college football, and I fell in love with watching and evaluating players. I took that with me to Maine and I knew that if I wasn’t going to play in the NFL, I was going to be a scout.”

A sense of pride with most scouts in pro sports is finding that “diamond in the rough” player that others misevaluated. Mr. Osumah laughed when discussing his experience with that.

“Jaylen Coker, who played at The College of Holy Cross (Worcester, Mass.), I had him as a potential sixth round pick and others in the draft room didn’t have him as high on their boards,” Mr. Osumah said. “He had 32 catches last year for (the NFL) Carolina (Panthers) as a rookie.”

Now back in Western Massachusetts and working at UMass, Mr. Osumah’s voice fills with excitement about the opportunity that lies ahead with the football program and as well as the chance to reconnect with old friends in the area.

“Some of my best friends are still in Massachusetts,” he said. “Helen Assefaw ’14 and

Ben Marcus ’12 were great friends, and I hope to see them here for a game. It feels great to be back near campus.

“I have so many great memories of WMA. I met my wife, Gillian (Callahan ’12), at WMA. My lifelong best friend, Brandon McKenna ’12, is still my best friend today and that all started from living on Rich 4 together.”

As the General Manager and Director of Player Personnel for the UMass football program, Mr. Osumah is responsible for evaluating potential recruits, including players entering the NCAA transfer portal.

I worked hard when I got to Rutgers and did the best job I could do every day, but because I was passionate about it, it never felt like work. You have to be willing to sacrifice. Use your network. Use the WMA network while you are there. It will open up doors you never imagined.”

jare D osumah ’12

“In my current position, I oversee our roster management and personnel,” Mr. Osumah said. “I work with the head coach to determine who we are recruiting and then who we are bringing to campus for recruiting visits. I work very well with our head coach. College football is turning into a professional sport, so I have been tasked with helping him create something similar to a front office structure like you see in the NFL.”

As for Mr. Osumah’s advice to current WMA students and young alumni considering a career in sports, he shared: “If you want to work in sports, do your research. You don’t sacrifice a lot. You sacrifice everything. You are going to start at the bottom.

“My first job at Wesleyan, I did every job for very little money. I worked hard when I got to Rutgers and did the best job I could do every day, but because I was passionate about it, it never felt like work. Working in the NFL, people see

the work you put in for 17 Sundays but never see all the work and effort. You have to be willing to sacrifice. Use your network. Whether it is at WMA or the college you attend, you should use the network you have while you are there. Use the WMA network while you are there. It will open up doors you never imagined.”

alumni in athleti C s

Scott Atherley ’84

‘I was out of my comfort zone my entire time at the Academy, which is why I grew so much as a person’

by bill wells Director of Student Promotion

With a passion for soccer and two parents who worked in education, Scott Atherley knew from an early age that coaching was in his future.

But he needed to be pushed truly pushed. Wilbraham & Monson Academy gave him that push.

After his postgraduate year at WMA and a stellar career playing Division I soccer for the men’s program at the University of Maine at Orono, Mr. Atherley has coached at his alma mater

for an astonishing 38 seasons: four as an assistant for the men’s, seven more as the men’s head coach and the last 28 as the leader of the women’s program. He even coached the men’s and women’s teams at the same time, doing so in 1999, an unheard of task for a team sport at the Division I collegiate level.

Mr. Atherley graduated from Regional Hebron, Andover and Marlborough (RHAM) High School in Hebron, Connecticut, in 1983. He enrolled at WMA and made an immediate impact on the soccer team, serving as captain for the Coachmen. In fact, it was his soccer experience that gave him his fondest memory of the Academy.

“I remember beating Loomis Chaffee in a close game on campus,” Mr. Atherley said. “It was a

My passion was soccer so coaching provided a platform that allowed me to combine my career interest and passion.” s C ott atherley ’84

beautiful fall day and the game couldn’t have gone better for our team. I distinctly remember seeing Gary (Cook, WMA’s Boys Soccer coach) after the game walking his dog around campus and smoking a cigar. He had a smile from ear-to-ear, and I can’t say for certain that his feet ever hit the ground. I was really happy for him and our team.”

Mr. Atherley relied on Coach Cook throughout his time at WMA, as well as Mrs. Jane Kelly, who served as his academic mentor.

“The transition from public school to WMA was a difficult one for me, and Jane nurtured me in a way that gave me belief that I could meet the demands of my new environment,” Mr. Atherley said. “Jane was patient, supportive, encouraging and kind. She made WMA feel like my home away from home, and I am most grateful for her kind and caring nature.”

With Mr. Cook’s and Mrs. Kelly’s guidance, Scott learned the tools to manage the rigors that naturally came with attending boarding school.

A

“My experience at WMA provided me with much needed structure,” said Mr. Atherley, who also played on the ice hockey team. “I was able to establish quality personal and academic habits while navigating a demanding environment. There were high expectations for all students at WMA and everyone was held accountable for meeting the standards set by the school. I was out of my comfort zone my entire time at the Academy, which is why I grew so much as a person in such a short time. I became a more disciplined individual as a result of my time at the Academy.”

Scott took that discipline to Maine, where he earned letters all four years for the men’s soccer team. As a senior captain, he was selected to the New England Intercollegiate Soccer League All-Star and Maine Collegiate All-State teams. He graduated with a degree in Education, and loved his experience at Maine so much he decided to stay. He immediately started his master’s degree in Exercise Science, and he also began coaching.

“I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in athletics,” said Mr. Atherley, whose first season of coaching came in 1989 as an assistant for the men’s team. “My parents were both educators so becoming a teacher really resonated with me. My passion was soccer so coaching provided a platform that allowed me to combine my career interest and passion.”

He never left the college life, remaining at the Division I level for parts of four decades.

“What has kept me in coaching for so long are the people and the relationships that I enjoy at UMaine,” he acknowledged. “Our team inspires me to show up every day with my ‘A’ game in hand. The players are so thirsty and eager to

learn and get better. I enjoy all of the competitive elements of Division I athletics, including recruiting, and I am passionate about soccer. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else and I have never considered what I do (to be) work.

“I grew up on a college campus (University of Connecticut) and absolutely loved the atmosphere. I also like working with highly motivated young people who are also extremely talented. At the Division I level, I get to hand pick my team and I have the resources to go virtually anywhere in the world to find players who fit our culture and playing style. I love having that autonomy.”

And even though he has had to adapt, not just in on-field tactics but also player management, he’s continued to love coaching and the sport of soccer.

“Coaching has evolved as the world, people and game have evolved,” Mr. Atherley said.

“What were effective teaching and coaching practices 20 years ago are antiquated today. That’s another thing I love about coaching is that you have to continue to grow and develop in order to remain relevant and impactful.”

His Black Bears have certainly been impactful the last few seasons. They won back-to-back America East Championship titles in 2023 and 2024, qualifying for the NCAA Division I tournament both years, losing first-round away games to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Harvard University. He and his staff have also won consecutive America East Coaching Staff of the Year Awards.

“Probably the biggest challenge for me is sustaining our recruiting quality and success,” he noted. “At the end of the day, you win with people. You have to have talented players who are also extraordinary people in order to win consistently. There are so many variables that impact recruiting today that it’s getting more and more competitive and complicated to stay ahead of the game.”

But his love of the game and for coaching have never wavered. For that, he gives credit to his former coach at WMA.

“Gary Cook was my mentor and soccer coach at WMA,” Mr. Atherley said. “Gary had a terrific impact on my experience at the Academy. In addition to our player-coach relationship, I had him for U.S. History. What I appreciated about Gary the most was how passionate he was about teaching/coaching. Gary recognized and believed in the potential of his players and students, and he brought terrific energy to the classroom and field. To this day we still connect and keep in touch. I cherish our relationship.”

Mr. Atherley lives in Bangor, Maine, with his wife, Lynn. They have three children: Carson, 27, Teagan, 18, and Kyelin, 16. Mr. Atherley had the treat of coaching Teagan, a freshman at Maine, on this year’s team.

senior stones

Every Stone has a Story: Dr. Arlene Goodman ’96

b y sean Valentine Director of Stewardship & Planned Giving

Dr.

Arlene Goodman ’96 spoke with WMA to talk about her Senior Stone and her WMA experience.

Athletics have always been an integral part of the WMA experience, which is why finding sports iconography on Senior Stones is fairly common. What is slightly less common is the use of imagery (of any kind) to replace letters in one’s name. Now, to find a stone with both?

Dr. Arlene Goodman’s ’96 stone is one of those examples, as she

chose two soccer balls to play stand-in for the o’s of her last name while also including the image of a soccer and softball player.

This was interesting, because Dr. Goodman’s alumni record did not indicate she’d played softball.

“Oh, yes! I played infield, mostly first base. Don Kelly was my coach,” she said.

Like so many alumni, the decision to attend WMA was a joint one between her and her parents.

“My sister was attending The MacDuffie School, and my parents realized how well prepared she was getting for college,” she said. “I was the kid doing homework for the next class in the current class, so my parents decided I would benefit from private school also. I was more into sports than my sister, and MacDuffie’s athletic program wasn’t that strong.

“So we looked at some schools within driving distance of home. WMA’s athletic program, combined with its academic support, made it stand out, so both me and my brother enrolled.”

Dr. Goodman joined WMA for her junior and senior years, and the switch had the intended results. In

addition to softball, she played soccer under the guidance of Coach Don Nicholson ’79, both on the field and as a goalie. Her time with Coach Nicholson stands out as one of her favorite memories.

“Coach Nick was wonderful,” she said. “I’d had some coaches in the past I didn’t click with, but he and I got along very well and I learned a lot from him. My one regret is not getting to play more for him during my high school years.”

Academically, Dr. Goodman excelled. She graduated Cum Laude and earned Barber Prizes in Honors Algebra and AP Chemistry. She was awarded the Harriett Jones Nelson Trust Award, and the Burt European History Prize.

“Coming from public school I could tell WMA was a step up academically,” she said. “No one at

the Academy ‘fed’ you anything. You had to think and do the work, but I also remember all the faculty being so supportive and encouraging. The combo really helped me. When I got to college at UNC (University of North Carolina), I found I was really well prepared.”

Dr. Goodman had always been interested in medicine, partly because her father was a radiologist. Although she kept an open mind about her options, she ultimately chose to study medicine. Dr. Goodman graduated in 2000 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and then went on to graduate from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

“I had an interest in sports medicine for sure, but at the time I wasn’t terribly interested in going to family practice in order to work my way into that specialty,” she said. “I attended a conference in my first year of pediatric residency and discovered that I could do Pediatric Sports Medicine, which was fairly new as a defined field at the time.”

Very new, actually. She pursued a fellowship in primary care sports medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and received certification number 146 by the American Academy of Pediatrics. And as a pediatric sports physician, Dr. Goodman’s focus has been on concussions.

“Concussions as a ‘thing’ really exploded around 2008 when I was getting started in my career,” she

said. “I began treating them in a single office of the medical group I was in at the time, and within a few years they had jumped to 60 or 70% of my time.”

Following six years at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she treated pediatric and adolescent athletes, she was recruited by Saint Peter’s University Hospital to create a dedicated concussion program.

She studies concussions, furthering research in the vestibular ocularmotor impairment that can occur following a concussion, and helped develop a rehabilitation program for patients whose symptoms do not resolve within a month.

Dr. Goodman served as the program’s director from 2014 to 2021, before school closures and the drop in youth sports and thus patients during COVID-19 led the program to close.

“Gym class is the second highest producer of concussions behind organized sports, so with schools closed and sports on hold it meant fewer concussions,” she said. “Which is good, but the way healthcare works, specifically the billing methods, meant the program couldn’t sustain itself.”

Dr. Goodman joined Somerset Pediatric Group in Raritan, New Jersey, where she now runs one to two “concussion clinics” each week for patients age 6 – 23. She treats patients from her practice and the local community, including complicated concussions from Rutgers University and New Jersey Institute of Technology. When not working with concussion patients, Dr. Goodman does general pediatrics, including pediatric

• Yearbook, 1996

injuries and routine physicals where she incorporates injury prevention.

“I don’t know if concussions are happening more than in the past, but I suspect they are,” she said. “We’re certainly better at recognizing and treating them. I will say that the intensity of sports competitions today and the increase in the number of games played, combined with the related decrease in days off, lends itself to greater risk.”

One thing is for sure, young athletes are better off for the work that Dr. Goodman is doing in the world of concussions and pediatric sports.

Dr. Goodman currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and twin daughters.

every S tone ha S a S tory, and we want to hear your S ! Email us at alumni@wma.us to share your Senior Stone story and maybe you’ll see it in future issues of the magazine.

Alumni Games

Alumni, family and friends were welcomed back to campus on May 31. Guests enjoyed time to watch or participate in Alumni Games, visit Senior Stones, retrace steps of old across campus and enjoy good food.

1 Faculty member Jeff Vartabedian, left, with Liam Kirwan ’15, center, and Jack Kirwan ’15.

2 Ella Chandler ’24, left, with Girls Basketball Coach Durelle Brown. 3 Stephanie (LaRiviere) Hodges ’04, left, and Marisa Barone ’04, right, with former Girls Basketball Coach Mike Thompson. 4 Women’s Basketball Alumni Games participants. from Left: Girls Basketball Head Coach Durelle Brown, Assistant Girls Basketball Coach Jack Casey, former Girls Basketball Coach Mike Thompson, Marisa Barone ’04, Stephanie (LaRiviere) Hodges ’04, Hallie O’Toole ’22, Rhaymi Porter ’21, Ella Chandler ’24 and Director of Athletics Don Nicholson ’79. 5 Action at the Men’s Basketball Alumni Game in Greenhalgh Gymnasium. 6 Displays honoring the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductees. 7 from Left: Jesse Lutz ’21, Giovanni Biondo ’21, Lorenzo Biondo ’21 and Brady Gouin ’23. 8 Hannah Tanguay Dunphy ’10, right, with her husband, Sean, and daughter Katherine. 9 Prep Basketball Coach Mike Mannix, center, with Mark Overdevest ’12, left, and Matt Filipowski ’22. 10 from Left: Todd Engel ’85, John Burritt ’85, Kelley McCormick ’84 and Josh Kelly ’85. 11 Men’s Basketball Alumni Games participants. from Left: Andrej Pajovic ’11, Josh Slater ’13, Khalil Kamara ’21, Ben Marcus ’12, Sam Fleming ’26, Trey Dillahunt ’29, Ryan Kranz ’25, AJ Torres ’25, Sean Seymour ’22, Matt Filipowski ’22, Guy Pistone ’07, Mitch Amelio ’10, Lorenzo Biondo ’21, Mark Overdevest ’12, Steve Marcus ’10, Kamali Bey ’13, Owen Earle ’28, and Prep Basketball Coach Mike Mannix.

Alumni Event: New York City 2025

Mark R. Shenkman ’61M hosted a New York City Alumni Reception at Shenkman Capital Management, Inc., in April.

1 Joseph Colli ’90, left, and Greg Bazarian ’90. 2 Mark R. Shenkman ’61M, left, with Head of School Brian P. Easler. 3 from Left: Joseph Colli ’90, Ian Macdonald ’94, Kara Thayer ’95, Gregory Bazarian ’90 and Paul Magyar ’87. 4 from Left: Paul Magyar ’87, Isabelle DeMarchand, Steven Root ’00 and Director of Alumni Relations Heather Hamel ’08. 5 from Left: Sang-jen “Sean” Changlai ’04, Bob Drozdale ’03 and Randy Counsman Jr. ’05. 6 from Left: Sang-jen “Sean” Changlai ’04, Jeremy Woo ’04 and Head of School Brian P. Easler. 7 from Left: Young “Justin” Seok Jang ’15, Colin O’Brien ’16, Santiago Olalquiaga Calcano ’14 and Maria Fariello. 8 A view from the back as Mark R. Shenkman ’61M addresses the event crowd.

Leverett Marsden Hubbard Sr.

Family Teaching Faculty Sabbatical

Travel Fund

Established in 2001, this fund provides travel grants to faculty members who have completed five years of classroom teaching at WMA. These grants recognize and reward our exceptional faculty for their devotion to the school and its students, and help them become more aware of the interdependent world in which we live and from which our students hail.

Italy & Switzerland: A little bit of everything; a lot of memories

b y reese laV iolette Faculty, Mathematics

This July, I had the opportunity to gain some traveling experience thanks to Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Leverett Marsden Hubbard Sr. Family Teaching Faculty Sabbatical Travel Fund. The trip included three-day stops in Rome and Florence, Italy, as well as Zurich, Switzerland. The (hot) weather abroad affected the activities I was able to participate in, especially dictating more cold sweet treats to eat than usual, but on further reflection much more closely modeled the entire trip thematics.

The scorching hustle ’n’ bustle of Rome rousing energy to maximum capacity, the radiantly ethereal headspace of Florence’s

heaven-scapes, and the oxymoronic warm-cool ambiance of Zurich gave a wondrous feeling throughout the new international adventure.

Rome felt like there were a million things to do, and no time to do it all in. The three days I had in the city were planned out into many long walking expeditions. The cloudless heat did not dampen the expeditions either, only adding to their excitement. The longest trek across the city spanned to the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

I was surprised to see how accessible the famous landmarks were from the seemingly usual streets surrounding them. Each of the attractions brought in seas of crowds amplifying their hotness. As one group curiously looked around to find a way to go or explore, others would notice and follow, almost like ants in a colony, a colony of tourists.

Florence’s connection to the heavens left me a little more jaw agape than I thought it would, even having seen photos of the majesty before.

Geometric architecture was almost unavoidable when in the city. Each giant cathedral was trimmed

with increasingly smaller yet intricate shape cutouts, providing years’ worth of views from just one side of the building. The colors of the city bolstered the viewable awe. Tightly stacked old stone style apartments with clay red roofs defined the roadways through Florence. These pastel guides led straight to the Galleria Dell’Accademia Di Firenze, home of Michelangelo’s David. One of my favorite parts of the trip was attending an audio tour of the gallery where the guide spoke about David as if he were her son.

The ultimate stop for the trip was Zurich, Switzerland.

To arrive I took a train through the Alps and the mountainside looked as if it were out of a postcard. The natural greenery in the city was quite the sight for sore eyes after seeing only concrete city for a week. Walking along Lake Zurich was the central activity during my time here. The clear blue lake was always my first stop when exploring this city. After the initial walks among nature, I would deviate to old town to find a restaurant or bite to eat.

Zurich had a much less frantic pace to it compared to Rome or even Florence. The notion of sitting for a while to watch a musician busking on the corner was liberally exercised in the Swiss city, something I found myself returning to a few times and could see myself returning to again soon.

Each of the cities gave me a tiny piece of only what I imagine could be an entire lifetime to explore. Anytime I get stuck in a downpour, I will think back to my last full day in Zurich where I needed to run back along the lake in the hardest rain I’ve been in. Each day’s adventures in Italy sparked more instances of self-reflection while trying a multitude of new flavors of gelato. This trip was a wonderful experience for the non-experienced traveler.

Canada: Family history explored in the maritimes

b y j on broo K Faculty, World Languages

Migration. It’s the way of the world for all species. People, in particular, have picked up and moved to new lands as far back as we can establish through the historical record.

Originally, my trip last summer was going to take me and my wife, Marvina, to Spain. Alas, Spain has become a very popular destination.

The residents of Barcelona were in fact starting to show their displeasure with the overwhelming number of tourists just as Marvina and (daughter) Kiki (’26) were leaving from their own trip last year but I don’t think they were the problem!

After getting priced out of anything but a week in Spain, I had to rethink my destination. It came together very quickly the Canadian Maritimes! Not quite the same sort of destination

as Spain, but let me explain my choice.

My father, Rupert, left Canada for graduate school in the United States in 1959. He ended up at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he met my mother, Marian, and the rest is history.

As the story went, my grandfather Frank Adrian Brook’s migration had him leaving England on his own at age 16 on the SS Virginian out of Liverpool. He landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and continued on to Toronto where he started work as a clerk at a life insurance company. That’s all that I knew.

It didn’t take long after sitting down with one of the researchers at the Canadian Museum of Immigration in Halifax to add some more shape and contour to that story.

My grandfather did leave England on the SS Virginian, but he was actually 26. According to the ship’s manifest when he landed in 1911, he arrived with the princely sum of $200 Canadian, after conversion from English pounds

I assume, in his pocket. It also appears that he may have arrived with at least one of his parents. Unfortunately, the copy of the passenger list did not make it into the batch that was printed for me. Looks like another trip to Halifax is in my future. That’s fine because I loved the city and its coastal location and major port. Nothing says history to me like ocean voyages and people looking for a new start and a better life.

The second migration I was interested in was that of the Acadians in New Brunswick.

These are the same French colonists whose name morphed into “Cajun” when they left Quebec for Louisiana. When people think of French Canada, they think of Quebec. However, New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province, meaning that both languages are used equally at the governmental level.

Marvina, Kiki and I were greeted at Fundy National Park with “Hello, Bonjour” and then sent on our way to see the amazing tidal shift and otherworldly rock formations for which the bay is famous.

We heard French everywhere we went, and at first I assumed there were a lot of tourists from Quebec. As avid “license plate game” players, we quickly realized that there weren’t enough Quebec plates to account for the amount of French we were hearing. Apparently, the bilingual nature of New Brunswick is true at all levels.

We didn’t visit any museums or French cultural centers as the Bay of Fundy was our major point of interest. Moreover, New Brunswick is sparsely populated, and we weren’t close enough to St. John, Fredericton or Moncton to access their

• Looking out at

resources. I’m happy to say though that French is alive and well in New Brunswick.

The last piece of the migration story actually goes back to Spain via the maritime sea coast and one location in particular: Oak Island, Nova Scotia.

During COVID, I ran across the History Channel television show about the centuries old treasure hunt on the island. At first, the show was a pure escape from the stress of that period, but as clues to the actual history of the island continued to appear, they tapped into my academic background in French culture and history and a class I had taken in graduate school at UMass Amherst about the Knights Templar in France.

There is substantial evidence on the island, which has been confirmed by academic researchers in Canada, the US and Europe, pointing to the presence of French, English,

Portuguese and Scandinavian groups dating back at least 1,000 years. There is also a confirmed Viking settlement at l’Anse aux Meadows further north in Newfoundland.

When you consider the coastal geography of maritime Canada and the skill of the navigators who crossed from northern Europe to eastern Canada, it takes little imagination to see them traveling further south along the coast and through the protection of the islands to eastern Nova Scotia and beyond. In fact, there is evidence of Viking contact with the First Nations people near Peterborough, Ontario, a site that I visited as a kid and stored away in my memory until this new evidence dredged it up.

While I didn’t get to visit the Oak Island Interpretive Centre since it was closed for the season due to filming for the upcoming season, Kiki and I took a boat tour around the island.

We were able to see some of the sites featured in the show and hear more about what has been found and more about the history of the island itself. There has clearly been a lot of activity in the area for centuries.

We saw a couple of the main searchers being filmed doing metal detection on the northwestern shore and unless they edit our boat out of the shot, we stand a good chance of being in an upcoming episode! We’re near the bow of the boat in hats and sunglasses. You can’t miss us!

The possibility of new migrations remains open.

Coastal Nova Scotia is beautiful and friendly, and we’d love to go back again. Kiki toured Dalhousie University in Halifax and was quite impressed so we may end up doing that sooner than expected. We have many more schools to look at but, who knows, the Brook family may return to Halifax over 100 years after Frank’s arrival.

New Zealand

A few memories from the Traveling Titans and their 18,000-mile journey that included stops in Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington and Christchurch in June. Kia ora!

England

Our Traveling Titans enjoyed many of the major attractions throughout the greater London area in June. The annual experience receives financial support through the Academy’s Hubbard Fund for British Cultural Travel.

titan fa C ulty & staff

Outside the Classroom

WMA faculty members and staff have many more talents and interests than those shared inside the classroom or office space. Here is a sampling of what some enjoyed during the summer of 2025.

Paul Bloomfield

Chair, Fine & Performing Arts

Mr. Bloomfield attended the Capitol Groove Festival in Hartford, Connecticut, in June. The event celebrates musical diversity. He also wrote an article for “Live News Music & Review.”

Lynne Camenga Faculty, Music

Ms. Camenga attended a choral workshop at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, in July.

Emily Dromgold ’17 Faculty, English

Ms. Dromgold returned to Cork, Ireland, where she completed her work for graduate school during the summer. As a bonus, she saw some old friends and the Irish weather was surprisingly sunny.

Fabienne

Dubois Chair, World Languages

Madame Dubois spent two weeks in Spain, practicing her Spanish-speaking skills as well as taking classes on pedagogy. She even visited the site of Pablo Picasso’s home in Malaga.

Elyse Dunbar Director of Family Engagement

Mrs. Dunbar was a panelist for Fairfield University’s Accepted Students Days in the spring. Mrs. Dunbar graduated from Fairfield, and her daughter Callie ’24 is a current student.

Melissa Earls

Associate Head of School/Dean of Academics

Ms. Earls celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary in June on Cape Cod with her husband, Joe.

Tim Harrington ’73 Faculty, English/Boys Rugby Coach

Mr. Harrington attended one of the biggest rugby matches of the year when he saw France host Scotland in Paris with his daughter Clara ’18 in March. The game, which served as the Six Nations final, drew 80,000 fans.

Stephanie Hodges ’04

Assistant Director of Admission

For the second year in a row, Ms. Hodges competed in the Tri For Jimmy, a sprint triathlon in June that raises funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Russ Held

Associate Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications

Mr. Held and his son Aidan ’21 completed the 5-mile Mudfest Run in Deansboro, New York, to benefit Sandy Hook Promise, a charity that protects children from gun violence.

Meg Hutcheson Chair, English

Ms. Hutcheson visited her daughter Maya Hutcheson-Jones ’19 in Italy, spending time at Lake Maggiore in Stresa.

Kevin Kudla Faculty, English

Mr. Kudla volunteered to umpire at Cooperstown Dreams Park, a weekly summer tournament that draws more than 100 youth baseball teams from throughout the country. Mr. Kudla had the privilege of carrying the Dreams Park banner into the Opening Ceremony for the tournament.

John Lombard Faculty, Mathematics

Mr. Lombard used a ryoba (a Japanese pull saw) to help construct a timber frame at the four-day Maine Japanese Woodworking Festival in Mercer, Maine, in July.

Clark Seibold Faculty, Music

Mr. Seibold and his band King Saison spent five weeks on tour in Alaska.

Katie Welch Faculty, English

Ms. Welch completed her master’s degree at the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

new member profile

Dohun

Lee ’99

‘As an international representative, my initial goal would be to get more involvement from fellow international alumni’

Why were you interested in joining the Board of Trustees?

I really wanted to get involved and to contribute to the school that basically made me who I am now.

What is your goal as a Trustee?

As an international representative, my initial goal would be to get more involvement from fellow international alumni.

What would you tell someone who knew nothing about WMA?

This is a truly well-managed, family-like school with representation around the world. The school not only prepares

students academically for colleges but also provides the right environment for students to become good global citizens.

What do you like to do outside work?

I like to relax generally when I am not around work. I love mingling with friends over dinner or a glass of wine, and also love watching Netflix or Disney.

What city/country would you most like to visit and why?

Obviously, Wilbraham! I had the privilege of visiting the campus in 2024 with my family, and it really brought back all the loving

memories of my time at the Academy. Can’t wait to go back!

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my two lovely children, Hyunseo and Jian!

Any other specific accomplishments that you would like to share?

I have been working at a single company, Deutsche Bank, for 19 years while climbing up the corporate ladder to the head of Korea trading.

What is one of your favorite memories of WMA?

The college admission process was an unforgettable experience for me, and all the advice/guidance from Mrs. (Nancy) Rosenwald was truly unforgettable and something I will always be indebted for.

What extracurricular activities did you do at WMA?

Just as anyone else, I did quite a few activities such as JV Lacrosse, Fitness and Yearbook.

What faculty member(s) had the biggest impact on you?

Can’t name all of them but Mrs. (Nancy) Rosenwald, Mr. (Robert) Felton, Ms. (Rebecca) Bouchard, Mr. (Joseph) Mazeika, Mr. (Jonathan) Shee, Mr. (Donald) Nicholson, Mr. (Stanley) Jarocki and, of course, Mr. (Brian) Easler.

How did WMA prepare you for the future?

The school really made me grow as a person and as a student. It taught me self-discipline, ways to live with others from different cultures, and how to love and appreciate what’s around me. WMA prepared me for the university, where I further built the foundation to become a successful individual in the long run.

What would you have changed about WMA during your student days? Honestly, I really don’t want to change anything about my time at WMA. Perhaps the only thing I would even think about changing would be spending more time with more day students, as I only got very close with some of the day students only around my senior year.

current hometown Seoul, South Korea family

Wife, Hoyeon, and children

Hyunseo and Jian place of employment

Deutsche Bank AG, Seoul Branch job title

Head of Global Emerging Markets Trading, Korea

colle G e education and de G ree

Johns Hopkins University

B.A. in Economics

What would you tell someone who knew nothing about WMA?

Helen Assefaw ’14

‘WMA is a safe space to begin to explore what you want to do in the world, and it is a place that gives you different perspectives into the world around us’

Why were you interested in joining the Board of Trustees?

I was initially interested after reconnecting with the school when I attended a recent Alumni Day. I remember hearing about “the Board of Trustees” when I was a student. I was always intrigued with the idea of it. The mission of the board is something I am very passionate about.

What is your goal as a Trustee? I want to give back and be involved in the long-term success of the school. I am willing to put in the work with the current board members to do whatever it takes to help the school.

WMA provided a strong sense of inclusion as well. It gave me confidence and, at the same time, the school gave me the support necessary to grow.”

helen assefaw ’14

It isn’t just a boarding school. It is a community that was a catalyst for my experience moving forward into adult life. WMA is a safe space to begin to explore what you want to do in the world, and it is a place that gives you different perspectives into the world around us. It’s special.

What do you like to do outside work?

I coach basketball, which is a lot of fun for me. I enjoy hiking and love to go on hiking trips with my friends. Participating in “Outdoor Adventure” (now Outdoor Program) with (WMA faculty member) Mr. (Mark) Fischer changed my life. I think that activity should be a requirement for all students.

What’s an interesting thing most people wouldn’t know about you?

I am an introvert. People may not expect that.

What city/country would you most like to visit and why?

I have yet to visit Hong Kong, but I would love to. I remember WMA had multiple students from Hong Kong while I was at the Academy, and I enjoyed hearing about their home and the culture. I enjoy seeing the places where people that I know come from.

What are you most proud of?

The fact that my success contributed to my parents being able to retire earlier than expected.

What is one of your favorite memories of WMA?

Being a prefect allowed me to have a relationship with students that I would not normally connect with. My junior or senior year, the students in the dorm made me a birthday cake that was baked in the apartment of a faculty member. It was the best surprise I have ever had. There were lots of happy tears.

What extracurricular activities did you do at WMA?

I played basketball, softball and field hockey.

What faculty member(s) had the biggest impact on you?

Mr. Erik Kindblom, Mr. Wally Swanson and Ms. Elizabeth Fontaine (now Squindo). They all made a great impact on my life.

How did WMA prepare you for the future?

It gave me great perspective as I mentioned earlier. It provided a strong sense of inclusion as well. It gave me confidence and, at the same time, the school gave me the support necessary to grow. I believe that shows what a nurturing place the Academy is.

What would you have changed about WMA during your student days?

In my new role as a trustee, I look back and wish that I had a way to communicate with alumni that were doing things in the world that I was interested in exploring while I was a student.

current hometown

Washington, D.C.

place of employment

Business owner

colle G e education and de G ree

Providence College

Healthcare Administration

Class Notes

1954W

Robert A. Perrin writes: “Just checking in. Retired in Spartanburg, S.C., from self-employment, which followed Army service in Korea, grad school at Idaho and Washington, teaching on South Dakota Sioux Reservation in NW Alberta (Canada), managed sheep farm in New Zealand for four years, followed by college teaching and library directorship in N.D. and at USC in South Carolina. Wife Susan, ordained Episcopal, still working. Life goes on.”

1957W

Charles A. Pettee writes: “Hello and best wishes to my classmates. I remain healthy at 86 and enjoying time and travel with family … Jeff in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, Carla in Sugar Land, Texas, and Brian in Dover, New Hampshire all WMA graduates.”

1964W

1 Stephen A. Rozwenc has recently published 20 haiku poems in a bilingual Chinese anthology. This anthology has been distributed in 16 Asian countries. He has recently published three poems in India in a literary journal. Through The International Poetry Protocol Association, two of these three poems were republished in The Middle East Business Weekly, which is distributed in all Middle Eastern countries. Stephen believes that poetry can bring the people of the world together in compassionate peace.”

1965W

2 & 3 Andrew G. Veitch writes: “My wife, Suzie, and I celebrated our 10th year wedding anniversary at the Noroton Yacht Club in Darien Connecticut, before I jumped onto our boat to compete in the Stamford (Conn.) Yacht Club’s annual Labor Day weekend Vineyard Race. Last year’s race was my 19th! The race attracted almost 100 boats in 11 divisions (please don’t ask me how we did, however ha!).

4 & 5 Anthony L. Gagliardi Jr. writes: “My wife, Bonnie, and I had the pleasure of meeting up with (current WMA faculty members) Annie and Anthony Kandel from the Academy here on Kiawah Island. The original plan was to meet in Charleston (S.C.), but I had a conflict. So Plan B was to get together at the Ocean Course. Small world another Wilbraham alumnus happens to live on Kiawah Island. Annie had given me his name, which sounded very familiar, but he was the class of ’65. I was the class of ’67 and was only there for two years. Why was his name so familiar? Answer: His younger brother was in my class! Ed Kosinski lives about a half a mile from me on Kiawah and his brother Richard was in my class. I thank Annie so much for getting us together, connecting the dots, and both Annie and Anthony brought us up-to-date on all of the activities at WMA. Of course, we spoke of the good old days and all of those at Wilbraham who are so impactful in our lives. Much fun. Best to all my Wilbraham/WMA friends.”

1968W

Hugh R. Briggs writes: “Hi ’68ers, I am finally making it over to New England in September 2025, and will be visiting Wilbraham itself on 25 September for a short tour around. Fond memories of my year there with all you guys. I can remember many of you, even now. I left UK in 1975 to live in New Zealand, and have had a great life there. I remarried in 2000, and Julie and I are having a four-month trip around New England, New York and Alabama to celebrate our 25th anniversary. I lost my yearbook but the Academy has found one which I will pick up there! It will bring back even more memories. Hope you all have had successful and happy lives! Greetings from “the Limey!”

1973

Theodore G. Sarant writes: “I am on my 50th full year being in business doing home remodeling and redecorating and, as long as I can do the work, I plan to keep moving on. However I do not do much on Saturdays anymore. I still like what I do, and the public needs the older people to stay in it. A shortage of us who do this work has started. Not many of the young people are getting into this work. So there will always be work for me. In over 50 years I have been in business for myself (including when I started when I was a student), I was to never have a slow time even during recessions and I never had to advertise since July of 1977. Two years ago, my class (1973) celebrated our 50th reunion. I have been the main class reunion agent for over 30 years and always enjoyed it. However, I got others involved in the reunion effort and as a result we had a great turn out of around 30 people.”

1980

Nancy F. Law writes: “I will be visiting Europe for the first time in April and am thrilled to get to meet my brother’s Jim Law ’68 eight grandchildren! Each of his sons has four children, and live in Wellen, Germany and Poorvo, Finland. I will fly to Amsterdam and drive with Jim and his wife, Roberta, to Germany. We’ll then fly with the FinnLaws (as we call them) for a few days in Finland before coming home.”

6 Dr. Brett R. Zalkan and Marc Mancuso ’85 met up on the Greek island of Crete after discovering they were vacationing there at the same time. 1984

7 & 8 Kelley J. McCormick ’84 writes: “Hello WMA. Well, after 36 years on Boston Police, I have retired as a Captain as I am looking forward to making up time and creating new memories with the family. Then (wife) Kim (Christensen McCormick) said I needed to get a job because I am around the house getting in her way!”

Pictured in retirement photo are (from left): Boston Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox, Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu, Kim McCormick, Kelley McCormick and Ryan McCormick ’21.

9 Bruce J. Baker writes: “I have lived for 15 years in China. First, for 10 years in Xiamen (a beautiful island city across from Taiwan). Then one year in Wuhan and now for four years in Dongguan, China (just north of Hong Kong). I was a successful Social Studies teacher in the USA (mostly in Virginia) for 10 years, but I got bored and complacent in America, so I flipped a coin in 2009 Heads: India; Tails: China (I love History and they are the oldest civilizations in the world). TAILS!! So China it was ... and my life has never been the same. I keep in touch with Bruce Fenton (two years my junior) from WMA on FB ... also Laura Ferrara (two years younger). I emailed Mr. Nick (Don Nicholson ’79) a couple years ago. A wonderful email it was. I miss Tim Jessup (RIP Classmate). I also FB Rob Corey from time to time (He is a wonderful father to a young girl). I also hear once or twice a year from a handful of Wilbyville friends. They usually ask about China and working here. Going to Italy this summer with my wife.”

1989

10 Michael R. Harrington, his wife, Debbie, and son Jacob just completed a 12-day guided tour of England, Scotland and Wales. Fantastic trip and congratulations to Jacob for graduating from Texas A&M.

1991

Paul J. Sullivan writes: ”Something really great happened to me today when ABC News’ Nightline ran a piece highlighting ‘The Company of Dads’ and what I’ve been doing since leaving The New York Times. Here’s the link to the piece https://thecompanyofdads. com/the-company-of-dads-on-abcnightline/. I’m in it at various points, but they focus on what we’re doing around the 5-minute mark. (It follows a great front-page story in The Wall Street Journal this fall on what I’ve been building.)”

2002

Sean M. Germain and partner Iona have welcomed a little human into the world on March 8, 2025.

2005

Raul Escobar Jr. and his wife, Johana, welcomed their second baby into the world on Feb. 17, 2025. Her name is María Victoria Escobar.

2011

Dominic D. Pessolano and his wife, Abby, have welcomed a little girl into the world. Her name is Margot.

2012

11 Maodo Lo helped lead Germany to the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket Championship. Lo played in eight of nine games (all German victories), averaging eight points and 20 minutes of playing time. Maodo also won gold with Germany at the FIBA World Cup in 2023, and has competed at two Olympics. The 6-foot-3 point guard currently plays professionally for BC Zalgiris in Lithuania.

2015

12 Alina B. Shirley writes: “In 2023, I earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. I was privileged enough to have been selected to give the student commencement address for the MGH IHP’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and School of Healthcare Leadership, focusing my speech on the importance of mental health for both patients and healthcare providers as well as the incorporation of wellness practices into healthcare and healthcare education. I now work as a physical therapist at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, in the outpatient setting, treating patients with both orthopedic and neurological conditions. While I love treating all patients, my passions currently lie in stroke and brain injury/ concussion rehab, as well as the incorporation of music therapy for neurological recovery.”

Carly Cronin ’13 & Friends

Carly Cronin ’13 married Ryan Brown on Oct. 25, 2024, at The Riverview in Simsbury, Connecticut. Carly and Ryan did not know each other, even though they both attended and graduated from Bryant University a year apart. Oddly enough, they met after college through mutual friends Cam Bouchard ’13 and Ricky Appel ’14 (Ryan’s college roommate at Bryant). The rest is history! All of the people in the group photo are WMA alumni except the groom! Every girl in the picture played soccer for Coach Nicholson, and all but one played basketball and lacrosse all four years during their time at WMA! Outstanding athletes and students!

2017

Miles Lester started a new position as assistant men’s basketball coach at East Tennessee State University.

2020

13 Marta Estany Sanchez writes:

“I’m reaching out because when I received your newsletter this afternoon, I immediately thought of including the WMA community in my new business, Esenzia Travels. It is a bespoke travel agency specializing in curated, immersive experiences in Barcelona and its surroundings. We craft deeply personalized, high-end journeys that foster a true connection with the local culture, history and people.”

Isabella Gomes writes: “After graduating from the University of Tampa in May of 2024 with a B.S. in Forensic Science, I relocated to Greenville, South Carolina, for work. I have recently started a position with Greenville County’s Department of Public Safety in the firearms lab as a NIBIN Technician!”

2021

14 & 15 Giovanni Biondo writes:

“I graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point on May 24, 2025. I’m now commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and I will serve in the Infantry. Next, I will go to Fort Benning, Georgia, to go through Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course (IBOLC) and other follow-on schools. After that, I will be stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado.”

16 Nathan P. Gould recently graduated from West Point and has been selected for the USA Falcons Sevens squad for USA Rugby.

17 Kylie H. Kane writes: “I’m excited to share that I’ve graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management from the Isenberg School of Management. In January, I was accepted into the Disney College Program and will join the Concierge team at Walt Disney World! I’m so grateful for this opportunity to grow professionally while helping create magical experiences for guests from around the world.”

David M. Tyson ’51W

We Remember

wilbraham & monson a C a D emy

Mr. William A. Fitz-Gibbon ’75

Mr. Sterling W. Hall ’74

Ms. Dana Schwendenmann ’81

monson a C a D emy

ALUMNI

Mr. Daniel W. Rose ’51

wilbraham a C a D emy

ALUMNI

Mr. Francis M. Austin Jr. ’46

Mr. Christian K. Brinkman ’61

Mr. Robert F. Darby Jr. ’60

Mr. Richard A. Herrick Jr. ’55

Mr. Robert C. Hohman ’55

Dr. Thomas G. Magill ’55

Mr. Benjamin H. Walcott ’50

from the ar C hi V es

WMA’s connection —

past and recent — to the origin of basketball

Ms. Barone racked up accolades including team MVP, New England Prep School Athletic Council All-League honors and numerous game-winning plays. Her smooth jump shot and relentless energy on the court became trademarks. But it was the day she hit the 1,000-point mark met with cheers, hugs and tears that cemented her legacy in the Academy’s athletic history.

b y janet moran Director of Archives

JJust miles from the birthplace of basketball, where Dr. James Naismith first scribbled down the sport’s original rules in 1891, a new chapter in the game’s evolving story was written more than a century later by a determined young athlete from Wilbraham & Monson Academy.

Marisa Barone ’04, a fierce competitor and gifted leader on

the court, became one of the most celebrated athletes in WMA history when she scored her 1,000th career point during her senior year.

That extraordinary milestone the Academy’s first girls player to reach it not only led the Titans to one of their most successful seasons, but also earned Ms. Barone a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Her jersey, sneakers and game ball are now proudly part of the Hall’s memorabilia collection, linking her legacy directly to the game’s origins.

“I had no idea about the hall of fame until the night of the sports ceremonies when my coach, Ms. Duffy, announced it,” Ms. Barone said. “I have no clue how they found out about it, but they asked all my teammates to sign my sneakers and they asked for my jersey and sneakers for the high school exhibit. It was an incredible surprise and experience!”

Ms. Barone’s journey began in the Pioneer Valley in her hometown of Ludlow, Massachusetts. From the moment she arrived at WMA, her talent and drive were undeniable.

A four-year varsity basketball player and two-year captain,

After WMA, Ms. Barone continued her academic and athletic career at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts, where she was a four-year starter for the Lyons. There, she brought the same fire to the collegiate court, earning respect across the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference for her toughness, agility and unwavering leadership.

It’s fitting that Ms. Barone’s story unfolded in the same region where basketball was born.

In 1891, Naismith, a young physical education instructor at the International YMCA Training

School (now Springfield College), was tasked with creating a new indoor sport to keep students active through New England’s long winters.

In just two weeks, he devised 13 original rules, nailed two peach baskets to a 10-foot-high track and invented what was known as “Basket Ball.” The first game was played on Dec. 21, 1891, using a soccer ball and no dribbling just passing and shooting.

Though basketball began with men as players, the sport quickly spread to women’s colleges in the region. In nearby Northampton, Massachusetts, Senda Berenson Abbott adapted Naismith’s rules for the first women’s basketball game at Smith College in 1892. Dr. Naismith’s early support for women’s participation in the sport

was ahead of its time. He worked closely with Berenson and others, believing athletics could build character, community and moral strength for both boys and girls.

Wilbraham & Monson Academy, then known as Wesleyan Academy, shared this progressive spirit.

Founded in 1804, WMA was one of the earliest coeducational boarding schools in the United States. The Academy’s mission aligned with Naismith’s ideals: nurturing mind, body and spirit. As basketball rapidly spread across New England, it found welcome ground at WMA.

By the late 1890s, girls teams were already forming, and newly built Smith Gymnasium echoed with the sounds of a fast-growing game. A dormitory now on campus,

Smith Hall contained the first indoor basketball court built to Naismith’s specifications.

Some evidence even suggests that Naismith himself visited Wilbraham, offering guidance to our early women’s teams a fitting symbol of the Academy’s deep connection to the sport’s origins.

Today, WMA continues to honor that legacy. Students from around the world come here not just to play basketball, but to live out Naismith’s vision: That sports can be a force for unity, growth and lifelong character.

Ms. Barone’s journey from a Pioneer Valley gym to the Basketball Hall of Fame is more than a personal triumph it’s a testament to that enduring legacy. She stands not only as a remarkable

athlete, but as part of a long line of trailblazers who helped shape women’s basketball in America. From the peach baskets of 1891 to the polished hardwood of today’s arenas, the game has grown but its heart remains here, in the Valley.

At WMA, we are proud to count Marisa Barone among our greatest athletes and alumni a Titan whose story continues to inspire the next generation.