Feeling the glow! Falcons' student-athletes bask in the warmth of exciting spring play

By Rick Menning

Each year, as the chill of winter transforms into the invigoration of spring, the student/athletes at The Foote School also evolve along with the dawn of a refreshing change in the air.

The green grass reappears, and the courts come alive with activity as the maroon and gray-uniformed competitors once again experience the joy of sports in April and May.

For the Falcons girls' lacrosse, coed tennis and ultimate (disc) teams, it was a season of perseverance leading to improvement with each passing practice and game/match.

The Falcons 2025 Girls' Lacrosse team combined chemistry, camaraderie and cohesion into a competitive unit that made it extremely tough on opponents. (Photo courtesy of The Foote School.)

And for the coed volleyball and boys' lacrosse squads, it was a springtime of honing skills and building on fundamentals outside of the realm of playing against other schools.

Indeed, the 2025 Spring Sports season left Athletic Director Carrie Boyce beaming with pride in the accomplishments of all the athletes.

"Thank you for an incredible season!," Boyce told the athletes at the final sports meeting of the school year. "You represented yourselves, your team, and your school...We are so proud of your hard work, dedication, and the energy you bring to Foote athletics."

Boyce gave special mention to some great springtime highlights:

"A robust tennis roster of 30-plus athletes who improved tremendously throughout the season;

An Ultimate team that had its largest roster and most successful season in its third year;

A volleyball team that continued to improve and looked more and more like a competitive squad;

A boys lacrosse team of five that showed up to each and every practice dedicated and energetic about continuing to keep the program moving forward and building for the future;

And a girls lacrosse team that played so many close games and saw such improvement in its entire roster."

The following is a breakdown of each team's season as reported by the respective coaches in those sports:

Girls' Lacrosse

Only two games into the season, The Foote School girls' lacrosse team saw the fruits of its hard work at practices pay off in a bigtime way.

Competing on the turf against Pine Point, the Falcons displayed outstanding communication, effort and sportsmanship.

"Every player showed up focused and determined, and their energy was electric," coach Lauren Luparia said. "We saw athletes who had been working quietly (from day one) step into leadership roles on the field."

Luparia went on to point out that "everything we had been practicing truly came together -- smart passes, strong defensive stands, and hustle from the first whistle to the last."

The 2025 season was one filled with growth, grit, and incredible teamwork. As the matches progressed, the athletes' skills sharpened, their confidence grew, and their bond as a team strengthened with every game.

Whether on attack, defense, or in transition, each player stepped up to contribute in meaningful ways.

In the action versus Pine Point, there was a "wow" moment when a fast-paced transition from defense to attack by the Foote squad led to a beautifully executed goal that was the result of three crisp passes and perfect positioning.

"It was a moment that didn’t belong to just one player -- it was the whole team reading the field, trusting each other, and finishing strong," Luparia said. "The sideline erupted, and it truly felt like a defining moment of the season."

Among the highlights of the campaign: Several players tried new positions this season and thrived; defenders became a force -- communicating, clearing, and protecting the crease with confidence; midfielders showed incredible stamina and hustle, owning both ends of the field; and attackers became fearless, driving toward the goal and connecting with purpose.

"The heart of this season wasn’t just in our wins -- it was in the chemistry. These players celebrated each other’s successes, lifted each other through tough games, and played with genuine joy," Luparia said. "Their camaraderie turned the season into something special. They grew not only as athletes but as teammates and friends, creating an environment where everyone felt seen and supported."

Lockdown Award: For shutting down the opposition with smart, fearless defense -- Annabel Sheehan.

Brick Wall Award: For being an unbreakable last line of defense -- Izzy Pakutka.

Anchor Award: For holding the defense together with consistency and leadership -- Avery Bruce.

The "11" Award: For exemplifying the 11 values of success, some of which are perseverance, positivity and dedication -- Molly Larsen.

Team Roster: Stella Alderman, Avery Bruce, Annie Burwell, Darcy Driver, Georgie Esselstyn, Ellen Ferguson, Safiya Gonzalez, Dylan Hawkins, Molly Larsen, Audrey Lasater, Violet Lloyd, Clara Lu, Caroline Matouk, Mette Niemantsverdiet, Maddie Normandin, Izzy Patkutka, Annabel Sheehan, Lucy Thompson. The coaches are Lauren Luparia, Khalil Dunham-Carson, Sheila Lavey.

Coed Tennis

With one of the program's largest rosters ever, Coach John Hay was in the unenviable position of having to figure out who from among the 30-plus athletes on the squad would play in the various matches making up the season.

The Falcons' 2025 Coed Tennis team exemplified strength in numbers as the matches always featured a wide array of solid serves and terrific talent. (Photo courtesy of The Foote School.)

Undoubtedly, Hay's math class students might have had an easier time coming up with solutions than their teacher did in finalizing the singles' and doubles' lineups against the likes of Renbrook School, Hopkins, Country School and Hamden Hall among others.

When the final volley was completed, the Falcons' netters could take great satisfaction in a strong season highlighted by several standout moments including a thrilling come-from-behind tie against Hopkins after trailing 4-1 in matches.

"This season was exciting...the team showed outstanding commitment and growth, taking practices seriously and bringing that hard work into matches," Hay said. In that contest against the Hilltoppers, three players won in tiebreaks.

That wasn't the only time the Falcons went into rally rode.

Results also consisted of a dramatic comeback victory over Renbrook after also being down 4–1 in that encounter.

"The team’s camaraderie and support for one another created a positive and motivating environment," Hay concluded.

Golden Racquet Award: For her enthusiasm, perseverance, and positive attitude throughout the season -- Alexandra Rouwenhorst.

Team Roster: Talia Abeles, Mateo Caliendo, Sofia Caliendo, Erica Choi, Bradley DeCew, Alara Deniz, Hatim Elarabi, Henry Harrington, Alexandra Ipek, Greta Kelly, Zora Kysar, Zee Lang, Gus Larsen, Daniel Liu, Ruthie Myers, Avik Patel, Alexandra Rouwenhorst, Eita Sawano, Gage Seymour, Hoji Smith-Souza, Kayo Smith-Souza, Mara Solas-Gandhi, Keda Tan, Luhao Tang, Cadel Tiernan, Milos van den Bosch, Gabriel Wang, Avery Weiss, Eli Wilderman, Tyler Witkowsky, Tommy Wittenstein. The coaches are John Hay, Evan Pasquale and Rick Menning.

Ultimate

The springtime winning ways continued both on the lower field and on their opponents' turf as The Foote School's Ultimate (disc) squad was triumphant in a majority of its games.

Two victories over Saint John Paul and a 'W' against Our Lady of Mercy Preparatory Academy were terrific outcomes not necessarily in terms of the final score but in the development of the abilities of the younger players.

That growth in both the knowledge and execution of the fundamentals of Ultimate was especially shown in a hard-fought battle against Chase. Despite not coming out on top, the Falcons displayed a lot of in-game awareness and the team's seventh graders -- and also a few sixth graders -- stepped up in a big way.

The Falcons' 2025 Ultimate squad warriors were dynamic with the discs as the flight paths were always on the radar for success. (Photo courtesy of The Foote School.)

Head coach Colin Maher couldn't have been prouder of his ninth graders, who put the finishing touches to their Foote School careers with an explanation point.

"The ninth graders brought a fierce competitiveness every day. Whether it was scrimmaging each other at practice or in a game, they definitely had that fire in their bellies," Maher said. "This became contagious and helped younger athletes focus on the task at hand. This team had the perfect mix of hilarity and seriousness."

On the very last play of the season, Daphne Altin-Fahey made a catch for a point and a game-ender.

"(The younger players) really worked hard to become an integral part of the team," Maher stated.

Team Roster: Daphne Altin-Fahey, Teo Antonello, Oliver Berkowitz, Marshall Bruce, Matthew El Fakhri, James Elliott, Ari Lopez, Levi Lucarelli-Apatow, Ben Normandin, Alden Neuman, Eleazar Parra, Daniel Perez, Charlie Schwartz, Kameron Shahid, Will Shipley. The coaches are Colin Maher and Jimmy McCaffrey.

Boys' Lacrosse

Although the squad didn’t have a full roster for a traditional competitive season, this year was defined by the dedication and resilience of five standout athletes who showed up consistently, ready to work and grow every day.

That commitment to the sport and each other was especially seen during the joint practices with Adam J. Lewis Academy.

The Falcons' Boys Lacrosse team took each and every practice with a conviction to hone their skills and strive to perform at their best. (Photo courtesy of The Foote School.)

"Without being asked, our players took initiative -- stepping into leadership roles by running drills, demonstrating technique, and sharing their knowledge of the game, coach Pablo Devos Deak said. "Watching them confidently take charge and mentor new players was a (great thing to witness) and a testament to their development not just as athletes, but as role models."

Team chemistry was a major strength, and the bond was strong as the athletes brought energy and enthusiasm to every practice, pushed each other to improve, and made sure that fun was always part of the equation.

"Their positive attitude and commitment created a space where effort and enjoyment were equally valued," Devos Deak noted.

While it may not have been a season filled with official games, it was one filled with meaningful growth, leadership and connection.

"These athletes showed what it means to love the game and to show up for your team -- and that’s something truly worth celebrating," Devos Deak concluded.

The Stringer Award: Tristan Shahid and Yoobin Perry.

Team Roster: Ben Fasano, Daniel Johnson, Alex Kotchen, Yoobin Perry, Tristan Shahid. The coaches are Pablo Devos Deak and Bailey Arango.

Coed Volleyball

Serve, set, spike and dig.

That was the almost constant scene of precision in motion every Monday through Thursday afternoon inside the gymnasium at The Foote School as the club volleyball team was hard at work honing its skills.

The Falcons' Coed Volleyball team members never wavered from their drive and determination to improve with each practice and attain their goals. (Photo courtesy of The Foote School).

There was definitely plenty of excitement on both sides of the net as the maroon- and gray-clad athletes were focused and determined at every practice.

"For some of our players, it was their first time playing volleyball. We were completely impressed by their grit and persistence," coach Ozler Kayaarasi said. "Volleyball is not an easy sport to learn, and in a matter of weeks these athletes were passing, setting and spiking the ball!"

At the end of each practice, Kayaarski and coach Audrey Morrow-Krone made space for students to shout out a success they saw on the court that day.

"I was truly inspired by their sense of fellowship, gratitude and willingness to highlight others' successes," Kayaarski said. "This was an enlightening and uplifting experience, and we are grateful to have been able to work with such driven and considerate people."

Court Conqueror Award: Iris Elliot, El Lyons and Eric Silva.

Team Roster: Dar Assaf, Kia Bourne, Lark Bromage, Noor Burgess, Avery Earnshaw, Iris Elliott, Alora Hanson, Areej Kaseem, Pelin Kayaarasi, Isla Kelly, Eve Laskin-Tievsky, El Lyons, Dorothea Myers, Eric Silva, Ellie Sudmyer. The coaches are Audrey Morrow-Krone and Ozler Kayaarasi.

Graduates, eighth-graders earn athletic honors

For Molly Larsen and Luhao Tang, this week's final Middle School morning meeting of the 2024-25 school year was extra special.

The multi-sports eighth-grade standouts were recognized with the Eighth Grade Athletic Award, presented to those students who have participated in at least two sports seasons and demonstrated the highest level of skill, sportsmanship, leadership, spirit and effort.

Larsen will be an incoming freshman at Choate Rosemary Hall in the fall, while Tang will continue his studies at Amity High School.

"When you work hard and are dedicated to what you do, then the hard work will pay off," said Larsen, who played field hockey (fall), basketball (winter) and lacrosse (spring) for the Falcons this school year. "It is really special and meaningful to receive this award."

Tang, who played soccer (fall) and tennis (spring), was always willing to go above and beyond both in being an inspiration to his teammates but also to lead by example at practices.

"It's a great honor and I'm very happy to receive this award," Tang said. "I'm really proud and grateful to be recognized in this way. I always try to help the teams I play on in any way I can because I feel that being a leader is so important."

Both Larsen and Tang noted that they will use the award as incentive to continue to excel in high school and beyond.

"(Receiving the award) is a good reminder that I should keep working hard and that good things happen when you work hard," said Larsen, whose remark was echoed by Tang.

Meanwhile, during The Foote School's ninth-grade graduation ceremony, top athletic accolades were bestowed on Iris Elliot and Jack Ginnetti.

As was the case with the eighth-grade awards, the ninth-grade winners participated in at least two sports seasons and demonstrated the highest level of skill, sportsmanship, leadership, spirit and effort.

Elliot, who competed in cross country (fall), swimming (winter) and volleyball (spring), will be joining Larsen at Choate Rosemary Hall when the 2025-26 school year gets underway.

Hamden Hall will be welcoming Ginnetti, who was a member of the soccer (fall) and basketball (winter) squads this school year.