Unsung Senior Athletes, Winter 2025

Patrick Aboud, a 6-2 shooting guard, has played varsity basketball the past two years.

 

“Patrick has played a critical role in setting our competitive tone in practice every day,” said Coach Nick Leonardelli. “He routinely challenges all of the starters in every practice segment and competes with a team-first mentality. 

 

“Although his impact isn't always seen by the crowd on game days, it is very much impactful, appreciated, and helping to shape how younger players approach every day in practice. He’s a great kid who gives his all. He’s never had a bad day in practice. He ‘brings it’ every day, and his attitude rubs off on others.”

 

Carly Barnes has played varsity basketball the past three years and moved into a starting role as a forward in her final season.

 

“Carly is the glue that keeps everybody together, both behind the scenes and on the court,” said Coach Kevin Coffey. “She’s a vocal leader in practice and in the locker room and does her best to keep everybody on the same page.

 

“She helps us, especially communicating on defense and even on offense, to keep everybody where they need to be. Carly adds maturity. She sparks energy. If we’re down a little bit, she’s the one who lifts us up.”

 

Heath Brown competed as a sprinter, mainly in the relays, in his second season of winter track.

 

His top events were the 4x200 and 4x400. In the Prep League meet, he was a member of the unit which placed third (1:36.47) in the former and fourth (3:46.78) in the latter.

 

“Heath has found a place as an important member of our relay teams over the last two years,” said Brent Miller, head boys track coach. “While he could certainly focus on individual events and have plenty of success, he prefers to run with his teammates in the relays. He’s been a leader both during practice and at meets and has encouraged younger athletes with this lead-by-example mentality. He’s definitely helped build a strong culture in the winter track program.”

 

Sophie Sloan began her running career as a practitioner of long-distance events but has found a home in the long sprints and middle distances.

 

“It’s been really fun watching Sophie compete in some shorter races this winter,” said head girls track coach Beth Kondorossy. “She's really stepped up and helped our team in the 500 and as a member of the 4X400 relay team because she competes with determination and fire in her eye.”

 

Sophie has recorded personal bests of 3:35.83 in the 1000 and 1:27.62 in the 500 (good for sixth place in the League of Independent Schools championship meet). Her 4x4 team also placed second in the league (4:21.67) and fourth in the VISAA (4:16.23).

 

“This season, Sophie figured out where she could help her team be successful,” said Matthew Richardson, head cross country and distance track coach. “Several weeks ago at Woodberry Forest, she was behind going into the last leg of the 4x4, and when she took he baton, she dominated the race, and finished strong. She’s been on a roll ever since.”

 

Jacob Brandeis has played on Collegiate’s futsal team (as well as the varsity soccer team) the past two years. 

 

“Jacob shows up to practice every single day with a commitment to challenge himself and his teammates to be better,” said Coach Page Chapman.  “He soaks in all the information his coaches give him and applies it to his craft.  Jacob has a great deal of energy and brings it to the defending and attacking principles, which are an essential piece of playing futsal. We’ll always remember Jacob for his leadership in the futsal program.”

~Weldon Bradshaw