Unsung Seniors, Fall 2024

Jacob Brandeis was a newcomer to Collegiate in 2023 and made an immediate impression on the boys soccer program. A hard-working central midfielder, he contributed two goals and two assists his junior season as the Cougars won both the Prep League and VISAA championships. His senior year, his leadership and versatility shone through.

 

“This past fall, Jacob adapted and became a Swiss-army knife for our inexperienced squad, playing in the back, midfield, and as a forward depending on the game and the needs of our team,” said Coach Rob Ukrop. “Jacob embraced his role, led by example, and demonstrated our mantra, ‘Compete with Purpose, Play with Joy.’”

 

Carly Barnes played varsity tennis the past two years and in her final season served as a captain and leader of a very young but talented team, which captured both the League of Independent Schools and VISAA championships. She also made the most of her court time, going 1-1 in singles and 10-2 in doubles. More importantly, she earned the respect of her teammates who describe her as positive, energetic, thoughtful, and kind.

 

“Carly always put the team above herself,” said coach Allyson Brand. “She’s a true leader on and off the court. She showed up to practice and sports performance ready to work hard and lead by example. She was also the team DJ, bringing the speaker and the Spotify playlist to provide upbeat music for our team’s practices and pre-match warm-ups.”

 

Grayson Forstner ran cross country for six years, the past three on the varsity, and achieved a 5K personal best of 19:27, a two-minute improvement since his junior season.

 

“Grayson embodies the team approach we strive to cultivate,” said Coach Matthew Richardson. “He worked hard and supported his teammates every day. He stepped up as a leader his senior year, helped set the tone for our young team, and demonstrated what consistent, focused effort each day can accomplish.”

 

Nora Wallace and Maddie McComb served as captains of the 2024 Collegiate’s girls cross country team. More significant than their 5K personal bests (22:07 and 21:36, respectively) was their ability to lead and inspire a young, talented team wthat won both the LIS and VISAA titles, the former for the third consecutive year and the latter for the fourth.

 

“Nora and Maddie helped build a friendship and spirit among their teammates that was extraordinary,” Richardson said. “They were anything but unsung to those in the cross country program where they’re loved, cherished, and respected by their teammates for their hard work, determination, and joyfulness. Their team-first attitude showcased their profound generosity with their talent as they lifted others up, demonstrating their humility, love of others, and remarkable leadership.”

 

Lawson Vaughan, a two-season varsity field hockey performer, contributed three goals and one assist in her final season when the Cougars went 14-4-1 and reached the LIS championship game and the VISAA semifinals.

 

“Lawson worked incredibly hard this season to improve and earn a starting spot at the left midfield position, which is one of the harder positions to play both on attack and defense,” said Coach Kelsey Smither. “She has an incredible work ethic and a great attitude. The energy and enthusiasm she brought was amazing and did not go unnoticed. She’s a great teammate who always provided the laughs each day and was a true joy to have as part of our field hockey program.”

 

Oreoluwa Tokan-Lawal came out for football for the first time his junior year, and as he learned the intricacies of the sport, he earned a roster spot as a wide receiver and cornerback.

 

“Luwa showed up daily for two years eager to learn, help on scout teams, and play on special teams,” said Coach Collin McConaghy. “As a senior, he earned very meaningful playing time on our starting defense. What stood out most about Luwa was his constant hustle on the field. There were multiple games this year where he chased down the ball carrier and made a touchdown-saving tackle.”

 

Harper Murphy completed her senior volleyball season with 256 digs and 31 aces as the Cougars finished 15-10 and reached the LIS finals and VISAA quarterfinals.

 

“Harper was an indispensable force on our team, exemplifying unwavering dedication and an unrelenting passion for excellence,” said first-year coach Diamond Welton-Boxley. “Her exceptional work ethic, unshakeable confidence, and selfless commitment to teamwork were contagious and elevated the entire squad to new heights. With her skill and drive, Harper played a pivotal role in our team's triumphs, inspiring teammates and cementing her status as a true leader.”

~Weldon Bradshaw