Shorts on Sports: From the Captains

As the fall athletic season enters its final days, Deerfield captains reflected on their teams’ journeys, sharing early challenges, lasting memories, and the motivation that will drive them through the remainder of the season. 

Boys’ Varsity Cross Country

The Boys’ Varsity Cross Country team put together an undefeated season with the exception of a single loss to Exeter. Notably, Thijs Wittink ’27 won first place in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) JV Cross Country Race, being the first Deerfield Athlete in over a decade to do so. Captain Reid McCoy ’26 described the team’s success as a reflection of its emphasis on individual improvement. “Our hope is that every runner develops their own speed and mindset throughout the season,” McCoy said. 

He noted that the focus on personal growth has created a stronger collective team performance. “This year, we have more people who come to practice excited to do the hard work that it takes to achieve success,” he added. 

McCoy expressed that the captains have become “more engaged” by helping run practices and form closer connections with teammates. He also gave a shoutout to new runners like Will Golding ’29 and Hayston Hay ’29 for their “incredible attitudes” and strong race performances. 

Boys’ Varsity Soccer 

The Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team has faced challenges with early injuries but continued to focus on unity and effort. “We wanted to be a competitive team in NEPSAC,” said Captain Alex Salvo ’26, adding that setbacks haven’t diminished their strong team chemistry. 

Salvo explained that this year’s leadership structure, with four captains instead of two, has helped the team find balance and take on responsibility. “We all have our strong points as captains,” he said. The team began the year with a pre-season training trip to Spain, where they built a tight bond through shared matches, travel, and cultural experiences. On Choate Day, the team reached their goal, as Salvo described, to “finish the season on a strong note,” by winning the game.  

Girls’ Varsity Soccer

Captain Keira Austin ’26 said the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team’s main goal remained the same each year: to make the playoffs and “feel good about our performance and effort every game.” The team spent 11 days in Spain with the boys' team during preseason, training, competing, and bonding. “From playing semiprofessional teams to signing with a musician in his bodega, our team got so much closer,” Austin said. The trip’s impact showed early in the season, with a 2-0 win against Milton. 

Austin highlighted sophomore goalie Winnie Underwood ’28 as a key player, describing her as “one of the hardest workers on the field” whose performances have been crucial to the team’s success. 

Boys’ Varsity Water Polo

The Boys’ Varsity Water Polo team entered this season focused on building a foundation for future success. “We have a lot of young talent and only a handful of upperclassmen,” said Captain Patrick Zhang ’26, “so our goal was to lay the groundwork for the years ahead.” Zhang described this year’s energy as “boisterous” and full of potential. “When directed toward something productive, we play and practice incredibly well,” he said. He also recognized standout performances from GD Lee ’28, as well as newcomers James Leung ’29 and Saxon Girodet ’28, whose contributions have been “incredibly valuable.” 

Girls’ Varsity Volleyball

Under the leadership of co-captain Captain Harmoni Dobbins ’26 and Evelyn Kunde ’26, the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team held a 16-2 record and made it to the quarterfinals of the NEPSAC Tournament. Dobbins said their goal was to create a "competitive, safe, and welcoming community,” a culture she and Kunde emphasized from the start. “We came into the season focused and determined,” Dobbins said. “Everyone on the team is here for one reason: to win.”

The team faced a challenge against Kings Academy, a Class C school that competes in a stronger Class A level. After that setback, the team used the experience to refocus and fuel their motivation throughout the rest of the season. “We all got in a circle and said, ‘We lost yesterday, but we’ve won so many other games, and we know it’s possible to beat them,’ ” Dobbins recalled. 

Outside of competitions, team bonding has also been central to their success. Dobbins emphasized the team dinners after practices as one of the key traditions that strengthened their connection. “After every practice, we try to come together as a team and spend at least 30 minutes at team dinner together,” she said. Having been on the team for four years, Dobbins described the relationships she’s built as some of her “most cherished.”