The Deerfield Players Tribune

For many, sports are a large part of the Deerfield experience. From Choate Day to locker room huddles to shouting “aga-chi” in the stands, everyone can feel the spirit that surrounds Deerfield athletics. We asked seniors to reflect on their experiences playing their winter sport.

Colman Shea ’18: Varsity Boys Basketball

“My favorite moment from my Deerfield career is when my basketball team beat Choate my sophomore year. Although I only played for a couple of minutes, watching my team secure the most important win after a difficult season was awesome. There was a special group on the court, and there was a special group in the bleachers cheering us on in 2016, the group that ‘brought it back.’ I wouldn’t change a thing about that season because all of the adversity was worth it when we became a brotherhood and beat Choate.”

Bailey Smith ’18: Varsity Girls Swimming and Diving

“Swimming at Deerfield has given me a family. It was not the sport that changed my life in high school, but the people I came into contact with over the years. The groups of girls I’ve had the honor and opportunity to be a part of since my freshman year have always been my support system. Also, swimming may be an individual sport from an observer, but we are a true team and we depend on each just as much as any other sport. The Deerfield girls varsity swim and dive team made me a better person, leader, and friend. Without this sport, I would never have this team, and without this team, Deerfield would not be as special for me as it was for the past four years.”

Henry Hayden ’18: Varsity Wrestling

“My favorite moment of my wrestling career was winning my first Class A Championship title. Having not been a serious wrestler for my first two years at Deerfield, it meant a lot to see my hard work pay off. Most importantly, however, it was really special to have a team that believed in me, and with whom I could share my success.”

Brenna Hoar ’18: Varsity Girls Hockey

“Being a senior is hanging on to every little moment with the team, the best of times and the worst of times, I wouldn’t change any of it. Playing sports pushed me to work harder in the classroom, knowing that if I didn’t I wouldn’t be allowed to play and I’d lose the highlight of all my days – practicing, competing, winning with the team. I have two favorite games of my entire Deerfield career. First, hockey season junior year beating Williston 3-0 during the last game in the barn. Second, soccer season senior year beating Choate with fans lining the sidelines. Both games, we were the underdog by a ton, but we worked harder and had way more heart.”