WAHS ATHLETICS

Welcome to this week’s WAHS Athletic Department Newsletter! Catch up on recent results, senior spotlights, upcoming events, and our Morgan’s Message fundraiser. Thank you for supporting our Warriors!

Photo Credit: Colin Rutherford

Senior Mia Craytor has been involved with field hockey for nearly her entire life, building countless friendships and memories along the way. She has also excelled in the classroom and has served her community through volunteer work with the Boys & Girls Club and bingo events at The Lodge.

Mia is especially thankful for the family members, friends, and coaches who have supported her throughout her journey. Her favorite parts of Western field hockey have been laughing with her teammates and memorable moments like asking Coach Mia Fields which tanning beds she uses. Mia’s favorite quote captures the individuality and confidence she brings to the team: “In a world full of swans, be a flamingo.”

Senior Marchelle van der Westhuizen has distinguished herself at Western through excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service. She is a consistent honor roll student and also serves as co-executive director of Generations of Charlottesville and has volunteered by coaching with Focus and AGLL, supporting GEMS, and working with the Virginia Discovery Museum.

Marchelle has played field hockey for 10 years and has become an important member of the Western program. Her accomplishments include earning Second-Team All-Jefferson District and Second-Team All-Central Virginia honors in 2025. She is especially thankful to her parents, coaches, family, and friends for their support throughout her athletic career. One of her favorite field hockey memories is creatively drying her wet uniform by hanging it outside Mia’s car.

Senior Leila Harris has distinguished herself at Western through her commitment to academics, athletics, and service. Leila has been a three-sport varsity athlete since her freshman year, when she was elevated to the varsity basketball team late in the season. She has also earned All-State honors in lacrosse throughout her high school career.

Leila has played field hockey for five years and has become an important part of the Western program. Away from athletics, she gives back to the community by volunteering and playing bingo with residents at The Lodge at Old Trail. Leila is especially thankful for her teachers, who have supported her despite the many classes she has needed to leave early for athletic events. Her favorite pregame tradition is making sure she eats plenty of cookies before taking the field.

Photo Credit: Colin Rutherford

Boys Cross Country had a strong week with impressive performances at both the Charlottesville Quad and FUMA Invitational. On Wednesday, the Warriors placed five runners in the top seven, led by Henry Bowman’s 3rd-place finish, followed by Christophe De Wekker (4th), Finn Smith (5th), George Geis (6th), and Ethan Apicella (7th). At Saturday’s FUMA Invitational, Western was even stronger, placing five runners in the top six. Noah Kaminstein finished 2nd in 16:06, followed by De Wekker (3rd), Smith (4th), Bowman (5th), and Apicella (6th), as the Warriors finished with just 20 team points.

Girls Cross Country finished runner-up at Wednesday’s Charlottesville Quad, led by Zoey Downer, who placed 5th overall in 21:48.60. Freshman Arbour Cole followed in 7th, with Elea Kate Southerland finishing 9th. Daisy McCown placed 13th and Maddie Fritts 16th to round out Western’s scoring five. The Warriors finished with 49 team points, while Sarah Jane Broadbent and Olivia Smith also placed in the top 25.

Varsity Volleyball enjoyed a perfect week, sweeping Monticello and Goochland by identical 3–0 scores. Maddie Burnette recorded seven kills on 10 attempts, while Ciciley Rocco finished with 10 kills on 19 attempts. Lily Kate Simmers was outstanding from the service line, scoring 16 points on 20 serves as the Warriors continued to build momentum.

Freshman Volleyball opened its season with a 2–0 victory over Monticello. Olive Horne led the Warriors with five service aces, while Sidney Eagleburger added four aces. It was a solid all-around team performance in the group’s first match of the season.

Varsity Football continued to compete until the final whistle in a 27–14 loss. Marquin Henry scored a touchdown, while Alex Roach added a rushing touchdown. Jon Robinson made a big reception to extend an important drive. Defensively, the entire line worked hard throughout the night against a physical, run-oriented opponent. The Warriors never gave up and continued battling until the end.

JV Football came up just short in a hard-fought 20–19 loss to Monticello. Daniel Lake recovered a fumble and returned it for a defensive touchdown, while Caleb DeBoodt scored on a kickoff return. Despite the narrow result, the Warriors delivered a strong overall team effort.

Varsity Golf celebrated Senior Night with a 148–160 victory over Goochland. Senior Kennedy MacCleery led the Warriors with an outstanding six-under-par round of 30. Western also recognized seniors Quinn Fusco, Maddox Nauman, and Nolan Stype for their contributions to the golf program.

Varsity Field Hockey V continued its strong start with a 6–1 victory over Monticello—the Warriors’ largest win over the Mustangs in recent school history. Hadley Barrett recorded a hat trick, while Mira Mueller scored twice and added an assist. Camille Love contributed another goal, and Marchelle van der Westhuizen finished with two assists. Stella Pearcy led a strong defensive effort with support from Kathleen Wyatt, Amari Shah, Leila Harris, and Maddie Farber.

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JV Field Hockey battled Monticello to a 0–0 tie after overtime. The Warriors controlled much of the game but could not quite find the back of the net. Arleigh Johnson displayed impressive stickwork and poise on the forward line, while Peyton Davis and Susie Dean controlled the defensive end by consistently stepping to the ball.

Photo Credit: Joel Bird

This Thursday, WAHS Field Hockey will host a special Morgan’s Message game to help raise awareness about mental health among student-athletes. Morgan’s Message works to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages athletes to know that seeking support is a sign of strength. We hope our Warrior community will join us in supporting this important cause.

Use the donation link to support Morgan’s Message!

October 2nd - Homecoming Football Game

October 3rd - Homecoming Dance

October 16th - Night of Champions - Celebration of State Champions (Teams & Individuals)

November 9th - Start of Winter Sports

*Please ensure you have an updated physical on file with the Athletic Department. Only Hard Copies of physicals will be accepted.

November 17th - Winter Sports Parent Meeting (WAHS Cafeteria)

November 18th - Fall Sports Celebration

Photo Credit: Joel Bird

As we gear up for an exciting spring sports season, don't forget to check the out-of-season practice schedule for your team! These sessions are a great opportunity to sharpen your skills, build team chemistry, and stay in shape ahead of tryouts. Click on the link for schedules and coach contact information.

Winter Sports out of season practices

Spring Sports out of season practices

IMPORTANT DETAILS!

• Physicals - Players must have a HARD COPY of the VHSL Physical on file with the WAHS Athletic Department (The k12 email server is not alway allowing emails with PDF attachments to come through. This is why we are requiring HARD COPY versions to be turned in (turn in to the front office or Athletic Department office). Please note that the VHSL has updated its sports physical policy, which now allows them to remain valid for 14 months. Please reach out to the WAHS Athletics office if you have questions about your physical.
• Off-season practices are not mandatory and attendance does not impact tryouts for the spring.
• Additionally, athletes who are participating in a FALL sport for Western Albemarle High School cannot participate in the out of season workouts for another sport.

Warrior fans, we are fortunate to have the WAHS Sports Photography Club capturing the energy, excitement, and dedication of our student-athletes. Joel Bird and Colin Rutherford, have taken the lead of the Sports Photography group and are joined by Potter Edgerton and Cade Bentley to ensure that every moment—from the pool to the field, court, and track—is beautifully documented.

Their work not only highlights the hard work and spirit of our athletes but also provides lasting memories for families and fans. All photos are generously shared for viewing and downloading—be sure to explore their galleries and show your appreciation for their talent and dedication!

Thank you Joel, Colin, Potter, Bentley and the entire Photography Club, for capturing the Warrior athletic experience!

WAHS Sports Photography

Photo Credit: Colin Rutherford

Support our school and show your spirit! Visit our online store to browse a variety of school-related gear, from apparel to accessories. A portion of every purchase goes directly back to our school, helping to fund programs and activities that benefit all our students. Shop now and make a difference while looking great!