WAHS ATHLETICS

This week’s newsletter celebrates golf’s VHSL Class 3 State Championship, our Night of Champions, and Western’s eighth consecutive Class 3 National Guard Cup. Also included are our Senior Spotlight, recent team updates, and the upcoming athletic schedule.

JV Volleyball Team - Photo Credit: Potter Edgerton

Senior Claire Curry has been a member of the Western cheer program for four years while excelling in academics and school leadership. She participates in National Honor Society, marching band, and symphonic band. Claire has also represented Western on the ACPS Student Senate and served as the school’s student representative to the School Board.

Claire’s athletic honors include being named a UCA All-American Cheerleader, receiving the Varsity Cheer MVP Award, and earning the Myra Key Award. She is thankful for her family and coaches for always pushing her to be her best. Her favorite memories include football games and stopping at Buc-ee’s on the way home from cheer camp. Congratulations, Claire!!

Senior MacKenzie Harris has been a member of the Western cheer program for three years and was recognized with the team’s Most Improved Award last season. She also participated in the school musical during her freshman year and has served her community by picking up litter in her neighborhood.

MacKenzie is especially thankful for her mother, who has always believed in her and helped her pursue her goals, as well as her coach for her continued support. Her favorite cheer memories are the funny jokes and moments shared with her teammates during team dinners and bus rides to away games. She lives by the Steve Jobs quote, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Congratulations, MacKenzie!

Senior Laila Shelton has participated in cheer for five years and earned the World History Academic Award during her sophomore year. She has also served her community through the Noon Lunch Program at Trinity Church in Staunton.

Laila is a co-captain of Western’s Game Day Competition Cheer Team. She is thankful for her parents, brother, coaches, and teammates for their constant support throughout her athletic career. Her favorite team memory is playing Imposter on the ride home from the E.C. Glass football game during her junior year. Laila lives by the quote, “She believed she could, so she did.” Congratulations, Laila!

Golf captured the 2026 VHSL Class 3 State Championship on Tuesday, October 13. Kennedy MacCleery, James Nolde, Lucas Crombie, Kevin Thacher, Matteo Urresti, and Cam Carver secured the program’s sixth state championship and the 99th team state title in Western Albemarle history. MacCleery, Crombie, and Nolde also earned All-State honors for their performances.

Varsity Football - The Warriors earned back-to-back victories, defeating Charlottesville 23–13 and Goochland 7–0. Elias Albert powered the offense against Charlottesville, rushing for 265 yards on more than 30 carries and scoring three touchdowns. Philip Venton and Holden Beal played well defensively, while Alex Roach contributed on both sides of the ball. Albert scored the game’s only touchdown against Goochland, with Beau Roberts providing strong two-way play and Weyman Carter delivering several big defensive hits. The consecutive wins helped put the Warriors back on track.

Varsity Field Hockey went 2–1 over the two-week stretch, earning shutout victories over Fluvanna and Monticello before falling 4–2 to Albemarle. Camille Love scored four goals in the 7–0 win over Fluvanna, with Marchelle Van Der Westhuizen scoring twice and Mary Marley adding another. Emmy Williams scored twice and Margaret Kimbrough added a goal in the 3–0 victory over Monticello. Perry Hume and Margaret scored against Albemarle, while Amari Shah, Camille, Mira Mueller, and Leila Harris also played well in a strong team effort.

Varsity Volleyball posted a 3–1 record, defeating Fluvanna 3–1 and sweeping Monticello and Goochland before falling 3–1 to Albemarle. Sara Price anchored the defense with 27 digs during the opening week, while Kat Barth recorded eight aces and 29 assists. Emmy Driver played an important role throughout the stretch by contributing at multiple positions. The Warriors will celebrate Senior Night during their next home match on October 27.

Boys Cross Country finished second out of 33 teams at the Albemarle Invitational, one of the area’s largest meets with 253 varsity runners. The Warriors scored 65 points, finishing just three points behind Albemarle. Noah Kaminstein placed third in 15:40.50, followed closely by Henry Bowman in fourth at 15:44.80. Finn Smith finished 15th, while Ethan Apicella and Christophe de Wekker placed 21st and 22nd. Western’s five scoring runners crossed the line within 25 seconds of one another, giving the team an impressive average time of 15:54.

JV Football continued to compete through losses to Charlottesville and Goochland. Luke Matthews, Jett Palmer, and Stu Sheehan led a strong defensive effort against Charlottesville. Liam Bolton played well defensively against Goochland, while Raiden Stanley and Leighton Patterson contributed several big plays. The young Warriors continued to battle and showed no quit.

JV Field Hockey JV field hockey completed an outstanding stretch with victories over Fluvanna, Monticello, and Albemarle. Ashby White scored the game-winner in a 1–0 win over Fluvanna before assisting Arleigh Johnson’s overtime goal in a 1–0 victory over Monticello. Virginia Hartog and Posie Kattmann provided lockdown defense, while Maddie Hume controlled the midfield. The Warriors then defeated Albemarle 4–1 to secure the No. 1 seed and the opportunity to host the Jefferson District JV Championship game.

JV Volleyball won two of its three matches, sweeping Fluvanna 2–0 and defeating Albemarle 2–1. The Warriors also battled Monticello in a hard-fought three-set loss. Ava Canine, Shreya Madaan, and Sianna Strike delivered standout performances during the two-week stretch.

Freshman Volleyball went 1–1, defeating Monticello 2–0 before narrowly falling to Albemarle in three sets. Olive Horne totaled 13 kills and nine aces across the two matches, while Emerson Luzar recorded five kills against Monticello. Stella Zemon distributed nine assists in the victory, and Zaidyn Brooks added seven assists and four aces against Albemarle. Cassidy Ferris and Caroline Pinson led the defensive effort as the Warriors displayed consistency and contributions throughout the lineup.

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 12th - NCAA Signing Day

- Please complete this form if you have committed to play a D1 sport next year.

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

November 18th - Fall Sports Celebration

Photo Credit: Colin Rutherford

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.

Photo Credit: Joel Bird

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

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