WAHS ATHLETICS

Welcome to this week’s WAHS Athletic Department Newsletter! As our fall seasons move closer to postseason competition, catch up on recent results, outstanding performances, senior spotlights, and the events ahead. Thank you for continuing to support our Warriors!

Photo Credit: Potter Edgerton

Senior Cora Matzke (#14) has played field hockey since she was eight years old and throughout all four years at Western—two seasons on JV and two on varsity. Cora is a member of the National English Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society and volunteers with an after-school STEM program at Brownsville and as a peer tutor.

Cora is thankful for her parents and friends for always supporting her. Her game-day tradition is wearing at least one braid, and her favorite saying is the 2024 JV team motto, “Net is net.” Her favorite memory came at Meridian, when the lights went out during a state quarterfinal and the team held a dance party before returning to the field and earning the victory. Congratulations, Cora!

Senior Lucy Matzke (#17) is an accomplished horseback rider, earning regional championships in 2023 and 2024 and Grand Hunter Champion honors in 2025. She is also the founder and co-president of Western’s German Club and helps younger riders at her barn during the summer.

In her first season playing field hockey, Lucy’s favorite memory was the team’s opening scrimmage during tryouts—her first game in more than six years. It reminded her how much fun the sport can be and how supportive her teammates are. She is thankful for her parents and twin sister and lives by the quote, “Obsession will always beat talent.” Congratulations, Lucy!

Senior Kathleen Wyatt (#11) has played defense for Western’s field hockey and lacrosse programs since her freshman year, helping field hockey reach the 2025 state semifinals. An AP Scholar with Distinction, Kathleen is a member of five honor societies, a Science Honor Society officer, and a recipient of the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. She also co-founded GEMS, which provides after-school STEM enrichment for elementary school girls.

Kathleen has volunteered approximately 150 hours with Grace Grocery and has gained laboratory experience with a local biotechnology startup and the UVA School of Medicine. She is thankful for her parents and Coach Peggy for their constant support. Her favorite field hockey memory was the Meridian game when the lights went out and the team held a dance party in the dark before returning to earn the win. Congratulations, Kathleen!

Photo Credit: Colin Rutherford

Golf captured the Region 3C Championship at Lake Monticello, continuing another outstanding season for the Warriors. Kennedy MacCleery tied for medalist honors after shooting an even-par 72. James Nolde, Lucas Crombie, and Matteo Urresti also earned All-Region honors, while all six Western golfers finished among the top 20 competitors. The Warriors will compete for another title at the VHSL Class 3 State Championship on October 13.

Varsity Volleyball remained perfect in Jefferson District play with four consecutive victories, defeating Albemarle 3–1 before sweeping Louisa, Charlottesville, and Orange. Katherine Heilman delivered the team’s best individual offensive performance of the season against Albemarle, recording 19 kills on 35 attempts with only three errors. Ciciley Rocco contributed strong play on offense, defense, and in serve receive, while Courtney Wilson stepped into the starting lineup for the first time this season and performed well against Charlottesville, then the district’s second-place team. The Warriors are now the only remaining unbeaten team in Jefferson District play.

JV Volleyball enjoyed a perfect week, earning a 2–1 victory over Charlottesville before sweeping Orange 2–0 on the road. Shreya Madaan, Sianna Strike, and London Osinloye delivered standout performances as the Warriors continued their strong season.

Freshman Volleyball earned a 2–0 victory over Charlottesville, winning the opening set 25–17 and the second set 25–18. The Warriors displayed plenty of offensive firepower, with Olive Horne recording four kills, Kylie Lovell adding three kills, and Emerson Luzar and Leighton Hall contributing three kills apiece. Western was also aggressive from the service line, led by five aces each from Horne and Lovell and four from Zaidyn Brooks.

Boys Cross Country earned an impressive ninth-place finish in the elite Race of Champions at the Great American Cross Country Festival in Cary, North Carolina. Henry Bowman was Western’s top finisher, with Noah Kaminstein close behind. Bowman, Kaminstein, and Ethan Apicella each raced to personal-best times. Finn Smith, Christophe de Wekker, George Geis, Deegan Gardner, and Luke Sullivan also contributed to the Warriors’ strong team performance. The 27th annual meet featured top programs from across the country.

Varsity Football put together a strong first half before falling 40–13 to Fluvanna. Quarterback Parker Envall accounted for the Warriors’ touchdown, while Micah Bruton connected on two field goals. Elias Albert delivered a strong two-way performance, making an impact at running back and defensive end. Western showed several positives to build upon moving forward.

JV Football battled in a game that was much closer than the 28–6 score. Austin Perpetua turned in a strong performance for the Warriors. The game provided the team with a valuable opportunity to learn, grow, and continue improving as the season moves forward.

Varsity Field Hockey went 3–1 over the past two weeks, earning victories over Louisa, Charlottesville, and Orange. The Warriors responded to a narrow 3–2 loss to Albemarle with a dominant 6–0 win over Louisa. Marchelle Van Der Westhuizen and Mary Marley scored against Albemarle, with assists from Emmy Williams and Mira Mueller, while Stella Pearcy delivered a strong performance. Mary, Emmy, Lucy Matzke, Wallis Hrabe, and Margaret Kimbrough—who scored twice—led the attack against Louisa, with Skyler Luzar and Leila Harris also playing well. Western then celebrated Senior Night with a thrilling 1–0 overtime victory over Charlottesville as Mira Mueller scored the game-winner with 22 seconds remaining in the game and Shannon Seidemann stepped in to provide excellent play in goal.

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JV Field Hockey put together a perfect two-week stretch, earning wins over Albemarle, Louisa, Charlottesville, and Orange. The Warriors rallied for a 2–1 comeback victory over previously unbeaten Albemarle before defeating Louisa 3–0. Emma Harrison, Ashby White, Sofia Montini, and Maddie Hume contributed goals, while Susie Dean, Posie Kattmann, and Molly Clark anchored the defense. Western followed with matching 4–0 victories over Charlottesville and Orange, exploding for eight goals through excellent teamwork. Arleigh Johnson, Emma Hoagland, and Maddie Hume each scored twice, while Mae Caroline Strobach added a goal and Adele Chulis and Sofia Montini recorded assists. Emma Kessler earned Teammate of the Week recognition for her spacing and support, while Elin Rudzinski helped slow the Orange attack with a strong defensive effort.

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 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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