WAHS ATHLETICS

Welcome to this week’s WAHS Athletic Newsletter! Inside, we recognize another outstanding senior in our Senior Spotlight, recap highlights and performances from the past week, and look ahead to this week’s athletic schedule. You’ll also find information about upcoming special events and optional out-of-season practice opportunities. Thank you for continuing to support our student-athletes, coaches, and the entire Warrior community! Go Warriors!

Photo Credit: Colin Rutherford

Senior Sara Price has distinguished herself at Western through her success in academics, athletics, leadership, and service. She serves as president of WAHS FBLA after spending the previous two years as vice president, is editor-in-chief of the WAHS yearbook, and is secretary of Science Olympiad. She also earned first place in the Behavioral Science category at the Regional Science Fair, qualifying for the state competition. Outside of school, Sara has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Loaves & Fishes.

A four-year travel volleyball player, Sara is one of three captains for the Warriors this season and helped Western complete an undefeated Jefferson District campaign last year. She is especially thankful for her mom and dad, whom she describes as her biggest supporters in every part of her life. Sara’s favorite volleyball memories are the connections she has built with her teammates during tournaments and team-bonding activities, including last season’s Jellycat Exchange. Her favorite quote reflects the mindset she brings to everything she does: “You can’t control the wind, but you can always adjust your sails.” Congratulations, Sara, and thank you for everything you have contributed to Western Athletics and the Western community!

Photo Credit: Colin Rutherford

Sarah Jane Broadbent (left) has made an impressive impact at Western through her achievements in academics, athletics, leadership, and service. She is a co-founder of Western’s Special Olympics Club. Sarah Jane has completed more than 50 hours of documented community service, volunteering at the Cal Tri Triathlon, Dogwood Track Classic, Women’s Four Miler, VTCA Invitational cross country meet, and numerous Special Olympics practices and events. Through the Special Olympics Club, she has also helped organize funding and recruit volunteers.

Sarah Jane is a captain of the Western Cross Country team. She earned All-American honors as a member of the distance medley relay at the 2026 Adidas Indoor Nationals and reached the state podium in the outdoor 4x400-meter relay. She is especially thankful for the friends who joined the program with her and continue to push her every day. Before competing, Sarah Jane listens to Tate McRae’s “Just Keep Watching,” and she embraces the team motto, “Fall and let your feet catch you.” Her favorite memory is traveling to the Great American meet as a freshman, where the late-night races, a Harris Teeter stop, and the ropes course made the experience unforgettable.

Lauren Luna (right) has made a lasting impact at Western through her leadership, service, creativity, and commitment to cross country. Lauren has served as her class vice president for all four years. She is the founding president of the Speech and Debate Club, a cross country and track captain, and the creator of @wahsgirlsdistance, which promotes the program and supports team outreach. She is also an officer in the National English Honor Society and a member of the National Honor Society and Rho Kappa. Beyond Western, Lauren has spent 12 years in Girl Scouts, serves on the Girl Scout Board of Directors, and is working toward her Gold Award. She has also built LaurenTaylorPink, an online fashion and room-inspiration platform that has generated more than five million impressions.

A four-year member of the cross country program, Lauren was named the team’s Most Improved Runner in consecutive seasons. She is thankful for SPUVA, her teammates, Coaches Katie, Margaret, Lauren, Cherie, and Chuck, and Ada Buer, who encouraged her to join cross country as a freshman. Her race-day traditions include hair glitter and four “PR braids,” while her best friends, Daisy McCown and Sarah Jane Broadbent, write positive messages on her left hand so she can see their encouragement whenever she checks her watch. Lauren’s motto is “Make memories today,” and some of her favorite memories are crisp autumn long runs filled with plenty of conversation and laughter with her teammates.

Congratulations, Sarah Jane and Lauren, and thank you for everything that both of you have contributed to Western Athletics and our community!

Photo Credit: Joel Bird

Varsity Football turned in a dominant all-around team performance in a 43–8 victory. Philip Venton scored two touchdowns, while quarterback Parker Envall added a rushing touchdown and threw for another score. Elias Albert was a disruptive force on defense, recording more than five tackles for loss, and Grant Moudry contributed a blocked punt. Numerous Warriors made an impact as Western delivered a complete team effort on offense, defense, and special teams.

Varsity Volleyball earned four victories during a busy week of competition. In the Jefferson District Season Opening Tournament, the Warriors fell to Albemarle before responding with a 3-0 win over Monticello. Western then competed in the Patriot Volleyball Tournament, defeating Covenant, Riverbend, and Albemarle in a rematch before closing the tournament with a loss to Covenant. “Mad Dog” Maddie Burnette delivered a standout performance as Western continued to build momentum.

Boys Cross Country: At the Ragged Mountain Cup, the team delivered an outstanding performance in the 4x2-mile relay. Western’s team of Christophe de Wekker, Henry Bowman, Noah Kaminstein, and Finn Smith won the event in 40:12, finishing just four seconds shy of the course record. De Wekker ran the second-fastest individual split in 9:58, followed by Bowman in third at 10:00, Smith in fourth at 10:04, and Kaminstein in seventh at 10:10. Ethan Apicella added the ninth-fastest split of the day in 10:15 and helped Western’s second relay team of Apicella, George Geis, Silvio Sicoli, and Luke Sullivan finish in 42:10. The Warriors return to action next Wednesday at McIntire Park.

Varsity Field Hockey opened Jefferson District play with a pair of shutout victories, defeating Orange County 3–0 and Fluvanna 5–0. Camille Love, Perry Hume, and Marchelle van der Westhuizen scored against Orange, while Finley Barrett, Hadley Barrett, Camille Love, Mia Craytor, and Emmy Williams found the goal against Fluvanna. Amari Shah and Maddie Farber helped anchor a defense in front of goalie, Stella Pearcy that did not allow a goal in either game.

JV Field Hockey began Jefferson District play with back-to-back shutouts, defeating Orange County 3–0 and Fluvanna 2–0. Six Warriors contributed to the scoring, led by Sofia Montini with two goals and additional goals from Mae Caroline Strobach, Ashby White, and Cecelia Rapp Work. Savannah Johnson and Maddie Hume recorded assists, while Emma Harrison and Virginia Hartog did an excellent job moving the ball and switching fields from the defensive end to initiate the attack. The JV Warriors are 2–0 in district play and travel to Monticello on Tuesday.

Photo Credit: Colin Rutherford

September 16th - Golf Senior Night - Old Trail Golf Course

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

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: Colin Rutherford

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!