WAHS ATHLETICS

What an incredible way to close out the 2025-2026 school year! Every one of our spring teams qualified for postseason play, every girls team captured a Jefferson District Championship, and the season was highlighted by state championships in Girls Lacrosse and Boys Tennis, along with a state runner-up finish by Girls Soccer. Congratulations to everyone on an unforgettable year, and enjoy this final edition of the Warrior Athletics Newsletter.

For Jenn Sublette, Western Albemarle has never just been a school—it has been home.

As she concludes her five-year tenure as principal, Ms. Sublette leaves behind a legacy that spans nearly every role imaginable. She first walked the halls of Western as a student, later returned as a teacher, then served as assistant principal, and ultimately led the school as principal. Few people have experienced Western from as many perspectives—or cared as deeply about its students and traditions.

As a student, Jenn embraced everything Western had to offer. She participated in Field Hockey, Drama, Yearbook, and Scholastic Bowl, serving as Yearbook Editor for two years. Looking back, she credits those experiences—and the people she shared them with—for shaping some of her favorite memories.

She fondly remembers the incredible Field Hockey coaching staff and the unique opportunity to work alongside her mother, who co-sponsored Drama, Yearbook, and Scholastic Bowl. Some traditions still make her smile today, including the cast and crew singing every verse of "There's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea" before each drama performance and the unforgettable Field Hockey chant, "Wobble, wobble," inspired by a British assistant coach's term for dribbling the ball. And, of course, there were the bus rides to away games—windows down, proudly shouting Western cheers as the team rolled into opposing schools.

When asked what advice she would give today's Warriors, her answer reflects the spirit she has always championed:

"Enjoy all the opportunities WAHS has to offer. They will give you memories that stick with you 40 years later."

As Ms. Sublette begins her next chapter, the Western Albemarle community thanks her for a lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the students, staff, and traditions that make Western such a special place. Once a Warrior, always a Warrior.

As the school year came to a close, we said goodbye to our Athletic Trainer, Sage Wallace, as she begins an exciting new chapter closer to her family in Connecticut.

Sage has been an important part of Warrior Athletics, taking great care of our student-athletes and always being there when they needed her most. Her calm presence, positive attitude, and genuine care for our students made a difference every day.

Sage, thank you for everything you've done for our athletes, coaches, and school community. We wish you all the best in this next chapter and know you'll do great things. You'll always have a home at Western!

The standard remains the standard. Western Albemarle Athletics earned the VHSL National Guard Cup for the 8th consecutive time and 11th time overall, recognizing the top overall athletic program in Class 3. This achievement belongs to every student-athlete, coach, staff member, family, and fan who helped make this year special. From the first contest of the fall to the final championship of the spring, Warrior teams competed with excellence, sportsmanship, and pride. Thank you to everyone who continues to support Warrior Athletics.

Another great spring season is in the books! Congratulations to all of our student-athletes and coaches on an outstanding year. Thank you for the hard work, commitment, and pride you showed all season long. Check out the recaps below to see how each of our spring teams wrapped up the year.

The Warriors added another remarkable chapter to one of the state's premier athletic programs, capturing their 9th consecutive VHSL State Championship and 14th overall. Western dominated the postseason from start to finish, defeating Spotswood 5-0 to win the Region 3C Championship before cruising through the state tournament with three straight 5-0 victories over Hidden Valley, James Monroe, and Maggie Walker Governor's School to claim the Class 3 state title. Senior Daniel Stewart delivered the match-clinching victory in the state championship, securing the decisive fifth point and putting the finishing touch on another championship season.

Junior Gage Sturman capped off an exceptional season by finishing 20-1 while sweeping both the Region 3C and VHSL Class 3 Singles Championships. Sturman also teamed with William Schundler to win both the Region 3C and VHSL Class 3 Doubles Championships, completing a dominant postseason. Fueled by outstanding leadership, depth, and consistency, the Warriors once again proved why they remain the standard for boys tennis in Virginia.

Awards & Recognitions

Region 3C Player of the Year: Gage Sturman

Region 3C Coach of the Year: Ron Manilla

Class 3 Coach of the Year: Ron Manilla

Class 3 Player of the Year: Gage Sturman

Individual State Champion: Gage Sturman

Doubles State Champion: Gage Sturman and William Schundler

Thank you to our graduating seniors, Reid Keller and Daniel Stewart, for the commitment, hard work, and pride you've shown throughout your time at Western. We are grateful for all you've given to the team and wish you the very best in the future.

The Warriors capped off another extraordinary season by finishing 18-1 and capturing their 4th consecutive VHSL Class 4 State Championship, while also winning the Jefferson District and Region 4B Championships. The senior class concluded the most successful four-year runs in school history with an incredible 73-2 record, leaving behind a legacy of excellence that will be remembered at Western for years to come.

Western dominated its postseason run, defeating Kettle Run in the Region 4B semifinals before claiming the regional title with a victory over Meridian. The Warriors carried that momentum into the state tournament, defeating Powhatan 20-5 in the quarterfinals, Rockbridge 16-11 in the semifinals, and Hanover 14-6 in the state championship game to secure another state title.

To our Girls Lacrosse seniors - Annie Alhusen, Kelly Cummings, Maizey McCarthy, Lilly Spollen, Holly Thacher, Millie Wiegard - thank you for your passion, perseverance, and the example you've set both on and off the field. Your legacy will continue to inspire future Warriors.

Awards & Recognition

Jefferson District Honors

• Player's of the Year: Annie Alhusen and Maizey McCarthy
• Coach of the Year: Peggy Williams
• First Team: Annie Alhusen, Maizey McCarthy, Marchelle Van Der Westhuizen, Eva Florin, Camille Love, Leila Harris, Emmy Williams
• Second Team: Skylar Luzar, Holly Thatcher,

Region 4B Honors

• Player of the Year: Annie Alhusen
• Coach of the Year: Peggy Williams
• First Team: Annie Alhusen, Marchelle Van Der Westhuizen, Camille Love, Eva Florin, Leila Harris, Emmy Williams, Maizey McCarthy
• Second Team: Skylar Luzar, Perry Hume, Holly Thatcher,

Class 4 All State:

• Coach of the Year: Peggy Williams
• First Team: Annie Alhusen, Marchelle Van Der Westhuizen, Camille Love, Eva Florin, Leila Harris, Emmy Williams, Maizey McCarthy

The Warriors put together another outstanding season, finishing 21-2 while capturing the Jefferson District Championship and Region 3C Championship before advancing to the VHSL Class 3 State Championship, where they finished as state runner-up after a heartbreaking loss to Cave Spring in penalty kicks. Western was dominant throughout the season, outscoring opponents 97-8, a testament to the team's explosive offense and outstanding defensive play.

Western controlled the postseason from the opening round, defeating Spotswood 11-0, Monticello 3-0, and Liberty Christian Academy 5-1 to claim the Region 3C title. The Warriors continued their impressive run at the state tournament with a 5-0 victory over Hidden Valley in the quarterfinals and a 4-1 win over Kettle Run in the semifinals before battling Cave Spring in a memorable state championship match that was ultimately decided by penalty kicks. Following the match, numerous officials, coaches, and VHSL representatives commented that it was one of the finest high school soccer games played in Virginia in recent memory, a fitting showcase for two exceptional teams.

Although the final result fell just short of a championship, the Warriors' season was one of the best in program history. Thank you to our Girls Soccer seniors - Chloe Andres, Riley Bishop, Julia Cox, Marin Hammon, Victoria Ibanez, Kacey Walker - for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to continuing the tradition of excellence that defines Western Lacrosse.

Awards & Recognition

Jefferson District Honors

• Player of the Year: Victoria Ibanez
• Coach of the Year: Kristie Braunston
• First Team: Victoria Ibanez, Austin Koshansky, Chloe Andres, Marin Hammon, Riley Bishop, Kacie Walker
• Second Team: Leah Raab

Region 3C Honors

• Player of the Year: Victoria Ibanez
• Coach of the Year: Kristie Braunston
• First Team: Victoria Ibanez, Chloe Andres, Riley Bishop, Austin Koshansky, Marin Hammon, Leah Raab, Kacie Walker, Linden Yates
• Second Team: Hayes Bishop, Maura King

Class 3 All State

• First Team: Victoria Ibanez, Leah Raab, Kacie Walker
• Second Team: Austin Koshansky, Linden Yates, Marin Hammon, Riley Bishop

Picture Credits: Luke Winters

The Warriors enjoyed another exceptional season, finishing 19-1 while capturing both the Jefferson District Championship and the Region 3C Championship. Western's postseason came to a heartbreaking end in the VHSL Class 3 State Semifinals, falling 5-4 to Maggie Walker Governor's School in one of the most competitive matches of the tournament. Maggie Walker would go on to win the state championship with a 5-0 victory in the finals, underscoring just how close the Warriors came to winning another state championship.

Junior Blythe Sturman continued to establish herself as one of Virginia's premier players, winning the Region 3C Singles Championship and the VHSL Class 3 Singles Championship for the third consecutive year. She also teamed with fellow junior Grace Zheng to capture both the Region 3C Doubles Championship and the VHSL Class 3 Doubles Championship, completing another dominant postseason.

With outstanding depth, exceptional coaching, and elite performances from its talented junior class, the Warriors once again demonstrated why they remain one of the top girls tennis programs in Virginia, adding district and regional championships to another memorable season. Thank you to Senior Claire Evans for all of your positive energy that you brought to the court every day!

Awards & Recognitions

Region 3C Player of the Year: Blythe Sturman

Region 3C Coach of the Year: Amy Nolasco

Class 3 Player of the Year: Blythe Sturman

Individual State Champion: Blythe Sturman

Doubles State Champion: Blythe Sturman and Grace Zhang

Picture Credits: Luke Winters

The Boys Lacrosse tTeam continued its tradition of taking on one of the toughest schedules in Virginia and showed tremendous growth throughout the season. The Warriors finished 9-10 overall and 6-1 in Jefferson District play, advancing to the Region 3C Championship before falling to Meridian. They followed that with a trip to Hanover for the VHSL State Quarterfinals, where they battled through a physical contest and never stopped competing. Congratulations to Head Coach Mario Washington and his staff on an outstanding season, and a special thank you to our 20 graduating seniors, Jack Camblos, Grey Clifford, Sean Dean, Cayden Dezio, Will Dressel, Rafa Friedenberg, Travis Hitt, Preston Lamar, Wells Kattmann, Jackson Kinsey, Gabriel Kurtz, Angel Mandujano-Ruiz, Miles Mcgowan, Wes Monohan, Andy Paukert, Nathan Phillips, Bodhi Rose, Silas Terril, Nick Thomas, Owen Townsned, Julian Von Lewinski, for their leadership, commitment, and the lasting impact they have made on the program.

Awards & Recognition

Jefferson District Honors

• Player of the Year: Silas Terrill
• First Team: Silas Terrill, Grey Clifford, Luca LaMonica, Sean Dean, Forrest Schnell, Will Dressel
• Second Team: Gus Conti, Wes Monohan

Region 3C Honors

• First Team: Silas Terril, Grey Clifford, Forrest Schnell, Will Dressel
• Second Team: Luca LaMonica, Wes Monohan, Sean Dean

Class 3 All-State Honors

• First Team: Silas Terrill
• Second Team: Forest Schnell, Will Dressel

Picture Credits: Potter Edgerton

Western Albemarle Boys: The Boys Outdoor Track & Tield Team continued its tradition of excellence with a fourth-place finish at the Jefferson District Championships, a Region 3C Runner-Up finish, and a fifth-place finish at the VHSL Class 3 State Championships. The Warriors were led at the state meet by Spencer Envall, who placed fourth in both the 800-meter and 1600-meter runs. Henry Bowman earned a fifth-place finish in the 3200-meter run, while Christophe de Wekker placed sixth in the 3200-meter run and Ollie Woodrow finished sixth in the pole vault. Congratulations to Coach Bain and the entire coaching staff and all of our student-athletes on another outstanding season, and a special thank you to our graduating seniors - Ira Cooper, Spencer Envall, Carson Floyd, Jacob Kasen, Charles Larson, CJ McCall, Camden Miller, Finn Naughton, Lucca Papale, and Ollie Woodrow for their leadership, commitment, and the example they set for the future of the program.

Awards and Recognitions

Jefferson District All District Honors (Top 3 in an event):

• Spencer Envall: 1600 Meter
• 4x100: Lucca Papale, Elias Campbell, Jacob Kasen, Bennett Kim
• Bennett Kim: 200 Meter
• Christophe De Wekker: 3200 Meter

Region 3C All Region Honors (Top 3 in an event):

• Bennett Kim: 400 Meter
• Spencer Envall: 1600 Meter, 3200 Meter
• Noble Cooper: 300 Meter Hurdles
• 4x100: Elias Campbell, Jacob Kasen, Bennett Kim, Lucca Papale
• 4x400: Bennett Kim, Elias Campbell, Noble Cooper, Joseph Rowland
• Ollie Woodrow: Pole Vault

Class 3A All-State Honors (Top 3 in an event)

• 4x400: Elias Campbell, Joseph Rowland, Noble Cooper, Bennett Kim (2nd)
• 4x800: Noble Cooper, Charles Larson, Luke Sullivan, Spencer Envall (2nd)

Western Albemarle Girls: The Girls Outdoor Track & Field Team had another exceptional season, winning the Jefferson District Championship, finishing as the Region 3C Runner-Up, and placing fifth at the VHSL Class 3 State Championships. The Warriors delivered many outstanding performances at the state meet. Maddie Hill was the state runner-up in the long jump and also finished fifth in the triple jump. Emerson Ritter earned state runner-up honors in the 3200-meter run and placed third in the 1500-meter run. Julia Hill finished sixth in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes. Freshman Lia Zawacki added a sixth-place finish in the discus to round out a strong showing for the Warriors. Congratulations to Coach Til and the entire coaching staff on another exceptional season, and a heartfelt thank you to our graduating seniors - Abbie Apicella, Maddie Hill, Lilly Jamison, Anja Lehemnsiek, and Emerson Ritter for their leadership, dedication, and the legacy they leave behind.

Awards and Recognitions

Jefferson District All District Honors (Top 3 in an event)

• Julia Hill: 100 Meter, 200 Meter
• Emerson Ritter: 1600 Meter, 3200 Meter
• Sarah Jane Broadbent: 400 Meter
• Angie Newsome: 300 Meter Hurdles
• Chelsea Larson: 300 Meter Hurdles
• Lia Zawacki: Shotput, Discus
• Maddie Hill: Long Jump, Triple Jump

Region 3C All Region Honors (Top 3 in an event)

• Julia Hill: 100 meter, 400 Meter
• Emerson Ritter: 1600 Meter, 3200 Meter
• 4x400: Louise Foster, Julia Hill, Sarah Jane Broadbent, Maddie Hill

Class 3 All-State Honors (Top 3 at State Meet)

• Emerson Ritter: 3200 Meter (2nd)
• Maddie Hill: Long Jump (2nd)

Picture Credits: Luke Winters

The Softball Team made history this spring, capturing the first Jefferson District Championship in program history! The Warriors followed that achievement with a run to the Region 3C Semifinals, where they fell to a talented Broadway team that won the 2025 VHSL Class 3 State Championship and finished as the 2026 state runner-up. It was a truly memorable season that showcased the growth and determination of the program. Congratulations to Head Coach Kristen Hardy and her staff on this historic accomplishment, and a heartfelt thank you to our graduating seniors—Ava Hardy, Addy Hux, Summer Jones, and Mary Kumer—for their leadership, dedication, and lasting impact on Western Albemarle softball.

Jefferson District Honors:

• Player of the Year: Ava Hardy
• First Team: Mary Kumer, Addy Hux
• Second Team: Ava Hardy, Olivia Notari, Aniyah Sims, Summer Jones, Bella Simmons

Region 3C Honors:

• Second Team: Aniyah Sims, Ava Hardy, Mary Kumer, Olivia Notari

The Boys Soccer Team enjoyed an outstanding season in Head Coach Conner Peters' first year at the helm. The Warriors posted a 14-1-3 regular season record and captured the Jefferson District Championship before seeing their postseason come to a heartbreaking end in a Region 3C Quarterfinal loss to Fluvanna in penalty kicks. While the ending was difficult, the season showcased the talent, resilience, and bright future of the program. Congratulations to Coach Peters, his staff, and the entire team on an outstanding year, and a special thank you to our graduating seniors—Aiden Ago, Tommy Boyd, Jack Brockmeier, John Mattern, Parker Polk, Josel Santugini, and Peyton Webster—for their leadership, dedication, and contributions to Warrior soccer.

Awards and Recognitions

Jefferson District Honors:

• Player of the Year: Parker Polk
• First Team: Parker Polk, Tommy Boyd, Josel Santugini
• Second Team: Braden Clarke, Tyler Strike, Royceton Jewell, Gavin Free

Region 3C Honors

• Player of the Year: Parker Polk
• First Team: Parker Polk, Tommy Boyd, Josel Santugini
• Second Team: Tyler Strike

Class 3 All State

• First Team: Parker Polk, Josel Santugini
• Second Team: Tommy Boyd

Picture Credits: Colin Rutherford

The Baseball team put together a strong season under Head Coach Skip Hudgins, finishing as the Jefferson District runner-up while relying on one of the area's youngest rosters. The Warriors continued to improve throughout the spring before seeing their season come to an end in a hard-fought Region 3C First Round game against East Rockingham. With so many young players gaining valuable experience, the future of the program is bright. Congratulations to Coach Hudgins, his staff, and the entire team on a successful season, and a special thank you to our graduating seniors—Mathew Czekner, Lucas Daneiro, Kase Goldstein, Grey Heilman, Jack Parkins, Smith Winslow—for their leadership, dedication, and contributions to Warrior baseball.

Awards & Recognitions

Jefferson District Honors:

• Second Team: Smith Winslow, Will Huffmyer

Picture Credits: Luke Winters

WAHS Crew brings home gold and silver medals from Scholastic Nationals!

Three WAHS Crews boats represented Western Albemarle at Scholastic Nationals. Luke Lambert and Monte Mehnert placed fourth in their heat race in the Boys Junior Double. Henry Simmons, Jonah Venables, Adam Potts, and Charlie Govan captured silver in the Boys Junior Quad. Senior Thomas Lambert closed out his high school rowing career in remarkable fashion, winning gold in the Earle P. Baltz Cup Boys Senior Single and the title of Boys Senior Single National Champion.

The Western Albemarle Mountain Bike Team continued its outstanding tradition with another exceptional season, finishing third in the VAHS standings. The Warriors also captured the City-County Cup, earning bragging rights over Albemarle, Charlottesville, and Monticello, and successfully hosted the largest scholastic mountain bike race in the Commonwealth this spring. Congratulations to Head Coaches Laura Allen and Steven Wiseman, along with the entire team, on another remarkable season. A special thank you to our graduating seniors—Anja Lehmensiek, Griffin McMurray, Jack Rieger, Jackson Snider, and Mazie Wiseman—for their leadership, dedication, and contributions to the continued success of the program.

Information for the Fall 2026 Sport Season

We are looking ahead with excitement to the start of another great season of Warrior Athletics this fall. While the official start of fall sports may still be a few weeks away, the first day of practice will be here before we know it. We encourage all families to begin planning accordingly to ensure student-athletes are ready to go on day one.

Fall sports are right around the corner! Families interested in participating in Fall athletics at Western should start planning accordingly.

July 27th First Day of Practice

Golf - Darren Maynard

9:00AM - Golfers should meet at the Old Trail Driving Range for introductions and warm-up

10:00AM - First set of tee times

July 30th First Day of Practice

Football - Michael Redmond - (Out of Season Practice Information)

Sideline Cheer - Abigail Lassiter (Out of Season Practice Information)

August 3rd First Day of Practice

Cross Country - Boys - Lindy Bain

Cross Country - Girls - Katie Pugh

Field Hockey - Krissi Dawson

Volleyball - Sean Meslar - (Out of Season Practice Information)

Club Sport

Mountain Biking - Laura Allen

Interested riders need to contact wahsmtnbike@gmail.com

VHSL forms due August 1st

Parent meeting Sunday Aug. 9th @ 6:00 PM - WAHS upper field

First practice Aug. 11th 5:30 WAHS

August 11th - Fall Sports Parent Meeting (6:00PM)

As we gear up for the fall sports season, we invite you to our mandatory parent meeting in the cafeteria. This meeting is essential for all families with student-athletes participating in fall sports.

We will cover important information regarding schedules, expectations, safety protocols, and our commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment for our athletes. Your involvement is crucial to our success, and we encourage all parents to attend.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out directly to the appropriate coach or the Athletic Director, Dan Bledsoe (dbledsoe@k12albemarle.org) or Athletic Director Assistant, Shanna Lovaglio (slovaglio@k12albemarle.org).

Enjoy your summer—and we’ll see you this fall!

Students participating in any in-season or out-of-season WAHS athletic practice/evetn must have a current physical examination on file in the Athletic Department before they are permitted to participate in any tryouts or practices. Only hard copies of physicals will be accepted. Electronic submissions are not reliable, as they are often filtered or blocked by the school’s email system.

To ensure clearance, please have PAGES 1-3 of the physical completed and turn in to the Main Office at least 5 days prior to the first day of tryouts/practice

As we close the book on another incredible school year, thank you to everyone who helped make Warrior Athletics so special—our student-athletes, coaches, families, staff, volunteers, and fans. Your support, dedication, and school pride continue to make Western Albemarle a truly special place.

We hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved summer. Enjoy the time with family and friends, and we'll look forward to welcoming everyone back this fall for another exciting year of Warrior Athletics. Go Warriors!