WAHS ATHLETICS

Western’s girls flag football club team made history Saturday, going 2-0 at the first-ever high school girls flag football jamboree at Charlottesville High School! The Warriors defeated club teams from CHS and Fluvanna. With the VHSL expected to recognize girls flag football as an emerging sport soon, Western is leading the charge.

Congratulations to Coach Bart Isley and players Ainsley Byrd, Kate Eure, Katherine Kinsey, Lila Mae Isley, Kylie Lovell, Anisten Luzaich, Aniya Mims, Caroline Pinson, Elin Rudzinski, Ann Elise Simmers, Mckenna Townsend, Riley Warnick, and Avery Wright on a memorable debut!

Photo Credit: Brittany Lovell

Maddie Burnette has played volleyball since seventh grade and joined Western’s varsity team as a sophomore. This year, she serves as a captain alongside Sara Price and Alexandra Mooney. A career highlight was helping the Warriors finish a perfect 14–0 in the Jefferson District last season!

Maddie also competed in outdoor track and field for two years, earning the third-best shot put mark in school history and qualifying for regionals both seasons.

An AP Scholar with Honor, Maddie has earned academic awards in Honors Earth Science, Biology, and Chemistry. She belongs to several academic honor societies and is active in FBLA, competing regionally in Business Communications and Public Speaking—all while balancing four jobs.

Maddie gives back through the Crozet Cares Closet and neighborhood events. Last year, she also coached two sixth-grade volleyball teams at Henley.

Her game-day traditions include the same hairstyle and hair tie all season, the “Tri-knucka” fist bump with Ciciley Rocco and Katherine Heilman, and leading the team’s hallway cheer. Her favorite memory is sweeping Fluvanna at home last year while celebrating Ava’s 1,000 assists with a packed crowd.

Maddie thanks her parents for their support, Coach Sean for coaching her since seventh grade, and her teammates for always keeping her laughing.

Favorite quote: “Work hard, stay humble, smile.”

Photo: Colin Rutherford

A captain for Western Volleyball, Alexandra Mooney brings her love of the game to younger athletes, too. She has spent the past two years coaching at Henley and plans to continue this year.

Beyond the court, Alexandra serves as historian for Rho Kappa and is a member of FBLA and the National English Honor Society. She has volunteered with New Roots and FBLA and is working with Habitat for Humanity as part of a research project. One of her volleyball highlights was receiving a recognition medal at the Fluvanna Tournament during her sophomore year.

Among Alexandra’s favorite team memories are pregame dinners at Mary Kumer’s house, a Jellycat exchange, and the unforgettable moment when Sara Price got stuck on a zipline!

Alexandra gives special thanks to her mom and dad for their constant support and the time and effort they have devoted to her travel and high school volleyball experiences.

Favorite quote: “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”

Photo: Colin Rutherford

With nine years of volleyball experience, Lilly Kate Simmers has plenty of memories to celebrate, including winning the Jefferson District championship her junior year. Her favorite? Rallying from two sets down to defeat Albemarle on the road last season!

Lilly Kate also brings her talents to the tennis court. A varsity player since freshman year, she helped Western earn state runner-up finishes during both her freshman and sophomore seasons.

Beyond athletics, Lilly Kate has served as Key Club secretary during her junior and senior years and as Elementary School Coordinator her sophomore year. She is a member of the National Honor Society and several other academic honor societies. She also competed in the Global Health Case Competition, earning first place as a sophomore and second place as a junior.

Lilly Kate gives back through Saint Paul’s Ivy Episcopal Church, helping bake for gatherings, serving as an acolyte, and organizing activities for children.

She gives special thanks to her family for showing up to every game to watch her play and cheer her on.

Photo: Colin Rutherford

Boys Cross Country captured the Jefferson District championship with an outstanding team score of 19, just four points shy of 15—the lowest possible and perfect score in a cross country meet. Christophe de Wekker won the individual district title in 15:44.3, followed by Noah Kaminstein in third at 15:54.0, Finn Smith in fourth at 16:00.3, Henry Bowman in fifth at 16:09.7, and Ethan Apicella in sixth at 16:10.9. Silvio Sicoli placed 13th in 16:45.2, and George Geis finished 17th in 17:06.0. The Warriors defeated cross-town rival Albemarle by 17 points and will compete in the Region 3C Championship on Wednesday.

Girls Cross Country finished as the Jefferson District runner-up behind a powerful Charlottesville team. Zoey Downer led the Warriors with a sixth-place finish in 19:38.2, followed by Arbour Cole in seventh at 19:46.2. Maddie Fritts placed 11th in 20:24.1, Elea Kate Southerland finished 12th in 20:30.5, and Hannah Seideman placed 14th in 21:08.0. Daisy McCown finished 18th in 21:33.6, and Ruby Carlson placed 21st in 21:46.6. The Warriors will compete in the Region 3C Championship on Wednesday.

Varsity Field Hockey closed the regular season with a 7-1 win over Louisa and a 3-0 victory over Charlottesville. Against Louisa, Camille Love recorded a hat trick, Margaret Kimbrough scored twice, and Perry Hume and Mia Craytor each added a goal. Camille, Mira Mueller, and Margaret scored against Charlottesville. Perry was outstanding in both games, while Camille, Mira, and Mia also delivered strong performances. Amari Shah and Maddie Farber provided strong defensive work, and Stella Pearcy was excellent in goal. The Warriors now turn their attention to postseason play.

JV Field Hockey tied Louisa 1-1 in overtime before earning a thrilling 1-0 overtime victory over Charlottesville. Susie Dean assisted Arleigh Johnson against Louisa, and Johnson scored her second overtime game-winner of the season against Charlottesville. Harper Rutherford and Brooklyn Weaver played strong games in the midfield and on defense. The Warriors finished undefeated in Jefferson District play and will enter the JV championship as the host and No. 1 seed. Western has scored 30 goals this season while allowing only six.

Varsity Football defeated cross-county rival Albemarle 44-22 in a strong team performance. Elias Albert scored three touchdowns, Philip Venton added a touchdown and made several strong defensive tackles, and Holden Beal recorded an interception. Alex Roach, Beau Roberts, Micah Bruton, Jon Robinson, and quarterback Parker Envall also made important contributions to the victory.

JV Football earned a 19-14 victory over cross-county rival Albemarle. Luke Azzato led the Warriors with a big performance in the running game and sealed the win with an interception late in the 4th quarter.

Varsity Volleyball earned victories over Louisa and Charlottesville, defeating Louisa 3-0 and Charlottesville 3-1. Katherine Heilman and Charlotte Centofante delivered standout performances for the Warriors. Wednesday’s match will likely decide the Jefferson District championship, so come out and support the team!

JV Volleyball (pictured above) won the JV Jamboree at Albemarle High School, finishing the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record and defeating Albemarle in the championship match. Kylie Lovell, London Osinloye, Layla LaVoy, and Kelsey Koontz delivered standout performances during an outstanding day for the Warriors.

Freshmen Volleyball completed its regular season with a 2-0 win over Charlottesville, taking the sets 25-10 and 25-19. Leighton Hall led the offense with four kills and five aces, Kylie Lovell added three kills and four aces, and Maggie Rozycki recorded three kills. The Warriors finished the regular season with an impressive 5-1 record.

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: Brady Sowers

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, Cade Bentley, and Brady Sowers 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, Brady and the entire Photography Club, for capturing the Warrior athletic experience!

WAHS Sports Photography

Photo Credit: Brady Sowers

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