WAHS ATHLETICS

Welcome to the first edition of the 2026–2027 Western Albemarle Athletic Department Newsletter! This year marks the start of the 50th season of WAHS Athletics, and we look forward to celebrating five decades of Warrior pride, tradition, and achievement throughout the year.

Our fall season is already underway, and the Friday night lights are coming a day early this week. Because UVA hosts a home football game this weekend, the Warriors will take the field on Thursday night. We hope you will join us and show your support for our student-athletes. Go Warriors!

Senior Alex Roach has made his mark at Western as a three-sport athlete in football, lacrosse, and track and field. A four-time regional qualifier in the shot put, Alex also earned All-District honors in both football and lacrosse during his junior year. He has given back to the community by washing cars with the WAHS lacrosse program and serving as a player-coach at a youth football camp.

Alex is especially grateful to his mother and coaches for their unrelenting support and the confidence they have shown in him. When asked about his favorite memory at Western, Alex’s answer was simple: “Last season—every Friday.” His favorite chant, “Any dogs in the house?” pairs perfectly with the saying he lives by: “Little dogs bark. Big dogs bite.” Congratulations, Alex, and thank you for everything you have contributed to Western Athletics!

Senior Forrest Schnell has distinguished himself through his commitment to academics, athletics, service, and leadership. A four-year member of the Western football program, Forrest was named the JV Offensive Player of the Year during his sophomore season. He is a member of the National Art Honor Society, and achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Forrest has also served his community through his involvement with Olivet Presbyterian Church and Preschool.

Forrest is especially grateful to Coach Redmond, Coach Crick, his parents, and his brother for their support throughout his high school career. His favorite football memory came after Western’s victory over Madison during his junior year, when Coach Redmond celebrated in the locker room with a victory dance he named “The Noodle.” Congratulations, Forrest, and thank you for everything you have contributed to Western Athletics and the community!

Senior Samantha Bailes has made an impressive impact at Western through her commitment to academics, athletics, music, and the arts. A four-year varsity cheerleader, Samantha was named MVP and served as captain of the competition team. She has also participated in marching and symphonic band for four years, and her ceramic pieces have been selected for display at art shows.

Samantha earned the English 10 Academic Award, and has consistently made the honor roll. She has also given back to the community by volunteering at summer camps.

Samantha is especially thankful for Coach Abbey’s support throughout her cheer career. Her motto is “Look good, feel good,” and her favorite memory is singing “Country Roads” with her teammates. During basketball season, she also confidently predicts that whichever team scores the first basket will win the game!

Congratulations, Samantha, and thank you for everything you have contributed to Western Athletics and the Western community!

Varsity Field Hockey opened the season with three impressive victories, outscoring its opponents 12–0. The Warriors began with a 2–0 win over Covenant behind two goals from Mira Mueller with assists from Camille Love. Hadley Barrett, Amari Shah, and Mia Craytor. displayed their versatility by contributing at multiple positions, while Marchelle van der Westhuizen delivered an outstanding performance. Western followed with a 6–0 victory over New Kent as Camille recorded a hat trick and Hadley, Mira, and Piper Froncek each scored. The Warriors then defeated Fauquier 4–0, with goals from Mira, Camille, Hadley, and Marchelle. Camille assisted on each of the team’s first three goals before scoring one of her own. Perry Hume, Marchelle, Maddie Farber, Margaret Kimbrough and goalie, Stella Pearcy, also played extremely well as the Warriors completed their opening two weeks without allowing a goal.

JV Field Hockey opened its season with a 2–1 victory over Covenant, followed by a 2–0 loss to New Kent and a 2–2 tie against Fauquier. First-year goalies Shannon Seiderman and Kaymorah Franklin have started the season strongly, making several excellent saves. Sofia Montini scored her first goal of the season against Covenant on a highlight-reel reverse-stick lifted shot and added another goal against Fauquier. Emery Mayo scored off a well-placed assist from Adelle Chulis, while CeCe Rapp-Work redirected a strong shot from Emma Hoagland for another goal. The Warriors begin district play next week with home games against Orange County and Fluvanna.

Varsity Football earned its first victory of the season with a 24-14 win over Madison County after opening the year with a hard-fought 12–7 loss to Culpeper County. Quarterback Parker Envall led the offense with a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown. Philip Venton opened the second half with a long touchdown reception and was all over the field defensively, making several key tackles. Jon Robinson added a touchdown and also contributed important tackles, while Dillon Shifflett provided a spark on the ground with several strong carries. Elias Albert applied pressure to the Madison quarterback throughout the night, recording two sacks and numerous quarterback pressures. It was a strong all-around effort by the Warriors to secure their first win of the season.

JV Football earned its first victory of the season with a 20–6 win over Madison County after opening the year with a 12–0 loss to Culpeper County. Quarterback Matthew Voelmle turned in a strong performance, while Jett Palmer helped lead the rushing attack with an impressive showing on the ground. Noah Cosgrove contributed as both a blocker and receiver on offense. Luke Mathews and Leo Bascom led the defensive effort with several strong tackles. It was a solid team performance and an important first win for the JV Warriors.

Varsity Golf continued its strong start with a 144–171 victory over Albemarle, keeping the Warriors undefeated in dual matches this season. Kennedy MacCleery, James Nolde, and Lucas Crombie have consistently led the scoring, while Kevin Thacher and Matteo Urresti have contributed several strong performances. The Warriors’ balanced lineup has helped establish them as one of the area’s top teams early in the season.

Varsity Volleyball put together a strong opening stretch, earning victories over East Rockingham, Central Woodstock, Broadway, and Spotswood. The Warriors swept East Rockingham, Central Woodstock, and Broadway by identical 2–0 scores before battling to a five-set, 3–2 victory over Spotswood. Western’s two losses came against Fort Defiance and in a second matchup with Spotswood. Avery Wright, Emmy Driver, and Lila Mae Isley delivered standout performances throughout the opening weeks.

Photo Credit - Potter Edgerton

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.

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

Check out our new athletics website at wahswarriors.arbitersites.com. The site is still a work in progress, but it already features important team information, schedules, calendars, and helpful links for Western Athletics.

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!