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2026 Winter Sports: A Historic Season of Milestones and Team Excellence

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Athletics

The 2025–26 Winter Sports season was historic for the Williams Blues, with all three varsity programs achieving milestone success. Boys Varsity Basketball reached the NEPSAC tournament for the first time in over 28 years, Girls Varsity Basketball posted an outstanding 9–5 season, and the Co-ed Varsity Swim Team set program records and earned historic individual honors. Across JV and Middle School basketball and swim, teams showed tremendous growth, resilience, and team spirit, laying the foundation for continued success.

Boys Varsity Basketball

Coaches: Miles Daniels & Will Martin 

Record: 11–7

The Boys Varsity Basketball team made history, finishing 11–7 and qualifying for the NEPSAC tournament for the first time in nearly three decades. From the opening tip, the Blues displayed determination, cohesion, and resilience. Early wins over Saint Thomas More and The Forman School set the tone, with balanced scoring, lockdown defense, and disciplined execution.

Key victories against Christian Heritage, Oxford Academy, Fishers Island, The Masters School, and Forman reflected preparation, adaptability, and teamwork. In close contests, the Blues executed in clutch moments, showcasing composure under pressure. 

Senior leadership was critical: Jadiel Thomas ’26 dominated scoring and rebounding, averaging 22 pts and 12 rebounds per game. Henry Champagne ’26 anchored the defense, and Sean Dockery ’26 energized both ends of the court. Underclassmen like Cam Jackson ’30, Liam Kelly ’27, and Warner Grenier ’28 stepped up in key moments, signaling a bright future.

Awards:

  • ALL-NEPSAC: Jadiel Thomas ’26
  • ALL-NEPSAC Honorable Mention: Henry Champagne ’26
  • ALL-HVAL: Jadiel Thomas ’26, Henry Champagne ’26
  • Offensive MVP: Jadiel Thomas ’26
  • Defensive MVP: Henry Champagne ’26
  • Coaches Award: Sean Dockery ’26

IAABO Board 8 2026 Scholarship Award Winner: Jadiel Thomas ’26

Girls Varsity Basketball

Coaches: Connor Hart & Paul Bossardet 

Record: 9–5

The Girls Varsity Basketball team combined speed, skill, and teamwork for a standout 9–5 season. From the opening win over Christian Heritage to key victories against Wooster, Westover, Fishers Island, and Rocky Hill, the Blues displayed consistency, resilience, and competitive fire. 

Cecelia Wronowski ’28 led offensively with career-high games and clutch three-pointers, while Lena Cosentino ’29 anchored the defense, shutting down top scorers and creating transition opportunities. Kate van Berkel ’28 provided leadership and poise, directing the offense in high-pressure moments. 

Memorable wins included a 39–37 defensive battle over Watkinson, a 45–16 road domination at Rocky Hill, and a 46–33 HVAL victory over Christian Heritage, highlighting the team’s cohesion, unselfish play, and resilience.

Awards:

  • ALL-NEPSAC: Kate van Berkel ’27
  • ALL-NEPSAC Honorable Mention: Cecelia Wronowski ’28
  • ALL-HVAL: Kate van Berkel ’28, Cecelia Wronowski ’28
  • Offensive MVP: Cecelia Wronowski ’28
  • Defensive MVP: Lena Cosentino ’29
  • Coaches Award: Annie Shay ’27
  • Most Improved: Gabby Ivy ’28
  • NEPSGBA All-Star Roster 2025–26: Charlotte Rodgers ’28, Kate van Berkel ’28, Cecelia Wronowski ’28

Co-Ed Varsity Swim

Coaches: Alexander Greene & Amy Keane 

Record: 5–3

The Co-ed Varsity Swim Team had a historic 2025–26 season, combining individual excellence with team depth. From the first meet to the NEPSAC Division III Championship, the Blues consistently posted top finishes, set school records, and demonstrated unshakable team spirit. 

Senior Gus van Berkel ’26 capped the season by earning the prestigious NEPSAC Division III Babcock Award—the first in Williams history—recognizing his leadership, sportsmanship, and competitive excellence. Gus also placed third in both the 100-yard fly and 100-yard breaststroke, anchoring relays and setting a standard for teammates. 

Other standout performances included Liam Cai ’27, who set a school record in the 50-yard freestyle and won the 100-yard freestyle, Jules Foisie ’29, who captured first in the 100-yard fly and 500-yard freestyle, and Vicky van Berkel ’30, who broke the 100-yard breaststroke record and added multiple podium finishes, including second in the 200-yard IM at NEPSAC. 

The season showcased not only record-breaking swims and individual achievements but also teamwork, depth, and dedication—traits that defined the Blues’ success in every race.

Awards:

  • ALL-NEPSAC (Boys): Gus van Berkel ’26
  • ALL-NEPSAC (Girls): Vicky van Berkel ’30
  • Varsity Boys MVP: Liam Cai ’27
  • Varsity Boys Coaches Award: Calvin LaFrance ’26
  • Varsity Girls MVP: Jules Foisie ’29
  • Varsity Girls Coaches Award: Barbara Bates-Ma ’30
  • NEPSSDA Division III Babcock Award: Gus van Berkel ’26

Boys JV/MS Basketball

Coaches: Bernard Braithwaite & Liam Tresnan 

Record: 6–4

The Boys JV/MS Basketball team delivered a season full of energy, growth, and determination. From the first intrasquad scrimmage to competitive matchups against The Country School, Rectory, Pine Point, and Wheeler, the team showcased hustle, skill, and smart, unselfish play. A dominant 60–46 win over The Country School highlighted the team’s offensive balance and defensive effort, while a spirited intrasquad finale reflected the camaraderie and resilience built over the season. 

Players stepped up in key moments, developing confidence and leadership skills that will serve them in future seasons. The team’s commitment to practice, learning, and teamwork was evident in each game, creating a foundation for continued growth and success.

Awards:

  • Offensive MVP: Hunter Bloxsom ’31
  • Defensive MVP: Nanak Patidar ’30
  • Most Improved: Elliot Boyle ’30
  • Coaches Award: Jack McClenahan ’30

Girls JV/MS Basketball 

Coach: Scott Hockford 

Record: 6–4

The Girls JV/MS Basketball team had a season defined by steady growth, teamwork, and determination. After facing early challenges, the team captured its first win on January 20 with a 17–13 victory over Pine Point, sparking momentum that carried through the rest of the season. The team emphasized communication, unselfish play, and persistence, ensuring that every player contributed both on offense and defense. 

Close games and spirited performances highlighted the team’s progress, as players gained confidence, improved fundamentals, and demonstrated resilience in high-pressure moments. Each athlete’s effort contributed to a positive and supportive team culture, laying the groundwork for continued success in future seasons.

Awards:

  • Offensive MVP: Madeline Reid ’31
  • Defensive MVP: Maddy Muench ’31
  • Most Improved: Stella Raney ’31
  • Coaches Award: Emilia Bloxsom ’31

Middle School Swim

Coaches: Alexander Greene & Amy Keane 

Record: 1–1–1

The Middle School Swim Team had a season defined by growth, teamwork, and spirited effort. First-time competitors gained valuable experience and improved technique, while returning swimmers provided leadership and encouragement. The team’s highlight came from the 400 Free Relay, which captured first place in multiple meets, demonstrating coordination, focus, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Individual standouts, including Connor Ma ’31 and Jonny Gould ’30, consistently scored points and anchored relays, helping inspire their teammates. Across all events, swimmers demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship, turning every race into an opportunity to learn and contribute to the team’s success. The season built not only individual skills but also a strong sense of collaboration and camaraderie that will benefit the program in the years to come.

Awards:
Coaches Award: Bea Bailey ’30

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