The 2026 spring sports season was a historic one for the Williams Blues. Girls Varsity Lacrosse captured the first HVAL Championship in program history, while Boys Varsity Lacrosse secured its fifth consecutive league title. Both varsity tennis teams enjoyed successful inaugural seasons in the HVAL, highlighted by Annie Shay ’27 and Sadie Rotolo ’27 finishing second in the HVAL doubles tournament. Coed Varsity Sailing placed third overall at the Spring Fever Fleet Race Regatta, and Jadiel Thomas ’26 earned All-NEPSAC honors in track and field. Across the varsity, JV, and Middle School levels, Williams athletes demonstrated tremendous growth, resilience, and school spirit, making it a spring season to remember.
Girls Varsity Lacrosse
Coaches Hinsch, Bossardet, and Kressley
Record: 13–3
The Girls Varsity Lacrosse team made history, finishing 13–3 and capturing the first HVAL Championship in program history. The Blues combined a dynamic offense with strong midfield play and a determined defensive unit, earning impressive victories over Christian Heritage, Storm King, Wooster, Forman, Westover, Bancroft, and Eagle Hill.
Senior captain Ally Iacobellis ’26 provided outstanding leadership while remaining one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players. She finished the season with 77 goals, 11 assists, and 18 draw controls, earned a place on The Day’s All-Area Team, and will continue her lacrosse career at the NCAA Division III level at Drew University next year. Annie Gingras ’29 emerged as another consistent scoring threat, while Veronica Falkenstein ’29, Lena Cosentino ’29, Sarah Steffian ’27, and Juliette Foisie ’29 added impressive depth to the attack. Cecelia Wronowski ’28 helped control possession in the draw circle, and Maggie Keenan ’29 delivered several important performances in goal.
Williams entered the HVAL Tournament as the top seed after completing an undefeated league regular season. The Blues defeated Forman 18–3 in the semifinals before earning a thrilling 10–8 championship victory over Wooster. Iacobellis scored seven goals in the final, Gingras added two, and Falkenstein scored once. Keenan made eight saves, and the defense held Wooster to only two second-half goals as Williams completed a perfect 11–0 season against HVAL opponents.
Awards:
All-NEPSAC: Annie Gingras ’29, Ally Iacobellis ’26
All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention: Maggie Keenan ’29, Yvanna Lopez-Baigts ’27, and Cecelia Wronowski ’28
All-HVAL: Annie Gingras ’29, Ally Iacobellis ’26, Yvanna Lopez-Baigts ’27, Charlotte Rodgers ’28, Kate van Berkel ’28, and Cecelia Wronowski ’28
All-HVAL Honorable Mention: Maggie Keenan ‘29
Overall Offensive Player: Ally Iacobellis ‘26
Offensive MVP: Annie Gingras ‘29
Defensive MVP: Yvanna Lopez-Baigts ‘27
Newcomer of the Year: Maggie Keenan ’29 and Cecelia Wronowski ’28
Boys Varsity Lacrosse
Coaches Fader and Martin
Record: 11–5
The Boys Varsity Lacrosse team demonstrated remarkable resilience and championship experience, overcoming a challenging start to capture its fifth consecutive HVAL title. The Blues continued to improve throughout the spring, earning key victories over Christian Heritage, Forman, Eagle Hill, Harvey, and Bancroft.
Senior Henry Champagne ’26 completed one of the greatest individual seasons in program history. During an eight-goal performance against Forman on Senior Day, Champagne became Williams’ all-time leader in career points. He finished the season with 100 points on 67 goals and 33 assists. Lance Jastremski ’26 provided exceptional scoring, playmaking, and leadership, while Ethan Perl ’27 and Mason Fearon ’27 became consistent contributors on attack. Sean Dockery ’26 anchored the defense, and goalkeeper Junyu Wang ’28 delivered several outstanding performances.
Williams defeated Harvey 8–4 in the HVAL semifinals before facing top-seeded Wooster in the championship. Jastremski scored a season-high five goals, Champagne added one goal and five assists, and Wang recorded 16 saves as the Blues earned a 9–5 victory. Champagne’s success extended beyond the field, as he was also recognized as a USA Lacrosse High School Boys’ All-Academic honoree.
Awards:
USA Lacrosse High School Boys’ All-Academic Honoree: Henry Champagne ’26
All-NEPSAC: Henry Champagne ‘26, Sean Dockery ‘26, and Lance Jastremski ‘26
All-HVAL: Henry Champagne ‘26, Sean Dockery ‘26, Lance Jastremski ‘26, and Ethan Perl ‘27
Offensive MVP: Henry Champagne ‘26
Defensive MVP: Sean Dockery ‘26
Coaches Award: Lance Jastremski ‘26
Most Improved: Ethan Perl ‘27
Girls Varsity Tennis
Coach McClenahan
Record: 6–5
The Girls Varsity Tennis team completed an impressive first season competing in the HVAL, finishing with a winning 6–5 record. The Blues successfully navigated strong league competition, challenging weather, and much of the season without full access to their completed home courts.
Emilia Leeming ’30 established herself at the top of the singles lineup, earning key victories throughout the spring. Annie Shay ’27 contributed consistently in both singles and doubles, while captain Sadie Rotolo ’27 provided leadership, versatility, and encouragement across the lineup.
At the HVAL Tournament, Leeming advanced to the singles semifinals following a commanding opening-round victory. In doubles, Rotolo and Shay defeated Harvey and Westover to reach the championship match. The pair finished as HVAL runners-up after a competitive final against Wooster, closing the program’s inaugural league season with a milestone accomplishment.
Awards:
All-HVAL: Emilia Leeming ‘30
MVP: Emilia Leeming ‘30
Coaches Award: Sadie Rotolo ‘27 and Annie Shay ‘27
Boys Varsity Tennis
Coach Davidson
Record: 5–6
The Boys Varsity Tennis team completed its inaugural HVAL season with a competitive 5–6 record. The Blues showed considerable improvement throughout the spring, developing greater confidence and depth across the singles and doubles lineups.
Will Corkhill ’29 delivered several strong singles performances, including comeback victories against Forman and Watkinson. Jonny Gould ’30, Nick Cosentino ’30, Tyler Lui ’28, Julian Thorn ’30, Gabriel Ramos-Esteban ’30, Leo Feng ’31, and Hudson Foisie ’28 also made valuable contributions throughout the season. A 5–2 Spring Sports Day victory over Watkinson highlighted the team’s growing confidence and ability to compete successfully in closely contested matches.
Jonathan Patton ’28 represented Williams in the HVAL singles tournament, while Tyler Lui ’28 and Jonny Gould ’30 were selected as the team’s doubles representatives. The team’s progress established an encouraging foundation for continued success in the HVAL.
Awards:
All-HVAL: Jonathan Patton ‘28
MVP: Jonathan Patton ‘28
Coaches Award: Will Corkhill ’29 and Hudson Foisie ’28
Varsity Sailing
Coaches Flack and Hansen
The Coed Varsity Sailing team enjoyed a productive season defined by development, teamwork, and adaptability. Competing in changing wind and water conditions, the Blues strengthened their starts, boat handling, communication, and tactical decision-making throughout the spring.
At a late-season fleet race at UConn Avery Point, Williams boats finished third, fourth, sixth, and seventh in a competitive nine-boat field. Raymond Dolan ’28 and Leah Llanos-Reyes ’27 earned a standout third-place result in heavy-breeze conditions.
The team concluded its season with one of its strongest performances at the Spring Fever Fleet Race Regatta. Competing against six schools in conditions ranging from light winds to more than 15 knots, Williams finished third overall, fifth in the C420 fleet, and second in the FJ fleet. Lower School sailors Barbara Bates-Ma ’31, Piper Boland ’30, and Finn Pesarik ’30 also contributed to the successful season finale.
Awards:
Most Valuable Skipper: Carlie Burke ‘27
Most Valuable Crew: Julia Battista ’26
Most Improved: Julia Wang ‘29
Golden Bailer Award: Lawton Linn ‘27
Coaches Award: Carlo Danese ‘28
Varsity Track
Senior Jadiel Thomas ’26 proudly represented Williams as the sole member of the Varsity Track team. He demonstrated impressive range throughout the spring, opening his season with a third-place finish in the 1500 meters at Wheeler in 4:30. He followed that performance by completing the mile in 4:40 and the 400 meters in 55 seconds at Marianapolis.
At the NEPSTA Division III Championship, Thomas placed in the top 10 in the 400-meter run with a time of 53.33 seconds, earning All-NEPSAC honors. He also completed the 1500 meters in 4:33, closing his Williams running career with another outstanding championship performance. His dedication, competitiveness, and willingness to represent Williams made his season especially memorable.
Awards:
All-NEPSAC: Jadiel Thomas ’26
MS/JV Girls Lacrosse
Coach Hart
Record: 5–1
The Girls JV/MS Lacrosse team enjoyed an outstanding season defined by balanced scoring, strong defense, and excellent teamwork. The Blues won their first five games, earning victories over Rectory, Pine Point, Rocky Hill, and Foote before closing the year with a determined effort against a strong Rocky Hill team.
Maddy Reid ’31, Juliette Foisie ’29, Veronica Falkenstein ’29, Lena Cosentino ’29, Annie Gingras ’29, and Alexa Gjonaj ’31 helped create a deep and unselfish offensive attack. Players throughout the roster confidently stepped into new positions and responsibilities, contributing to the team’s success.
Maggie Keenan ’29 contributed in goal during several JV/MS contests while also serving as the varsity goalkeeper. Ashley Keenan ’31 provided strong defensive play and was recognized for her impact throughout the season. The team’s depth, positive energy, and commitment to one another created an exciting foundation for continued success.
Awards:
Offensive MVP: Maddy Reid ‘31
Defensive MVP: Ashley Keenan ‘31
Coaches Award: Alexa Gjonaj ‘31
MS/JV Boys Lacrosse
Coach Knowlton
Record: 3–6
The Boys JV/MS Lacrosse team showed tremendous progress and determination throughout a competitive season. After several closely contested early matchups, the Blues continued developing their confidence, communication, and execution on both ends of the field.
Calvin Rossman ’31, John Paul Champagne ’31, Hutch Walsh ’30, and Eli Fetzer ’30 provided consistent offensive production, while Jake Gjonaj ’30 anchored the defense in goal. The team earned a 6–2 victory over East Lyme before producing two of its strongest performances against Rocky Hill.
Williams defeated Rocky Hill 12–1 on Spring Sports Day and closed the season with an exciting 19–2 victory in the rematch. The finale featured balanced scoring and several players recording their first goals of the season, providing a fitting conclusion to a year of tremendous growth.
Awards:
Offensive MVP: Hutch Walsh ‘30
Defensive MVP: Jake Gjonaj ‘30
Coaches Award: Shawn Decastro ‘30
MS/JV Tennis
Coach Kydd
Record: 2–0
The Coed JV/MS Tennis team made the most of its competitive opportunities, winning both of its team matches while developing confidence, technique, and match awareness.
Against The Country School, Jonny Gould ’30, Nick Cosentino ’30, and Julian Thorn ’30 earned singles victories. Jack McClenahan ’30 and Greta Field ’30, along with Gabriel Ramos-Esteban ’30 and Sabina Canning ’30, added important doubles wins.
On Spring Sports Day, the Blues earned a decisive 5–1 victory over Rocky Hill. Every player won at least one match, with McClenahan and Field leading the way in singles. Led by captain Tony Raynor ’30, the team displayed excellent effort, versatility, and sportsmanship throughout the season, preparing several players for future varsity opportunities.
