Wellesley Athlete of the Week is made possible with sponsorship support from Deland, Gibson Insurance. The family-owned and operated business has carried on this Wellesley tradition for over 30 years.

Athlete of the Week: Laura Girouard

Sport: Girls basketball, guard/forward (senior captain)

When & how you got involved in this sport: My parents wanted me to play a winter sport so I decided to try out basketball in 4th grade. I loved it and continued to play Hoops and also made the A team for Metrowest where I had the best time with great teammates and a great coach.

What you love most about this sport: I love the team aspect of this sport and how everyone plays a role and has an impact on the success of the team.

Pre-game ritual: As a team before we warm-up we always share our goals for the game and the captains yell “what time is it?” and the team responds by yelling “GAMETIME” to get hyped up for the game. Then, right before the game starts each starting player hugs each other and wishes them luck to have a good game.

Top goal for this season: To work hard every game, be confident, and most of all have a lot of fun, as this my last season.

Thoughts about this year’s team: This team is full of energy and good spirits. Every game everyone gives it their all until the end. On top of that everyone supports one another, keeping our heads up and creating a positive environment that is really fun to be a part of.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I am really proud that I was able to be a part of this team for four years and be captain for two of the years. It has taught me a lot on how to be a leader and also has given me a lot of amazing friends.

An inspiring story related to your involvement in the sport/this team: Being on this team for four years I have seen and been through many changes throughout the years. I have had 3 different coaches and as difficult as that can be this team has never failed to adapt, work hard, get better, and continue to have fun.

Interests outside of your sport: I really enjoy spending time with my friends and family, and seeing new places.

What other sports do you play, if any? I do not play any other sports, however I volunteer for Unified Track in the spring.

Coach Glen Magpiong on Laura Girouard: “Laura is a 2-year Captain and 4-year varsity player. Over the course of the past 2 years, along with her co-captain Avery Moore, Laura has developed into a terrific leader and it has come at a time when the program has needed it most. She is the team’s leading scorer and is at or near the top of every other statistical category. Despite not being the team’s tallest player, Laura has an incredible ability to block shots, which not only gets her teammates going, but also ignites the crowd. Her positive approach to practices and games is infectious and a great example for her underclass teammates and future Raiders. As we embark upon the 2nd half of the season, we continue to expect big things from Laura and the team.”

Athlete of the Week: Leo Velyvis

Sport: Boys basketball, point guard (senior captain)

When & how you got involved in this sport: When I was seven years old I began playing basketball through Wellesley Youth Basketball, and Coach Isaiah Davis. I began playing NBA2k15 with my older brother, and watching Kevin Durant highlights which ignited my love for the sport. Since, I have been playing AAU basketball for Team New England, and competing with myself to get better every single day.

What you love most about this sport: I love the challenge. Through struggle and success, there has never been a moment where I truthfully wanted to stop playing. Growing up as a bench player, I had to compete, and work harder than everybody else, and I loved it. Once I recognized that basketball is not my life, but it is a teacher of my life, I have been able to use the lessons I have learned on the court to help me academically and socially.

Pre-game ritual: I eat Chicken Pesto Pasta before every game. I don’t believe in superstitions, so I approach every game differently. I listen to whatever music fits my mood.

Top goal for this season: Win a state championship.

Thoughts about this year’s team: This team is one of the most connected teams I have ever been on. The chemistry is off the charts, a result from all the time we spent together over the summer and preseason.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I am most proud of the fact that I never let struggle hold me back. I always saw a future as a great basketball player, even when my work wasn’t showing. Sometimes the best thing to do is to “keep moving forward” – Meet the Robinsons.

A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement in the sport/this team: Spraying Coach Seaver with water after our first home win, while listening to the new LiAngelo Ball song.

Interests outside of your sport: I recently developed a passion for playing Darts.

Coach Paul Seaver on Leo Velyvis: “As a senior and a captain, Leo has continuously demonstrated the on-the-court and off-the-court needs to successfully help guide this Varsity team and program consistently as we work to improve and establish our culture now and for the future. Leo’s approach, work ethic and buy-in speaks for itself and he continuously brings those attributes to our program, each and every day. All while transitioning from an off-the-ball to primary ball handler role and maintaining the flexibility and versatility to play both depending on specific lineups. Leo is an amazing, high character individual with a bright future ahead of him. He has maintained a consistent approach and showcased mental toughness in helping guide the team to 3 wins over the past 4 games, chipping in and impacting a positive stretch in many ways.”

(Athletes of the Week are nominated by their coaches.)