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: Kayla Bohlin
Sport/position: Field hockey (high/attacking midfield). Co-captain.
When & how you got involved in field hockey: I played in the youth programs growing up and starting play club in 8th grade.
What you love most about field hockey: I love the intensity of the competition and how it always pushes me to improve. Also, I enjoy the bonds it helps me create with my teammates on and off the field.
Pre-game routine: My pregame drink is a pink slush Alani, and food is dried mango. I always listen to ‘Bring Em Out’ with my team.
Top goal for this season: My goal for the season is to get more goals and assists than I did last year. It would also be really cool to make the Final Four again.
Thoughts about this year’s team: We have really high expectations since we made it to the Final Four last year, but I think with the talent we have this season and if we stay consistent and focused, we are capable of making it there.
An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I’m committed to the admissions process at Williams College to play field hockey. I am also proud of getting Boston Globe and Herald All-Scholastic as well as being a 2x BSC MVP and all-star. I am also a captain.
A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement in field hockey/this team: One of the most inspiring moments for me was when we made it to the Final Four last year, the first time in our program’s history. Nobody outside our team expected us to get that far, but we believed in each other and worked for it every single day.
Interests outside of field hockey: I like chemistry and biology for school subjects. I also like to hang out with my friends and family.
What other sports do you play, if any? I run indoor and outdoor track.
Coach Erin Stickle on Kayla Bohlin: “Kayla is a 4-year varsity starter, a 1st Team Bay State Conference All-Star in 2023 and 2024, and the Carey MVP in 2023 and 2024. Kayla’s field hockey IQ is outstanding, and she elevates the performance of everyone around her. A true playmaker on offense, staying focused and composed even in high-pressure situations. She is a relentless, all-in player who gives 100% effort at all times. Her quick breakaways generate forward momentum, and she skillfully carries the ball upfield, making well-timed passes. With exceptional 1v1 skills, quick dodges, and precise passing, she excels as a center midfielder.”
Athlete of the Week: Aarav Lavu
Sport: Boys golf
When you got involved in golf: At 5 years old
What you love most about the sport: I love how it’s just as much as a mental game as it is a physical game.
Pre-match routine: I don’t have any pre-game rituals; I find it best to treat every match and tournament like a normal day.
Top goal for this season: To win a state championship with the team.
Thoughts about this year’s team: We’ve got a lot of talent and we’ve got our hopes up for this year to perform well at states and maybe bring home a state championship.
An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I was a semifinalist at this year’s Massachusetts junior amateur championship and qualified for this year’s Mass Amateur and Mass Open.
A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement in golf/this team: A funny story of mine was during my freshman year when the top 4 players from the Wellesley team were invited to play in the Cape Cod High School Invitational tournament, and at the time I was the #5 on the team so I wasn’t going to play. However, the night before the tournament, my phone practically exploded with phone calls from teammates and my coach telling me that one of our players couldn’t play so I was getting the nod. I probably had about 10 phone calls in 10 minutes and a whole bunch of texts and that was a pretty funny and hectic night.
Interests outside of golf: General physical activity, hanging out with friends, and occasionally reading.
What other sports do you play, if any? Recreationally, basketball and football but nothing else competitively.
Coach Ken Bateman on Aarav Lavu: “For the last two years, Aarav has led the team on the course, and he currently is the only player on the Wellesley High School golf team averaging below par during our matches. Additionally, over the last few months, Aarav has taken on a leadership role off the course. He has a positive attitude and is a fierce competitor.”
(Athletes of the Week are nominated by their coaches.)
Past Athlete of the Week profiles
