Wellesley Athletes of the Week: Football’s Brandon Hollingsworth & Cheerleading’s Anastasia Canellos
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: Brandon Hollingsworth
Sport/position: Football linebacker/offensive guard
When & how you got involved in football: I started playing Tackle football in 4th grade, but I always played football throughout my elementary school.
What you love most about the sport: I love the competition and intensity that comes with the sport. The bond also that the game creates with my teammates are unbreakable.
Pre-game routine: I don’t really have any pre-game rituals. I usually just try to just get in the right head space before the game.
Top goal for this season: To win a state championship.
Thoughts about this year’s team: I think we have all the key pieces, it’s just about putting those pieces together and becoming a great team that goes all the way to the state championship.
An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: Being a 2x captain. The Coach’s giving me the opportunity to be a leader and leading the team with my teammates two years in a row is truly a blessing.
A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team: I remember almost every day my friends and teammates Bobby and Matthew would go to the field to train for football for the upcoming sophomore year. I was nervous then that I wasn’t gonna be able to play next year on varsity. Through all the work I put in with them, I was able to prepare myself for the season and become a full-time starter on defense after the first game.
Interests outside of football: Physical activity, hanging out with family and friends.
What other sports do you play, if any? Wrestling, Rec League Basketball.
Coach Jesse Davis on Brandon Hollingsworth: “Senior captain Brandon Hollinsworth is the heart of our team and a true example of what it means to lead from the front. Physically dominant and relentless on defense, Brandon has 22 tackles in just our first two games. He also anchors our offensive line at guard, rarely coming off the field and giving everything he has on both sides of the ball. Brandon’s dedication in the offseason has raised the standard for our program, and his work ethic, leadership, and commitment make him not only a great captain but also an outstanding teammate.”
Athlete of the Week: Anastasia Canellos
Sport/position: Cheer
When & how you got involved in cheerleading: I started doing cheer at 14, freshman year of high school and had prior experience in gymnastics, and thought that Cheer would be a fun complement to it.
What you love most about cheer: I have always enjoyed watching football games with my dad, and grew to love the game, and it’s fun to have the opportunity to cheer on the Raiders.
Pre-game routine: Chatting and getting ready together with teammates.
Top goal for this season: My goal is to improve and progress further into the state competition.
Thoughts about this year’s team: I think that we have a very large team this year, more than years prior. I feel like our team has really bonded and created strong friendships.
An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I am proud that I am one of the main flyers, because I used to have a very, very strong fear of heights.
A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team: In the beginning of my freshman year I was not sure if I should try out for the team, and was really nervous. However, the other girls on the team were really supportive and really nice and it resulted in a very fun season, and made me want to continue in the future.
Interests outside of cheer: I like to do arts and crafts in my free time, like making bracelets to give to my friends.
What other sports do you play, if any? I played JV girls basketball last year for school, and I have been playing tennis since I was five and made Varsity last year when I was a sophomore.
Coach Odessa Sanchez on Anastasia Canellos: “Anastasia, a junior, has been a dedicated member of the cheer squad since her freshman year. She is an exemplary athlete both on and off the field. Anastasia consistently attends all mandatory and optional sessions—and it’s worth noting that she is always on time. Her coaches know they can count on her; she is truly dependable. Over the years, Anastasia has continued to grow into a talented and dynamic cheerleader. Her gymnastics skills and fearless flying have made her a standout—and a highlight of our halftime shows. On the sidelines, Anastasia brings great spirit and energy. She’s also known for being generous and supportive with her teammates. Her pleasant attitude and good-natured sense of humor bring a sense of fun and positivity to every practice and performance. We’re lucky to have Anastasia on the team!”
