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: Sienna Lief

Sport: Track & Field short sprinter and jumper

When & how you got involved in track & field: I started running track and field during the outdoor season of my freshman year. I used to play soccer for fun and was always told I should try running track, and planned on trying it in middle school, but crashed ski racing and couldn’t run. I also had lots of friends who were on the high school track team who encouraged me to join.

What you love most about track & field: I love our team and all the people I get to meet and interact with. I’ve built a lot of really strong friendships because of this team and we always have a really fun time at practice and meets. I also love the outlet that track gives me, it’s like a break from the rest of life.

Pre-meet routine: I always have a Trubar and Scandinavian Swimmers before meets.

Top goal for this season: This season my biggest goal is to medal in all of my events at divisional and place well at states.

Thoughts about this year’s team: I think the team has had a really strong season so far. We have beat a lot of division 1 teams, even though we are division 2. I think we also have a lot of girls on the team who are running well and getting faster each meet.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I’m really proud of how my indoor season finished this year because I spent most of my sophomore year outdoor season injured, so it was really rewarding to see the progress I’ve made since then. The indoor season I got faster with each race and scored well for the team at divisionals.

A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team: We have early practices on Saturday mornings, which can be hard to wake up for sometimes, but we try to have pancake breakfasts afterwards which are a lot of fun.

Interests outside of track & field:  Outside of track I really enjoy ski racing, baking, and mountain biking. I also volunteer at Newton Wellesley Hospital, teach at Temple Beth Elohim, and run the high school’s Jewish Student Union.

What other sports do you play, if any? I also ski race

Coach John Griffith on Sienna: “Sienna has had a tremendous season.  She is a multi, which means she is good at many events both jumping and running. Sienna put in all the work in the off season to make her junior year so successful. Sienna is a very focused intense competitor.  She has that refuse to lose attitude and actually hasn’t lost a league race all season. I am happy she is only a junior and I expect big things from her in the future”
 
 

Athlete of the Week: Alex Bonnette

Sport:  Track & field, 1- and 2-mile

When & how you got involved in track & field: In ninth grade, I watched my brother compete with the cross country team at states, which first sparked my interest in the sport. That curiosity grew throughout indoor track season where I was running hurdles at the time. By outdoor season, I decided to go to the distance team. It was probably the best decision I ever made.

What you love most about track & field: There is always a time or a goal to be working towards.

Pre-meet routine: I always eat an Avocado Special from Linden and I really like listening to house music or Bob Marley, just anything upbeat feel good music.

Top goal for this season: Going into championship season, I want to prove that I’m one of the top competitors in this division. I know with all the training I have done I can compete with the other top guys. For a time I know I can run sub-9:20 in the two mile.

Thoughts about this year’s team: The outdoor season has been amazing, I always love outdoor because everything becomes nicer and running becomes more enjoyable compared to running in the winter. Also I think the atmosphere has been great with the combination of the girls and boys distance team.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I’m really proud of this outdoor season as a whole, especially coming off a rough indoor season and an injury. Those things motivated me through the earlier parts of the season and served as a constant reminder to keep pushing. Seeing how far my fitness has come since February makes it all the more rewarding.

A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team: In freshman year I was walking down the Brook Path and a bunch of the seniors ran by me and said “this isn’t the walking team” and it was something that just stuck with me.

Interests outside of track & field: I like fishing and more recently I have been playing a lot of Hacky Sack. I also play the Saxophone.

Coach Larry Corda on Alex Bonnette: “After a challenging indoor track season, with setbacks from both sickness and injury, Alex could have been deterred and thrown in the towel, but instead, he focused on what he could control – his training. Both inside and outside of practice, Alex has put in the work. He has literally and figuratively put in the extra miles, doing extra repetitions during team workouts and even completing a grueling 4*Mile workout solo at sub-5min pace with only 75s rest between reps. This advanced training has given Alex the ability and confidence to run back-to-back personal bests in the 2-mile, first running 9:44 by himself at our only home meet of the outdoor track season and then running 9:35 in a competitive field at the Weston Twilight invitational, a top-10 all-time Wellesley high school time. Beyond his individual accomplishments on the track, Alex has also gone above and beyond as a leader and captain this outdoor season, helping to bring together the boys and girls distance programs for the first time. Alex will be competing at both the Bay State and Divisional Championship meets the next two weeks where he will continue to raise a very high bar.”
 

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

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.

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Athlete of the Week: Charlotte McDonough

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Sport: Tennis, singles

When & how you got involved in tennis: I started playing tennis for fun during the COVID pandemic, so when I was around 12 years old. I didn’t start playing for the high school team until my sophomore year, but I’ve really enjoyed getting more into it since.

What you love most about tennis: I really love the girls on the team, there’s always a lot of laughter and it makes practices and matches something to look forward to. With tennis, I really like how competitive it is, both physically and mentally. Also being outside is a nice part of it too, especially when the weather is good.

Pre-match routine: I always like to have a snack, normally a clementine and some type of pretzels or Chex Mix.

Top goal for this season: My goal for this year is to go as far as we can and try to win states, but I also just want to have fun and enjoy it as much as possible for my senior season.

Thoughts about this year’s team: This year’s team has been so much fun to be a part of. We lost a few players from last year, so it’s been really great seeing how everyone’s been able to step up into different roles. I also really love how supportive everyone is on the team, it makes every match super memorable.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: This year was my first time playing singles after previously only playing doubles for the team. I was a little nervous at first, but I’m proud of how I’ve improved at singles over the course of the season and how my confidence has grown.

A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team: One of my favorite team traditions is doing hot yoga together. It’s always a fun way to bond with the team since everyone is kind of struggling in awkward poses at the same time.

Interests outside of tennis: I like hanging out with friends, watching movies, playing hockey, and playing the tuba. In school, my favorite subjects are probably biology and anatomy.

What other sports do you play, if any? Hockey

Coach Rob Miller on Charlotte McDonough: Charlotte has had a great start to the season. Currently her record at third singles is 7-1. Against Natick she won the deciding match to eke out a 3-2 team win. Though her only loss at third singles came against Needham, she avenged the loss last week by the same girl she lost to the first time. Off the court Charlotte is one of the most well liked teammates. She represents the Girls Tennis Team well and I am very proud of her.

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Athletes of the Week: Deniz Eryilmaz and Deren Bayulgen

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When & how you got involved in tennis: 

Deniz: My first experience with tennis was joining a group lesson at the Wellesley Rec Center with Coach Sabin. That was in 6th grade, I have played ever since.

Deren: I started playing when I was 8. I started taking tennis more seriously when I moved to Wellesley through tournaments and joining the school team.

What you love most about tennis:

Deniz: The thing I love about tennis is the mix of athleticism and technique. Being strong and having good cardio is one thing, but combining that with technique and strategy is on a different level.

Deren: My teammates, how supportive my coaches are, and being able to play my favorite sport.

Pre-match routine: 

Deniz: I keep my warm ups minimal and try to go into the match with a clean slate and mental game. If I warm up for an extended period of time, and lose confidence with a certain shot, I avoid hitting that shot and lose momentum.

Deren: I don’t have a pregame ritual but I warmup with my team

Top goal for this season: 

Deniz: My top goal would be to sweep Brookline for the second time this season and to beat Newton-North during the night match this year.

Deren: To win the individual tournament starting Memorial Day weekend.

Thoughts about this year’s team: 

Deniz: Going into the season, I had very little confidence with the state of the team. We lost a couple of good players last year and it seems as if all of our opponents have gotten better. However, the team has improved since the beginning of the season and we have proven ourselves against good teams with a record of 9-3 so far.

Deren: We didn’t start off great but we’ve improved a lot over the course of the season and have been winning more matches.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: 

Deniz: Beating Lexington’s first doubles team last year was definitely a highlight of my tennis career at Wellesley. Additionally, beating Needham’s, BC High’s and Brookline’s first doubles teams this year cemented me as one of the best doubles players in the division.

Deren: I’m proud of winning 8 of 11 matches this year.

A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team: 

Deniz: Watching a BC High mom yell at our first singles because of how bad her son was getting outplayed even while he was cheating.

Deren: A funny moment for me was when I forgot that I only had one ball in my pocket and went up to serve with just one ball during a tiebreak.

Interests outside of tennis:

Deniz: I love hanging out with my friends and going to new places. I am an avid poker player and play often with my friends. I also love to work on and drive cars

Deren: I like watching and playing football with my friends.

What other sports do you play, if any? 

Deniz: I play a lot of golf in my free time and I do distance running.

Deren: Nordic Skiing in the winter

Coach Mike Sabin on Deniz Eryilmaz and Deren Bayulgen:  Our 1st doubles team has been playing better and better as we go deeper into the season.  At the beginning of the season our doubles positions were definitely not a strength of our lineup.  Deniz and Deren have worked hard and have started getting more positive results. This has, in turn, led to us getting some important wins over good teams, most recently Needham. They lost to Needham in early April when we lost all 5 matches, but last week helped lead us to a big win with their comeback win at 1 doubles. We are looking for their continued improved play to help us finish the season strong and go deeper into post-season play.
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(Athletes of the Week are nominated by their coaches.)
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Past Athlete of the Week profiles
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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: Ruby Savarese

Sport: Golf (captain, 11th grade)

When & how you got involved in golf: My father introduced me to golf ever since I was 7 years old. Ever since, I’ve been involved in many junior golf programs including Nehoiden and Kohr golf. Now, I have been working with my coach Burgess Houston for about 3 years.

What you love most about golf: My favorite aspect of this sport is my golf team. My team is so fun to be around and we are all genuinely rooting for each other. High school golf helped me gain even more appreciation for the sport.

Pre-match routine: I always eat a protein bar or a piece of bread before. My mother makes sure of that.

Top goal for this season: My goal for this season is to help the golf team get to States and give our team a good shot at winning it.

Thoughts about this year’s team: The team this year is wonderful. The girls are so, so fun to be around, and I love sharing new moments together. Skill wise, I think we got a promising team and a good shot at winning this year.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: Last year, I was out for majority of the season because I got a stress fracture in my back. However, I was able to make it back for sectionals and states and I am so happy I got the chance to help my team win.

A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team: We share a lot of funny moments on the golf team. My favorite one is when we had a team “dunch” last year after practice. We all squished into a booth at Chipotle. It was so fun, and we talked about music, golf, and pop culture.

Interests outside of golf: I like to play guitar, read, play basketball, draw, and do metals work. My favorite subject has always been English.

What other sports do you play, if any? I used to play basketball.

Coach Ken Bateman on Ruby Savarese: “Ruby was named captain by her teammates, and she is a leader on and off the course. She is invaluable as a captain because she is able to bring everyone together and make them feel like they are part of a team. She encourages her teammates at practice and during matches to play the best they can, and if they do not, she is there to remind them that they did the best they could.  At the same time, she consistently leads our team in scoring on the course.”

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

Past Athlete of the Week profiles

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: Garrett Briggs

Sport: Basketball

When & how you got involved in basketball:  I started playing in 5th grade metro west

What you love most about basketball: I love how competitive it is, and the people that I have met.

Pre-game routine: I don’t really have any pre-game rituals, but I listen to Music and do the same warm up before every game.

Top goal for this season:  To make playoffs for the first time in years.

Thoughts about this year’s team:  We got off to a rough start but after Christmas we turned our season around and got a lot better giving us a good chance at making playoffs.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I am proud of beating Walpole this year and how I played.

A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team: A fun and inspiring moment for me was last year being able to play with my brother.

Interests outside of basketball: I like to go to the gym and spend time with friends and family
 
Coach Paul Seaver on Garrett Briggs: “Garrett has been off to a fantastic start to his senior season, improving each and every day as we now move into January. His consistent hard work has been paying off more and more, as his mentality and approach to our team and culture continues to provide great stability in our rotation, as well as locker room and practices. What continues to impress me the most about Garrett is his commitment to the little things, his attention to detail and his overall heart and desire to compete each and every day. He is a great asset to this team and program and an absolute joy to coach.”
 
(Athletes of the Week are nominated by their coaches.)
 
Past Athlete of the Week profiles
 

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: Maria Gianarikas 

 

 
Sport/position: Basketball/point guard

When & how you got involved in basketball: When I was in 3rd grade my parents signed me up for Wellesley hoops and ive been playing ever since.

What you love most about basketball: The relationships I’ve built with teammates and the competitive nature of the game.

Pre-game routine: Before every game I drink a smoothie and take 3 deep breaths.

Top goal for this season: To have a fun season and work on getting everyone better.

Thoughts about this year’s team: We’ve been doing a great job despite a very tough schedule, and it hasn’t stopped us from continuing to fight. Everyone brings strong energy and talent to the team, which makes us better every day.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I’m very proud to have been nominated as a junior captain. I’ve worked extremely hard, and I’m grateful to see that effort paying off.

A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team: We were down by like 30 points and Kaitlyn hit a half court buzzer beater and everyone went nuts.

Interests outside of basketball: Hanging out with family and friends, traveling, going to the beach.

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: Paige Griffith

Sport/position: Alpine Ski Racing – Giant Slalom and Slalom

When & how you got involved in skiing: I’ve been skiing since I was 3 in Stowe, Vermont since my parents grew up skiing.

What you love most about skiing: I love the feeling of being in control of my speed and having the ability to go very fast.

Top goal for this season: To improve as a racer.

Thoughts about this year’s team: I’ve enjoyed the races and meeting new people.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I am proud of getting top 10 in the first varsity race this year.

A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team: I raced for 3 years when I was younger but stopped because I didn’t have the time to continue over the weekends, and now I have picked it back up and am learning a lot of new techniques while still remembering the old.

Interests outside of skiing: I enjoy hanging out with my friends.

What other sports do you play, if any? Soccer
 
Coach Cory Tusler: “Paige won the JV giant slalom at Ski Ward and the team will be expecting more great runs from her. Paige is a serious competitor who has been through preseason training and is ready to ski.”
 
Athletes of the Week are nominated by their coaches.)

Past Athlete of the Week profiles

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: Cooper Munro

When & how you got involved in soccer:  When I was like 6 or 7, during my first year of elementary school my parents signed me up.

What you love most about soccer:  I love hanging out with all my friends who I’ve played soccer with my whole life.

Pre-game routine: Before every game I always listen to “Pop Out” by Big Boogie.

Top goal for this season: I want to have a great time and be so happy.

Thoughts about this year’s team: I think we are doing spectacular! Such great wins and everybody’s so happy and content I could not be more satisfied with the season right now, but as Kobe says “Job’s not finished.”

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I am so proud of scoring a goal in 3 of my games, they were pretty random goals but it is such a great feeling.

A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team: On the soccer team there was this guy named C-Ports. The ball was coming at him and instead of kicking the ball he turned around and cleared the ball with his behind.

Interests outside of soccer: I like to clean things, it so great when things are clean.

What other sports do you play, if any? Skiing and Lacrosse

Athlete of the Week: Grace Sullivan

 

 
Sport/position: Soccer, defense

When & how you got involved in soccer:  I started playing when I was in first grade, because many of friends did soccer as well, and once I was in fourth grade I started to played club soccer.

What you love most about soccer: I love the community and friendships that come along with the sport. Not only am I able to be a part of an amazing team, but it has allowed me to make so many amazing friends. I also love the outlet that it gives me to get a break from school.

Pre-game routine: I always listen to music on my way to games.

Top goal for this season: Our top goal for this season is to keep improving and getting better every day so we can reach our goal of winning again. That means holding ourselves to a high standard, pushing each other in practice, and focusing on the details that matter. If we stay consistent, work together, and keep building, the results will take care of themselves.

Thoughts about this year’s team: Because our team is so young, we’ve faced a lot of obstacles this year. We’ve had to grow up quickly, learn from every challenge, and push through in hard moments. But those experiences have only made us stronger. Instead of letting these challenges set us back, we came together, supported one another, and turned them into opportunities to improve.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I’m proud of getting honorable mention my freshmen year.

A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team: We gave up a goal in the last minute, but we stayed focused and managed to come back with a win to advance to the state championship game.

Interests outside of soccer: Traveling, hiking, hanging out with my family and friends.

What other sports do you play, if any? Basketball

Coach Dave Wainwright on Grace Sullivan: “Grace has been a steadfast player for our program since day one of her freshman year! Grace has consistently proven that she’s one of the best defensive players in the league and continues to impress every match.” 
 

 
Athletes of the Week are nominated by their coaches.)

Past Athlete of the Week profiles