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: Ava O’Grady

Sport: Track & field (long sprints and triple jump)

When & how you got involved in track & field: I started track my freshman year of high school because I had always enjoyed sprinting, especially in my soccer games.

What you love most about track & field: I love that you get out of it what you put in, like Griff always says. If you’re willing to do the hard part in practice, you will get results.

Pre-meet routine: Before meets I like eating popcorn and I will also listen to music to calm myself.

Top goal for this season: My goal for this season is to get more PRs in the 400 and triple jump. My goal for the team as a whole is to win another Division 2 state championship.

Thoughts about this year’s team: I really love this team. We stay positive during tough workouts and push each other through. I definitely wouldn’t be able to push myself as hard if I wasn’t surrounded by this group of girls. And when we’re done with practice, we usually hang out and enjoy the nice weather together. During meets, we always sit together before we’re about to race and calm each other’s pre-race jitters. I think the community of this team is a big part of why people enjoy this sport and keep coming back year after year.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I’m proud of being in three 4×400 relays that have placed first in the divisional meet.

An inspiring story related to your involvement in track & field/this team: During one of our meets, our 4×4 team didn’t have a baton for our race so we went to Griff and he pulled a blue baton out of his bag that we had never seen before. We ended up winning the relay and running one of our best times of the season so Griff nicknamed the baton “Big Blue.”

Interests outside of track & field: In school my favorite subjects are all the sciences and outside of school I enjoy playing with my dog, watching movies, and spikeball.

What other sports do you play, if any? Soccer

Coach John Griffith on Ava O’Grady: Ava has been an important member of our Indoor and Outdoor Track teams over the last 4 years. She puts in the work in practice and has had a ton of success. She has been part of many Division 2 titles for both Indoor and Outdoor Track. Ava is a quiet leader but makes a lot of noise on the track. She has been a fixture in our 4×400 relay teams that have been very successful. She is also very versatile as she usually doubles in running events and is a great triple jumper. For these reasons and many more I believe Ava is very deserving of this honor.

Athlete of the Week: Matthew Yen

Sport: Track and Field (100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, long jump, 4 x 100 meter relay; Senior captain)

When & how you got involved in track & field: I started track when I was a freshman in high school after my eighth grade season was canceled due to Covid. I had always seen my older brother dominate the track and it inspired me to try the sport out not only as a means of getting faster for football, but also as a way to better myself.

What you love most about track & field: What I love most about track and field is that that luck plays a very small role in a race or a jump. It’s truly a sport where you get out the work you put in and over time seeing progress is very fulfilling.

Pre-meet routine: Before each of my races I like to put my head down and remind myself who I am running for which gives me laser focus going into my race.

Top goal for this season: I would love to win the division two state championship as we were runners up last year.

Thoughts about this year’s team: Our team is full of talent across the board and everyone I know has came very far from where they have started.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: My favorite accomplishment in track and field was running at New Balance nationals at the track at UPenn. Our relay team was first in the state and ended up placing 17th in the country.

An inspiring story related to your involvement in track & field/this team: Many times throughout my journey I have felt that I wasn’t doing as well as I should have been, but I kept showing up to practice to better myself and have brought myself to be one of the best sprinters and jumpers in school history.

Interests outside of track & field: My favorite school subject is economics and I plan to study that in college. I also love playing football and am doing both football and track next year.

What other sports do you play, if any? Football

Coach Larry Corda on Matthew Yen:  As the season progressed, Matthew worked diligently to get better. He took practice seriously and constantly improved. His times in the 100m dropped every race while his long jumps also improved every meet. He’s now our fastest 100m and long jump athlete. His intensity and determination are matched only by his desire to get better. We’re fortunate to have such a talented and great athlete.
 
(Athletes of the Week are nominated by their coaches.)

More 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: Sarah Mackey

Sport: Girls tennis (singles, senior captain); Follow team @raidersgtennis/ on Instagram

When & how you got involved in tennis: Since I grew up watching my mom and older brother play tennis I started playing when I was 4, at my country club. I played tournaments throughout elementary and some of middle school but took a break to focus on basketball before 9th grade. I then returned to playing in high school, when I tried out in 9th grade, and have played all 4 years.

What you love most about tennis: I really enjoy getting to be outside during the spring with my teammates. I am so grateful to have the encouragement, support and love through the friendships I have made from the tennis team.

Pre-match routine: Listening, and singing, music with the team.

Top goal for this season: To win the state championship (again).

Thoughts about this year’s team: Not only do we have amazing talent on the team but we also have great team chemistry. It is easy to say that I am friends with my teammates on and off the court. This makes coming to practices and matches every day super fun. By being such a cohesive group we have found so much success and I think it all comes down to how we all love and support one another.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of:  I am super proud of our State Championship win last year. We were the underdogs coming into the semi-finals as the 4th seed and we were able to prove everyone wrong and win.

An inspiring story related to your involvement in tennis/this team: During my freshman year I was thinking about playing softball because a bunch of my friends were playing. However, my parents told me I had to choose between golf and tennis, because I had little to no experience in softball. I ended up choosing tennis because I wasn’t very good at golf. It ended up being the best decision I ever made because I made so many friends and memories through this sport.

Interests outside of tennis: In school I really like psychology and ceramics. In psychology I have learned so many new things about the way our brains work and it has taught me so many things about myself that I didn’t know before. I also really enjoy ceramics, being a part of the intensive ceramics class at Wellesley, because I am able to channel my creativity into my work. Outside of school and sports I really enjoy hanging out with friends, traveling, and coaching tennis at a local tennis camp.

What other sports do you play, if any? I run cross country and play basketball for Wellesley.

Coach Rob Miller on Sarah Mackey: “Sarah is undefeated at her third singles position. In recent play, she won her matches in straight sets. She beat the third singles player from Needham, 6-4, 6-1. Then Sarah defeated her opponent from Westborough 6-0, 6-0. Both Needham and Westborough are in the top 10 in Power Ranking. So far Sarah has played and won when playing first, second, and third singles. She has been an outstanding captain leading the team on and off the court and is a three-sport athlete.” 

Athlete of the Week: Ellias Lukic

Sport: Boys tennis (singles, junior); Follow team @wellesleyboystennis on Instagram

When & how you got involved in tennis: My dad played tennis and got me to start playing when I was eight years old.

What you love most about tennis: My favorite part about tennis is the strategy involved and the fact that everything is in your control to win each point.

Pre-match routine: I always make sure to eat a snack before a match and listen to good music to get me pumped up.

Top goal for this season:  My top goal is to just get better and help my team as much as I can in the playoffs.

Thoughts about this year’s team:  We’ve gotten a lot better this season and defied our expectations for how good we can play.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of:  I went from starting the season at second doubles to playing second singles.

An inspiring story related to your involvement in tennis/this team:  Coach Katie (Sullivan) makes everyone laugh.

Interests outside of tennis: Playing basketball with friends, watching sports, playing video games.

What other sports do you play, if any? I like to ski.

Coach Mike Sabin on Ellias Lukic: “Ellias currently plays 2nd singles for us. He lost challenge matches in March that initially put him in doubles for the first few matches. He performed well, partnered with fellow junior Deniz Eryilmaz. After we had some tough results as a team, we had a couple more challenge matches near the end of April and this time Ellias won the match that put him 2nd on the team’s ladder. He almost won a very close match at Needham, a much closer result than our first match against them. Then he won an important match vs. Westborough which helped us clinch an important victory against a higher rated team. Due to our win that day, we moved up in the state rankings 2 spots to 12th.  

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

More 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: Will Webster

When & how you got involved in baseball: I started playing baseball when I was in 4th grade at 10 years old. A lot of my friends played and I wanted to give it a try.

What you love most about baseball: It’s a game that rewards hard work and consistency, and has helped me figure out who I want to be as a person on and off the field.

Pre-game routine: I try to stay off my phone as much as possible on game days, and I try to eat really well and get enough sleep the night before games.

Top goal for this season:  For our team to make it to Polar Park for the state championship.

Thoughts about this year’s team:  We are a really talented group that has the potential to go as far as we will allow ourselves. We don’t lack age but in general we lack overall varsity experience, with there being only 5 returners from last year. But again I think that we would be the only ones stopping ourselves from achieving our goals for the year. For some of the newer players and even for the leaders on the team the bumps in the road are really what I think are going to make us better as a unit when the dust settles and it’s tournament time, and I know that we have what it takes to be a team that dominates in the playoffs.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of:  I would probably say being the captain of the team this year. My freshman year I was at a private school that I did not have a very good experience at, and being able to come back to Wellesley and play for my town for the last 3 years, and to be the captain of the team this year has been a rewarding experience. I remember always being so worried about what my baseball career would look like as an upperclassmen when I was in 9th grade, and I think that if my 9th grade self saw where I was now, he would be very proud.

An inspiring story related to your involvement in baseball/this team:  This year I just think back to all the struggles we had getting on our field with how bad the weather was at the start of the season, and how when we finally did for the first time it wasn’t until our first game of the season against Milton. We went out and put up 6 runs in the first inning and were all really fired up and excited to be on our field and protecting the house. That’s my favorite game from this year so far and it set the tone for the team for what we want our identity to be, especially as an offense.

Interests outside of baseball: I enjoy playing the guitar and working out.

What other sports do you play, if any? I used to play hockey, but I have been playing just baseball since junior year.

Coach Ted Novio on Will Webster: “Will is a tremendous leader. He leads by example every day. He’s the first to practice, the last to leave, and he gives every ounce he’s got on every play. Will’s determination to make this a great senior season personally and as a team has not gone unnoticed by the coaches and team. It has not only been an honor to coach him but an honor to have him be our captain in 2025.”

Athlete of the Week: Lucy Stathis

When & how you got involved in softball:  When I was seven, I went to a nearby batting cage to practice with my dad. A coach that was working there needed to fill spots on her 10u travel team and asked me if I wanted to join. It was super low stakes and I’m pretty sure we lost almost every game, but that team is the reason I fell in love with the sport.

What you love most about softball I love that softball is so team dependent, yet there is still room for individual improvement and growth.

Pre-game routine: I enjoy listening to music to make myself and my team excited to play.

Top goal for this season: Going into the season, my goal was simply to have fun and enjoy my final high school season by spending time with my teammates. Our team goal is to make playoffs and have a good run through multiple rounds!

Thoughts about this year’s team:  This team is a special group of people. We have little to no feelings of jealousy, and we are all constantly cheering for and supporting each other. It’s very easy to turn on yourself when playing softball because of how mental it is, but the girls on this team will do anything to prevent that from happening.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of:  Committing to play softball in college!

An inspiring story related to your involvement in softball/this team:  One time, we were stranded in Boston after our game vs Boston Latin and we couldn’t find the bus anywhere. Coach Hunt then proceeded to “call the bus” and it magically showed up. We still aren’t sure what or who she called, but it was so mysterious and funny I still think about it every time we have an away game.

Interests outside of softball: Outside of softball, I also do competitive dance. Usually I drive right from softball practice to dance!

Coach Emily Hunt on Lucy Stathis: “Lucy has been a four-year varsity starter for the softball team and will play at Colby next year. Her energy and love of the game is contagious; she will do absolutely anything for her team whether that means carpooling to get ice cream, getting everyone hyped with her music, running Softball Rocks clinics, or making a diving catch in centerfield. Lucy can play anywhere on the field and has played every position throughout her Raiders career. She is an awesome outfielder with excellent speed but is at her best when she is dominating the pitcher’s circle. So far this season she has 65 strikeouts in 28 innings pitched which gives her 329 career strikeouts. She has been a leader on and off the field during her entire career. This season, as a senior captain, Lucy should lead us to our best position to make a state tournament run.”

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

More 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: John Battaglino

When & how you got involved in this sport: Captain Andy Yang recruited me during the fall. I played in a couple pickup games with teammates from Wellesley at Newton South when I didn’t have a golf conflict. Then basketball season started so I didn’t play at all during the winter, but then I started playing again about 2 weeks before tryouts.

What you love most about this sport: I really enjoy the energy on the court and with your teammates. I also have really appreciated the support and encouragement that I have gotten from my teammates.

Pre-match routine: Take a nap on the bus on the way to the game.

Top goal for this season:  To help Wellesley Boys Volleyball upset Brookline in the State Championship game.

Thoughts about this year’s team:  We have a great team. Our captains push us every day in practice and foster an environment focused on our goals. We also have a ton of talent that can compete with the best teams in the state. Finally, the support from each and every member on our team has helped us start our season off strong. We had a huge reverse sweep against Springfield Central where we won 3 straight sets to take the W and gave Brookline their best match yet. We have a ton of positive play to build off of, and with our captains’ focus, our coaches’ encouragement, and our team’s commitment to winning, we are sure to find success this year.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of:  I am proud about our team’s reverse sweep victory against Springfield Central. We were down 2-0 and on the brink of a sweep but we came together as a team and pulled victory from the jaws of defeat. We didn’t let our mistakes define us in the following sets and showed confidence in one another. This was a huge moment not just for our record, but also for our team. It showed us that when we come together nothing can get in our way and that as a team we are a force to be reckoned with.

An inspiring story related to your involvement in the sport/this team:  The day I went to play my first pickup game with the team, I was hesitant. I had never played volleyball before, but I was sure glad that I did. Even for pickup games the energy was off the charts. Kids were diving for every ball, yelling after every point, and playing with an energy/commitment that made me excited for the year. I was thrilled to join a team that played hard and loved what they did.

Interests outside of your sport: 1. School Interests: I love economics and current events. Through Econ Class on Econ Club I have been able to follow along with current events and formulate my own opinions about the effects of certain policies. 2. Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, skiing, pickup basketball, current events.

What other sports do you play, if any? 1. Varsity Golf 2. Varsity Basketball 3. Recreational Tennis

Coach Carlos Mercado on John Battaglino: “John is a standout member of the Wellesley High School boys varsity volleyball team. Although this is his first year playing volleyball, John’s natural athleticism—shaped by years of playing golf and basketball—has made an immediate impact. His love for sports analytics fuels a deeper understanding of game strategy, and his willingness to learn has quickly elevated him to the varsity starter lineup. John’s coachability, combined with his humility, has earned the respect of both teammates and coaches. On the court, he’s focused and determined; off the court, he’s the team’s biggest hype man, always bringing energy and encouragement to every practice and game. Whether blocking the opponents’ attacks or cheering from the sidelines, John embodies what it means to be a great teammate and athlete. His drive and attitude make him not only a key player, but also a leader for the squad.”

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

More 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: Alika Lavu

Sport: Girls golf (senior captain). Follow the team on Instagram.

When & how you got involved in this sport:  I started playing golf when I was seven.

What you love most about golf: I think it would have to be how calming the sport is. It’s a good way to relax after a stressful day, and I love spending time playing a fun sport with my closest friends!

Pre-match routine: I listen to all kinds of music right before the game, but I probably listen to RnB the most!

Top goal for this season:  The top goal is to win the state championship this year. We’ve come so close in the past, so hopefully this year is the year we win!

Thoughts about this year’s team:  I believe that this year’s team is filled with incredibly talented individuals who have worked so hard to be at the level that they are at. They are such a wonderful group to play with. I’m so proud of how far each one of them has come, and I can’t wait to see how we all do this year!

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of:  I won the Bay State Conference in 2023 by shooting 2 under par, which is something that I’m really proud of.

An inspiring story related to your involvement in the sport/this team:  I first started playing golf after my family and I watched a close family friend of ours make it to Augusta National as part of the Drive Chip and Putt nationals. We saw her play golf there on our tv, and by the end of the year my brother and I were playing golf too.

Interests outside of your sport: I love to read and write! But my favorite subject at school is biology!

What other sports do you play, if any? Growing up I played a lot of sports. Basketball, tennis, soccer, swimming, and skiing. But golf was the one sport that I chose to commit to.

Coach Ken Bateman on Alika Lavu: “Alika is a fierce competitor who wants to be the best on our team. She works on her game tirelessly and has proven herself to be our best golfer this year. She has been named a captain for the way she plays, and also for the camaraderie that she brings to the team.”

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

More Athlete of the Week profiles