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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Pregame Rituals: Keep to myself and listen to my pump-up playlist

School/Sports Balance: Strict schedule, get everything done ASAP, no wasted time

Fun Fact about Wrestling: Way more conditioning than people think

Goal for the Season: I want to make states

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Darren Jimenez is a versatile Wellesley High School athlete. In the fall, he starts as an inside linebacker for the football team, and in the winter, he is one off the wrestling team’s top performers. Coming off of a victory over Milton, where Jimenez remained undefeated (4-0), the Raiders’ wrestling squad (4-7) hopes to continue its winning streak for a chance to compete at states.

Jimenez has worked to become a vital piece to this Raiders team, but he almost chose a different path. 

During his sophomore football season, Jimenez played on the D-Line, where he got to know Chris Sywetz, an assistant coach. As the season closed, Jimenez went to see Coach Sywetz, curious about an off-season workout plan. When Sywetz first recommended wrestling, Jimenez was skeptical, fearing he could hurt himself. After several attempts, Sywetz convinced Jimenez to try wrestling that winter.

Coach Sywetz himself was a highly decorated wrestler. He originally got into wrestling for the same reasons as Jimenez: He wanted to stay in shape for football. Having wrestled in high school, Sywetz saw how much it helped him on the football field. After playing football at Bryant University, Sywetz joined the Framingham High wrestling staff as an assistant in 2016, where he stayed until he landed the head coaching job at Wellesley in 2021.

Given his experience, Sywetz can judge what makes a successful wrestler. Jimenez has impressed Sywetz:  “I selected Darren Jimenez for Athlete of the Week because he has that ‘it’ factor coaches look for in athletes.” 

The “it” factor refers to intangible qualities that include work ethic, commitment, focus, and leadership. It is essential for an athlete to be internally motivated to possess the “it” factor. They must be able to do extra workouts on their own and not care if anyone finds out how much time they are devoting to getting better. They must be able to play harder than everyone when things get tough. Jimenez’s natural instincts, innate abilities, and constant desire for success have helped him excel in a sport that he hasn’t participated in for very long.  

Jimenez has already seen progress, according to Sywetz, “After coming out last year in hopes of becoming a better football player, he’s transformed his body while shaving off the baby fat and packing on the muscle.”

Sywetz further expounded on Jimenez’s commitment: “He is also a fierce competitor.” 

He has the unique ability to flip a switch, going from calm to locked in. Jimenez’s acute focus allows him to elevate his performance on the mat while also inspiring his teammates to work harder. 

Praising Jimenez’s leadership, Sywetz said, “He’s the glue to the team.” Although only a junior, so many look up to him on the mat and also in how he interacts with others. “As a kind kid, he always tries to bring people together; he never wants a rub between teammates.” 

Sywetz also lauded how Jimenez has helped to rebuild the Wellesley wrestling team. “Darren has had numerous moments of being a great leader at the high school, but none more special than what he’s doing with the wrestling program. As he helps Wellesley build back their struggling wrestling program, he’s creating a team where hard work, focus, and respect are the core values.”

Finally, Sywetz noted how Jimenez’s grit has helped him dominate this year. He mentioned how countless times Jimenez rallied during tough matches to help seal the victory for Wellesley. Although Jimenez had many memorable moments, Sywetz’s favorite came during Jimenez’s match against Milton. “He was going back and forth until Darren went into beast mode and dominated his opponent. Pinning the other athlete and following it with a grand gesture of emotion, flexing his muscles and letting out a big scream. That was when I knew Darren would be a great wrestler.”

Proud of his rise to become one of the best wrestlers in the MIAA Bay State Conference, Jimeniz said:, “I hope that I can continue to win my matches, not only for my record but most importantly, so that our team can continue to emerge victorious.” 

Jimenez expressed gratitude for his peers. He said he would not have achieved his success to date if it weren’t for his “teammates and coaches who push me to get better every day. Even when I feel like I can’t give it anymore, they instill belief in me that I can conquer anything in my way.”

Article written by John Battaglino, Bradford ‘24

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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.

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Athlete of the Week: Ryan Keyes, a junior on the boys’ golf team

Siblings: 3 sisters. 1 older, 2 younger

Extra Golf Practice: Attends the “Golf Performance Center” in Connecticut and Florida during the second semester

Student-Athlete Balance: Completes homework by 9 pm, then practices short game

Pregame Ritual: Starts warm-up with 7 iron

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Ryan Keyes, a junior at Wellesley High School, is widely known for his abilities on the golf course. In his freshman year, Keyes made the varsity team and was one of the best players. During his sophomore year, he won the Massachusetts Individual Division 1 Championship. This season, Keyes was the top player on the team and helped carry the Raiders (16-2) to yet another state championship appearance.

Keyes was exposed to golf at a young age playing rounds with his family, which fostered his love for the game. He started to play competitively in middle school and participated in tournaments at local golf courses. During 8th grade, Keyes got a job at the Kohr driving range in Natick. After school and after matches, he would go straight to Kohr and hit a few buckets of balls and practice his putting on the nearby greens. 

During this time, Keyes created his very own backyard putting and chipping green. Although COVID hit soon after, he didn’t let the weeks where courses were shut down deter him. Keyes began working on trick shots in his basement, in the backyard on the putting green, and even on the stairs. Chipping all sorts of objects from golf balls to ping pong balls, and even Xbox discs, Keyes became a masterful short-game player because of his hours of practice. 

When the courses opened up, Keyes played multiple rounds each day, followed by work on the range. Although these days required lots of mental strength and hard work,  Keyes saw the results as his scores dropped quickly during the summer before 9th grade.  

With this hard work, Keyes made the varsity team after only one day with a 37 (+1) on nine holes. His tryout previewed the rest of the season; Keyes proved to be one of the top golfers on the team. 

During the summer of his sophomore year, he continued practicing through tournament play. One of his most successful rounds came at the Massachusetts Junior Amateur championship. During this tournament, Keyes shot an amazing round of -1 (69), his first-ever sub-70 score. As a leader on the team this year he shot a +2 (74) during the Bay State Conference Championship at Easton Country Club.  

Coach Kenneth Bateman, an avid golfer who has coached for 13 years, couldn’t be happier to have Keyes on the team. Words he used to describe Keyes during our interview:  “motivated, honest, leader.” 

Bateman complimented Keyes’s skills, but noted more importantly how he has helped everybody, from seniors to underclassmen. Bateman commented: “He made the team like a community, and he brought everybody together.”

Bateman also emphasized Keyes’s leadership on a larger scale. He referenced how the student helped to organize a fundraising tournament with the Weston and Wellesley golf teams. The teams, with his guidance, raised over $6,000 for First Tee and Dana Farber.” Keyes’ larger-than-golf view of the world has earned him the respect of his teammates. 

When asked about his favorite moments on the golf course, Keyes focused on the Raiders’ victory at Cape Cod National. “I think the proudest moment I’ve had is probably seeing our team win the Cape Cod National Tournament. I was not there because I was away, but it was a big tournament and I was very proud to be a part of the team that won.”

Although Keyes is a team player at his core, he does have one individual goal: To play golf in college. His hopes of playing beyond high school and into college are surely within reach thanks to the combination of his natural ability and outstanding work ethic. 

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Article written by John Battaglino, Bradford ‘24

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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.

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Athlete of the Week: Kira DeOliveira

Siblings: 3 older siblings, all of whom played soccer

Most memorable soccer experience: Playing with my sister during her senior year

Favorite pregame traditions: Team playlist on bus rides, team time in the locker room

Favorite part of WHS soccer this year: Game at Gillette Stadium 

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The girl’s varsity soccer team (8-1-6), led by senior defender and co-captain Kira DeOliveira, advanced to the semi-finals of the Massachusetts state tournament on Saturday. The Raiders are on a roll after a 2-0 victory against Marshfield, a 2-1 win on the road against Franklin, and then Saturday’s 3-2 triumph over Lincoln-Sudbury. Powered by DeOliveira’s lockdown defense, the Raiders are ready for the state semi-finals.

DeOliveira has loved soccer for as long as she can remember. With 3 older siblings who played, she was always around the field watching them compete and practice. Her early exposure piqued her interest in the sport and she began participating in the Wellesley United town league when she was 4. 

DeOliveira looked forward to town games every Saturday morning. She described her love for playing in the cool brisk morning air. “Saturday mornings were my favorite. Getting to see my friends who went to different schools, playing in soccer games, and then hanging out afterward are memories that I won’t ever forget.”

Even at such a young age, DeOliveira’s charismatic spirit made her beloved among her teammates. She met many friends through the town league. 

To this day, DeOliveira is known for her energetic personality and consistent support of her teammates. She is always the first to congratulate others on their success, earning her the friendship of teammates and admiration of her coaches, including head WHS Varsity Girls’ Soccer Coach Steve Bailen. 

A 20-year veteran of soccer coaching, Bailen highlighted DeOliveira’s leadership and work ethic as exemplary. He praised DeOliveira as “the best leader I have ever coached. Her infectious spirit spreads positivity throughout the team and brings everybody together.” 

Bailen raved about DeOliveira’s outgoing personality and attributed the team’s chemistry to her bridging the gap between seniors and freshmen. “We have had valuable contributions from the underclassmen throughout the year, and their confidence in games and at practices has surely stemmed from their comfort with the team.” 

DeOliveira prioritizes the team over anything else. When asked about her favorite moments of the year, she downplays her success as a shutdown defender, and instead focuses on the team’s success: “My favorite moments are our team dinners and time after practice. We hang out not as teammates but also as friends. We all help each other with personal problems. I love not only the team but also the friendships that I have made because of it.” 

The team’s strong sense of community has created tight bonds where students trust and look out for each other. DeOliveira makes it her mission to foster an environment where people are not afraid to make mistakes.

DeOliveira is a wing defender who shuts down speedy and skilled players on the other teams. She forces them outside and away from the goalie. She also starts offensive breaks and clearing the ball to offensive middies. 

Coach Bailen spoke highly about DeOliveira’s game IQ. “Kira very rarely makes poor decisions. When we are clearing the ball and need an offensive break, we look to Kira.” 

DeOliveira’s poise in the face of pressure has been key. “Even when she is under duress with multiple people pressuring her she takes her time and makes the right pass. Even though she might not have many stats, her great decision-making, and strong game IQ help start our offensive strategies,” the coach says. 

Off the field, DeOliveira is a dedicated student. She must keep herself organized to succeed as a multi-sport student-athlete. DeOliveira stays focused daily so she can also have free time on the weekends. “I love soccer and hanging out with my friends, so I don’t want anything to come in the way of that. I plan my homework out accordingly and get my work done whenever I have free time.” 

DeOliveira’s dedication both on and off the field has helped to position the team well for its run during the tournament.

Article written by John Battaglino, Bradford ‘24

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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.

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Athlete of the Week: Will Boecher, a junior on Wellesley High School’s boys’ varsity soccer team

Siblings: Two younger brothers

Position: Attacking midfielder or the “10,” who does almost everything including passing, scoring, and playing defense

Pregame Music: Mostly rap playlists

Teams Outside of WHS: Boston Bolts 6-7 times a week

Future Aspirations: Hopes to play college soccer

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After COVID-19 restrictions shortened the boys’ varsity soccer 2020 schedule, and an up-and-down 2021 campaign, the team is excited to have a full and normal season this fall.

Coming off of a narrow last-minute victory over New Bedford, the team is looking to its leaders as it begins the push to the 2022 playoffs. Among these leaders is Will Boecher, a junior attacking midfielder who uses his skill, speed, and vision to make everyone around him better and help the team win.

Boecher found soccer through his dad, who played in college and introduced his son to the sport in elementary school. The pre-teen immediately fell in love with the game and practiced as much as possible. His hard work paid off when he was one of a select few who made varsity his freshman year (2019-2020) and saw the field.

Boecher has developed into a cornerstone of the team thanks to his relentless work ethic. His focus and dedication are on full display outside of the high school team as well. Boecher practices 6-7 times a week with his club team, the Boston Bolts. He thrives on challenging himself to practice and play with some of the best talents in the state, region, and country.

An integral part of the WHS team, Boecher is a driving force in Wellesley High’s quest for a state championship. Coach Chris DiCecca, who has coached soccer at WHS for 4 years and has seen many star players come through high school, shares high praise for Boecher. DiCecca describes Boecher as an “offensive spark plug,” and as someone who can “surely make a difference in all aspects of the game.”

Boecher has shown his offensive ability the entire year, and especially this past week in 3 games against New Bedford, Natick, and Weymouth. He scored 3 goals and had 1 assist in this series of games, netting a goal in each contest.

“Will has been helping us win whether it is through scoring goals, passing to other teammates, or relentless defense at the midfield,” says Coach DiCecca.

Boecher prioritizes the team over his individual performance. When asked about his favorite moments of the year, Boecher downplayed his accomplishments and instead focused on the team’s success: “My favorite moments are our team dinners and time after practice. Having fun with the guys, while also seeing the improvement that we make on the field each day, makes me more confident in our chances this postseason.”

“So long as we win,” he says, “I don’t care how my stats look. I just want to win and help the team in any way possible.”

Boecher’s team-first orientation and accountability to his teammates and coach make him an exceptional leader on this talented squad. Coach DiCecca praised Boecher’s leadership with underclassmen. “Will shows younger players the way to own their mistakes by always owning up to his mistakes when he plays poorly. Not only is Will a verbal leader, but he also leads by example,” the coach says.

Boecher brings the same commitment and intensity to his life off the soccer field. Due to his busy schedule, Boecher follows a strict plan to keep himself on track academically as he balances his rigorous training regimen. Boecher’s dedication and burning desire to be the best player has helped him achieve his goal of becoming both a strong leader and valuable contributor.

Article written by John Battaglino, Bradford ‘24

 

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: Abby Coleman

Siblings: Older brother who was a part of the 2022 WHS class. He’s now at Penn State.

Favorite Class: Math

Pregame Song: “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore

Favorite Pre-Game Meal: Baked Ziti

 

After back-to-back years of COVID-19 restrictions that forced it to perform only during home football games and compete virtually at cheer events, the Wellesley High School cheerleading team is truly back in action. Coach Odessa Sanchez and sophomore star Abby Coleman are returning to a “normal” year with high expectations… 

Coleman holds one of the most important positions on the team. As the flyer, she gets catapulted into the air during stunts and is responsible for wowing the crowd.

Coach Sanchez describes Coleman as not only an “All-Star on the team,” but also a “hardworking individual who inspires the rest of the team to work harder and push forward during every practice.” Sanchez also notes that last year “Coleman’s performances impressed people on the team, judges, and even opposing cheer squads.” 

Coleman has been passionate about cheer since 3rd grade when she rooted for her brother at his basketball games. Coleman has cheered formally for 4 years, two of those at WHS. 

Sanchez notes that Coleman’s skills have come a long way as she consistently leads the cheer team to “show-stopping performances.” Sanchez highlighted that cheer is a sport that requires “hours and hours of work to get ready. You need to be well rehearsed in gymnastics as well as being an all-around athlete to succeed.” 

Sanchez further stressed the importance of mental strength and preparation. “You need to know every role because you never know when you may need to step in and help fix a situation,” she said 

Coleman’s talent combines hard work and dedication. This hard work stems from her role model, her mother. 

“I look up to her because every day she pushes me to be the best and work my hardest,” she said.

Because of her work ethic, Coleman is a role model for her peers on and off the field. 

Coleman and Sanchez are excited by the opportunities for the Fall season. Their main goal is to have fun while also achieving success as a group and proudly representing Wellesley.

Sanchez said, “As school ambassadors, it is important for us to provide a strong image for Wellesley and its sports. We pride ourselves on being fair, kind, and hardworking competitors, and we hope to demonstrate that value for all of Wellesley” 

While sportsmanship is a major value for the cheer team, they strive to compete and win at competitions in addition to supporting the football team during its games. Coleman loves getting ready for each event to showcase her skills. Her pregame ritual includes tuning in to Macklemore’s hits, specifically “Can’t Hold Us,” to “get her in the zone.”

Coleman is a well-rounded student and athlete. She loves math and the sense of pride she feels after correctly solving a problem. Outside of school, she loves to bake, cook, and dance. Her specialty in the kitchen is baked ziti, a favorite pre-game meal. 

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Article written by John Battaglino, Bradford ‘24