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: 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 

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

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 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

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.

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. 

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.

Athlete of the Week: Lily Jin

Sport: Cross Country/Track and Field

Year: Sophomore

Pump-Up Song: Salute by Little Mix or New Romantics by Taylor Swift

Favorite Class: Pre-Calculus

Siblings: Younger brother in seventh grade

Lily Jin started running in middle school, when after the mini marathon in sixth grade she realized she could run longer distances, and was fast as well. She soon joined the local Waltham Track Club, where she began running competitively.

“I didn’t even know competitive running was  a thing,” she said, “but I really liked it so I continued on the middle school track and cross country teams and then at the high school.”

Last year, Jin made it to the All-State Championship during the outdoor track season in the mile race, which she cites as her greatest athletic accomplishment. Not only did she just participate, she came eleventh in the state with a 5:09 mile as just a freshman. 

This year, the girls’ cross country team came third in the state with Jin as their top runner. Last year, as a freshman, Jin ran a blazing 19:44 5K, and this year, she set her sights even higher. She won the sophomore race by almost a minute at the highly competitive Twilight Invitational, came in third at the Bay State Conference Championship, won the Division 1B Championship, and came in sixth in the Division 1 All-State Championship, where she obliterated her previous personal record by more than a minute by finishing the 5K in 18:30. 

Jin is a determined hard worker who gives 100% effort in every race and workout. “Crossing the finish line is the best part of running when you can see the culmination of all your hard work,” she said.

In addition to being a standout runner, Jin encapsulates what makes a great teammate. “My favorite aspect of running is the team element,” she said. “When you have a great team, that’s all that matters.”

Junior cross country captain Grace Wheelan sees Jin as a leader by example. “Lily is such a positive person to have on the team and comes to every single practice with a smile on her face. She works so hard consistently and inspires everyone around her to give 100% effort,” she said. “[Jin] also cares so deeply about every single one of her teammates and makes everyone feel like a valued part of the team.” 

On meet days, Jin likes to eat a hearty and healthy breakfast filled with carbs and ride with her mom to the race. “I warm up with the team 45 minutes before the race and then I roll out and stretch. I make sure to triple tie my shoes and have everything prepared the night before to make sure my warmup goes smoothly” she said. 

Outside of running, Jin likes reading, watching movies, spending time with friends, and taking walks. 

Jin looks up to many “local legend” runners like Natick’s Grace Connolly, who now runs at Stanford, Holliston’s Carmen Luisi, and her friend Ellie Shea from Belmont. She hopes to continue running throughout her life, saying, “I hope to run competitively in college and someday, when I’m older, run the Boston Marathon. That’s a big goal of mine.” 

Article written by The Bradford’s Caroline Thornton.