Sports

SPORTS

The Magical Madness of 2026: A Recap of This Year’s NCAA Division I Basketball

BY MIOTKE ’30 AND KOIKE ’30

SPORTS

Rate the lawn games

BY WHELDEN '28

SPORTS

From Humble Origins to Prep School Stardom: The Hallowed Story of Coaches Low and Francis

BY LI '27

SPORTS

Groton’s Long-Awaited Rivalry: Alumni Against Students

BY LI '30 AND KOIKE '30

SPORTS

Tina Scalese ’26: The Path to Victory

BY WHELDEN '28 AND ADELAKIN '28

SPORTS

More Than a Game: Why Heated Rivalry Resonates Beyond Sports Drama

BY EATON '28 AND BANDARU '28

SPORTS

Could LeBron lose his GOAT Status?

BY ZHANG ’28 AND BERG ’28

SPORTS

Reaching New Heights: the Groton Girls’ Volleyball Team’s Success

BY ZHANG ‘28 AND BROWNING ‘29

SPORTS

My Experience at the Cincinnati Open

The most important thing I do outside of Groton is my involvement in professional tennis. I write for a magazine, I work for some players, and a few times a year I go out to some tournaments as a member of the credentialed media to interview pros on-site. This summer, I had the opportunity to...

BY WILLIAM TURVEY '28'

SPORTS

Ann Gildroy Fox ’94: An Exceptional Grotonian

When Ann Gildroy Fox ‘94 first walked on the Circle as a student, she immediately took to heart  the school’s motto, Cui servire est regnare: “to serve is to rule.” Fox carried this ethic of service from the Circle to the front lines of Iraq as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps. After...

BY CARINA LI '27' , ALLYSON LU '27'

SPORTS

Skehel '29 and Bannard '29 - Lower School Athletes to Watch

Groton is filled with many impressive athletes, but this issue we wanted to highlight 3 exceptional athletes in the lower school. NEVE KOTHARE Neve Kothare ’29, from Princeton, NJ, is a star ice hockey player but this year she picked up a field hockey stick for the first time. Neve thrives on the varsity field...

BY LIEPA SKEHEL '29'

SPORTS

Running into a New Year: Why You Should Join a Sports Team

Starting at a new school can feel daunting, but one of the best ways to connect with your peers is to join a sports team in the afternoon. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or curious to try something new, participating in a sport will be a great decision. That is to say, as the...

BY CHEYENNE ZHENG '26

SPORTS

Setting the Stage for the LA 2028 Summer Olympics: The White House Task Force

On August 5, President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympics. The signing pinpoints a critical moment for the execution of the largest Olympics ever.   The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, making it the third Summer Olympics hosted in the...

BY CARINA LI '27', ALLYSON LU '27'

SPORTS

Why Are the Fives Courts called the Fives Courts?

Once echoing sharp smacks of leather against plaster, the Fives Courts now sit quietly, repurposed as storage space. Nevertheless, decades ago, this forgotten corner of campus resounded with loud cheers and fierce competition. A unique tradition—Fives—was at the heart of Groton. Originally from England, there are three types of fives games: Eton fives, Rugby fives,...

BY CARINA LI '27'

SPORTS

Learning to Break the Limit: How the Groton Swim Team Thrived at the ISLs

The tail-end of every swim season marks the annual ISL swimming event where the Groton swim team hits the road for a 2-hour journey down to Roger Williams University, which boasts an impressive aquatic center perfect for the high-stakes event. During the competition, Groton has the opportunity to race against other schools in the league,...

BY WILL TURVEY '28

SPORTS

Rivalry and Respect: Caitlyn Clark vs. Angel Reese

Struggling to capture the attention of a nation obsessed with slam dunks and million-dollar contracts, WNBA games took place in relative obscurity. Their triumphs echoed through half-empty stadiums, left unnoticed by mainstream media. But in the summer of 2024, as two rookies—Caitlyn Clark for the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese for the Chicago Sky—stepped onto...

BY "ALLYSON LU

SPORTS

Groton Squash at Nationals: A Comprehensive Recap

Near the end of the winter season, the girls and boys squash teams headed down to Philadelphia to take part in the US High School Team Squash Championships. Spanning three days, both teams competed in brackets of their respective divisions facing off teams from across the country.    Girls Varsity Squash The girl’s team were...

BY KEVIN CAI '26

SPORTS

Rising Lower School Varsity Sports Stars

LILY SHAPIRO Lily Shapiro ’29 dominates the soccer field as one of the smallest and youngest players on Girls Varsity Soccer. Don’t let her size fool you—she’s been playing soccer since she was 7 years old after picking it up from her father and older sister, Jessica Shapiro ’26. Her father is one of her...

BY ALICIA LENG '28

SPORTS

Athletes of the Issue: Dani Shyjan and Edward Wilkey

Thwack. The sound of victory echoes through the pickleball court as Edward Wilkey ’25 and Dani Shyjan ’25 watch their opponents shrivel in defeat. Partners for the senior pickleball tournament, Dani and Edward, dominate the court with their seamless communication.  Field hockey team captain Dani’s swift movements on the pickleball court mirror her agility on...

BY ALLYSON LU '27

SPORTS

Zebras on the Attack: Groton Volleyball's Winning Journey Continues

As the leaves begin to change and the air grows cooler, Groton students can find the basketball courts covered with an unfamiliar yellow and blue colored ball. What could it be? Volleyball! A sport that began at Groton as only an FSA has evolved into one of the strongest teams on campus.  Last year marked...

BY TRIP WIGHT '25

SPORTS

A Year Recap: Groton’s Most Memorable Games

As the years roll by and Groton continues to witness numerous athletic contests, a long history of unforgettable moments has emerged—moments that transcend the results and echo through the halls long after the final whistle.  The games of 23-24, whether marked by a comeback that defied the odds or moments that stunned the crowd, have...

BY HAYUN SHIN ’27

SPORTS

Skating Beyond Borders: Igniting Passions of Young Norwegian Athletes

Beyond playing hockey at Groton School, Tina Scalese ‘26 and Maddie Cronan ‘25 brought their fiery spirits and proficient skills to a group of young avid hockey lovers. With the opportunity given by Coach Paul Jenkins, they, as the young coaches in this occurrence, represented the Groton girls varsity hockey team in Oslo, Norway. For...

BY CHEYENNE ZHENG '26

SPORTS

The Girls in the Boat: Groton Girls Crew Takes on Henley

Sleek shells slice through the River Thames. Oars flash in the morning sun. Muscles coil like springs. For enthusiasts, the Henley Royal Regatta is the pinnacle of competition—a storied event that has tested the mettle of rowers since 1839. This summer, Groton girls joined the ranks of these elite rowers, bringing their talent across the...

BY KEVIN CAI '26

SPORTS

Mastering the Mental Game of Tennis

Being a high school student-athlete can be a struggle. Whether one has had to stay up the night before the big match, has had a long day at school, or is dealing with other stressful issues, their mind is never solely focused on the upcoming match. This battle between balancing schoolwork, social life, and high-level...

BY MILES ZHANG '26

SPORTS

The 2024 Paris Olympics: Behind the Scenes

The Olympics is a magical site to see, and the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics did not fail to make an impression. Filled with electrifying moments and incredible displays of athleticism, this Olympics was one of the most iconic yet, but what truly captivated me was the intricate work behind the scenes, where I had the...

BY WILLIAM CAI '26

SPORTS

The Legacy of Groton’s All-Star JV Basketball Duo

As seniors prepare to depart the Circle they have called home for the past four years, phenomenal senior JV players should be recognized for their dedication to the game in Groton’s sports history. Kogo Bennison ’24 and Fung Lam ’24, Groton’s remarkable Junior Varsity basketball stars, are two of many JV athletes that have left...

BY CHEYENNE ZHENG '26

SPORTS

Onward and Upward: Groton Athletes Take on Collegiate Sports

As the shot clock winds down and our class of 2024 reaches the end of their time on the Circle, their moments spent playing on Groton fields and wearing the Groton uniform also come to a close. For most, this will be the last time they don a uniform, but for a select few, they...

BY GENEVIEVE NELSON '25

SPORTS

Athlete of the Issue: Giulia Colarusso ’24

The crowd holds their breath in anticipation as Giulia Colarusso ’24 makes her way towards the goal with the ball cradled safely in her stick. In a matter of seconds, the ball slams into the netted goal, and the field erupts into cheers and screams of delight from her teammates and supporters. Groton pulls ahead...

BY AISLING KENNEDY '27

SPORTS

Athlete of the Issue: Evan Khym ’24

Crack! The black rubber ball strikes the front wall and dies into the back left corner of the squash court. Evan Khym ‘24 watches his opponent dive and miss. While this scene might look impressive, for Evan, who has played varsity squash at Groton since his freshman year, it’s nothing new. As a senior and...

BY KAYLA ZHENG '26

SPORTS

Super Bowl LVIII: Before and After

FRIDAY: I can imagine it now. It’s Long Weekend. I’ll sit in front of the TV, surrounded by friends, watching a sport I love deeply. I’ll have eaten enough buffalo wings to feed LeRoy’s dorm. However, it will be the worst night of the year. Why? Because, as much as it pains me to say...

BY ZACH WEBBER '24

SPORTS

Unveiling the Pressure: The Hidden Reality of Doping in Sports

The days of rigorous days as an athlete have come to fruition—sacrificing yourself to the hustle—allowing you to climb further in the competition. However, the public does not know that anxiety is looming over you every second through high expectations and cutthroat competition. The fear of being overshadowed by a superior athlete bites at you...

BY HAYUN SHIN ’27

SPORTS

Athlete of the Issue: Sean Greene ’24

The football whistles through the air, gliding to the open receiver in the back of the endzone. Groton’s star quarterback, Sean Greene ’24, celebrates with his teammates as he leads a thrilling comeback win. Sean helped the Zebras to a fourth-place finish in the Independent School League and is looking to do the same on...

BY TRIP WIGHT '25

SPORTS

Athlete of the Issue: Bensen Han

Under the glaring lights, a figure appears. Calm and collected, his presence immediately captivates the focus of the entire audience. With the spirit and passion of a warrior, Bensen Han ’23 has served as both a leader and star for Groton’s football team. Although the past few years have been derailed by shortened seasons, Bensen...

BY SOPHIA BAY, EVAN KHYM '24

SPORTS

Fall Teams Poised for Exciting Seasons

While preseason for fall varsity athletes formally began on September 5, the bulk of preparation for the season took place over the summer. Many would argue that games are won in the off-season, and so the work put in by athletes this summer has been especially important to setting Groton teams up for success. Here’s...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, ALEC KONIGSBERG '23

SPORTS

A Global Game: The Rise in Overseas Stardom in the NBA

Since the creation of the Most Valuable Player award in 1956, American basketball players have always seemed to win it. However, this season, not only did Serbian player Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets win MVP, but all the top four finishers were foreign born as well. Half of the Rookie of the Year award...

BY HENRY HASKELL '23

SPORTS

Teamwork and Integrity: How Groton Tennis Rose to the Top

Perhaps the most distinguished teams on campus, Groton School’s girls and boys tennis teams were strong competitors in the Independent School League (ISL) and the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). This journey began in the 1960s, when the ISL trophy was named after Groton’s Varsity Boys coach Richard “Doc” Irons. Now, sixty years...

BY ANJANETTE LIN '25

SPORTS

The NFL’s New Hiring Policies Hope to Improve Diversity

On Mar. 28, 2022, the NFL Diversity Advisory Committee was created to enforce new hiring policies for increasing diversity within the coaching staff. The league is mandated to hire women or people of minority backgrounds as offensive assistant coaches. In the past, concerns over the NFL’s lack of diversity have been brought up. For example,...

BY JULIE XIE '23

SPORTS

Lower School Athletes to Watch

Christopher Hovet ’25: Chris started running in second form so that he could keep himself in good shape, but it only took Chris Hovet ’25 a year to “fall in love with the team and the sport.” He joined track and field to keep his body healthy—he then “found out how good it feels to...

BY CHARLIE WEISBERG '23

SPORTS

Athlete of the Issue: Aine Ley

A paddle strikes the water, a wave emerging from under the dark red shell reading “Groton”. A chain of ripples crashes onto the nearby dock as the voices of coxswains loom over the placid river. It is race day for Aine Ley ’22, who serves as an integral member of the Groton crew team, both...

BY EVAN KHYM '24

SPORTS

Perfect Madness: What Made the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Great

This year’s installment of March Madness had it all: a deserving champion, crazy upsets, a historic semifinal matchup, and a record-breaking Cinderella story that became America’s team in just a week. And for the first time in three years, college basketball fans across the country were able to enjoy the games in person, bringing back...

BY ALEC KONIGSBERG '23

SPORTS

Lower School Athletes to Watch

Angus Frew: Angus Frew ’25 grew up loving the game on ice. With an outdoor rink and a strong local Hockey program, Angus managed to “play nearly everyday.” Beyond his background in the sport, his hard work played a big factor to his success: as he puts it, “shooting in my basement translated to my...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, JOON WHANG

SPORTS

Athlete of the Issue: Griffin Johnson '22

Griffin Johnson was a chief contributor to the Groton Boys Squash win at the Division III nationals in 2020, and now two years later, Johnson leads the team as captain as they look to claim another championship in the Division II Nationals. A season of no competition did not stop the team from improving, and...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, CHARLIE WEISBERG ’23

SPORTS

Dawgs On Top: How Georgia Finally Conquered Alabama’s College Football Empire

  On Monday, January 10, the Georgia Bulldogs finally overcame their football program’s biggest hump of the College Football Playoff era, defeating Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide in the National Championship Game by a score of 33-18. While Georgia was favored by a spread of two and a half points and was widely considered the...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, ALEC KONIGSBERG '23

SPORTS

Cooperstown: The Hall of Shame

Whether it be Hank Aaron with his unbroken runs-batted-in record, Derek Jeter with his signature jump-throw, Mickey Mantle with his 565 foot home runs, or Tom Seaver with his nine consecutive 200-strikeout seasons, some names in baseball never fade away.    The Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, a hallmark of America’s pastime,...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, EVAN KHYM ’24

SPORTS

Why AFCON Deserve

It’s been almost three years since it last took place but Africa’s biggest international football tournament – the Africa Cup of Nations – is back. Will Algeria sit atop the throne once more? Is Mohamed Salah enough for Egypt to win it all? Will a golden defense of Idrissa Gueye, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, HENRY HASKELL '23

SPORTS

Compensate or Don’t Operate: Resolving the MLB Lockout

Effective December 2nd at 12:01 am, all 30 team owners unanimously agreed to a work stoppage,  marking the start of Major League Baseball’s first work lockout since 1995. Major League Baseball operates as a joint entity between the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) and MLB. A Collective Bargaining Agreement must be agreed to by both groups...

BY JACK SPERLING, EVAN KHYM '24

SPORTS

The Fight for the Games

Under the shadow of the newly elected Olympic stadium, Mariah de Penha stands solemnly, fist raised towards the sky in protest. A group of 50 crowd around her, arms interlocked in mutual objection to the rows of Rio de Janeiro Municipal guards stalking quietly towards their homes. Even though Penha, now 50, labored tirelessly for...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, JACK LIONETTE ’23

SPORTS

Athlete of the Issue: Stanislas Robert

As the first pack of runners closes in on the finish, the towering form of Stanislas Robert ’22 charges through the final stretch of the race. A dedicated runner and captain, Stanislas has served as an inspiring and hardworking leader for the rest of his team. “We came here to win! We run as a...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, EVAN KHYM ’24

SPORTS

Lower School Athletes to Watch

Jack Christensen ’25 Info: Third Form, Varsity Soccer, Position: Goalkeeper  Jack Christensen ‘25 is the guy we want to protect our goal. Although his athletic instinct and goalkeeper IQ are already incredible, they are only improving. His goal kicks and punts have great range and are accurate. His length makes it a painful experience for...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, CHARLIE DUBOIS ’24

SPORTS

Why You Should Start Watching F1

F1 is on the rise. The current viewership rate is 50% higher than 2020, with new viewership records being broken seemingly every race. With this all coming on the eve of sweeping regulation changes and a new budget cap, there has never been a better time to start watching.   Beginning in the 2022 season,...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, LUCAS GORDON '23

SPORTS

Simone Biles: American Hero without Bringing Home Gold

  Exiting the floor before her official withdrawal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Simone Biles told her coach, “I just don’t trust myself.“ When it came time for Biles to show out on the vault–typically her best event– she got lost in the air. Many fans believed that Biles, with 30 Olympic and world championship...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, CALEN CAGNEY ’23

SPORTS

The 12-Team Playoff: College Football’s Newest Bad Idea

This June, the College Football Playoff (CFP) Board of Managers approved a summer study period devoted to assessing the practicality of a 12-team playoff bracket.  While many fans of teams who feel they had been snubbed from the four-team field were excited by this possibility, the expansion of the CFP to 12 teams would do...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, ALEC KONIGSBERG '23

SPORTS

Tokyo Olympics: Unity Amidst Isolation

339 events, 11,000 athletes spanning more than 200 countries, and 42 venues awaited the quadrennial event of the century. Yet not a single person was sitting on those bleachers.  The Tokyo Olympics reflected current isolated times amidst the coronavirus pandemic; athletes and administrators remained masked throughout the Games. Tokyo received an influx of people that...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, JULIE XIE ’23

SPORTS

Laissez-Faire Baseball: A Pitch Definitely Worth Taking

Isn’t it ironic how America’s favorite past-time shares similar flaws with the American capitalistic society we live in currently?    As MLB teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees formed super teams after the all-star break, teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals were forced to trade their star players...

BY JACK SPERLING, HENRY HASKELL '23

SPORTS

Athlete of the Issue: Sobenna Egwuekwe

After a year of playing on outdoor grass and no competition, Sobenna Egwuekwe ’22 is ready to step into the captain role for the volleyball team and lead her teammates into a new season. Sobenna has played volleyball for five years now, playing on the varsity team since fourth form.  When did you first start...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, CHARLIE WEISBERG ’23

SPORTS

The Plight of the Black Quarterback

“With the eleventh pick of the NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Justin Fields, Quarterback, Ohio State.” Those words boomed from TVs around the nation as millions tuned into the draft a month ago. On that night, the Bears chose that man to be the face of their franchise. The six-foot three-inch Ohio State product...

BY TYLER WEISBERG, SAM WINKLER '23

SPORTS

Athlete of the Issue: Zoe Colloredo-Mansfeld '21

As captain of Girl’s crew, Zoe stands out not only as one of the strongest contributors to her boat in power and strength but also as a leader for the new, emerging rowers on the team. In a year of uncertainty, Zoe has managed to navigate the unfamiliarities of a new crew season and lead...

BY TYLER WEISBERG, EVAN KHYM '24

SPORTS

The Stanley Cup: Who Will Win It All?

With a shortened NHL season for the year 2021, a lot of questions have arisen about who will hoist the Stanley Cup. Here are the three teams that have the best shot to do so:   The Colorado Avalanche: Colorado has been the Stanley Cup favorite for the majority of the season, and for good...

BY TYLER WEISBERG, HUCK JAMISON '22

SPORTS

Lower School Athletes To Watch

Zachary Webber A third former throwing faster than eighty miles is a sight to behold: well, that’s the kind of talent Zachary Webber ’24 brings to Groton’s baseball program. Zachary started playing baseball at the age of three, and while he was reluctant to play then, he would now “rather be playing baseball than doing...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, EVAN KHYM '24