WAHS ATHLETICS

As we reflect on an action-packed week, we’re proud of the effort and sportsmanship our student-athletes have shown on the field and on the court. From thrilling games to standout individual performances, Western Albemarle athletes continue to shine. Be sure to check out the highlights from last week’s events!

Looking ahead, we have an exciting lineup of upcoming games where our teams will be looking to continue their strong play. Be sure to mark your calendars and come out to cheer them on!

In addition to our regular season action, we’re thrilled to announce several upcoming athletic department events aimed at engaging our community and celebrating our student-athletes.

Finally, as we head toward the later stages of the fall season, we want to take a moment to celebrate our senior athletes. These incredible students have dedicated years of hard work and leadership to their teams, and we’re excited to honor them as they wrap up their final seasons at Western Albemarle.

Thanks for being part of our athletic community, and we look forward to another exciting week ahead!

Go Warriors!

Photo Credit: Emmy Franklin

Sage Ramirez (#8)has been a dedicated field hockey player at Western Albemarle for the past three years. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Sage has challenged herself academically, taking or currently being enrolled in 10 AP courses. She is an active member of the National English Honors Society, Morgan’s Message, Key Club, and One Love Club.

Beyond her studies and work, Sage has devoted over 25 hours to community service, volunteering weekly at the Crozet Library and with organizations such as Toy Lift Charities and Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.

Sage would like to thank her mother for her unwavering support throughout her athletic journey, even from a distance in Oklahoma. Whether through pre-game encouragement or post-game phone calls, her mother’s love and support have meant the world to her. One of Sage’s pre-game rituals is listening to music, which helps her focus and get excited for the game.

Sage’s favorite memory as a Western athlete is from the 2023 field hockey season when she and her teammates formed a tight bond. Despite many being new to varsity, the team’s chemistry was strong, leading to a fun and memorable season full of laughter and support.

Quote: "Ten percent of life is made up of what happens to you. Ninety percent of life is decided by how you react."

Willa Simmons (#4) has been a dedicated member of the Western Albemarle field hockey team for the past five years. Beyond her commitment on the field, she excels in both leadership and service. Willa is a Posse Scholarship nominee and was recognized as a Volunteer of the Year nominee by the International Rescue Committee in Charlottesville. She also interned with United Way of Greater Charlottesville through the prestigious Bank of America Student Leaders Program, helping to expand the United Way Day of Caring to over 1,600 volunteers.

Willa’s academic achievements include being an AP Scholar and an active member of the National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, and National English Honor Society. She also co-founded the One Small Step High School Ambassador Program and volunteers regularly with the Crozet Library and the International Rescue Committee.

Willa is grateful for the support of her grandparents, especially her Opa, who never misses a game. Her favorite memories from field hockey include bonding with her teammates on bus rides, pre-game dinners, and dancing during warmups.

Audrey Abrahamson (#6) has dedicated five years to playing field hockey for Western Albemarle. Outside of the season, she works at the Lodge at Old Trail after school, but during field hockey, her focus is on the game. Audrey earned the Sportsmanship Award on JV during her sophomore year and is academically ambitious, having taken or currently taking 9 AP classes. This past summer, she spent a week on a mission trip in the Appalachian region, helping to repair houses.

Audrey would like to thank her mom for always being there to support her. A fun tradition she has is making sure her hair is perfectly done before every game. Her favorite memory is from her freshman year when she and her friends were on the unbeatable JV team, making it an unforgettable season. Audrey lives by the simple but powerful quote, “You can do it.”

Field Hockey Teams Dominate a Busy Week

The JV and Varsity Field Hockey teams had an action-packed and successful week, securing victories both at home and on the road.

On Tuesday, the Warriors hosted CHS, where the JV team pulled off a hard-fought 1-0 victory, with Molly Nolasco scoring the winning goal and Anna Brooks starring on defense. The Varsity team followed with a commanding 6-0 win, highlighted by a hat trick from Camille Love. Avery Powell, Jean Nika van der Westhuizen, and Gigi Hathaway each added a goal, contributing to a dominant performance.

Later in the week, the teams traveled to Albemarle High School for another set of wins. The JV team cruised to a 5-0 victory with goals scored by Perry Hume, Mira Mueller (x2), Molly Nolasco, and Amari Shah. The Varsity team won an exciting and intense 1-0 game in overtime, with Jean Nika van der Westhuizen scoring the winning goal. Sophia Daniero and Kelly Cummings anchored the defense, and Maizey McCarthy was tremendous in goal, preserving the shutout.

Fantastic job by both teams!

Golf Team Wins Farmington Invitational and Secures Another Victory

The Golf Team continued its stellar season, starting the week by winning the Farmington Country Club Golf Invitational on Monday with a 13-stroke victory, shooting 4 under par as a team. Elsie MacCleery, Addi Ritter, Brendan Stype, Brady Toms, Joe Morinelli, and Kennedy MacCleery all contributed to the victory.

On Wednesday, the Warriors traveled to Meadowcreek Golf Course to take on CHS, winning the match 138-172. Joe Morinelli led the team with a 2 under par round, followed by Kennedy MacCleery at 1 under and Addi Ritter shooting even par.

The team is back in action next Wednesday at Old Trail for Senior Night. We encourage everyone to come out and support our seniors in their final home match. Let’s make it a night to remember!

Cross Country Teams Start Season Strong with Quad Meet Wins

The boys and girls cross country teams from Western kicked off their season with impressive wins in a quad meet at Monticello on Wednesday.

For the boys, Finn Smith, Charlie Larson, George Geis, Christophe De Wekker, and Deegan Gardner delivered outstanding performances, finishing 2nd through 6th, with all five runners completing the 5K in under 19:00.

On the girls' side, Lily Smith dominated the competition, winning the race outright. The Warriors put on a remarkable team effort, claiming 10 of the top 13 places in the meet.

Congratulations to both teams on a fantastic start to the season!

Football and Volleyball Teams on Bye Week

Both the Warrior Football and Warrior Volleyball teams had a bye this week, taking time to rest and prepare for their upcoming competitions. We look forward to seeing them back in action next week!

September 9th - September 15th: This week, our golf and field hockey teams are back in action, while cross country kicks off its season with the first race of the year. Let’s cheer on our athletes as they compete with determination and represent Western Albemarle with pride!

September 12th - Football, Cross County and Golf Team Photos with TSS Photography

September 16th - Athletic Advisory Council interest meeting in Western cafeteria

• Serves as a forum for families, students, and school officials to share ideas and exchange information to further advance the quality of the athletic student experience at Western.

September 27th - Night of Champions Celebration

• 2023-2024 State championship teams will be recognized at halftime of the varsity football game.

October 11th - Homecoming Football Game

November 13th - Senior NCAA Signing Day 2024 - 2025

• National Signing Day is a day when high school student-athletes can sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play a collegiate sport for a NCAA school. The day varies by sport and is divided into an early signing period and a regular signing period. For example, in 2024, the signing day for Division I and Division II sports outside of football and basketball is November 13, 2024. We will also have a spring signing day for Division III student-athletes and late-signing Division I & Division II athletes.

We are excited to announce the launch of the Athlete Wellness Initiative at Western Albemarle High School! Organized by Mental Health Support Specialist Alanah Horning and school counselor Olivia LeMay, this program aims to provide WAHS student-athletes with essential education, awareness, and support in the areas of mental health, sleep, and eating disorder prevention. Throughout the school year, expert-led presentations will be offered, including three sessions for coaches and three for student-athletes. The first coach presentation will take place this Tuesday, September 10th. The first student-athlete presentaton will take place on Tuesday, September 24th. Stay tuned for more details!

Please go to wahswarriors.com for out of season practice details for winter and spring sports. Also, please read the requirements in order to participate in out of season practices.

Support our school and show your spirit! Visit our online store to browse a variety of school-related gear, from apparel to accessories. A portion of every purchase goes directly back to our school, helping to fund programs and activities that benefit all our students. Shop now and make a difference while looking great!

This council serves as a forum for families, students, and school officials to share ideas and exchange information to further advance the quality of the athletic student experience at Western.