Lower School Athletes to Watch
Alicia Guo ’24 started playing volleyball two years ago, first on the Fay Volleyball team then with the club Smash Volleyball. She is passionate about the sport because “the feeling of hitting the ball and killing the opponent is very rewarding.”
Head Volleyball coach Jennifer Wallace described Alicia as “an incredibly strong and talented player” and “a natural volleyball athlete.” Amazed by Alicia’s potential as a second former, Mrs. Wallace is excited for the “tremendous possibilities” Alicia can provide in the next few years.
Ashton Cetoute ’23 started playing soccer on his town’s team at only four-years-old and quickly grew to love the sport. After arriving on the Circle, Ashton says he has been “inspired by the people around me on the team.” He explains that his team members have been “really welcoming to me and other third formers.”
Assistant Boys Soccer coach Ted Goodrich said that “in addition to [Ashton’s] fine personal qualities, he provides striking versatility on the field,” able to fill both forward and center back as needed. Mr. Goodrich sees Ashton as a “complete player who will do much to bolster the program this year and the years to come.”
Jack Lionette ’23 has run in local road races since he was eight, but he started taking running more seriously last year and has enjoyed it ever since. Jack cites professionals such as Eliud Kipchoge and Drew Hunter and everyday runners like his mom as his inspiration because they “push themselves beyond their limits even though the cameras are not on them.” He says being on the Groton team has been “transformative” for him as the other runners support and push each other.
Head Boys Cross Country coach John Capen praised how Jack is always “opting for longer and more frequent training runs and pushing himself to be the best runner and teammate he can be” and setting “an excellent example with his style and his smile.”
Although Amy Sharma ’23 started running in fourth grade because her mom forced her to go on runs with her, Amy got more into the sport after trying track and field in sixth grade; in eighth grade, she tried cross country and liked it even more.
Head Girls Cross Country coach Michael O’Donnell commends Amy for her poise and discipline. He has noticed that Amy “comes ready to go every day and takes training seriously.” Amy is also fearless in races, and “has already proven herself ready for more competition.”
At Tabor Academy this past Saturday, Amy ran a 5K in 19:26, the fastest time for a Groton girl since 2010.
