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 the turf, where her ability to anticipate plays set her apart as a player and leader, helping her team reach the NEPSAC playoffs last year.
Soccer team captain Edward serves as a role model for his teammates, pushing them to their limits. As their last seasons begin, they reflect on their journeys in Groton athletics.
When did you start playing? Why did you start?
Dani: I started field hockey in seventh grade at my middle school because my older friends played. Since my best friend and I also played ice hockey, we wanted to try it out.
Edward: I started playing soccer when I was around four because my uncle is a huge soccer fan. He gave me a soccer ball, and I started kicking it around, and that was basically the start.
What is your favorite field hockey/soccer memory at Groton?
Dani: My Third Form St. Mark’s Day, which was on my birthday. We beat St. Mark’s on their home field and then went to Maddie Cronan ’25’s house to celebrate my birthday. The victory and my birthday made that day memorable.
Edward: When I joined Groton in Fourth Form, we had a night game under the bright lights at St. Paul’s. It was our first league game. The Big Red crowd was unforgiving and loud, giving our players a hard time on the field. Still falling behind by one goal in the 80th minute, Jack Travis ’23 scored in the 83rd minute to tie the game. His celebration was phenomenal: he went up to the St. Paul’s student section and shushed the crowd.
How would you describe one another?
Dani: Edward is supportive and a great person to be around. I was really nervous playing against Anjanette Lin ’25 and HenryFoster ’25 in pickleball, but Edward helped me regain my confidence.
Edward: Dani is a very joyful, forgiving person. She sees the bright side of things.
What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Dani: Before Groton, I had never played center back. Kelly Walsh would describe the position to me as the quarterback of football: you see everything, you direct people, and it’s a position that bears a lot of responsibility. Playing center back in Second Form is a challenge. I didn’t know how to direct my teammates, especially the upper schoolers. I constantly found myself asking questions like “Do I say this to them?” or “Is this theright tone?” Also, there is not much glory to being a center-back as Edward said, “you aren’t scoring all the goals.” So, whenever I made a mistake, it was hard to get over it because I took responsibility for the other team’s goal. To overcome these self-doubts, I kept my head straight in the games and focused on my own improvements.
Edward: I wasn’t sure what position to play. I played center-back at Groton but was a striker for my club team, so I was split between the two positions. In the beginning, I liked playing striker more just because it was more glorious, but honestly, I was better at center back. I am also more loyal to Groton, so I wanted to play where I was strongest to help us achieve better results.
What do you look forward to this season?
Dani: We have two new coaches this season,
Coach Jacqueline Diffley and Coach Maeve Harrington. They have taken our program so gracefully, and it’s been fantastic. The energy and cohesiveness of our team has been excellent. We are improving day by day as our field hockey knowledge expands, and I am excited to see how we play against competitive teams. Also, I look forward to getting closer with the team throughout the remainder of the season, forming friendshipsoff the field.
Edward: Right now, I’m looking ahead to St. Mark’s Day. We lost last year, and I hated that. But I’ve seen the team this year, and I am confident in our ability to beat them. I think we’ll have one of the best seasons that we’ve had in a while, and the energy has already been terrific.
What advice do you have for younger players?
Dani: I suggest embracing the culture and asking questions. Everyone wants to get to know you, and the team is so much more fun when everyone is together and comfortable talking. So, whether that’s asking an older teammate to stay after and give them tips on how to shoot or just coming to team dinner, just don’t be afraid to dive into the sport, and make that your priority.
Edward: Don’t feel like your skill level is set. You can always get better, and the way you are right now isn’t how you will be next season or even later. You can constantly improve.
As fall sports are in full swing, both Edward and Dani have shown that Groton athletics are more than just competition: they are about growth, resilience, and a deep sense of community that define the Zebra spirit. From spirit days to team dinners, our athletics transcend the game itself—through which we can forge unbreakable bonds and unforgettable memories.
