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 hockey team playing forward and dominating the offensive line. She is a starter and plays throughout the game consistently. She decided to try field hockey because she knew her ice hockey IQ would transfer and she was recommended to join the team.
JP ALLARD
JP Allard ’29 may be a freshman, but is already making an impact for Groton varsity football. JP started playing football eight years ago because he was inspired by his dad, who played the same center position. JP’s dad is his biggest role model: “I’ve learned a lot from him, he has coached for a long time and I trust a lot of what he says.” Groton football is more work than his previous team, so being able to hold his position means working hard in each practice. A highlight of JP’s most recent game for him was making defensive tackles and going against players who are bigger and taller than him. Beyond the physical game, JP’s favorite part about Groton football is the “team feeling” which makes the hard work worthwhile and marks a strong start to his Groton career.
VICTORIA LENG
Victoria Leng ’29 has been playing volleyball since fourth grade, introduced to the sport by her family. She began by playing at home for fun, where her family taught her the basics, before joining a club program that played competitive games. Not long after, she also joined her middle school team. Victoria started out as a libero and hitter, but by sixth grade, she transitioned to a setter, which was a position that came naturally. Currently she’s playing for Groton’s varsity volleyball team, where she has to work hard but still has fun. One of Victoria’s biggest role models is her older sister, Sophia ’26, who plays alongside her on the Groton team. “She’s really hard working and she’s really good at getting her head into the game,” Victoria said. Although Victoria enjoys club volleyball, she prefers Groton volleyball because there’s “a deeper connection with the people on the team.”
