Seniors of the Week: 1/15/21

The Athletics department celebrates the Class of 2021 through a Seniors of the Week series honoring Hackley’s graduating athletes.

Austin Benedetto - Boys’ Basketball
Austin represents the best of Hackley School. He’s highly intelligent, highly opinionated, and highly entertaining. Austin can lead a discussion on NBA MVP candidates one minute then provide his opinion on investment opportunities the next. His mental sharpness is something we all appreciate. For more than four years, he has been our most diligent film study guy. He is thought-provoking, giving his opinion on the upcoming game plan. He is also a player who puts in extra work on his shooting. Austin is passionate about the game and he’s awesome to be around. The commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated this year, in a far from ideal situation, is extremely meaningful to coaches and players. Austin always leads by example and consistently sets the right tone.

Max Bryant - Boys' Foil Fencing
Max has been Team Captain the past two years, received the MVP award, and is a 5-year varsity fencer. He dominates our league with a two-year record of 50-5, leading the foil team to two consecutive undefeated league titles and Team Championships. He leads by drawing upon his fencing skills and mental focus, which translate to both team and individual success. His positive demeanor, confidence, and his love of the sport are ideals his teammates aspire to. Max is humble, respectful, supportive, collaborative, and a fierce competitor, always performing at his highest level. Most importantly he is always there to shake your hand with positive encouragement in both victory and defeat.

Jacob Abraham - Wrestling
Jake is smart, hardworking, and talented.  He is a fast learner who rarely struggles with learning new techniques and applying them to a wrestling match.  He is humble and sincere, never seeking attention, and always directing positive vibes towards other teammates. He will be missed next year.  Jake had 17 wins and 14 pins his junior year.  He was also selected on the All-Ivy Team and 2nd place at NYSAIS.

Kiara Abbey - Indoor Track and Field  
Ki-Ki is a passionate leader and captain of the indoor track team. She is always ready to help and encourage people on the team. Her ability to motivate her teammates is well demonstrated on and off the track. It is amazing to see her giving 100% effort at every practice. Everyone on the team appreciates how caring and empathic she is, and her focus and ability to compete.    

David Bernstein - Indoor Track and Field  
Though a newcomer to the program, from day one, David has contributed the same level of grit and perseverance of a seasoned veteran. He has earned a reputation amongst his teammates for his signature end of race/interval kick that is second to none. Just when you think David has expended every ounce of energy on a repeat, he always seems to find just enough left to carry him across the line at a blistering sprint. His teammates have grown to anticipate this spectacle and always wait until he comes in to witness the phenomenon!

Mason Chapman - Indoor Track and Field   
It has been inspiring to watch the transformation Mason has undergone as we have been training through the pandemic. Being away from his team has had a profound effect on Mason, giving him the opportunity to realize the importance of the role his teammates play in his life both athletically and socially. Once back with his team, Mason’s approach to the sport and program dramatically altered. Each day, Mason arrives to practice with a renewed energy and joy. His support and ability to work with his peers, especially during interval sessions, is inspiring, taking on an active role in the training group regularly. The example he sets for the younger runners has been noticed and appreciated.

Hadley Chapman - Girls' Squash
Hadley was a fantastic addition to the girls' varsity squash program last year. She is a natural athlete who works hard and shows great commitment to her teammates as well as her own improvement. Hadley has worked hard in the last year to develop her game and learn how to implement squash strategies and tactics that complement her athletic capabilities on the court. Although Hadley has had to balance outside commitments to her soccer team, she has continued to show great commitment to her squash team and has been a key member, always showing up, working hard, and bringing a positive attitude. Hadley is a great example of how athleticism and determination are key factors in accomplishing any sport.

Alejandro Barriera - Boys' Squash
Alejandro or “Handi” as he is known to his teammates, is a very unique character. He will freely admit he’s not the best trainer in the world, but hugely competitive when called upon to play a match for the team, then he would dig deep and fight like a lion. When asked to describe him, Handi’s teammates highlight his energy, his enthusiasm for the team spirit, and his sense of humor. In 2020, he was a member of the team that competed at Nationals—two things stood out: First, he was a “sharp dressed man”, but also a loyal and vocal teammate. We wish Alejandro the best of luck for his future.
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