Seniors of the Week: 1/29/21

Sean Henry '21 - Boys’ Basketball 
Sean enters his 2nd season on the Boys Varsity and continues to be a positive member of our Hackley Basketball program. Sean came on as a leader and gave us very good minutes towards the end of his Junior season. He has great instincts on the defensive end and was able to create turnovers that led to momentum for our team.  His skills on offense also continue to improve; we have recently enjoyed seeing him DUNK the basketball.  It is disappointing that Sean was not able to have a Senior season, but his effort and attitude during our workouts has been tremendous. Together with Austin, Sean has worked hard to make this experience fun and keep the team engaged, including producing an NBA Futures google sheet.  Sean has demonstrated that he is a true leader and young man of high character. 

Zach Couzins '21- Boys’ Fencing 
Zach has been on the varsity foil team for three years. He was a member of Hackley’s 1st place ISFL League and Team Championship undefeated foil team in 2019 and 2020.  Zach has been one of the most dedicated, focused, and spirited members of the team. He is hard working, bouting and practicing with his teammates and individually to improve his skills.  He is always at practice, arriving early and one of the last to leave. Zach is a great sportsperson, enthusiastically cooperative, humble yet extremely competitive. His commitment to the team and the sport is unparalleled. Zach has demonstrated steadfast resilience, unwavering courage, and maturity this past year when faced with great personal trials, turning them into an opportunity for growth, public service and community remembrance. He is admired by teammates and coaches alike. 

Oliver Griffen '21 - Boys’ Squash
Winslow, as he is known to his friends, is very popular with his teammates. He is seen as someone who always gives 100%, and is also a genuine, nice guy. Winslow is  gracious and humble, both when he wins and in defeat—although one friend did say he could “trash talk” with the best of them when encouraged enough. In a team with a lot of energy and noise, Winslow provides balance with his calming and relaxed attitude. He was a member of the team that competed at 2020 Nationals, and showed a tremendous team spirit and willingness  to encourage and support his teammates. He will be missed next season.

Gainsley Korengold '21- Girls’ Squash
Gainsley’s commitment to her team over the past two seasons has shown what a dedicated athlete and leader she is. She always strives to be there for her teammates both on and off the court. During practice, she continues to lead by example when it comes to effort, commitment, and dedication. Gainsley continues to balance her own personal squash commitments outside of school with her commitments to the team, demonstrating determination. She is a fierce competitor who regularly gives the boys a run for their money in practice while always keeping a fun and positive attitude. Gainsley has led the way for the captains of our future and we will miss her next season. 

Ocean Saric '21- Boys Swimming  
Ocean’s four years on the team have been marked with dedication, hard work, and genuine support of his teammates. Always the first to arrive at practice, he sets the tone for serious, yet fun workouts, pushing his teammates to match his energy and enthusiasm. When he is not in the pool, he is the first one on deck, supporting his teammates with rousing cheers. Although this is his last year with the team, his leadership by example will be remembered.

Hadassah Henderson '21- Wrestling 
There is no one tougher than Hadassah, physically and mentally.  She is strong, athletic, and tenacious.  We will always remember Hackley’s dual meet against Collegiate last year when the team match came down to her.  Not only did Hadassah strive to win, but she was also determined to pin her opponent. Hadassah wasted no time and within a minute she had her opponent on his back…..PIN!!!  Hadassah also found great success wrestling in the New York State Girls Tournament last year, placing 3rd overall. Hadassah will be missed on the wrestling team.  Her ferocity, attitude, and drive are exactly what we look for on the mat.

Camille Ngbokoli '21- Indoor Track and Field  
Camille is a sprinter and jumper. She competes with short, fast bursts of energy, and an admirably high level of self-esteem. She enjoys both the challenge of competition and the connection to her team during workouts. It is nice to see her overall improvement in track and field. She is a brave athlete who knows how to deal with stress at track meets. With each practice, Camille demonstrates the power of collaboration and cooperation in life and on the field. We wish her the best of luck in her future. 

Alex Goldman '21- Indoor Track and Field  
Alex “Goldy” Goldman has been with the distance program from day one. With this experience comes a deep knowledge of the sport. This wisdom has helped establish him as a reliable teammate in his training group, able to run anywhere within the pack. Over the years, Alex has learned to hone in on a racing speed that leaves just enough in the tank for his signature finishing kick. Though Alex has grown significantly as a runner, if you ask him his favorite part of the program, he would say it is the deep and meaningful friendships he has forged along the way.

Will Rifkin '21- Indoor Track and Field 
Widely accepted and known as the “Team Dad”, Will always puts his teammates before himself. As a young runner, many older teammates reached out to and encouraged Will. Since then, Will has committed himself to giving back to the program that has given him so much. This season, Will and a few other teammates have taken on added responsibilities during hybrid times. They have organized countless Zoom Strength sessions in order for the team to continue building fitness and, more importantly, to simply stay in touch.  In his time with the program, Will has also established himself as one of the fastest male runners in Hackley School History. He plans on continuing his running career in college. Though Will is leaving the Hilltop soon, his legacy will live on as an instrumental cog of the fastest boys’ team in school history.