Seniors of the Week: 5/7/21

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

Alexander Kalapoutis '21 - Baseball 
Alex is a four-year member of the Varsity Baseball team and has been the player who always pitched against the toughest opponents. Alex is a hard-throwing pitcher who mixes in a nasty slider to dominate on the mound. But what Alex brings to any team transcends the field. Alex is the consummate team player who always brings his intensity, fire, and enthusiasm to the game. He has already demonstrated tremendous leadership skills and will undoubtedly continue to leave his mark on the team throughout this season. 

Chapman Jones '21 - Boys’ Lacrosse 
Chappy’s four years as a part of the lacrosse program have been marked by hard work, optimism, and an overall positive nature. He was a key member of the 2019 championship team, providing important minutes, particularly in man-down situations. Anyone who has heard him discuss history knows he is an intellectual at his core, and he is also competitive and a strong defender whose quick, sharp stick checks have become deadly this spring. He’s a quiet leader who supports his teammates and demonstrates a great example of work ethic, positive attitude, calmness, and effort. 

Alex Kirschgaessner '21 - Boys’ Lacrosse 
Alex has had an amazing journey as a lacrosse player. Beginning as a goalie who routinely showed up for Thursday night wall ball sessions, he transitioned to a long stick after his sophomore year and is only now really getting a chance to show what he can do at this position. Lacrosse has never come easy to Alex, and he has earned every ounce of skill through patience, hard work, and a world-class attitude. Despite the fact that he has had to work hard for every minute of playing time he has gotten, he is always positive and supportive of his teammates and always looks for ways that he can help out an individual or the team. Alex’s work ethic alone is admirable and a true demonstration of his character.

Gainsley Korengold '21 - Girls’ Lacrosse
Gainsley has come to varsity lacrosse as a first-year player.  This illustrates so much about who Gainsley is—someone who is never afraid to try something new and who gives everything she has to what she is doing.  During the first two weeks of practice, Gainsley almost never dropped a ball.  And she has continued to improve incredibly every day as she throws herself into every situation. Her positive attitude and willingness to do anything that is asked of her has greatly impacted the team.  She will continue to grow tremendously as a lacrosse player this spring, and more importantly, her contribution to the team will be memorable! With just a few weeks into the program, Gainsley has already made a big and lasting impression. 

Allison Oh '21 - Softball 
Allie is a two-year varsity player who consistently demonstrates skill and determination. She is always reliable on the field and up at-bat, and has shown true skill in the outfield in addition to her usual infield game — there is not much that gets by her! She is a great teammate, always positive, with an energy that inspires everyone around her. We wish her all the best next year.
 
Alexander Crispi '21 - Boys’ Tennis  
Alex Crispi has been one of the more beloved members of the tennis team throughout his years of playing. Someone rising through the ranks over the past four years, Alex has served as captain of the JV boys team, providing steady leadership and a sea of adoring fans at many tennis matches. Alex approaches practice every day with the desire to get better, working on his groundstrokes and debriefing doubles matches with his partners. He has a big heart — one that has carried teams he has been on through the season, and we will miss him on the courts next year.

Sean Henry '21 - Boys’ Tennis  
Sean has been a staple of the JV tennis program for the past few years, bringing a creative approach to tennis largely informed by his basketball skills.  Steady on the baseline, Sean’s athletic gameplay thrives at the net, as he is often leaping across the court to poach a volley or smashing a lob down onto opponents. Sean comes to practice with a great attitude and is excited to play tennis day in and day out.  Be on the lookout for Air-Henry at our next tennis match or on a local court near you.

Jasmyn Phillips '21 - Girls’ Track and Field 
Jasmyn is a distinguished leader and exceptional talent on the track and field team, naturally moving through technical events like the hurdles and long jump with ease. As a team captain, she exemplifies reliability, a work ethic, and a desire to grow and learn. She is quick to help younger athletes who are new to the sport by both taking time to walk them through concepts as well as leading by example. Jasmyn is reliable, determined, and driven, and was selected by her peers as the anchor of the girls 4x100m team in recognition of being a clutch performer who the team can depend on for big moments. Congratulations on a great track and field career at Hackley.

Alexander Goldman '21 - Boys’ Track and Field 
Alex has been a part of the Hackley distance program for all four years he has been in the Upper School. During this time, he has richly contributed to the program in countless ways, whether it be on the California trip, at the Brown Invitational, or simply running repeats in full dress code. Running has served not only as an athletic outlet for Alex, but also a social one. Many of his relationships with teammates have flourished over time due to shared experiences and logging thousands of miles together on the track, in the Hackley woods, and at Rockies. Alex will not soon be forgotten by all his friends on the team. We hope running continues to be a part of his life well beyond his time on the hilltop. 

Jonah Gorevic '21 - Boys’ Track and Field 
Jonah Gorevic, buckwheat pancake connoisseur, avid Yankee fan, and the speediest distance runner in the history of Hackley School. Jonah will forever be remembered in Hackley History for smashing records and leading the Boys’ Team to their first NYSAIS Championship. Above all, his teammates will remember him far beyond his times and trophies. They will remember him as a tireless worker, a selfless leader, and most importantly, a devoted friend. Being an amazing runner does not always go hand in hand with being an amazing teammate, but Jonah is both. The mark he leaves on the record books pales in comparison to the strong relationships he has forged with his teammates over his five years with the program. 
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