Athletes of the Week for May 6, 2019

Congratulations to Julian Popowich ’20 and Brian Kim ’20 for receiving Cardigan’s Athlete of the Week Award. Read what their coaches have to say about them below, and meet all the students who were nominated.

Varsity Student-Athlete of the Week

Julian Popowich ’20 – Varsity Lacrosse

Julian stepped up his game last week when the team needed it the most, making several big saves down the stretch in games against Belmont Hill and Deerfield. He has been working hard in practice, he gives great effort every day, and he never complains even when he has to step into the net day after day and face hard shots in practice and games. Julian has also kept his composure in difficult situations and thus helped the team keep their composure game after game versus some of the best teams we can face.

Sub-Varsity Student-Athlete of the Week

Brian Kim ’20 – JV Baseball

Brian's efforts this week were greatly appreciated by his teammates, coaches, and fans. A series of fortunate events occurred during the Cougars game against Holderness, and Brian Kim was at the center of it all. With the Cougars in desperate need for an out, Kim came to the rescue, making a leaping catch in center field on a fly ball that would have otherwise resulted in an extra-base hit. Then, just moments later at the plate, Brian slapped a ball down the first base line that resulted in two runs for the Cougars. Brian's willingness to accept feedback from his coaches played a vital role in his success during Saturday's game. A testament to his unselfishness, Brian came in late in the game to fill a role that his team needed, and he did so with great energy and focus.

Other Varsity Nominations

Ricky Garza-Kamar ’20 – Varsity Tennis

Ricky plays top seat on our team. He normally faces older and more experienced players but he never shies away from the competition. He’s the best doubles player on the team. He is a quiet leader and has taken on a lot of responsibility this year. He is very coachable and an example for the team. We enjoy working with you Ricky. Well done.

Logan Huetter ’20 – Varsity Baseball

Logan has been an excellent team member. He works hard in practice and has improved significantly since the beginning of the season. He is a kind and supportive teammate as well.

Other Sub-Varsity Nominations

Kenny Chen ’20 – Thirds Tennis

Kenny made a major comeback after falling behind in his match against Vermont Academy, catching up to and then surpassing his opponent for a sound, but hard-fought win. Kenny had to adjust his play style mid-match, and hustle to make it work.

Juno Cowans ’20 – Thirds Baseball

Juno was stellar in our first game of the year. He laced the first pitch of the year to open the season with a base hit, sacrificed his body by diving for a ball in full catcher’s gear, and made another diving stop when he was pitching. Juno was everywhere as he set the example for hard work and total effort.

Leon Li ’20 – Rock Climbing

Leon has been a great addition to the Rock Climbing Team this spring. Although Leon is a physically strong young man, he has never faced a type of sport like rock climbing, which takes power, endurance, balance, mental acuity, and the ability to shut out fear to succeed. Fortunately, Leon is a determined athlete and his positive attitude is helping him acquire the techniques and skills taught during practice. The coaches have been impressed with Leon's commitment to safety, and all his teammates trust Leon at the cliff. Leon has tremendous potential, and it is enjoyable having him in the program.

Gabriel Rodriguez ’20 – Reserve Lacrosse

Gabe has grown so much as a player this past week. During practice and in games, he is first to volunteer for a drill, fill-in for a new position, and is encouraging his teammates. Gabe is an enthusiastic member of the team and lifts everyone around him up!

Delin “Michael” Liu ’21 – JV Tennis

Despite not having any matches this week, Michael provided his signature enthusiasm to all our practices this week. Michael is always willing to help the coaches and his teammates in practice. He is always punctual, and his effort never flags. Michael is a tremendous asset to Cardigan tennis!

Jeronimo Olivar Rodriguez ’19 – Thirds Lacrosse

In the first lacrosse game of his life, Jeronimo was a dominant force in the midfield for Cardigan. He helped control the ball and even scored his first goal on a beautiful shot. He's a great teammate and sets the tone in practice through his work ethic.

Aiden Thede ’20 – JV Lacrosse

Aiden improved both his mental toughness and his play in practice and in the Belmont Hill game. His hustle and determination made him a fine role model for his teammates.

Colin O'Brien ’19 – Reserves Tennis

Colin has been improving his tennis game throughout the season and he took on Vermont Academy's top doubles team this week and defeated them 8-4. The first couple of games looked dicey for O'Brien and his partner, with VA serving up aces, but the Cardigan pair worked tenaciously to not only close the gap of their opponent's early lead, but then took a commanding one of their own. This comes after Colin's first match where he defeated his opponents 8-0. Colin has been a great captain for the team with positivity and a terrific work ethic.