MANCHESTER, NH – With Labor Day in the rearview mirror, high school is now back in session, and with it, the fall sports season. The following is a look at teams and athletes from Derryfield School taking to their respective playing surfaces this autumn.
Field Hockey
Head Coach
- Katie Kithcart-Bulk (2nd year)
Last Season
- 4-8-2 record (lost in preliminary round of playoffs)
“The majority of those games were decided by one goal differential, so you can see how close we were in many moments. It was a year of many adjustments. Introducing a new playing style and different team standards takes time to implement. Our final game in the preliminary round against Souhegan was an excellent fight and we were in a deadlock through the majority of the game. One defensive mistake with 10 minutes on the clock gave them the go ahead goal, but we were evenly matched and we had our moments we didn’t capitalize on. Overall, it was a season of learning and I genuinely feel our record did not reflect that progress that was made throughout the season. Severely coaches from other teams would agree with that statement. – Head coach Katie Bulk
Captains
- Chloe Bremberg (Senior M/F)
- Jess Avalon (Senior GK)
- Ava Kosakowski (Junior M/F)
“Our captains this year truly represent the spirit of this team and they continue to provide an impressive example both on and off the field for our younger players.” – Head coach Katie Bulk
Returning Standouts
- Chloe Bremberg (Senior M/F)
- Jess Avalon (Senior GK)
- Ava Kosakowski (Junior M/F)
- Sarah Stonaker (Senior M/F)
“These athletes are the backbone of our team through the midfield and continue to improve with each practice. They will put on a good show this year.” – Head coach Katie Kithcart-Bulk
Promising Newcomers
“Titi Latinwo (D/M) is a promising freshman joining our squad this year. She is like a sponge and brings great energy to our team.” – Head coach Katie Kithcart-Bulk
Expectations
“My expectation for this team is that we take pride in our team. Our team chemistry is impressive and many of the girls have worked, and continue to work, hard to learn the new formation and concepts we are introducing this year. Of course, we want to win and make the playoffs, that is a given. More than that, I hope we have pride in our performance and continue to uplift each other, be open to new ideas, and work hard for the teammate next to us. This is one of the best teams I’ve worked with in terms of chemistry and trust. It’s not easy to build that. However, those principles will carry us through tough moments. We cannot always control the outcome, but we can control our attitude and mindset. I expect us to work for each other and leave every game satisfied with the work we put in.” – Head coach Katie Kithcart-Bulk
Potential challenges?
“Our challenge this year can also be our greatest asset. We have a younger team with lots of room for growth. Things may not always be polished, as that comes with time and experience. However, the energy and youth of our team gives us opportunities to do things differently and continue to learn and adjust. Very much looking forward to what we accomplish this year and into the future.
“We like being underdogs and enjoy the challenge that comes with it. Here’s to some surprises this season.” – Head coach Katie Kithcart-Bulk
Crew
Head Coach
Kim Wilson (2nd year)
Last Season
Finished top of the bottom third of NEIRA 4+’s schools
Captains
- Hannah Laws, senior
- Ben Truebe, senior
Promising Newcomers
“I will say we have the potential to have a strong M1 boat this fall and spring between new and returning rowers if they can all get and stay healthy.” – Head coach Kim Wilson
Expectations
“We’re rebuilding the team and over half are new rowers either to Derryfield or to rowing entirely. Our focus is teaching the novices how to row well and gain strength; varsity, to row with power. Team integration is also an area of focus. Basically, we want the new kids to finish this semester knowing how to row, enjoying it and planning to return either in the spring or next fall.” – Head coach Kim Wilson
Potential challenges?
“Weather is always a factor and keeping it fun if we’re forced to train off the water. So far, so good. And keeping everyone healthy; always a challenge.” – Head coach Kim Wilson
Cross Country
Head Coach
Shannon Best (10th year)
Last Season
“We had some strong runners last year but were a bit sidelined with health issues and some off-season injuries. Individually, new runners on the boys team showed progress last year and we’re excited to see that build this season. We did not have a full scoring girls team.” – Head coach Shannon Best
Captains
- Clark Cayer, senior
- Sam Kellner, junior
Returning Standouts
“Senior Adam Henderson was unable to race consistently last year but has started this fall very strong. Sophomore Thomas Kerwin is looking like he will be among our top three boys runners.” – Head coach Shannon Best
Promising Newcomers
Freshmen:
- Anna Fazelat
- Finley Llewellyn
- Will Licata
- Ryan Richards
- Calvin Chase
“We have yet to race this season but all of the freshmen are looking very strong.” – Head coach Shannon Best
Expectations
“Preseason has shown we have much stronger and healthier boys team this year with solid returners and strong freshmen joining the team. We’re feeling confident they will be much more competetive among our peer schools this season.
“We’re also excited to have a scoring girls team of 5 for the first time in a few years! They’re all relatively new runners but are all hard working and determined. Freshmen Anna Fazelat and Finley Lewellyn will likely lead our scoring.
“Despite the newness of the team, they’ve already shown resilience and synergy. The connections and support they have already shown for eachother during preseason will be one of their greatest strengths moving ahead throughout the rest of the season.” – Head coach Shannon Best
Potential challenges?
“With such small teams that are relatively young, we need to be strategic and smart in our training to avoid injuries. Our boys team of 10 consists of seven underclassmen and our girls team is at the minimum of five members to score. We don’t have room for error, but still have a lot of ground to cover with only 6.5 weeks left before the Division IV Granite State Conference and eight weeks to states.” – Head coach Shannon Best
Golf
Head Coach
Danny Arvanitis (14th year)
Last Season
- 2nd in regular season
- 3rd at states
Returning Standouts
- Tommy Rilee (Captain)
- Lily Kfoury (Captain)
- Mitchell Grunbeck (No. 1)
- Brady Doldo (No. 2)
- Henry Gardner (sophomore with high potential)
Expectations
“We have high expectations this year with six returning players. Bishop Brady and Stevens are teams to watch.” – Head coach Danny Arvanitis