by WRIGLEY ZBYSZEWSKI
While the Chadwick Class of 2022 may still be college neophytes, many of those athletes have already made their presence felt at their respective schools. Shoutout to Karlie Davison, who’s hitting 400 with two home runs as the starting shortstop for the University of Utah’s 5-0 softball team. Here are snapshots into the first-year college lives and athletic experiences of five more of the approximately 10 Chadwick Class of ‘22 freshman athletes.
Drew Coomans
Coomans took the field this year on the Princeton University women’s soccer team. While only a freshman, she not only played but started for the Tigers in nearly every game. She played forward and midfield, serving as a top goal-scorer on her team while facing some of the most talented collegiate defenders in the nation. “My favorite part of being on the team this year was having a community of people that I enjoyed being around and could rely on when I needed help throughout the challenges of our season,” Coomans said. She emphasized how the semester brought not only success, but also close relationships with her teammates. While there were plenty of obstacles thrown her way on the pitch, Coomans approached the year head-strong and eager to put in the work to succeed.
Hope Galusha
Galusha has taken to the water this year at Yale University. Serving as s one of the women’s rowing team’s coxswain, Galusha was active in fall competition and is now training to be in prime shape for the intense spring season that starts in March. “I serve as the boat’s coach in the boat, as well as playing the bridge between coach and athlete on land,” Galusha explained. “During our indoor season in the winter, I collect data from erg [ergometer, or rowing machine] workouts.” While rowing brings plenty of challenges and consumes a lot of time, Galusha describes her experience so far as uplifting, testing and rewarding. This semester, Galusha looks forward to making more connections on campus and on the water. “I am consistently inspired by the commitment, hard work and unwavering drive that my teammates embody. They are my role models!”
Tarius Hamlin
Tarius Hamlin took center stage this year as a defensive lineman for Claremont McKenna College’s Division III football team, and his season was anything but dull. Hamlin shined on Chadwick’s Commander Field, and continued to make important plays in front of thousands of spectators this past fall. He described his first college football experience as challenging, exciting and motivating … adding up to an intense but gratifying journey. “My favorite part about being on the team is the competition,” he said. “Everyone wants to be the best they can be, and we motivate each other to do just that.” After a successful first semester and season, Hamlin has advanced into the second semester of college life at CMC with passion and determination to epitomize the term “student-athlete.”
Kiley Keating
Kiley Keating hit the court this year at Bowdoin College in Maine, earning a walk-on spot on the women’s volleyball team. Previously a setter, she took on the role of libero this season. “That was definitely a big change for me because setter is so different from other positions. But it was super-fun to learn and work on throughout the season,” she said. Keating’s enthusiasm and open-mindedness proved to be a valuable asset during her freshman season while she managed the stress of collegiate-level athletics. Added Keating: “I was immediately in-season beginning on the first day of school, which pushed me to spend a ton of time with my teammates and get super-close with them. Even when I am out of season, I still see my team all of the time … and am able to get advice from the older girls, which I really love.”
Gracie O’Connell
Gracie O’Connell has made a splash this year as she hit the pool at Loyola Marymount University, joining the Lions’ women’s swim team. O’Connell quickly learned to power through some struggles in order to make the most of her first semester on campus. “It is hard not to quit when I’m at my lowest moments, but I know persevering is where my mental growth will happen,” she said. “Every athlete has these days, I’m sure, but I know for a fact that when you work hard, positive results will come.” She described her experience using words such as “accomplishment,” “sacrifice” and “thrill,” explaining how swimming has taught her to persevere both inside and outside the pool. “So much of swimming is a mental sport, and I’ve been able to carry on the lessons I’ve learned on the pool deck and bring them to my daily life beyond the pool.”
The Mainsheet 