At the end of each athletic season, Western Reserve Academy is honored to recognize and celebrate the dedication, perseverance and outstanding achievements of our varsity athletes. This spring, the Victory Bell tolled the sound of success for our Pioneers as they competed across baseball, lacrosse, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. We appreciate not only the wins and records, but the growth, teamwork and sportsmanship that define WRA athletics.
Director of Athletics Pete Hutchins began the ceremony by thanking all players, coaches, trainers and the many behind-the-scenes and behind-the-camera contributors – including equipment managers, team managers, referees, scorekeepers and the Reserve Sports Network, WRA’s student-run broadcasting organization, for sharing events with fans watching from across the world. He also acknowledged family and friends, whose unwavering support, “...fuels passion and helps players thrive,” Hutchins said, the cornerstone of every athlete’s success.
Across teams, we have standout athletes who rose to challenges, committed to growth and went the extra mile — the most improved, most valuable, most spirited, coach recognized and honored with named awards. In short, our teams could not have competed without the following individuals.
See the full list of award recipients.
This spring, Western Reserve Academy also bestowed three athletes with the Gold Medal Award, the honor given to the most distinguished seasonal athlete. Jared A. Maznik ’24 “has a burning desire to be great, Head Lacrosse Coach Dylan Sheridan ’02 said. “You can’t coach the gifts that Jared brings to the field. We enjoyed a historic season in large part due to his work ethic and leadership.”
Head Track and Field Coach Erik Chaput shared a story of second chances regarding two-time gold medal recipient and Senior Captain Jada L. Kenner ’24. In the summer of 2019, he had dreamed of bringing her to the school he worked at in New Jersey, but years later when he moved west, Jada decided to move from Buffalo to Western Reserve Academy. “Jada is the most decorated track and field athlete in WRA history,” Chaput said. “She does not boast, but rather lets her times do the talking.”
Head Volleyball Coach Drew Jenkins has coached WRA Boys Volleyball since its inception but has never had the honor of awarding a gold medal. Donald M. Heddesheimer ’24 is the “all time kill and ace leader in his four years, a record that will not be broken any time soon,” Jenkins said. “He is a stoic leader, and our guys have leaned on his consistency and focus. Donald is our emergency plan, and we would not have had the same success in the last four years without him.”
On this last day of classes, Hutchins reminded students to look to these mentors, “...see their dedication and know that hard work pays off,” he said. “And seniors, your time as an athlete at Reserve may be ending, but memories last a lifetime.” We hope that our most seasoned athletes carry with them the spirit of athleticism, teamwork and determination as they embark on the next phase of their lives. Congratulations to all the award recipients, and go Pios!
