On Monday, Nov. 4, Western Reserve Academy fall athletes, coaches and families gathered inside the Chapel for the annual Fall Athletic Awards and to celebrate a season well worth remembering.
Assistant Athletic Director and Wrestling Coach Ian Miller opened the program, asking those athletes in attendance to look beyond the season scores and stats, and to think of the friendships forged, the lessons learned and the perseverance shown. It’s those things that make these student-athletes such a source of pride for the community.
“Each of you put your heart and soul into your sport, and it's this commitment that deserves our recognition,” said Miller.
The afternoon kicked off with heartfelt thanks to the coaches, who also gave their all this season, molding students into skilled competitors and resilient individuals. Parents and families, too, were honored for their dedication behind the scenes. Every cheer from the sidelines, every word of encouragement, and every moment of quiet support made a difference.
One truly touching moment came when longtime Boys Soccer Coach Herb Haller ’85 was honored for reaching a big milestone: his 300th career win. Now that’s no small feat! Coach Haller’s dedication has shaped the soccer program at WRA and given countless athletes a foundation of skill, character and courage to build on for years to come.
Click here to read the full list of awardees.
At the end of the program, after the applause quieted and the last group of awarded athletes shook their coach’s hand and accepted their plaques, we reached the grand finale of the program — the presentation of WRA’s highly esteemed Gold Medals. The Gold Medal is the highest athletic achievement a WRA athlete can receive, and as such, it is awarded sparingly. Remarkably, this season, three students were awarded this incredible honor.
The first went to Jared “Jax” Pena ’25, a senior soccer player whose career at WRA has been nothing short of remarkable. Jax has not only scored 19 goals and set up 18 assists, but he’s represented his home country, the Philippines, at every level, even serving as captain of the U16 and U19 teams. With all this national recognition, it’s clear that Jax’s tactical skills and fighting spirit have raised the bar for every player at WRA. This month, he will represent WRA at the All-American game in North Carolina.
Then there was Mikyla “Ky” Hau-Golden ’25, a standout in Girls Soccer. With 76 career goals and 22 assists, Ky is a powerhouse on the field. She’s earned honors like first-team All-District and MVP, but her legacy is more than stats. She leaves WRA as an example of tenacity and positivity — a shining light on and off the field. With a scholarship to the University of Dayton, she’s headed for a bright future, and the WRA community couldn’t be prouder.
And let’s not forget Riya Hegde ’25, a top singles tennis player, who’s come close to hitting 50 career wins. Riya’s been a force on the court, competing against top players across the country. Her success reflects a dedication to her sport and to the WRA community. This recognition is a fitting tribute to her hard work and resilience.
In the end, this afternoon wasn’t just about medals and milestones. It was a reminder that sports are about so much more than winning. They’re about the journey, the teamwork and the growth that happens along the way. So here’s to a season well-played, to the coaches, the families, the fans and the athletes who gave it their all. Go Pios!
