In recognition of the contributions our graduating seniors have made to our athletic programs, we offer these tributes from our coaches and some of our upper mids on each varsity team:

Grace Helm -- Grace has been an essential part of the Hotchkiss Diving Team for the past four years. Grace has been an important contributing member of our varsity squad, and placed competitively in the last three Founders League meets. Grace has also been a steady and kind captain, and is always willing to share advice with her teammates about ways to improve their dives. We will miss her leadership on the team next year! (Diving Coach Augusta Nau)

Eloise Berlandi -- Although Eloise was only with us for a few weeks, it was fun to see the progress she made in a short period of time. Eloise was able to master the front dive, back dive, and front flip. She always brought a positive attitude to our practices, and was a supportive teammate to all! We will miss you next year Eloise! (Nau)

Sophie Flinn -- We were lucky to have Sophie as a new addition to the diving team this year! Sophie, quickly mastered her front and back dive, and always put a creative twist on her front flip! Sophie brought lively energy to our practices each day, and supported her teammates as they tried new skills. We will miss Sophie’s lively spirit next year! (Nau)

Fanny Gunn -- Fanny has been an important member of our team for the past two years. Although Fanny had limited diving experience, she was able to make quick progress in her two years with us. Fanny always lightened the mood at practice with her positive attitude and magnanimous spirit!  We will miss her on the team next year! (Nau)

Rachel Mokriski -- Rachel might be the biggest champion of the girls swimming program the team has seen. While I know she would have loved the excitement and energy of competition in her senior year, there is no one better equipped to find something inspiring in what is difficult. Rachel's positive example never wavered throughout her four years; it showed up in her strong work ethic, her tough ab workouts, her timely start of swim practice, and -- perhaps most often -- in her genuine joy at seeing others succeed. (Head Coach Michelle Repass)

Olivia Nachman -- Although Olivia was only with us for three weeks, she brought a lot of joy and fun to our practices. Olivia was fearless about trying new things, and getting creative with her dives! We will miss her infectious energy next year! (Nau)

Abby Powell -- Abby has been a great source of positive energy on the time for four years, and she naturally translated this energy to a more formal leadership role this year. She always approaches the day's work with an open mind, even when they involve more IM sets than she would like, and she quickly digs into those challenges and rallies her teammates to do the same. She looks out for the good of the whole group, whether they're working hard through a tough set or looking for a team dinner, and always leads her teammates by her own good example. (Repass)

Clara Preisig -- Clara took advantage of extra time in the pool this fall to focus on her own training and to uplift those who were training around her. Despite having an uncertain ending point to the season, Clara continued to work hard through the summer, fall, and winter, demonstrating her commitment to the sport and the team. While we would have loved one more championship season with Clara, we are grateful for her leadership and her work ethic in this difficult year. (Repass)

Anne Sappenfield -- Although Anne was only with us for a few weeks, her quiet determination to improve her front dive was evident. I know Anne enjoyed hanging out with her friends, and it was great to have her on the team. We only wish we got more time with her! (Nau)

Sofia Yawand Wossen -- Although Sofia was only able to dive for part of the season, I was impressed with her focus and determination to improve her dives. Sofia was resilient even when her dives didn’t go as planned. Sofia was a kind and caring teammate to all! Sofia’s presence will sincerely be missed next year!  (Nau)