Hooray Sunray: Walker’s field hockey alumnae receive Player of the Game, Athlete of the Week, Player of the Month, All-League, and National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) honors and selection…
Read more for the fall field hockey, soccer, cross country, and volleyball awards given to noted players during the fall sports award ceremonies this year. Congratulations to all athletes on…
Walker’s will host the fifth annual Holiday Basketball Tournament in the Centennial Center on Friday, December 17 and Saturday, December 18. Other schools attending the tournament include Hotchkiss, Cheshire Academy,…
Walker’s Head Varsity Field Hockey coach Mimi Duran, a New Agenda: Northeast Women’s Hall of Fame inductee, recognized the gaps between opportunity and access to sports in underserved communities and…
Walker’s 2017 field hockey co-captains Keeley Duran ’18 and Brianna Duba ’19 faced off in a two-day double-overtime duel. On a stormy September 8, Hamilton College Continentals Captain Duran ’18…
Nora Griffiths is a serious student-athlete. She steps onto the court and into the classroom with determined focus to always achieve her very best. But at Walker’s, she also found…
Jenna Rubin is joining Walker’s in her first season as the head varsity volleyball coach. Coach Rubin played at Smith College for the 2014 and 2015 seasons before transferring to…
In the spring, nine new members of the Walker’s student body were selected to The Ethel Walker Athletic Council (EWAC), a student organization that strives to improve and develop leadership…
Walker’s 13 Upper School varsity swimmers have been honored as a National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA) Silver Level Scholar team with Daphne Peterson ’21 named as an Academic All-American.…
On Thursday, March 18, seniors Claire Shemo ’21 and Daphne Peterson ’21 were recognized at the final swim meet of the season against Hotchkiss. The Walker’s swim team found great…
Isabella Bontatibus ’22, McKenzie Connors ’21, Kathryn Mason ’21, and Claire Shemo ’21 were all named to the Keith Waldman – Optimal Performance Associates / National Field Hockey Coaches Association…
Kyla Birk ’23 joined her teammates in keeping Walker’s skiing on the podium this winter with her second place win in the U16 age group while competing on February 7…
Alex Faucher ’23 continues to keep Walker’s skiing on the map this winter. Competing in the Seibert U16 Cup at the Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Massachusetts on Sunday, January…
In the first race of the winter season, Anneliese Sonju ’21, four-year member of the Walker’s varsity ski program and captain of the 2020-2021 team, claimed first place overall in…
Photo by Emmy Vitali ’20 This past August, Lizzy Strapp ’21 was a coach at the Connecticut Olympic Development Soccer Camp. Lizzy’s positive attributes as a leader and soccer player…
Several members of Walker’s equestrian team traveled to Wellington, Florida to compete in the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events. As a result of…
Olivia (Liv) Webster ’21 was one of just over a dozen independent school student-athletes to receive the All-State Award honor by the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches Association. Each season, upwards…
Walker’s alumna and Nichols College senior Liza Phillips ’17 was named the field hockey program’s co-captain for the 2020-21 campaign. Liza was a tri-sport athlete at Walker’s, where she earned…
Clockwise from top left: Daphne Peterson ’21 and Athletic Director/Swim Coach Kati Eggert, Head of School Meera Viswanathan and Olivia Webster ’21, Jordana Doshna ’21 and Abby Grimaldi ’21 with…
Read more for the spring softball, golf, tennis and lacrosse awards given to noted players during the spring sports award ceremonies this year. Congratulations to all athletes on a great…
This year at Thanksgiving Vespers, the entire Walker’s community had the chance to celebrate Coach Mimi Duran as she accepted the M.D. Nadal Award for Sportsmanship given annually by heads…
Pictured: 2020 varsity volleyball team Article written by Sarah Shaw ’23 Each week throughout the fall, we will highlight one of our nine teams that normally have a very traditional…
Pictured: Captains and seniors Olivia Dargis ’22, Kate Weiss ’21, and Kayla Sudol ’23 Article written by Jordana Donshna ’21, EWAC Member Each week throughout the fall, we will highlight…
Pictured: Alizeh Mohsin ’21, Ku Paw ’22, Vané Lois ’21, Allison Wall ’22, and Patricia Sackor-Blamah ’22 Article written by Allison Wall ’22 and Alexia Grech ’23 Each week throughout…
Pictured: Captains Kat Mason ’21, Emily French ’22, Ava Calma ’22, and Claire Shemo ’22 Article written by Claire Shemo ‘21 (EWAC Member, Field Hockey Captain) Each week throughout the…
Pictured: Seniors Madi Knapp ’21 (captain), Erin Corbett ’21 (captain), Sophia Botero ’21, and Jordana Doshna ’21 Article written by Erin Corbett ’21 Each week throughout the fall, we will highlight…
Pictured: Varsity soccer captains Maddie Olvert ’21, Olivia Webster ’21, Ava Strohmeyer ’21, and Lizzy Strapp ’21. Article written by Sarah Shaw ’23 and Liv Webster ’21 Each week throughout…
Pictured: Chloe Fares ’24 placed 12th in the USHJA Hunt Seat Medal Final out of 154 competitors at the New England Equitation Championships Each week throughout the fall, we will…
Emily French ’22 recently attended College Connection, a field hockey showcase event, and was one of only four goalkeepers out of 14 selected to play for the Under Armour Select…
Jonathan Bui joins the Walker’s coaching staff as the head varsity coach for the 2020 season. Coach Bui comes to Walker’s with 10 years of coaching experience, including currently at…
Alumna Caroline Smith reflects on her participation in Walker’s athletics and how it has shaped her college experience at Haverford College, PA. Caroline has recently completed her freshman year playing…
On July 15, the heads of school and athletic directors of the Founders League met to make a decision and craft a statement regarding fall interscholastic competition.
Alumna Mariah Dunn ’19 reflects on her participation in Walker’s athletics and how it has shaped her college experience at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, CT. While at Walker’s,…
Walker’s twelve varsity Upper School swimmers have been honored as a National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA) Bronze Level Scholar team. The NISCA/SwimOutlet.com Scholar Team Award recognizes teams achieving high…
Letian (“Jane”) Li ‘20 and Emily (“Emmy”) Vitali ‘20 have been named Academic All-Americans by the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA). In order to be a recipient of this…
The Darrell Carrington Award is presented annually to a member of the Walker's community in recognition of that individual's contributions to the athletic program.
On Saturday, June 6, the Walker’s community gathered virtually to celebrate the awarding of prizes to students in the Upper School. In her opening remarks, Head of School Dr. Meera…
Alumna Maisie Smith '19 reflects on her participation in Walker's athletics and how it has shaped her college experience at Haverford College, PA. Maisie recently completed her freshman year there…
Walker's Swim Team completed over 41 miles in one hour during one of their afternoon practices in February and raised more than $4,000 for The Edward J. Madden Open Hearts…
Alumna Mary McNally ’17 reflects on her participation in Walker’s athletics and how it has shaped her college experience at Siena College (NY). Mary is a captain and three-sport athlete,…
Alumna Liza Philips '17 reflects on her participation in Walker's athletics and how it has shaped her college experience at Nichols College in Dudley, MA.
It was a successful winter for our athletes as several players were recognized as All-League competitors within the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) and Founders League.
For the second year in a row and the fifth time in ten years, Walker's varsity basketball team will compete for the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class…
In a game against long-time rival Miss Porter's on Wednesday, February 5, Hannah Iwaszkiewicz '20 became the first player in Walker's basketball history to score 1,000 career points.
The Ethel Walker School varsity field hockey team qualified for post-season play in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class C tournament.
On Saturday, October 26, Madi Knapp '21 set a Pomfret School cross country course record and helped Walker's cross country team win first place against Marianapolis, Rectory and host school,…
Amanda Naimie, head JV field hockey coach and assistant varsity lacrosse coach, was inducted into the New England College Athletic Hall of Fame last month.
On Saturday, October 12, five field hockey teams from Canton, Simsbury, West Hartford, Goshen and Wethersfield joined Walker's field hockey teams in a play day to raise $2,253 in the…
In addition to implementing this routine, Coach Smith also was pleased to bring Melanie Michaud, who works with college, professional and Olympic athletes as a strength and conditioning coach for…
Sydney Satchell '10, Paralympic athlete for the USA Women's Sitting Volleyball team, traveled back to Walker's from Lima, Peru with her gold medal in hand and passed it around to…
Chloe Miller '19 of Avon has been selected as the 2019 US Lacrosse Jackie Pitts award winner for the State of Connecticut for her lacrosse involvement and contributions to the…
Read more for the spring softball, golf, tennis and lacrosse awards given to noted players during the spring sports award ceremonies this year. Congratulations to all athletes on a great…
Walker's swim captain Erin Shanly '19 placed third at the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Division III Championship meet held at Cornerstone Aquatics in West Hartford on March…
For the third year in a row, Walker's varsity ski team took home the first place trophy in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Championship.
Caroline Stent '19, Brianna Duba '19 and Lily Cullen '20 have been named to the Keith Waldman - Optimal Performance Associates / National Field Hockey Coaches Association High School National…
Walker's saw impressive finishes on Wednesday, January 16 against Brigham Ski League schools at Ski Sundown, finishing as the top team among the seven teams competing.
Walker's will host a Fitter and Faster Swim Tour clinic on Saturday, January 26 and Sunday, January 27 with Amanda Weir, three-time Olympian and four-time Olympic medalist, World Champion and…
Read more for the fall field hockey, soccer, cross country and volleyball awards given to noted players during the fall sports award ceremonies this year.
At the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Championship race, Madi placed sixth in a field of 159 runners beating a time she ran in the first meet of…
Walker's lacrosse players Abby Grimaldi '20, Shay Ventresca '19 and Lily Cullen '20 have been selected to represent Connecticut at the US Lacrosse National Tournament.
For the second year in a row, Walker's varsity ski team took home the first place trophy in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class C Championship race.
Our signature Scholar-Athlete Program recognizes students who excel at the highest levels, both athletically and academically. These athletes balance a rigorous class schedule with practice and competition nearly every day,…
Five Ethel Walker School students were selected to compete in the US Lacrosse National Women's Tournament after an extensive tryout held earlier this month.
On Sunday, March 5, Walker's hosted the 2017 New England Preparatory School Swim Association (NEPSSA) Division III Championships at Deerfield Academy. Walker's swim team had its best finish yet at…
Athletics are an integral part of our girls’ experience. When young women train and compete, they rise to meet new challenges, step into leadership roles, and emerge physically and intellectually stronger — as individuals and as team members. Each girl competes with a passion and determination, and with pride in the Walker’s name. In every aspect of their life at Walker’s, students are empowered to lead with confidence, courage, conviction, and integrity.
Walker’s athletic teams compete in the Founders League, a league of highly selective college preparatory schools, and nationally recognized as one of the most competitive and respected leagues in the country. As a member of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC), Walker’s Athletics program supports the NEPSAC Code of Ethics.
Middle School Athletics
At Walker’s Middle School, girls play sports at the level that meets their abilities. Some students excel on Middle School teams while others have the skill to play at the JV or varsity level. At the start of each season, some Middle School athletes are invited by Walker’s athletic director or coaches to try out for a JV or varsity team.
"Our students bring energy to the classroom, on the fields and courts, and in the pool. They’re engaged, motivated and inspiring. They bring out the best in our teachers, coaches, and administrators."
Walker’s Aquatic Center is home to an eight-lane, 25-yard pool. The pool depth and gutter system make it one of the fastest pools in New England.
Double gymnasium
Walker’s double gymnasium hosts basketball and volleyball games, as well as community events such as pep rallies and celebrations.
Squash Pavilion
Walker’s squash pavilion features four courts and The Harriet Blees Dewey ’60, P’86 Squash Gallery.
Dance Studios
Walker’s state-of-the-art dance suite in the Centennial Center includes two dance studios with sprung floors, ample natural light, and sweeping views of Talcott Mountain.
Fields and Courts
Walker’s athletic fields and courts include three natural grass soccer fields, two softball fields, two synthetic fields for field hockey and lacrosse, and seven tennis courts.
Team Room
Inspired by a collegiate style, Walker’s locker rooms are the hub for team camaraderie.
Fitness Center
Available to all Walker’s students and faculty, the fitness center has modern cross training equipment and sweeping views of Talcott Mountain.
Health Center
The Joyce K. McIntyre Health Center is named in honor of Joyce McIntyre, B.S., R.N., C.N.C., who has been helping to heal and nurture Walker’s girls since 1984. The Health Center has four overnight rooms, two treatment rooms, health classroom, and a kitchen.
Oasis
The proceeds from the 2014 Garden Oasis Gala and Auction were used to name the gathering space outside of the lower level training room and wellness center. The space is one of the most highly active areas in the building with direct access to outdoor playing fields.
From our Athletes
Scholar-Athletes
At Walker's, my teachers were also my coaches. It gave me the opportunity to get to know them outside the classroom whether it be on the fields, the slopes, or the courts.
Lily Cullen '20
EWAC
Walker's sports would not have been the same without my coaches and teammates. They care about me not just as an athlete but also as a student. They made me see that there is always room for improvement.
Ku Paw '22
College Athletes
Walker's prepared me very well for college, especially being an athlete. Walker's taught me to maintain a balance of academics and sports.
Mariah Dunn '19ECSU
Get Your Gear
For current athletes and Walker’s fans alike, grab your Walker’s wear here.
B.A., Drew University, Art and Secondary Education
M.S., Southern New Hampshire University, Sports Management
Kati joined Walker’s in 2018 as the aquatics director, sports information director, and head swim coach before transitioning to athletic director in 2019. Kati also has served as the assistant varsity softball coach and coached in the field hockey program. Prior to working at Walker’s, she was the assistant athletic director at Westover School where she served as the head swim coach, varsity field hockey coach, and softball coach and lived in the dorm during her seven years at the school. Kati was a three-sport varsity athlete at Drew University in field hockey, swimming, and softball. While at Drew, she earned All Academic Conference recognition, served as captain to the ECAC qualifying field hockey and swim teams. She was a Landmark Offensive Player of the week for three consecutive weeks her senior year and medaled in all four Landmark Conference Championship swim meets.
B.S., Recreation and Park Administration, University of Maine
B.S., Natural Resource Management, University of Maine
M.S., Georgetown University
Mimi Duran has over thirty years of coaching experience, both in independent and public schools, and began her tenure at Walker’s in Fall 2007 leading an aggressive field hockey effort, winning seven CISAC League Titles, six CISAC Tournament Titles, and the Class C WNEPSAC Championship Title in 2010, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Her teams have appeared in the NEPSCA Field Hockey Tournament in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
She holds a Connecticut Coaching Certification, Level 2 United States Field Hockey Association (USFHA) coaching certification, and is a member of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (USFHA), the Connecticut Field Hockey Coaches Association, and a USFHA “future’s coach.” Duran has taken nine teams to the national field Hockey Festival and three teams to play in Europe. Several of her former players have earned All-State recognition, Regional All-American recognition, and have played Division I, II and III field hockey at the collegiate level. Several alumnae have pursued coaching and currently coach at the high school level.
In addition to her coaching duties, Mimi Duran is Associate Athletic Director. She holds a Master’s degree in Professional Sports Management from Georgetown University.
B.S., Keene State College
M.E., Springfield College
Kristin Nicolle has 21 years of experience as a Head Athletic Trainer in private schools. She began her career at the Madeira School in McLean, VA, where she started the athletic training program. Kristin started at Walker’s in fall 2004.
While working at Walker’s, Kristin was house faculty for two years and Dorm Director of Smith dorm for one year, a Middle School advisor, Middle School physical education teacher, assistant Middle School basketball and softball coach, Middle School Wellness teacher, and Assistant Athletic Director. Kristin continues as the Head Athletic Trainer.
Kristin has a Master of Education degree from Springfield College in Sports Injury, Prevention and Management and is a Certified Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification. Kristin is also a licensed Athletic Trainer in the state of Connecticut.
Michael Smith joined Walker’s in 2019 after serving as head coach of the women’s soccer team at Trinity College for the last 21 years. Smith led the team to two NCAA tournament appearances in 2013 and 2016 and the NESCAC Tournament Championship game 12 times. Smith worked closely with staff in the admissions office on the recruitment and retention of student-athletes. For the past eight years, Smith has directed tryouts and coached for the FSA soccer club in Farmington, CT.
At Walker’s, Smith coaches varsity soccer and squash and works within the athletic and admissions offices to develop recruitment plans to attract prospective students for each team. He also uses his background at the collegiate level to work with student-athletes on the early stages of the college recruiting process.
Ethel Walker School
Athletics are an integral part of our girls’ experience. When young women train and compete, they rise to meet new challenges, step into leadership roles, and emerge physically and intellectually stronger — as individuals and as team members. Each girl competes with a passion and determination, and with pride in the Walker’s name. In every aspect of their life at Walker’s, students are empowered to lead with confidence, courage, conviction, and integrity.
