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.
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.
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.
By Juliet L. ’23
Walker’s Varsity Soccer has started the season with playing eight games and currently having a record of 3-5 with wins against Kent, The Frederick Gunn school, and Macduffie. With a young team, great enthusiasm, and a packed schedule, the Wildcats are excited for what the rest of the season has to offer. Coach Colin Griggs is in his first year coaching at Walker’s, and with energy and passion he brings a positive approach to the game. He is excited for the rest of the season: “The Varsity Soccer team has had a tough start to the season with a very challenging schedule, but they have competed hard in every game. With 10 games left this fall, there is a lot to be excited about for the 2022 Walker’s season!” The three varsity captains, Martha O. ‘23, Sarah S. ‘23, and Lauren K. ‘23, have had some positive words to share about their connection as a team and some memorable games so far this season. Sarah S. ’23 says, “I think my favorite game was against Suffield. The team has been working so hard all season and it was the first game we all gelled with each other. I am really proud of everyone’s efforts.” Although Walker’s lost to Suffield Academy, the girls never gave up hope and continued to push themselves. Lauren K. ’23, on the other hand, enjoyed their win against Kent: “We played really well in the Kent game. We combined a lot of passes in the middle and worked as a unit defensively. We have a packed schedule in the upcoming weeks and look to get some good results then.” As Lauren said, we are all excited for their packed schedule and some great victories to follow. A packed schedule means that the girls will be putting in the effort, and Martha O. ’23 is up for the challenge: “The Varsity Soccer team is a hard-working team. It works together, and when faced with a challenge, every player pulls their weight. I am really proud of us when playing. While playing Suffield Academy last week, I saw every person work so hard and come together as a team. Even though we came up short, we gave Suffield a run for their money and it proved to us how we can play.”
Lucie Martinelli '27 has been recognized by The Boston Globe as an All-Scholastic Athlete.
As many parts of campus emptied for winter break, the Centennial Center filled with basketball teams from peer schools traveling to Simsbury to play in the annual Walker's Holiday Basketball…
Added to: Athletics, Basketball
The following athletes were recognized for their contributions to Walker's athletic program during the fall 2022 season. Congratulations to all!
Added to: Athletics, Field Hockey, Soccer, Volleyball
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.
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.
Walker's prepared me very well for college, especially being an athlete. Walker's taught me to maintain a balance of academics and sports.
John Monagan
Interim Athletic Director, History Faculty
John Monagan
John Monagan grew up in Waterbury, Connecticut, where he attended Chase Collegiate School from 6th-12th grade. From Waterbury, John headed south to attend Johns Hopkins University, where he majored in history. After four enjoyable years in Baltimore, John’s years in private school led him to The Ethel Walker School, where he taught history and English. John spent his first four years at Walker’s teaching 6th-9th grade history and 6th-7th grade English. He has also spent time running student activities. John earned his Master of Science degree from Drexel University in Sports Management while working at Walker’s. He previously served as Walker’s Athletic Director for nine years and continues to teach in the history department. John is the head coach of the varsity basketball and softball teams and lives on campus with his wife and daughter.
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Mimi Duran P'18
Associate Athletic Director
Mimi Duran P'18
Mimi Duran has over 30 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 Futures 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.
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Kristin Nicolle
Head Athletic Trainer
Kristin Nicolle
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.
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