The Ethel Walker Athletic Council (EWAC) is a student organization that strives to improve and develop leadership skills, sportsmanship, responsibility, competitiveness, a positive attitude, and an understanding of what it means to be a leader of Walker’s athletic program.
Each spring, student-athletes are nominated to apply by coaches, current EWAC members, and/or the athletic, dance, and riding departments. The members selected represent a wide variety of co-curriculars at school and spend the year growing as a group that represents the entire student body and shares their pride in Walker’s outside of school with the greater community. EWAC has raised funds for Special Olympics, held pep rallies for the school, and spends the year promoting the importance of physical education, teamwork, and the responsibility of being a good role model. Several of these members go on to participate in their respective sport in college, with many being named captain. These opportunities exponentially grow as they continue to lead in all areas of their lives.
Abby A. '24
Berlin, CT
It is important for young women to be leaders because it shows a sense of responsibility and inspires other young girls to do the same. Each person is an individual that contributes to the Walker’s community through friendships, supporting one another, and learning about the differences and cultures of our community.
I hope students understand the importance of trying your best in both sports and academics. I think it is important for students to understand that you are not always going to be perfect, you will make mistakes, or sometimes you may not be the best athlete on your team but, it is equally as important to try and improve your abilities and to not give up. I want to be the role model who shows this through my leadership on EWAC.
I have danced on Broadway!
Catherine C. '24
New Britain, CT
African Drumming, Habitat For Humanity, Horizons, VITA
When I was young, I was inspired by people who were similar to me. So when young girls people see women leading — whether it is in sports, government, or something else— I hope it inspires them as well.
I hope they feel listened to. For me, it is extremely frustrating having an organization in place and feeling as though the general public’s opinion does not matter.
I love Serena and Venus Williams and Coco Gauff.
I build guitars.
Ava D. '25
Amber F. '25
Deerfield, NH
Bike Club, Card Club, Proctor, Cicerone
I think it is important for young women to hold leadership roles because it prepares them to take on bigger roles outside of our community. It also gives young women an opportunity to be role models and build their confidence.
I hope other students will take away the idea that going outside of your comfort zone helps you grow as a student and an athlete. I hope that they take away the understanding that you can be a strong competitor and still be kind to others while showing good sportsmanship.
My favorite athlete is Stephen Curry.
I am really good at claw machine games.
Jenna H. '25
Simsbury, CT
African Drumming, Cicerone, FSA Club Soccer
I think it is important for young women to hold leadership roles because it helps them be better prepared for their futures. They can build up important confidence and learn skills and what it entails to be a leader. This will help as they grow up and do things, such as get jobs, etc.
I hope I can inspire other students at Walker’s to want to be in a leadership position. When I was a freshman, I knew EWAC was something I wanted to do when I got older because I would watch my friends succeed in that leadership position. I hope I can do the same for other students!
My favorite sports team is the Boston Bruins. I am a huge fan and have been since I was 10 years old!
I have five dogs!
Allison H. '25
Burlington, CT
African Drumming, Orchestra, Special Olympics Basketball, Cicerone, FSA Club Soccer
I believe that it is important for young women to hold leadership roles because it gives a different perspective that allows change to be made for everyone. In addition, having a leadership role helps young women develop necessary skills that we can use later in life.
I hope that the other members on EWAC and I can help to make athletics fun and emphasize how important they are to us individually and as a school. I also hope to set an example for younger members of our community to involve themselves in all of the opportunities and leadership roles offered at Walker’s.
UConn Women’s Basketball, U.S. Women’s National Team
I was a certified soccer referee.
Anngelina M. '25
Avon, CT
Cicerones, Big/Little Program
I think it’s important for young women to hold leadership roles because it gives us opportunity to make decisions that impact others positively, contribute significantly to the world around us, and prepares us to face challenges in the future.
What I hope other students at Walter’s take away from my leadership on EWAC is an acceptance and appreciation that learning through failure and understanding the mistakes you make are an integral part of finding the path to success. Growth through failure and understanding and learning to overcome is important. Fully appreciating the joy and thrill of success is also knowing the feeling of failure.
I used to live in California!
Marlo M. '25
Avon, CT
African Drumming, Sundial Sound Rock Band, Mental Health Club, Co-Head of Walker’s Art Council
Young women need to be given the space and autonomy to lead. Historically, opportunities like that have been less available to women, so it is important that young women of today feel heard and empowered.
I hope that I can be a point of reference and support for any new athletes looking to join the Walker’s athletics community. I also hope to be a good role model both on an off the field.
Taylor Moreno
I am right-handed normally, but left-footed in soccer and left-handed in lacrosse.
Sophie M. '25
Ayden R. '26
Manchester, CT
Cicerone
It is important for young women to hold leadership roles because it proves that anyone can be a leader and allows young women to gain confidence.
I hope other students take away that I and the others in EWAC are determined, confident, and not afraid to voice our opinions.
My favorite athlete is Alex Morgan.
I am an only child.
Ella S. '24
Turners Falls, MA
Proctor, Cicerone, Orchestra, Writing Fellows
I think it is important for young women to hold leadership roles because it provides a good role model for other young women. It is important that we are exposed to leadership positions which will provide experience and confidence for future roles.
I hope to inspire all levels and varieties of athletes to try new things and work both independently and as a team.
Katie Ledecky
I enjoy baking and decorating cookies and cupcakes.
Julia S. '24
Southampton, Bermuda
Cicerone, Head of Suns, Investment Club
I think it is important for young women to hold leadership roles because this will help them gain confidence so that they can lead in the future. Women are underrepresented when it comes to having leadership roles even though we are just as or maybe even more capable than men. We are proven to have better traits that are more beneficial when it comes to being a leader and I do not think that these are recognized enough in the world we live in today.
I hope other students are inspired to step out of their comfort zone and be a leader as well so that we can help make a difference, not just in the Walker’s community but also the world outside Walker’s.
My favorite sports team is the Vancouver Canucks (NHL) and my favorite athlete is Addyson Cord (Kelianda Farm).
I am extremely interested in the business side of sports management and I used to do high jump.
Ella S. '25
Amanda W. '24
Avon, CT
Cicerone, Writing Fellow, Peet Tutor, African Drumming, Horizons, Habitat for Humanity
I think that it is important for young women to hold leadership roles because it gives girls the opportunity to grow and develop important life skills.
I hope that other students will feel that I make their voices heard through EWAC.
Sophia Smith and Mikaela Shiffrin.
I was born with only three wisdom teeth.