Ethel Walker School
Our Soccer program assists in the development of strong, confident and capable student-athletes whose technical, and tactical aptitudes will lend themselves well to whatever level each player’s ambition leads them. We value accountability, resiliency, hard work, loyalty, selflessness, and respect as we strive to create a team environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated.
Walker’s soccer program competes in the Class “C” New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) and also the Women’s Western New England Preparatory School Soccer Association (WWNEPSSA). Walker’s is also a member school in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Westminster, Kent, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter’s.
Led by three exceptional captains, Kenzie Olvert ’22, Allie Dowd ’23, and Sarah Shaw ’23, the 2021 season saw its share of hurdles that provided many opportunities to build individual and team resiliency and mental toughness. The team ended the season with a 6-9-1 regular-season record, scored a total of 54 goals, had 49 assists, and allowed 47 goals.
The season kicked off with a 5-0 road win over McDuffie and saw the debut of several new members to our team – seventh grader Lucie Martinelli, 8th graders Paige Murphy and Maya Atwood, ninth graders Jenna Hamel, Sophie Martinelli, Allison Hayes, Kayla Whalen, and Marlo Meador, and junior Jenna Morell. This new and talented group of players was supported by a veteran group of returners that included sophomore Maddie Connelly, juniors Alex O’Meara, Martha O’Donnell, Allie Dowd, Sarah Shaw, Lauren Krupnikoff and Kyla Birk, and seniors Lilly Santoro and Kenzie Olvert.
A small roster and several injuries provided moments in the season for few or no subs, which was a tall order in the fiercely competitive Founder’s League. However, the team impressed in training and gameplay with a continued demonstration of fight and determination. No matter the situation, the players always maintained high energy and enthusiasm for the task at hand.
The season was not short on celebratory moments – Allie Dowd (WWNEPSSA All-Star selection and All NEPSAC Honorable Mention selection) led the team with 13 goals and nine assists. She was followed by Allison Hayes (12 goals and nine assists), Lucie Martinelli (11 goals and seven assists) Sophie Martinelli (eight goals and nine assists), and Lauren Krupnikoff (WWNEPSSA All-Star Selection) with four goals and five assists. Several other players, including Kayla Birk (2) Jenna Hamel (1), Sarah Shaw (1), Lilly Santoro (1) and Kayla Whalen (1), also scored goals for the team.
With the conclusion of the 2021 season, the team bids its seniors, Lilly Santoro and Kenzie Olvert a fond farewell. We thank them for all they’ve done for this program and wish them much success in their collegiate pursuits.
