Each week during the season, our athletic department celebrates two athletes who have excelled on the field, court, or ice as our Impact Penguins of the week.

April 19, 2024

Varsity Girls’ Track and Field

Julie Chan ’27

In her debut track meet, Julie Chan not only secured victories in both of her events, but she did so with impressive times, clocking in at 12.5 seconds in the 100 meters, and the 200-meter race in 27.5 seconds.. Julie's extraordinary performance continued after individual events. She was part of the 4x400 meter relay, anchoring her team to a great finish and capping off a flawless meet. Julie's outstanding achievements have secured her a well-deserved spot in the upcoming New England Championships.     

Varsity Baseball

Mauro Gonzalez Marin ’24

Mauro was the last player to take the court at # 1 singles. The team score at the time was 3-3 with 3 points still to be decided at #6, #2, and #1 singles. The team battled their way to a 4-4 score. All the pressure shifted to Court #1 where Mauro was down 3 - 0 early in his deciding match. He then recognized the opportunity to perform under pressure and secure the winning point for the Penguins. He welcomed this challenge in the freezing rain and came back from near defeat to clinch the team victory with a 9-7 result. Huge congratulations to our captain, Mauro for bringing home the win with great desire and focus....Roll Pens!!!

Honorable Mentions

Varsity' Baseball

Jacob Roque ’24

Team Captain Jacob leads the team offensively in many categories. During the last week, from his leadoff position, he batted .555 with a .714 on base percentage where he had 5 hits in 9 at-bats, while walking 5 times, and stealing 3 bases. During the week, he contributed 10 RBI's where he had a 2-3, 5 RBI performance in the team's 16-3 win against Groton School. Jake has also played well defensively from his shortstop position while contributing to the pitching staff in various roles.     

Varsity Girls'' Lacrosse

Leah Croom ’24

Leah was an integral part of our win against Worcester Academy on Wednesday. Not only did she score her 100th goal this game, Leah had 3 assists, 2 ground balls, and 6 caused turnovers. She has continued to give 100% at every practice, making herself and those around her want to work harder. We are incredibly excited to see all of the great things Leah accomplishes the rest of this season!     

April 5, 2024

Varsity Softball

Bonnie Zachary ’24

We've been waiting for two years to have Bonnie Zachary in a Cushing jersey on the diamond and her return has not disappointed. She was pivotal in our two wins over Kent School in last weekend's double header. Bonnie finished with a .714 batting average in the two games including one single and four doubles. She drove in five runs and stole three bases. In addition, she made key plays in the middle infield. Bonnie is not only a great softball player but doing a great job leading a young team, Congrats Bonnie!.     

Varsity Baseball

Jackson Logan ’27

In his first varsity start, Jackson threw a complete game no-hitter in the Penguins season opening 4-1 win at Pomfret. From the start, he was dominant, in the bottom of the first inning he hit a two-run triple driving in what proved to be the game winning run. On the mound, he struck out an impressive 14 batters while only walking one on the day. Jackson will contribute in many ways this spring, and he will certainly always remember his first start at Cushing!     

March 8, 2024

Varsity Girls' Ice Hockey

Madelyn Soderquist ’26

Madi ignited our team with unparalleled passion and determination during the critical final week of the season. Her drive and determination on and off the ice propelled her through some tough opponents, showcasing the true spirit of our team. Going 3-1 in the final week, Soda had 4 goals and 2 assists, including 2 power-play goals. Way to go, #4.     

Varsity B Boys' Ice Hockey

Cole Ladas ’25

Cole was a key figure in steering the Penguins to back-to-back Rust Cup Championships. He initiated the momentum against Winchendon in the semifinals with a goal and an assist. Then, in the championship match facing Salisbury School, Cole spearheaded the team's victory by netting two goals and contributing two assists, earning him MVP of the Rust Cup Tournament. Congratulations, Cole!     

Varsity Boys' Basketball

Josh Litvak ’25

Josh has been instrumental in running our offense as the point guard all season andthat was never more evident during our 4 games in 5 days culminating with the Cushing Invitational. Leading the team in assists, Josh not only makes his teammates better on the offensive end, but he is usually tasked with guarding the other team's best player; against MacDuffie, Worcester, Wilbraham & Monson, and NMH, Josh held his matchup to an average of 5 points. Great work, Josh.     

Honorable Mentions

JV Boys' Ice Hockey

Dawson Hsu ’27

The JV Boys ice hockey team had an exciting finale to the season with a 6-2 win against Winchendon. Ninth-grade forward Dawson Hsu capped off his first season with an outstanding performance at Ritchie Arena with his first goal and two assists. We look forward to watching more from Dawson in future seasons of Cushing hockey!     

February 23, 2024

Prep Basketball

Jacob Davis ’25

Jacob scored 17 points and had 8 rebounds on 100% from the field and earned player of the game nominee in a win vs Brewster. In a 3-0 week, including wins over National recognized Brewster and South Kent, Jacob averaged 13 pts and 8 rebs on 75% from the field.     

Varsity Boys’ Basketball

Mason Croom ’27

Mason has been a spark off the bench all year and showed that same energy against Exeter. He didn't just impact the game through his scoring; his driving to the basket and offensive rebounds were the push we needed. The flexibility he provides on offense shouldn't overlook the growth he has made as a defender and his ability to put his imprint on both ends of the floor     

JV Girls' Basketball

Yiting "Tina" Lyu '24

Tina is a three-year team member who has provided consistency and leadership throughout a challenging season of losses. Tina was among the leaders in scoring and steals during recent games. She played almost every minute of the rematch against Stoneleigh Burnham School, controlling the point on offense, leading the defensive pressure in the zone, and chipping in four points. Her offensive composure, defensive pressure, and selfless passing were on display again during a thrilling, and ultimately heartbreaking, overtime loss at NMH. Tina has made an impact through her commitment, tenacity, and leadership this season, especially in the final week of her senior year.     

February 16, 2024

Varsity Girls' Ice Hockey

Madison Twombly ’24

Madison continues to turn heads during her return to play. She is an impact defenseman for the Penguins and a top competitor in the rotation. "Twomb" 's grit, determination, and desire to perform at a high level have not gone unnoticed and have impacted our lineup in a positive way in last week's events. She has made quick in-game adjustments, has been coachable in the most stressful situations and pivoted to perform as an offensive defenseman when needed, most notably in her increase of shots on net. Madison is a representation of incredible commitment to hard work and determination. Congratulations Madison, keep up the great work!     

Thirds Basketball

Will Rawlins ’25

Will "The Thrill" Rawlins dominated the boards against Eagle Hill and High Mowing. He brought down over 20 rebounds and 22 points between the two games. Impressively, 14 of those points were put-backs from rebounds. His tenacity and positivity made both games exciting and were a significant factor in the team's victories.     

Varsity Boys' Basketball

Jayden Lee ’24

Varsity Basketball nominates Jayden Lee as their Impact Penguin of the Week. With our roster recently fluctuating game to game, especially in the front court positions, Jayden has stepped up in a meaningful and valuable way when called upon. Jayden scored 10 points in 13 minutes during our last game at Andover. Half of these points came in transition, which has been a core focus of our team this season. Jayden's recent success reflects his commitment to our team's values and beliefs, and we are excited for him to close out his last season of basketball at Cushing strongly.     

February 2, 2024

Varsity Alpine Ski

Matt Haigh ’24

Despite slushy conditions, Ski Team Captain Matt Haigh found the fast line in Friday’s slalom races and landed himself a double podium, finishing in second and third place. With steady momentum, his results have improved each week — consistent top finishes are putting the team in a position to battle it out for a top-three finish in the league. A leader on and off the piste, Matt has shown great initiative by helping to coach newer team members and always puts the extra effort in during practices. Way to go, Matt!     

Varsity Boys' Ice Hockey

Tanner Hunt ’24

Tanner had a hat trick and two assists in the team’s win over NMH. He then added an assist in the team's victory over Exeter. For the week, Tanner had a three goals, three assists, and a plus-minus of 8. Congrats, Tanner!    

January 26, 2024

Varsity Girls’ Ice Hockey

Lily Prendergast ’24

Lily, assistant captain and goaltender for the Penguins, had a great week between the pipes. She had an incredible performance in the net against a tough St Paul’s team where she earned a shutout, stopping over 55 shots on net. Lily’s second win of the week came against Berkshire in a 3-2 overtime game, making 25 fantastic saves in the contest. Proud of you; way to step up, LP!    

Varsity Girls' Basketball

Leah Croom ’24
Leah had an outstanding game against a powerful Class A opponent, Austin Prep. Leah had a game-high 21 points with five assists. Leah has been a pillar of the team's success on both ends of the floor. Her tenacious defensive ability generates her offensive excellence. Leah has also been an outstanding leader to her teammates, providing positive affirmations and pushing them to give their best every practice and game.

Varsity Boys’ Basketball

Peter Pan ’24

In the Varsity Boys' Basketball’s last game versus Worcester Academy, Peter made a significant impact with a statement performance on the home court. Peter rained down (7)  three-pointers on 63% shooting beyond the arc. He contributed 26 points in 31 minutes and was flawless from the charity stripe. This is Peter’s third year serving as a core for the team, and his leadership is evident both on and off the court. Congratulations, Peter!    

Honorable Mentions

Prep Boys’ Basketball

Theo Edema ’27
Theo cracked the starting lineup this week and stepped up in a big way. With many of his teammates out due to illness or injury,  Theo helped us to a 4-1 record, averaging over 8 ppg, 9 rpg and 2 bpg. Theo is a physical presence defensively and is developing his offensive arsenal in every contest. He is being recognized by some of the top basketball scouts in the country.  

JV Girls’ Ice Hockey

Carla Cisneros ’25
In our recent game against Pomfret, despite the scoreboard reflecting a 5-0 outcome, Carla demonstrated extraordinary determination as our goalie. She faced 56 shots and made 51 saves. This is Carla's first year playing ice hockey, yet she has proven an asset to our team between the pipes. Carla’s commitment to giving her full effort is evident in every game, where she consistently makes the first save and often stops the second and third attempts. As a first-time goalie facing the challenges of 1v0 situations and, at times, even 2, 3, or 4v0 scenarios, Carla has risen to the occasion with unparalleled poise. In a span of just six games, she has faced approximately 248 shots, allowing only 36 to find the back of the net. Without her exceptional performance between the pipes, the scores of our games would undoubtedly paint a different picture.  

January 19, 2024

January 12, 2024

Varsity Girls’ Ice Hockey

Julia Lambert ’26
In an outstanding display of skill and determination, Julia Lambert left a lasting impact on the game by delivering a remarkable performance on the ice. Throughout three games this past week, Julia showcased exceptional offensive determination, scoring an impressive four goals, including two game-winning goals and contributing two assists. The team went on to be undefeated in these three contests.

The highlight of the week came in the third game against a strong Thayer team, where Julia scored two goals in under 3 minutes remaining in the game to propel the team to a 4-3 victory. Congratulations to Julia Lambert for an outstanding week on the ice. Keep up the positive and great work!

Varsity Boys’ Basketball

Sawyer Nelson, ’25
Sawyer's remarkable performance on the court doesn't always show up in the statistics. His relentless work ethic is evident in his constant activity, particularly his defensive and rebounding efforts on both ends of the floor. Sawyer exemplifies true competitiveness and prioritizes the team's success. His contagious effort and hustle during practices and games inspire those around him to be their best. Way to go, Sawyer!
 

December 9, 2023

Varsity Boys' Ice Hockey 

Emerson Marshall ’24
Emerson scored three goals for the Penguins in two big wins last week against tough competition- Williston and the Hil School.  Emerson also added two assists and leads the team in scoring on the season. 

JV Boys' Ice Hockey

Aidan Ozgener ’27
The JV Boys' Ice Hockey team earned two convincing wins last week 4-1 over Pingree and 8-1 over Pope Francis. Aidan Ozgener was a dominant force all over the ice for the Penguins. Offensively, he was particularly spectacular scoring 8 goals while assisting on 1 to help the team secure its first two victories of the season.

Thirds Boys’ Basketball

Hai Nguyen ’26
Hai had a blowout performance against High Mowing.   The team was down a point guard, and Hai took advantage of the opportunity to showcase his ability to run the offense.  He notched 16 points in a 52-38 victory.  Hai played with great hustle on and off the ball and shut down their ball handlers on defense.  The entire team was impressed with his play and both the timeliness and the amount of his points he scored kept the team in the lead throughout the game.  

December 3, 2023

Prep Basketball

Jayden Johnson ’24
The Prep basketball team finished 2-0 at the Zero Gravity Prep Classic.  Jayden Johnson stood out in both games with his consistent performances. He averaged 12 points, 7 rebounds, and three assists per contest. He also defended nationally ranked guards and controlled the pace in both games.

Varsity Girls' Basketball

Alannah Morantus ’27
Alannah had an incredible game against BB&N to open the Varsity Girls' Basketball season. She finished with 22 points and a perfect 12/12 from the free throw line. Her ability to score and her court vision have helped lead the team to a 2-0 start to the 2023-2024 season. 

November 17, 2023

Varsity Volleyball

Kylie Butterfield ’24
Kylie has continued refining her hitting over the season and had impressive kills in the past week.  Her defensive skills have also progressed both in terms of blocking and digging.  More importantly, Kylie demonstrated a high level of infectious enthusiasm and energy that motivated the team to two important wins as the team entered the playoffs as the number 1 seed and a 20-1 record.  Kylie takes her role as a team captain seriously and has served well as our "hype" person on and off the court.  

Varsity Boys' Soccer

Trevor Edmonson ’25
The boys' varsity soccer team took to the road for two games and won both via shutout, 1-0 @ Pomfret and 3-0 @ Tilton. In both games, the team relied on the defense to keep the clean sheet to secure the points, and Trevor proved again that he is a general on the back line. He is instrumental in keeping the team's tactical organization, shutting down the opponent's attack, and helping maintain possession when Cushing has the ball. His calm, but commanding presence brings confidence to his teammates, and his reliability allows the other players more freedom to express themselves and take risks. Against Tilton, Trevor also chipped in offensively from the penalty spot with his third goal of the campaign. Throughout the season, the team's defense has been critical to the team's success, improving significantly from prior seasons, and Trevor is one of the important pieces that has made it possible.

November 10, 2023

Varsity Volleyball

Brooke Harb ’25
Brooke's performance over three games this past week was phenomenal, particularly with her defense and serving.  As one of the team's liberos, Brooke is instrumental in serve-receive and defense.  She recorded impressive digs and passed the ball to our setters effectively and accurately, leading to many key kills for points.  She also was a major contributor from the serving line- over the week she had more than ten aces and only two missed serves.   As playoffs loom, the team is excited about the performance track she has demonstrated. 

November 3, 2023

Varsity Girls' Soccer

Quinn Corbin ’26
Quinn was an impressive and versatile player last week. Due to team injuries, Quinn has effectively adapted to playing different positions on the field  Quinn has exemplified valuable leadership qualities for the varsity girls'  soccer team by creating opportunities for herself and her teammates to succeed.   Quinn has shown support and demonstrated to her teammates the need to work together. Her strong work ethic and determination during training have showcased her willingness to take on players with her individual skills to win balls.  Quinn has highlighted her desire to consistently compete on a daily basis.

Varsity Boys’ Soccer

Dylan Slimak ’24

Dylan has been instrumental to the team's success this season in net, starting all of the matches and earning five clean sheets. His leadership on the field has been impressive, acting like an on-field coach by organizing the back line, demanding tactical awareness, and sending encouragement to his teammates. Last week, Dylan posted two clean sheets and ten total saves in wins against Class B rivals Proctor and Dexter. In both matches, Dylan made point-blank saves early to preserve 0-0 score lines, and he even chipped in an assist on the game-winning goal against Dexter. Last week in particular, Dylan commanded his area - claiming crosses, providing an outlet in possession, and playing sweeper keeper on through balls. The team is currently on a five-game unbeaten run (3-0-2), and Dylan's contributions have been a big reason for the recent success.    

Honorable Mentions

JV Boys’ Soccer

Umar Khan ’26
Umar has bounced between Thirds and JV Boys' Soccer this season, serving as a reliable striker when called upon. On Saturday, Umar was called up to JV to play against Eaglebrook, where he took full advantage of the opportunity, scoring two goals in a 4-1 win to get the Penguins to 6-3-1 on the season. Umar has consistently worked hard and improved his game dramatically throughout the season and looks to finish it off strong!  

October 27, 2023

Varsity Volleyball

Isla Kaplan ’27
Isla has worked hard over the course of the season to improve her setting skills, and she has had more opportunities recently to show that development in games as the season has progressed.  Coach Collins and Coach Branham have been impressed with Isla's ability to be put into the game at a moment's notice and by the fact that her poise and confidence are impressive for a first-year student-athlete.  Her court awareness has also made her a formidable front-row hitter and has kept the opponents guessing.  We are excited about what she can bring to the court.

Varsity Field Hockey

Violet Dittman ’27

Violet,  aka "V", has continued to improve weekly throughout the season and has earned her way into a starting position on the field.  Over the past week, she tallied four goals in 3 games, one of which was a game-winning goal with no time left on the clock.  She is a utility player who has played in nearly every position on the field.  She will play in any position asked of her without hesitation.  Her quest for excellence is never-ending. During practice, she is constantly striving to improve her skills. Whether it's perfecting her dribbling, refining her passing, or improving defensive tactics, she's always up for the challenge. In addition to her individual achievements, she is the ultimate team player who always supports her teammates. Violet's unwavering commitment to her team and passion for the game make her an example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.    

Honorable Mentions

Thirds Boys' Soccer

Khalid Alangary ’24
In his senior game, Khalid showed his true passion and skills on the pitch. Leading the defense in a 3-1 win against Groton, Khalid helped to shut down nearly every advance from the opposing side. He expertly moved the ball back to our offense.  His ball-handling skills were impressive. It was a great way to close out the home games for the Thirds team this season.  

October 20, 2023

Varsity Girls' Soccer 

Taylor Buckley ’25
Taylor has exhibited exceptional skills and contributions, particularly in her role as a goalkeeper.  Taylor's performance in goal over the past week has been nothing short of remarkable. She has shown incredible agility and reflexes, stopping close to 50 shots, including an impressive 20 breakaways. Her ability to make crucial saves under pressure has been instrumental in keeping the team in the game. Not only does Taylor excel as a goalkeeper, but she also serves as a source of inspiration for her teammates. Her leadership qualities shine through as she motivates and supports her fellow players, fostering a positive and unified team environment.

JV Girls' Soccer

Daniela Penjos ’25
Daniela is a true embodiment of dedication and skill on the team. Her unwavering commitment is exemplified in her exceptional performance on the field, where she consistently gives her all for the entire 70 minutes of each game.  As a leader on attack, Dani stands out with her remarkable footwork and a relentless drive to succeed. One of her standout moments came during the game against Williston North Hampton, where she displayed remarkable prowess on the offensive front. Not only did she maintain firm possession of the ball, but her tenacity in ensuring its retention was nothing short of inspiring.   Dani also led the offense in our game against Eagle Hill, where she took charge by scoring an impressive four goals. This not only highlights her scoring ability but also her ability to rise to the occasion when her team needed it the most. Her journey from the beginning of the season to her current stature as a game-changer is a testament to her remarkable growth and the promise of even greater achievements in the future. 

October 6, 2023

Varsity Volleyball

Kenzley Goode ’25
Kenzley's performance helped the team secure three victories last week.  She played consistently and kept our team in the game.  She had three blocks and kills but also played defensively and offensively with poise and confidence.  The timing of her blocks and kills helped to keep or shift the momentum to our side. At the net, Kenzley contested every hit and free ball, and her presence led to several points on errors by our opponents.  

JV Boys' Soccer

Sory Kone ’25
Sory has been the facilitator for our offense and a reliable scoring threat in every game so far this season. After failing to find the back of the net in the season opener, Sory has now scored 7 goals through the last three games, including the game-winner against Williston as time expired and a 4-goal game against New Hampton to secure the 6-2 victory. His play so far this season has helped lead the Penguins to a hot 3-1 start.

September 29, 2023

Varsity Boys’ XC

Sam Speigel ’24
Sam Spiegel was Cushiing's first runner across the line in each of his races so far this season.  Competing at the Canterbury School, Sam finished 3rd of 77 runners.  Racing on a much more challenging course than the previous weekend at Deerfield, he ran 18:23 for 5K and beat runners from Millbrook, Pomfret, KO, the Masters School, Wilbraham, Canterbury, Hamden Hall, Frederick Gunn, and Green Farms Academy. Sam serves as one of the team's tri-captains.

Varsity Field Hockey

Mackenzie Babine ’26

Mackenzie, aka “Bambie,” is a sophomore forward and has been a force to be reckoned with this season.  Whether we are conditioning, learning new skills, or in a game, Mackenzie has given 100% effort and focus from day one.  She also has been instrumental in helping to secure several of our wins this season.  In our home opener against Austin Prep, Mackenzie earned a hat trick.  She has tallied six goals and one assist in only three games.  

Mackenzie is a versatile player with relentless grit, determination and incredible speed and skill.  We can also always count on her to bring the fun to the field with her positive yet goofy attitude.  She is a player who is loved by her teammates and sets an example they are proud to follow.    

Honorable Mentions

Varsity Girls' XC

Candace Maple ’26
Candace Maple kicked off the XC season with a convincing win at Deerfield's Brush Invitational; she was 1st of 24 runners from Deerfield, NMH, and Worcester and posted a winning time of 19 minutes and 42 seconds, more than a minute and 13 seconds ahead of the 2nd place runner. The following weekend, at the Canterbury Invite, she finished 2nd of 66 runners running almost as fast as the previous weekend (19:54) albeit on a much more challenging course. Candace had a productive summer of training, is working hard in practice, and will look to continue her strong start as she faces tough competition at this upcoming weekend's NMH Invitational.  

Varsity Boys Soccer

William Devin ’24
Will is a two-year captain and has been instrumental in the early season success of the boys' varsity soccer team (2-1-1). His leadership, communication, and tenacity in the midfield last week resulted in a two-win week against Williston and Wilbraham & Monson. Against Williston, Will was instrumental in organizing the team defensively in one of the best defensive performances in recent years, turning an 8-0 loss from a year ago into a 3-1 win this season. Against Wilbraham, Will again led by example netting the only goal of the game, securing the 1-0 victory, and holding the lines in the second half to earn a clean sheet through the full 90 minutes. Will also earned Man of the Match honors against Williston.

JV Girls' Soccer

Tina Lyu ’24
Our senior goalkeeper's dedication and unwavering effort exemplifies the spirit of the game, showcasing that success is not just about talent but also about hard work, leadership, and unwavering belief. In a thrilling and tight game against Lawrence Academy.  Tina emerged as the embodiment of hope and resilience. With an unwavering commitment to the team, she stopped a barrage of shots with incredible skill and determination. Time and time again, Tina came out of the box when needed, showing fearlessness and precision in challenging situations, keeping the team's hope alive, and inspiring the team to dig deeper and fight harder. Tina is not just a remarkable last line of defense but also a beacon of motivation and inspiration to our team.