While the Winter Sports Banquet highlights athletes and their teams achievements, the evening also served as a reminder that these successes are made possible by the tireless efforts of those working behind the scenes. Special thanks were given to our Athletic Director, Adrian Diaz ’14, whose leadership and commitment continue to strengthen Vermont Academy’s athletic programs. We also recognized Head Athletic Trainer Sara Dunbar for her constant care and support in keeping our athletes healthy and performing at their best, as well as Assistant Athletic Director and Equipment Manager, Russ Williams, whose hard work ensures that every team has the equipment and resources needed to compete.

Throughout the evening, coaches had the opportunity to reflect on their season and highlight athletes who demonstrated exceptional effort, leadership, sportsmanship, and growth. Many spoke about the resilience their teams showed through challenging practices, tough matchups, and long travel days, emphasizing how each athlete contributed to building a strong team culture.

The celebration was not only about awards and recognition, but also about honoring the commitment these students have made to representing Vermont Academy with pride. Each program worked to leave its mark on the season, striving to make their teams better than they found them and setting a strong foundation for future athletes to build upon.

With our Wired Cats Robotics team competing on Saturday March 7, 2026, and due to superstitions, their awards have been saved until their season is officially over. We wish them luck!

Congratulations to all of our winter athletes for an outstanding season. Your dedication, teamwork, and passion continue to make the Vermont Academy community proud.

Most Improved Dancer Award – Ines Allue Garnica ’28

Greatest Contributor Award – Belle Louissaint ’28

Coaches Award – Nik Dunbar ’27

Most Improved Player Award – Chenze “Harry” Wang ’29

Coaches Award - Milo Tucker ’26

The Hustle Award - Awarded after each game and with a final presentation during these awards, this award goes to the player who works the hardest on the court during games.  - Tanner Swisher ’26

The Aidan Garvey ’26 Savage Wildcat Award - This is the inaugural award that goes to the player who has a “team first” mentality, does all the things asked of him, and believes in team success over personal glory.  The recipient is completely unselfish, gritty, and perseverant. This is a special player, and this award may not be given every year. - Aidan Garvey ’26

Most Improved Player Award – Evie Meyer ’28

Coaches Award – Ysabelle Houde ’28

Most Improved Player Award – Keegan Bedortha ’29

Coaches Award - Ryan Peloso ’28

Most Dedicated Award – Chenkai “Bruce” Li and Nuria Fano Gomez ’28 

Most Improved Skier Award – Sloane Trachtenberg ’29

Greatest Contributor Award – Caroline Felkel ’29

Most Improved Skier Award – Elliot Carr ’28

Greatest Contributor Award – Jake Varga ’29

The Burton Snowboard Award – Is awarded to a boy and girl rider who has shown the greatest improvement in his or her snowboard racing ability over the course of the season. Bradley Kho ’30 and Callie Kho ’32

Greatest Contributor Award - Collin Nystrom ’28 and Jadan Toribio ’26

The Peter J. MacKechnie Ski Program Award – Given annually to a member of the VA Ski Program whose quiet determination and perseverance reflect the honor at Vermont Academy and its Ski Program. Their contributions are not measured by statistics, but rather by their industrious and conscientious approach to snow sports which exemplifies a genuine love for the sport. This is considered the highest award for the snow sports program – Elizabeth Thompson ’27

The Mark Peabody Award – Is given annually to that member of the girls hockey team who shows the most improvement over the course of the season. Cali Daley ’28

Coaches Award – Carley Guarino ’26

Coaches Award - Kennedy Jensen ’26

Most Improved Player Award – Sofia Allsopp ’26

Greatest Contributor Award – Given to the player who has made the greatest contribution to the team. The contribution is to be measured by her interest in and enthusiasm for the game; intensity of her effort; her sportsmanship as shown by her spirit in victory or defeat; and most of all by her constructive influence on other members of the team – Mel Gilbert ’26 and Elena Hernandez-Merkle ’26 

Coaches Award -  Xander Robertson ’26

The Daniel MacFayden Award – Given annually to that member of the boys’ varsity hockey team who has made the greatest contribution. That contribution is to be measured by his spirit in practice and games, by his positive influence on his teammates and his sportsmanship exhibited in both winning and losing. Jake Hedman ’26

The Eric Charles Ostebo ’83 Award – Is given in memory of Eric C. Ostebo whose cheerful attitude, devotion, and hard work often went unnoticed. Eric was a player who was easily coached, would play any position asked of him, and often played when injured without complaint. Although not a flashy player, Eric typified the “coach’s player,” He was steady, dependable, and a hard working team player. Blake Postles ’26

Most Improved Player Award – DJ King ’26

Greatest Contributor Award – Given to the player or manager who has made the greatest contribution to the team. The contribution is to be measured by his interest in and enthusiasm for the game; intensity of his effort; his sportsmanship as shown by his spirit in victory or defeat; and most of all by his constructive influence on other members of the team. Musa Kasanga ’26

The Keron Deshields ’11 Award – Goes to a member of the boys varsity basketball team, who, like Keron, will not let any circumstance deter him from an unyielding commitment to the team and Vermont Academy as a whole. Kamari Whyte ’27

The Chike Ndefo ’24 Pride Award - This award is given to the player who finishes the season with the highest % in the internal defensive metrics. Rokas Žilys ’26

Photos of the recipients can be found here.