Student Spotlights: Red Devils Fall Sports

From the volleyball court to the swimming pool, the captains of the BHS fall sports teams brought dedication and drive that helped move their teammates forward. Get to know a few of these standout leaders who have been making an impact this season.

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Girls’ Volleyball | Ula Rinkeviciute

Ula Rinkeviciute has been playing volleyball for about 7 years and plays a vital role as a setter on the court. Taking inspiration from athletes like Harper Murray, Rinkeviciute said she loves seeing her team improve and finds joy in “knowing that my team trusts me and looks up to me.”

Rinkeviciute hopes the team reaches the playoffs this year, as they’ve made it to the elite eight in previous years. Her goal is to hit 2000 assists this season – a goal which she achieved in October, becoming just the 10th player in state history to achieve this milestone!

Field Hockey | Lucy Clement

Lucy Clement started playing Field Hockey in 2020. She says one of her main motivators to compete is enjoying the season with her team and being proud of all they have accomplished.

She said so far her favorite memory has been winning the senior night game.

“Seeing all of our friends and family come to support us in the rain was really special,” she said.

Clement says she is coming off of an injury and hopes to “score or assist a goal on a penalty corner,” while also helping her team make it to the playoffs.

Girls’ Cross Country | Kritika Agarwala

Kritika Agarwala has been running cross country since the eighth grade and looks up to athletes like Faith Kipyegon for inspiration to achieve her own goals on the track.

Her favorite part of being a captain is being able to “be a resource” for her teammates and giving them a shoulder to lean on when they need help. During her time on the team, she’s learned that “there is always someone faster or stronger, but consistency will pay off as you beat personal records.”

Looking ahead, Agarwala says she hopes to continue to set a positive tone for her teammates and wants to run a 5k in under 24 minutes.

Golf | Ryan Piscatelli & Daniel Crossman

In the top two of the BHS Golf lineup, Ryan Piscatelli hopes to bring his team back to states this season and is motivated by improving his skills and strengthening team connections. As a captain, he says it’s important to be “friendly with everyone and have integrity.”

Fellow captain Daniel Crossman, who has been playing golf for about eight years, said some of his favorite moments have been practicing with teammates. Crossman looks up to professional athletes like Scottie Scheffler and hopes “to have a winning season” for BHS.

Boys’ Soccer | Cole Shannon, Josh Newhall, Logan McGee, & Noah Castro

Captains Cole Shannon, Josh Newhall, Logan McGee and Noah Castro have all played soccer since childhood and bring strong leadership to the team. Shannon takes pride in representing his hometown and highlights team pasta parties as some of his favorite memories. Newhall, a Center Attacking Midfielder, recalled scoring two goals against Watertown.

He strives to help the younger players improve. McGee, who looks up to players like Andy Robertson, said wearing the captain’s armband has been a dream and he appreciates the “heritage” behind the role. Castro, drawing inspiration from Felipe Coutinho, says leading his teammates has been the best part of being captain, and he has one clear goal for the season - “to win some games.”

Girls’ Swimming | Ryley McCarthy, Kayleigh McCarthy, & Jazmine Gordillo

Ryley McCarthy, Kayleigh McCarthy and Jazmine Gordillo are some of the leaders on the combined Woburn-Burlington girls’ swim team. Ryley began swimming at age 7 with the Woburn Boys and Girls Club and now competes in long-distance freestyle and sprint backstroke.

She said she loves helping her teammates improve and is proud to be “leading the team who wins.” Jazmine, in her third year on the team, says being captain has made her feel like a true leader, and she hopes to continue building a positive mindset amongst her teammates. Kayleigh, also swimming since age 7, says this season she hopes to break her four records from last year and reminds others, “you have to show up even on your worst days.”

Lady Devils soccer has three captains, each with at least 12 years of experience.

Girls’ Soccer | Briana Thomas, Ellie Matarazzo, & Mackenna Ryan

Briana Thomas, a midfield player, draws motivation from her younger teammates and strives to be a leader they can look up to. “I have to motivate the team when something bad happens, but I also get to celebrate the good things,” she said.

Like her fellow captains, Ellie Matarazzo wants to perform her best for her final year at BHS and hopes to bring home the first banner for the team. She also has been working on her adaptability on the field.

Midfielder MacKenna Ryan said she draws inspiration from people like her sister, who plays at the college level: “Knowing that she can balance both academics and soccer motivates me to play at that level too,” said Ryan.