Ring-the-Bell Student-Athletes of the Month for April 2025

The spring sports season is in full swing, and we are celebrating the April Ring the Bell Student-Athletes of the Month! These students are ringing the bell—personally, athletically, and academically. 🔔

Coaches described these student-athletes as hardworking, dedicated, encouraging, eager, and prepared. Congratulations, Big Red student-athletes!

• Baseball—Bill Xue `26: Bill was selected as the Ring the Bell student-athlete of the month for the baseball team because he has been both a great teammate and exceptionally hardworking. Bill has shown that he will do whatever the team needs, and do it joyfully. Whether that is playing catch, cleaning up, or encouraging his team, Bill always gives his 100%.
   
• Golf—Nickolai Johnson `27: Nickolai has done an amazing job so far this golf season. He consistently arrives early to practice to make sure that things are ready for when the rest of the team arrives at the golf course. He works every day to improve some part of his game. This season’s highlight so far for him is shooting a 46 at the Golf Courses of Lawsonia on April 22. Keep up the great work, Nickolai!
   
• Lacrosse—Ilia Babenko `27: Ilia has worked hard all year to achieve a successful lacrosse season. He has dedicated countless hours outside of practice to refine his skills and become the best lacrosse player he can be. Additionally, he has encouraged others to join him—whether after practice to throw, work on their footwork, or study film. Ilia has exemplified what it means to be lacrosse’s Ring the Bell Student-Athlete of the Month.

• Rowing—Tristan Kittel `27: Tristan has been rowing for four seasons. He was mostly a coxswain but is now also rowing. Tristan is a consistent force for organizing our team. He rings the bell across all aspects of Wayland.
    
• Soccer—Reina Schroekenthaler `28: Reina was new to Wayland soccer this year, and she's started in every game of the season. She gives 100% in practice and games. Reina always supports and encourages her teammates. Way to ring the bell, Reina!
   
• Softball—Madyson DeWitt `28: Madyson shows consistent effort, is eager to learn more, and pushes herself on and off the field. She is always open to learning more about softball and wants to do her very best. As a freshman, she shows great potential in the game of softball, and I can’t wait to see where she is as a player her senior year! When Madyson has doubts about something, she is sure to ask questions and stay after for extra help. I appreciate her ability to learn, take critique, and never give up.
   
• Tennis—Andy Nguyen `26: Andy is responsible, respectful, and a hard worker. At practice, he always puts in excellent effort and asks questions about how to improve his tennis skills. He is polite to others and always exhibits good sportsmanship.
   
• Boys Track and Field—Luca Roetter-Gresback `26: Luca picked up where he left off during cross country and has continued to be a leader and an outstanding runner. He is willing to take on new events and respond to the needs of the team. He reliably gives his best and encourages his teammates to do the same. He has earned the respect of his teammates and his coaches. 

• Girls Track and Field—Ariel Battey `26: Ariel entered the season as one of the most seasoned athletes on a young team. She took on the pressure of being one of our top performers while also leading the younger members of the team. Her affable, enthusiastic personality made her an easy choice for captain, and her strong work ethic has led to a steady improvement in her performances. We anticipate more big things from Ariel as the season progresses.

Way to go, Big Red student-athletes! 🔔 🎉