Ring-the-Bell Student-Athletes of the Month for October 2024

As we wrap up the 2024 fall sports season, we celebrate these student-athletes who are ringing the bell—personally, athletically, and academically. 🔔 Join us in congratulating the October Ring the Bell Student-Athletes of the Month! 

• Cross Country—Shalom Irasubiza `27: Shalom had a tremendous season in terms of improvement. He cut almost seven minutes off his 5K time and consistently shows up to practice with a good attitude, ready to work hard. Working with Shalom has been great, and I'm anxious to see what he will do in the future.

• JV Football—Bill Xue `26: Bill comes to practice every day with positivity and a coachable attitude! Bill is a wonderful player who "leads by example" and the younger players look up to. Way to Ring the Bell, Bill! 

• Varsity Reserve Football—Sam Porras `25: Sam did a wonderful job as one of our leaders on the football team; his efforts and energy fueled much of our team's success! This year, Sam came into the season with a "team first" mentality and was a phenomenal teammate. Way to Ring the Bell, Sam!

• Rowing—Rumi Abassi `25: Rumi has been a strong advocate for rowing and has done well coxing the varsity boy's boats, both four and eight. 
   
• Rowing—Lilith Reusch `26: Lilith continues to be a dedicated member of our team. She has competed in both sculling and sweep boats this fall, and is engaged in our team's progress. 

• Soccer—Long Pham `25: Long led the Big Red soccer team in goals this season, earning 1^st Team All-Flyway Conference recognition. Long was an enthusiastic and accountable leader for his teammates both in games and each day at practice. Outside of soccer, Long helped launch Wayland’s Badminton Club this fall, sharing his enthusiasm for the sport by organizing well-attended weekend practices and tournaments. He also leads the Math Club, which hosts reviews and competitions throughout the school year. Keep on Ringing the Bell, Long! 

• Swimming—Mandi Ritman `26: Even though Mandi is done swimming due to being a JV swimmer, she's at practice every day, never complains, and just gets right into the water and starts the workout! 

• Varsity Tennis—Derya Baytan `28: Derya was selected as the October Ring the Bell Student-Athlete of the Month because of her commitment to giving 100% effort every day! She used her hard work and dedication to her craft to become an All-Conference Tennis player her freshman year, in addition to making it to sectionals this year. Way to Ring the Bell, Derya!

• JV Volleyball—Laia Cortada Ros `25: Laia has been an all-star player who has worked hard all season. She takes the initiative to learn drills and help others, encourages her teammates, and has grown into an amazing front-row specialist with a killer serve! She takes the initiative at practice, runs until the whistle is blown, and supports her coach in all she is asked to do. She is a great friend and classmate on and off the court, ensuring she puts the teams above all other things. Cheers to Laia for a great volleyball season, and keep #RingingtheBell. 

• Varsity Volleyball—Reina Schroeckenthaler `28: Reina is an athlete who was one to watch all season. She has been a leader in the back row but has excelled with her front row specialists, ensuring that she is killing it with an outstanding jump and swing! She has also taken the initiative to learn to excel in her swing from the back row at the end of the season, proving to be a tough opponent for the teams we play against, knowing whether she will go for a kill in the front or back row. Reina is an outgoing athlete and encourages her teammates and classmates to be involved and to excel academically. Keep up your determination and leadership by continuing to #RingtheBell. 

Way to go, Ring the Bell student-athletes! 🔔 🎉