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

Congratulations to the September Ring the Bell Student-Athletes of the Month! Join us in celebrating these Big Red student-athletes, who are ringing the bell personally, athletically, and academically.🔔 

• Cross Country—Luca Roetter-Gresback `26: Luca has been an exemplary leader this season. He leads by example daily in practice, encouraging his teammates and holding them accountable. Luca has accomplished some personal goals this season, setting several personal bests and breaking the 19-minute mark at the Horicon River Run. Luca’s maturation from his freshman year to this year has been a privilege to witness; he has truly grown into an excellent runner and a great person.

• JV Football—Montserrat "Montse" Murillo `25: Montse is a great example of what we look for from a Big Red football player! She gives 100% effort in everything she does; she is focused on everything we do as a team, and she serves the other players on our team by being a great teammate. In Montse's first season of football, she has started in multiple games, and has consistently graded out as our highest lineman when it comes to using proper technique. For all she does for our team, and how well she represents what it means to be a Big Red athlete in our community, Montse is our Ring The Bell Athlete of the Month for our JV football team.

• Varsity Reserve Football—Ilia Babenko `27: Ilia is a second-year Big Red football player, starting as a linebacker. Ilia's commitment to the process is what makes him varsity reserve's Ring the Bell Athlete of the Month. On the football field, he has worked hard each day for the past two years, learning the techniques to make him a successful football player. This is similar to the type of leader Ilia is in our community; he focuses on the tasks he has been given and does his best to do what has been asked of him. Way to Ring The Bell Ilia!

• Rowing—Mathias Seufzer `25: Mathias has consistently performed at the next level each season. He leads quietly, makes insightful suggestions for team management, and is an excellent student. He has the experience that a coach can rely upon and a care for equipment that he communicates to others. 

• Rowing—Daniela Baez `25: Daniela is new to rowing but has bravely risen to each challenge; I am excited for her first competition. Daniela is a solid citizen at Wayland and a calm presence with her peers. She continues to improve from an already high level of skill, especially considering her newness to the sport. We are so excited that she chose rowing!

• Soccer—Jonah Ratajczak `25: Jonah is a captain of the team and a four-year varsity player. At practice and on game days, Jonah is a vocal leader who demonstrates accountability and effort in all he does. Jonah covers a lot of ground in the midfield, helping to control possession, and he plays the game with a high soccer IQ. He is second on the team in assists, selflessly creating for teammates.
  
  Jonah also Rings the Bell in his daily life on campus. He is a prefect in Wayland Hall this year. Jonah has been active in Forensics and Choir throughout his career.  Currently, when he is not leading the soccer team’s efforts, Jonah is portraying the iconic title role in Wayland’s annual Fall Musical, Willy Wonka. 

• Swimming—Mandi Ritman `26: Mandi is quite an amazing addition to the girls' swim team. She is constantly looking for ways to improve herself and her swimming strokes. Mandi is a great role model for her teammates by always listening to the coaches, being focused 100% of the time, being willing to try new events, and supporting her teammates. Mandi works extremely hard every day, and has been responsible for pulling her relay team ahead to win the event several times!

• JV Tennis—Simona Klimentova `27 and Kea van Venrooy `27: Simona and Kea show up every day ready to do whatever is asked of them and work hard to improve their games. They work hard, stay late, and never complain. These two also love playing tennis, and their joy is contagious. (They even have their own personal tennis uniforms!) 

• Varsity Tennis—Mary Whittier `27 and Yurim Sung `27: Mary and Yurim are wonderful teammates to each other and the rest of the team. They have terrific attitudes and are role models both as scholars and athletes. They are kind, patient, respectful, and open-minded. Mary and Yurim put in the hard work, while always maintaining their sense of humor.

• JV Volleyball—Isabella Zheng `27: Isabella has been encouraging other teammates, teaching others during drills, staying late to put in additional time to practice, and is an all-around great teammate/classmate. 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 to her fellow classmates, and is determined in the classroom and all she does. Cheers to Isabella and make sure to keep #RingingtheBell!

• Varsity Volleyball—Lexi Lesh `28: Lexi is an outstanding athlete and student. She has stepped up with specific training in the summer months by attending a volleyball camp, being flexible in learning several positions on the court, and being willing to be called up at any time to play when needed. She is driven in her skills as well as learning the requirements to be a front-row and back-row volleyball player. Lexi is outgoing and engaged by encouraging her teammates and classmates to be involved, all while excelling academically. She has proven to be one of the most versatile players on our team. Keep up your determination and leadership by continuing to #RingtheBell!

Keep ringing the bell! 🔔 🎉