WHHS is renowned for its exceptional academic program that empowers driven students to succeed in college or other career paths. However, many overlook the incredible athletes, including those who are pursuing their sport at the collegiate level.
Nevaeh Williams, ‘25, a member of the bowling team, has been bowling since she was just four years old. As a freshman, she competed in the state bowling competition and was the first bowler at WHHS to do so. Now, as a SENIOR she is thinking about attending Tiffin University or Shawnee State University, where she will bowl competitively.
“Over time, I’ve learned that I’m not going to bowl well every single day; it’s impossible to do so. All I can do is do my absolute best and strive to get better,” Williams said. “This has translated to my life by also showing me that sometimes I won’t be able to completely succeed every time, but I just can do my best, no matter what.”
Denny Devine, ‘25, a cross country runner, is another athlete who is planning on pursuing his sport in college. Devine says that cross country and track are not only rewarding in physical regards but also have helped him learn multiple life skills.
“It’s taught me time management and determination and I feel like that’s helpful in life because it’s skills that you can use outside of the sport as well,” Devine said.
Devine has been running for more than six years and is currently thinking about attending NYU, Boston University, or George Washington University. Devine enjoys running due to the skills it teaches him about personal growth.
(Used with permission from Kevin Hartnell)
”I like how it presents me with the opportunity to get better every day,” Devine said.
Similarly, P.J. Varatta, ‘26, has been swimming competitively for eight years. Alongside his fellow student athletes, he engages in rigorous training, including conditioning outside of the season with weights and swimming to prepare for the upcoming season.
“I’d say I’ve learned that hard work is the most important thing in life, because if you don’t work hard in swimming, you’re not going to get anywhere with your [swimming] times,” Varatta said. “I think those translate into my life as in school, I work my butt off, I work for my job. I just really give 100% everything I do.”
Varatta is currently weighing his options between American University and Fordham University, and he will choose the one that best fits his intended major, political science. He is excited to experience the life of a college athlete.
“I think it’s really fun because you have 20 instant friends, and that’s really what you want at college and I feel like that’s really important,” Varatta said. “Especially in an environment where you don’t know a lot of people.”