Although COVID-19 has unfortunately disrupted many senior athletes’ seasons, they have tried to make the most of their time at Loomis Chaffee. In fact, a talented handful have chosen to continue to play and pursue their sport at the next level in college.

Nalinda Wanikpun ’21, a four-year senior from Thailand, looks forward to playing in a bigger league in college. Nalinda is headed to New York University for golf next fall.

Since spring sports are going to be occurring this year, and this is your last season, what are some things you hope to accomplish?

“I’d just like to get back on the course and represent Loomis Chaffee in general and maybe put another New England Championship title under our belts.”

What are you looking forward to in college sports?

“I’m looking forward to new challenges and new experiences that can help further develop my career. I’m also really excited to be able to compete in the Division III level, play against other teams, and be reunited with former team members.”

What are some personal goals you have to further your athletic career?

“I want to develop a better mental game, hit farther, and also be able to shoot more under-par scores.”

What is one influential experience you remember having from sports at Loomis? Who has helped you/been a mentor for you throughout your athletic career at Loomis? Why?

“I think that the most influential part of the golf team is really the people. We’re really supportive of each other and we push each other to become better and better everyday. We embrace the cold rainy days on the course together and share lots of laughs along the way.”

“I have [Girls Varsity Golf Coach James] O’Donnell to thank for supporting me both on and off the course. His unique training program really takes players to a different level, allowing us to become more in tune with our mental and mechanical game. He’s opened my eyes to so many new ways that can help further my golf game. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Eamon Moylan ’21, another four year senior and from West Hartford, CT, also will miss the locker room culture that he experienced on different Loomis teams. Eamon is headed to Davidson College for soccer.

What are you looking forward to in college sports?

“I think that I will miss the team culture Loomis teams always have. The camaraderie is like no other, every guy has been willing to make sacrifices for each other and for the victory without hesitation. It is because of this willingness to be a unit rather than an individual that makes Loomis sports so special, and it is something that few schools can boast.

“But, I am so excited for the level of intensity and competition in college; the environment at the next level is really going to push me and offer some valuable lessons. I think that I am fortunate to be able to play with and against some of the best players in the country, and I cannot wait to see some of the talent that those players possess.”

What are some personal goals you have to further your athletic career?

“My goals for these upcoming months are just to keep getting better and to keep preparing for the level change. I would love the opportunity to go in and compete for a spot and playing time next fall, and I think staying focused and working hard with a positive attitude is the best way to achieve that.”

What is one influential experience you remember having from sports at Loomis? Who has helped you/been a mentor for you throughout your athletic career at Loomis? Why?

“Probably getting cut from varsity soccer freshman year. I was crushed, but it showed me that nothing will come easily in Loomis sports, and that if you want it you must go get it. Getting cut taught me how to work harder and to have an insatiable attitude toward your goals.

“I have had so much help on the sports field during my time at Loomis. But I think [former Boys Varsity Soccer Coach Sebastiaan] Blickman was the most influential. He and I both went through position changes in our soccer careers, so his insight was something that I really valued when learning my new position. I also think his charisma and the way he held himself on the field were things that really inspired me. He also went through the college process and was always willing to answer any questions and ease any worries I had.”