A new school year has commenced here at Loomis Chaffee, and with it comes another year of exciting sports. From preseason, after-school practices, and now to games, Loomis sports teams have been working tirelessly to prepare for their respective seasons. Students and athletes alike have every reason to be excited about what is to come this fall.
Girls Cross Country
As one of the most reputable programs at Loomis, the girls cross country team looks to compile another strong season. They have been undefeated throughout the dual meets and now look to claim victory at Founders and New Englands. Last year, they won both the Division I New England Prep School Track Association Title and the Founders League titles.
“Every season is a fresh start. We have our top seven back from last year’s team, a group of strong runners, and a couple of runners returning from injuries,” Head Coach Rebecca Purdy said. The team is led by captains Sofia Rincon ’24, Sylvia Barresi ’24 and Angela Ye ’24.
Boys Cross Country
The boys cross country team looks to defend their Founders League champions title from the previous season. Despite a much younger roster compared to last year, Head Coach Andrew Bartlett thinks they have a real opportunity to repeat their championship run.
“The [end-of-season] championships often bring out the best of themselves,” Bartlett said. The team captains are Evan Gackstetter ’24, Lucas Hanley ’25, and Jason Chen ’24. Coach Bartlett has also focused on team chemistry during preseason, including a team mini-golf outing. The team is excitedly preparing for Shaler Invitational on October 28th.
Football
The varsity football team, led by Head Coach Adam Banks, looks to continue their recent successes, which includes back-to-back NEPSAC bowl game victories. Due to a large senior class and star players transferring, the team is filled with many new faces, and most are underclassmen. Three freshmen, in fact, have earned starting roles: Jackson Strand ’27, Hayes Griffin ’27, and Daden Scott ’27. The Pelicans are 3-3 thus far, with wins over Hotchkiss, Taft and Trinity-Pawling.
“I love playing for the team and with the coaches and there is no other place I would rather be. I’ve already learned so much from the older guys,” Strand said.
Boys Soccer
Boys varsity soccer is expected to have a successful campaign under the leadership of first-year Head Coach Scott Halpern. Captained by Lorcan Mitchell ’24 and Max Gelb ’24, the team looks to get over the hump and make a NEPSAC playoff run after barely missing the postseason last fall. They are off to a 7–2-4 start, with key wins over Trinity-Pawling, Brunswick and their latest games against Deerfield and Suffield.
Girls Soccer
Coming off a NEPSAC semi-finals appearance, the girls varsity soccer team looks to take the next step.
“[The girls] have the potential to have another great season. There are many young players who are ready to make an impact,” Head Coach Linda Hathorn said. The team is full of star players, including Seton Hall commit Olivia Beauvois ’24 and Providence College commit Emma Gregorski ’25. So far, the team is 7-1-2 winning a great amount of games every week.
Volleyball
“Loomis volleyball has been amongst the top programs in New England for the past few years,” Head Coach Jeff Dyreson said. This year, the new volleyball team contains 4 new freshmen, 5 juniors, 2 seniors, and 1 PG, who are all working hard daily both mentally and physically to excel. The Pelicans have been undefeated with only 5 games and a tournament left. There have been some “strong play[s] early in the season,” Coach Dyreson said. The chemistry of the players is very critical, especially during games. With a positive environment both during and outside of practice, it makes their team extra special. “The volleyball team is a super fun environment to be a part of,” freshman recruit Solen Trainor ’27 said.
Field Hockey
Varsity field hockey, having already played 10 games, is preparing for 7 more dual meets and the NE championships. The team is composed of 7 seniors, 7 juniors, 6 sophomores, and 2 freshmen. Aside from leading vigorous training, Coach Lauren Williams has also strived to create a fun environment for all players.
“It’s very welcoming and a really fun thing to do. As a new student, [field hockey] allows you to meet new people and just have fun,” Reese Growdon ’27 said.
Water Polo
The boy’s water polo team with an impressive win against Westminster last week are excited to try to place in the NE prep titles this year. After a more disappointing season last year, the Pelicans look to change that and turn the results around. Head Coach Edward Pond started in 2012 has been working on getting the boys on track and each year, there are significant improvements.
Equestrian
The Loomis Equestrian team drives around 30 minutes to practice every day. Yet, all the riders have a strong bond with their horses. There are not as many boys on the team this year, but there is a big age range. The equestrians often hang out as a team or eat dinner together.
“It’s a supporting community that helps each other learn and succeed,” Lily Oberweis ’27 said. They do many shows, both normal and IEA.
