The roar of the crowd fades around Jojo Vitaro ’26 as she takes a deep breath and 
steadies herself. As an oncoming attacker rushes toward her, Vitaro stands her ground 
and deftly steals the puck from the attacker with a well-timed sweep check. Seconds 
later, the clock rings and the PHS girls 
hockey team crowds around their 
captain as they celebrate a 7–3 victory 
against Lawrenceville, marking their 
third consecutive victory.

The ice rink was far from unfamiliar 
to Vitaro. She began playing hockey 
at five years old after her brother Nico 
Vitaro ’23 introduced her to the game.

“My brother gave a lot for his team 
when he was a freshman or when he 
was a senior; he played goalie for his 
team, even when he had never played 
goalie [before],” said Vitaro. “He 
sacrificed a lot for hockey and I look 
up to him for that.”

As a result of her family’s 
background in the sport, they 
became a source of inspiration for 
her passion for hockey. Still, she 
only rediscovered her passion after 
stepping away from the game for 
years to pursue a different sport, 
soccer. 

As Vitaro grew over the years 
after her return to the game, Head Coach Christian Herzog observed her growth 
as a player throughout her four years on the team. Specifically, Herzog emphasizes 
her importance as an honorable leader on the ice rink.

“She’s gotten better over the years positioning-wise — that’s a common theme 
within this team,” said Herzog. “She’s more trusted than she has been [in the past], 
and she earned that kind of trust.”

Furthermore, her attitude has also drawn attention from spectators. Herzog 
recalled others noticing Vitaro’s perseverance regardless of the outcome of the game.

“I’ve had colleagues of mine who come to see games, and even if we don’t [do 
well] ... they [say], ‘Hey, so I noticed 
a captain, she just doesn’t throw in 
the towel’,” said Herzog.

Similarly, her efforts have also 
been noticed by her teammates. 
Sophia Lee ’26, another co-captain 
on the team, emphasizes Vitaro’s 
willingness to be honest and 
communicative.

“A lot of people feel like they can’t 
give me feedback or that they’re not 
in the place [to do so],” said Lee. “But 
whenever the period ends, she’ll 
skate up to me, and she [says] ‘Hey, 
I’m just noticing this and this...’; then, 
I’ll do my best to correct it right away, 
and I honestly see that as one of her 
best qualities as a captain.”

Beyond her individual growth, 
Vitaro highlighted the improvement 
of the team as a whole throughout 
her career. Ever since Vitaro joined 
the team in her freshman year, 
she has witnessed the team make 
changes that allowed them to 
gradually improve.

“My freshman year, we lost all of 
our games,” said Vitaro. “Since then, 
we’ve had so much improvement ... We’ve won quite a few games this year and last 
year, and comparatively, we’re playing a lot better.”

Despite losses discouraging the team in the past and an 0–15 season in Vitaro’s 
freshman year, Herzog found that they were critical to the development of the team.

“You learn a lot more from a loss than you ever will from a win,” said Herzog. 
“Losses, which we’ve had plenty [of] over four years ... they create character.”

Vitaro recently committed to being a student-athlete at Tulane University. As 
she looks back on her time spent with the team, she cherishes every one of their 
moments together.

“Even though we haven’t been the strongest team in the past, it’s been worth every 
moment of stress, anger, and frustration,” said Vitaro.

Photo: Jasur Agzamov
After committing to Tulane, Vitaro feels proud of her improvement and looks forward to continuing her career in college

JoJo Vitaro '26: ice hockey

On October 24, the PHS varsity boys football team ended their season with a 35–0 shutout against West Windsor-Plainsboro South, marking the finale of a 7–2 season, a team best in 11 years. However, their season was cut short prematurely, as the team was disqualified from the playoffs. The Tigers faced three ejections, and a rule from the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) prevents teams with three or more 
ejections from participating in the state tournament. 

“Our coach [Charles Gallagher] told us,” said co-captain Ellington Hinds ’26. “He sat us down and told [the ruling] to us straight up, but then he left and gave us some time to think about it.”

When asked to provide commentary on the recent suspensions, Head Coach Charles Gallagher and Coach Brandon Williams both declined to be interviewed. Linebacker Julian Frevert ’27 explained how the playoff suspension resulted in a shared negative shift in the team’s attitude towards their season. 

“Leading up to the suspension, we were 6–1 ... so we were 
doing really [well],” said Frevert. “Then, [the suspension] 
happened, [which] kind of ruined the whole vibe of the 
team and made us feel like we messed up in some way.”

Anderson Potter ’26 took a more optimistic approach to 
the suspension, however, observing how the team gained 
experience by learning from past seasons. He explained 
how they leveraged this experience to succeed in the season.

“Everyone had their experience to lead up to these wins 
and built upon them,” said Potter. “I think we had a lot of 
success, and I think it was a really fun season. It was great.”
 
The suspension drew mixed reactions from the team, especially in the light of other issues that complicated this decision. Hinds believes the ejections weren’t entirely fair to the team.

“I think it’s because we are Princeton,” said Hinds. “It’s a [pattern] that the [referees] don’t like us.”

In terms of the ejections, Potter explained the first two ejections were due to unsportsmanlike conduct and an argument with a referee. He remarked that the third ejection, which led to the disqualification, was heavily contested by the team.

“The [third] one — this is the one that a lot of people are trying to argue against — [happened because] someone [said] 
something in a huddle,” said Potter. “The [referee] threw a flag because I think it was a bad word or maybe the [referee] didn’t like what he heard. That was the third one where he also got disqualified.”

While Frevert said that the team is generally displeased and disappointed with the disqualification due to the impressive season they had, he acknowledges that it wasn’t entirely uncalled for.

“In theory, [the decisions] were controversial, but by rule, it deserved to happen, and it should have happened to us,” said Frevert. “So as a team, we feel like it wasn’t deserved because we don’t feel like we’re the type of team to be disqualified. But, we did break the rules, and if you break the rules, you get disqualified.”

Additionally, the team is looking to focus more on sportsmanship and how they present themselves in upcoming seasons. Frevert echoed this sentiment, detailing the plan to work on behavior in the future. 

“The seniors talked about it, and we’re [going to] put a big emphasis on sportsmanship and how we behave in general and be more strict with the enforcement of punishment so [players] abide by the rules,” said Frevert.

Potter corroborated this idea of emphasizing sportsmanship within the team’s culture. He underlined the importance of ensuring this type of behavior doesn’t become a pattern or a reputation.

“The most important thing, especially for the freshmen, is knowing that this [behavior] is not normal, and this is not [what] should be expected from the team,” said Potter.“Everyone should be looking to build each other up and then everyone should also, learning from this event, carry themselves with the most professional attitude ... on and off the field.”

As the team puts this setback behind them, they aim to come back stronger next season, even with the loss of their many graduating seniors. 

“I feel like we have guys who could be better, who 
are [going to] step up, and I think that we’re [going 
to] be just as good, if not better, next year, and we’re 
[going to] work really hard to get there,” said Frevert.

Photo: Jasur Agzamov

Anderson Potter ’26, Dayron Ospina Posada ’26, Kobe Smith ’27, and Vincent Min ’28 celebrate a big play.

Football team banned from playoffs

Ripples spread throughout the water while the crowd of spectators hold their breath. All of a sudden a large cheer erupts as Grant Shore ’26 rows through the finish line of the 
prestigious Head of Charles regatta, a highly regarded race in the rowing world. Shore and his team end up placing fourth, in a race that attracted thousands from across the globe.

Shore initially lived in Wisconsin but later moved to New Jersey and took an interest in rowing. Shore’s older brother Rory first introduced him to intramural rowing team during 
eighth grade at the Hun School. Shore medaled in a few of the races during that season and decided to row for the Princeton National Rowing Association (PNRA) that summer. 

“I played basketball throughout middle school and in the freshman year of high school,” said Shore. “Up until I was 10 years old, I’d say ski racing was my main sport, then basketball, and then [I moved to] New Jersey. For the last two years, two and a half years now, rowing has been kind of my main sport.”

After transferring to PHS during the fall of his sophomore year, Shore decided to pursue rowing full time. Early on in his rowing journey, former Princeton University rower and boys rowing varsity coach Jamie Hamp became one of Shore’s biggest role models.

“He’s really been able to provide a lot of insight into the whole process of training,” said Shore. “He’s been very helpful in giving insight on what optimal nutrition is, what the optimal pacing for each workout [and] optimal ways to plan out your day to best ... orient your recovery. And it’s just been very helpful to have coaches like that.” 

In July 2024, Shore competed internationally and was a quarterfinalist in the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta. He competed in the Head of the Charles Regatta and placed fourth in the Under 19 (U19) eight category last year in October as well. For these accomplishments, Shore had to persevere and make tough decisions on a daily basis. 

“[I make] sure each night I am getting my homework done in a timely fashion so that I can get to sleep. During the day, [I 
make] sure I’m getting all my work done, [so] ... going into practice, I don’t have anything I need to handle that would take away from practice,” said Shore.

Even with his acheivements, Shore recognized that rowing is an extremely demanding sport. When he first joined PNRA, Shore struggled with getting used to the intensity of the training and the environment. 

“He wasn’t acclimated to that volume. And so he did hit a little bit of a plateau, and he did struggle a little bit,” said Hamp. “I told him to relax, take a deep breath, 
[and] it’s not that big of a deal."

With the help of coaches and teammates, Shore was able to overcome this obstacle, both mentally and physically. 

“But the hard part, I guess, is just kind of getting through it and realizing what is it that’s holding me back, what is it that needs to be overcome?” said Shore. “And then once you 
address that factor and overcome it, then obviously start to improve again.”

Still, Shore was already a prominent rower early in his career. Teammate Will Kovalick ’27 recalls meeting Shore during his freshman year met.

“He was in the one V as a sophomore, which is pretty impressive,” said Kovalick.

Not only is he technically skilled, Shore is also a role model to his fellow teammates. 

“I feel like he’s always there for advice [and someone] I can look up to, and he’s helped me develop my leadership skills … and it’s just his common nature to act as a leader,” said 
Vrishank Nalla, who competed with Shore at nationals. 

Both Nalla and Hamp say that, once Shore has his mind set on something, he doesn’t take his mind off of it until it is complete. 

“He’s not a very big vocal person. He’s more of a lead by example guy …he’s got this quality that, when he talks in the boat or says something in a meeting or says his 
goals for the boat, everyone’s listening,” said Hamp.

Shore’s main goal is to qualify for the U-23 national team, as last year was his final year on the U-19 team.

“So my goal would be to try and get on [the national team] sometime [in] the next two or three years, and then try 
and obviously compete for a medal this year.” Shore said.

This August, Shore was selected to represent team USA for the U19 Men’s World Rowing Championships in Lithuania. As rowing has shaped Shore over these past few years, he has grown as not only a rower but a person. Shore doesn’t just enjoy getting out on the water and winning, he loves being able to meet different people that all share common interests and goals with him. 

“The camaraderie is definitely my favorite part, getting to meet a lot of unique and interesting people,” said Shore. “The people who you row with, kind of whatever reason you keep coming back and keep talking to them, because it just bonds you in a way.”

Photo: Jasur Agzamov

After placing fourth at the international Head of the Charles Regatta and representing the US for the U19 team in Lithuania, Shore hopes to qualify for the U-23 national team.

Grant Shore '26: rowing

Ready, set, hike! The ball is immediately snapped and handed off to Carmine Carusone ’26. He sprints past defenders and breaks tackles on his way to scoring a pivotal touchdown for the Tigers. A couple seconds later, he jogs back out to kick the extra point, which he drills right between the two uprights. 

Carusone grew up playing football with his brothers and friends - instilling an early connection to the sport. However, he initially played both soccer and lacrosse in his freshman year before making the switch to join the high school football team. 

“Once I started the workouts in the summer and I got to see the kind of bonds that you create, and what it's like to actually put the pads on, [it was] something that I knew I couldn't get away from,” said Carusone.

When he first started on the team, Carusone played as a cornerback and kicker. This didn’t stop him from achieving division honors in just his sophomore year, being named First Team Defense for his position as cornerback by the West Jersey Football League. The organization chooses division all-stars each year, the best in their respective positions, in collaboration with league coaches in all 17 divisions. 

Head Coach Charles Gallagher has been leading the PHS boys football team for over 10 years. When he first met Carusone, Gallagher knew he would be a great asset to the team. 

“We saw he was an athlete. He was tough, he was fast, and he was smart,” said Gallagher. “He was a great kid, and we'd like to think that we built our program around good kids.”

In a recent game against Lawrence, Carusone played a pivotal role defending his position as running back against the opponents.

“I remember he had like a 60 yard run against Lawrence where he ran through like, two, three guys,” said teammate Julian Frevert ’27. “And then, [it] took like five guys to bring him down.”

The following season, Carusone got his first snaps at the running back position, recording 651 yards on 130 attempts and five touchdowns. That season, the Tigers would go 5–5, winning the Valley Division title, and competing in the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. Additionally, Carusone was named First Team All Offense, this time for his position at running back in the Valley Division, for his contributions. 

Now, as a senior, Carusone is co-captain of the team. However, Gallagher says leadership is something that comes to him naturally and has been present in him for years, along with the characteristics that make up an excellent football player.

“He's become a great leader for our program,” said Gallagher. “He plays three different positions, some of the hardest positions. Being running back, corner back, and also being our full-time kicker, as punter, [means] he doesn't come off the field.”

In addition to playing such a pivotal role in the team, Carusone shoulders heavy responsibilities like school and academics. During the summer, the team completes workouts in preparation for the season. It doesn’t stop there though; the team has practice six days a week throughout the school year. 

“When school starts, I try to keep my mind on my scores as much as I can throughout the school day,” said Carusone. “Then as soon as football comes, my mind just completely shifts. I'm focused, ready to learn about the team that we're playing against or new plays that we're putting in."

Stepping into his leadership role, Carusone assists teammates in the weight room, a pivotal part of offseason training for every member on the team. In the weight room, he can be found leading teammates in exercises and providing support for everyone to get the most out of their workout.

“He's [the] kind of guy you want to get behind and follow,” said teammate Julian Frevert ’27. “He's one of our strongest guys and a really good example to have for younger guys on the team and people my age.” 

Even through tough moments such as losing the homecoming game in Carusone’s sophomore year, he took it as a chance to redirect his energy towards improvement.

“So when big losses like that happen, we try to just keep the team together and uplift everybody so that when the next big game comes, we're ready to go,” said Carusone.

For his final season, Carusone hopes to lead the team to another great season and victory at the homecoming game. While still going through the recruitment process, he has stacked an impressive resume from his time on the team and left a legacy that won’t be forgotten.

“The best part about football is, for me, is ... what it's like to be a part of a team. When you're part of a team, you're like a family, and [it’s] like a culture that no one else has, except for your team,” said Carusone. “When I step on that field, I know that I have my teammates’ [backs] and I know that they have my back.”


Carmine Caruson '26: football

The crowd roars as he laces up his cleats and takes to the field. Aaron Thyrum ’26 jogs out on the pitch in one of the biggest games of the season, a home playoff game against Monroe. Thyrum flies around the field, ready to make the most of every offensive opportunity that comes his way, while also playing crucial defense against quick attackers. Through Thyrum's efforts, the Tigers secure the win and advance onward to the next round of the CVC tournament.

Starting at the age of four, Thyrum’s soccer journey started by following in the footsteps of his father. He first started playing soccer at the age of three, along with other sports such as baseball and football. However, eventually he chose to pursue just soccer when he was in middle school.  

“My dad is really the one that got me into soccer. I mean, he's a soccer fan as well, so it's just a matter of how any other kid gets into sports,” said Thyrum. “As middle school came along .. I really wanted to ... get better at one specific thing, that's when soccer ... pulled ahead of everything else.”

However, once he reached high school and began his freshman season, Thyrum experienced a significant setback when he injured his back. 

“I had a back injury where I was out for nine months ... you can say that was like the lowest point in my soccer career, because I had to go a full nine months without even touching the ball,” said Thyrum.

Head Coach Ryan Walsh first started coaching soccer at PHS 11 years ago. Along with introducing him to a physical trainer, Walsh helped Thyrum stay connected mentally to the game and to the team throughout his rehabilitation. 

“I remember how upset he was, and he was not able to play. I could just tell that he loved the game and wanted to play so bad,” said Walsh.

Despite the setback, quitting was never an option for Thyrum, who maintained a positive attitude.

“I don't think it was necessarily something where I wanted to quit. I think it's just you have your highs and lows, but at the end of the day, you have to understand it's a fun game that you get to play with your friends,” said Thyrum. 

However, the next season would prove to be different as Thyrum was able to get on the field as a member of the varsity team. Ultimately, the squad won the State Championship, an especially proud moment for the team.

“Going from a sophomore not playing at all to a junior last year for him, it's a really big gap, and he had to immediately become one of the most important players,” said teammate Kian Asiaie ’27. “I mean, that's always hard mid season, just kind of missing out a little bit, but he always bounced back really good.”

In 2024, Thyrum recorded three goals and seven assists as the team went on to win 18 games and a sectional victory against Monroe. 

This season, Thyrum is one of three captains on the varsity team. As a captain, Thryum takes inspiration from the leaders that came before him, such as Archie Smith ’25 and Azariah Breitman ’25, in his approach to leading the team.

“Obviously, last year, you look at the captains and the year before that, and I really considered those guys as people I look up to, and those [who] set the example,” said Thyrum. “But now, as a captain, and as a senior on the team, you really have to embrace the role model role.” 

Thyrum stands out as a vocal figure through the team's high-intensity training sessions, an essential part of their game preparations. Working with his co-captains, he pushes the team to be the best they can be through workouts and drills, to ensure a winning season. 

“The guys really are attracted to him ... they gravitate towards him because of his ability to connect with [them],” said Walsh. “He himself is training really hard ... it's very rare to have a guy who both leads by example and leads their voice. And he does both.”

His leadership style has received high praise from multiple teammates in addition to his skill in games throughout the season. 

“Soccer wise, he's an amazing player [and] technically, he's really good. His shooting technique is insane,” said Asiaie. “This year, against Hightstown, he dropped an incredible performance. And, I mean, that's just like the Aaron Thyrum we know.”	

So far this season, the Tigers are 13-2-1, including being 6-0-1 in CVC conference play and Colonial Division champs. Thyrum has recorded two goals and seven assists as the team has rallied around him in crucial moments this season.  

Although unsure about his career as a soccer player in college, Thyrum looks forward to another season as the Tigers look to finish strong before ultimately hoping to win the state championship title. 

“We feel as though we're family. I feel like everybody, no matter what position or role that you're in, everyone has a role, and you're connected to one another,” said Thyrum.


photo:Jasur Agzamov


Thyrum plays as one of the senior midfielders and helped the team win the CVC tournament and state final last year.


Aaron Thyrum '26: soccer

Bouncing the ball against the court, Shaan Zaveri ’25 adjusts his feet as he prepares to serve. Taking a deep breath, he hits a fast flat serve out wide with his racket and rushes to the net as the opponent returns the ball. Angling his racket face, Zaveri hits a volley winner between the opposing players.

Zaveri was introduced to tennis when he was in fifth grade, inspired by his sister. Growing up, Zaveri also played table tennis and soccer, which caused him to take many breaks from tennis. He eventually decided to focus on tennis, choosing to do so because of how much he enjoyed watching his favorite players, especially his role model Novak Djokovic.

“One of my role models is Novak Djokovic. He's a pretty famous tennis player, and I like how he's calm in tense moments,” said Zaveri. “I really like his mental toughness, and that's something I put towards my game whenever I'm down a set, or I'm down a couple games, so I'm not [scared] to make a comeback or hit a shot.”

Mental toughness is especially important in tennis, since while playing, players only have themselves or a partner. Zaveri tries to exemplify this ideal, especially in a tough match.

“I'm a risk taker ... I never back down from the big moments ... and I'm never giving up on a point. Even if the ball looks like it’s going out, I'm still hustling towards the ball,” said Zaveri.

Being strong mentally and emotionally has also helped Zaveri win important matches. One such example was the 2025 Colonial Valley Conference tournament first doubles final, where he and his doubles partner Tacto Yamada ’27 were able to beat the same doubles team they had lost to previously, winning first place. 

“Winning the Mercer County tournament individually with my partner Tacto this year [was a highlight of my season], because the last two years we've been [losing] and [getting] third place,” said Zaveri.

In addition to his skills and mental strategy during matches, Zaveri has also learned to be a leader on the team, understanding the importance of balancing being competitive with having fun on the court, which stood out to PHS boys tennis Head Coach Sarah Hibbert.

“He enjoys the lighter side of things as well. He enjoys having fun on court, and I think that it's important to be able to lighten up the intensity sometimes because it can be an intense sport,” said Hibbert. “There can be a lot of pressure. So being able to find moments of comedy is important.”

In tennis, players also need to be able to grow and adapt their game to play well against stronger opponents. Last year, in the doubles tournament, Zaveri and Yamada nearly beat the number two seeded pair in a close match.

“They really rose to the level [that was needed] and played a great match. [Zaveri]’s improved over the years and I think overall he has really stepped into the role as first doubles this year, and it's been a pleasure watching him grow as a player and as a person,” said Hibbert.

Even with the amount of time and effort Zaveri puts into tennis, he has been able to find a balance between his academic and athletic lives.

“I used to schedule my tennis [according] to my school schedule, I would play right after school, and then I'd go home, and I would rest, like a nap or a snack, and then I'd do my homework, and then it's just a cycle,” said Zaveri.

This season has been his second with Yamada as his partner. After working out the imperfections in their partnership, their chemistry has grown to be stronger, built on their trust and communication.

“Last year I was paired up with Shaan as well, and we were still figuring out what we should do as doubles [partners] but this year, we were able to figure out how to play doubles and talk to each other and stuff like that,” said Yamada.

Zaveri’s tennis journey has also been about personal growth as it is about getting better as a player and being a part of the team, learning lessons along the way that go beyond the court.

“I've made a lot of good buddies that I wouldn't think that I would make just regularly interacting with the high school and the community,” said Zaveri. “[I’ve learned to] never give up and just try to have fun.”


photo: Jasur Agzamov

Zaveri finishes his high school tennis career with many accomplishments, including winning first place at the Mercer County tournament in doubles. 

Shaan Zaveri '25: tennis

With the baseball nestled in his glove, James Schiavone ’25 adjusts his stance on the
pitcher’s mound for the final time, grounding his feet. Taking a steady breath, he pitches
a fastball, watching as it cuts through the air, slipping past the batter, and landing in the
catcher’s mitt with a solid thump. Strikeout.

Schiavone began his baseball journey at age four, when he played his first tee ball game.
Growing up, Schiavone played both baseball and basketball, but ended up choosing to
focus on baseball. His brother Kenneth Schiavone ’22, a former baseball player, was one
of his biggest inspirations growing up.

“My older brother, Kenny, who played for the high school team for four years, taught me
when I was younger how to play,” said Schiavone. “Even now, whenever he comes home
from college, he comes to my [games] and gives me different tips.”

For Schiavone, baseball is a year-round dedication. Not only does he serve as one of the
co–captains of the PHS baseball team, but he is also one of the pitchers for Princeton’s Post
218 American Legion team over the summer. The American Legion is a broad organization
overseeing multiple baseball teams in all fifty states. Many players participate in the American
Legion to improve their skills and as a stepping stone between high school and colllege.

“We play about 25 games in two and a half months, and then I go straight into Legion,
which is another 20 games in 30 days,” said Schiavone.

However, even with the large amount of time and energy that baseball demands, Schiavone
is able to find a balance between his athletics and his life as a student.

“I enjoy every minute of baseball, so I
don’t see it as an obligation anymore, so
that once I’m done with baseball, I still
have a lot [of] energy,” said Schiavone.
“I’m still ready to go, still [doing] all my
school work, just got to find the balance.”

That mindset proved especially
important to Schiavone after he suffered
an elbow injury in sophomore year.

“We get in a thing called a slump.
You’re not even supposed to say the word
[it’s]—bad luck— but when you’re not
hitting well, it’s really hard to break out
of it, because it starts getting mental,”
said Schiavone. “You start thinking
about if you’re good enough. Then you
need toughness, and just got to keep
practicing [and] keep working.”

Through patience and hard work, he
returned strong as a junior, earning a spot on the varsity team. That season, Schiavone
helped the team defeat Hopewell Valley for the first time in over ten years, ending the
game with a 2.33 earned run average, which prevented the opposing team from gaining
runs and kept Princeton in the lead.

Like any sport, mastering baseball requires a diverse range of skill sets. Schiavone is
always looking for ways to refine his game.

“Baseball is a game of failure. You can always improve,” said PHS boys baseball Head
Coach Dominic Capuano. “We’ve worked on his hitting and how to stay more balanced
pitching-wise. He [has] worked really hard to stay healthy the last two years and throw more
strikes and be commanding. And the mental side of the game, we’re always working on.”

Schiavone’s drive for constant improvement and dedication has made him an effective
leader on the team according to many of his teammates and coaches.

“He’s always been a hard worker. He’s always been someone who’s had success on the
mound and at the plate, and he’s always shown leadership qualities, which have really been
accentuated this year,” said Capuano. “He leads by example, he does all the right things. He
really truly cares about the success of everybody around him in the program.”

Not only is he devoted captain according to his coaches, Schiavone’s positive attitude and
encouraging words during games have also made a lasting impression on his teammates.

“My first year, when I was a freshman, [I was] really scared and I didn’t really know
anybody, and James made me feel
super welcome to the team,” said
Matthew Akey ’26. “He’s always
been the positive guy … and he’ll
definitely push you to be better.”

After becoming a co–captain of
the team this year, Schiavone hopes
to continue acting as a role model
for his team members.

“I just want to do everything I
can to help the team and continue
being the leader,” said Schiavone.
“I hope that I can be a reason we
are doing well.”

This year marks Schiavone’s
fourteenth year playing baseball
and his final year on the team.
Reflecting on his high school career,
Schiavone has not only grown as an
athlete but also in mindset, and he plans to continue that passion in college.

“I want to, if the opportunity comes to me, play baseball in college,” said Schiavone. “If
not, I would just like to play club baseball.

Photo: Jasur Agzamov
Schiavone, who has been playing baseball for 14 years, looks forward to his final season as one of the team’s pitchers, spending it alongside his friends and coaches.

James Schiavone ’25: baseball 

Pushing past the wall of defenders, Brendan Beatty ’25 shoots the winning goal by flicking his stick forward, allowing the ball to glide into the back of the net as the crowd goes wild. With only thirty seconds left on the clock, Beatty demonstrates perseverance and grit, key skills needed to secure the win for the team. 

Beatty’s lacrosse journey started in third grade after he moved from England to the United States. Following his older brother’s example, Beatty soon picked up the sport as well. Throughout his lacrosse career, Beatty found inspiration from one of the coaches of his club team, CJ Kirst, a senior at Cornell and one of the top players in college lacrosse. Beatty learned that success in lacrosse isn’t only about skill, but patience and dedication as well.

“Hard work and dedication will take you places,” said Beatty. “You have to respect those who’ve been around longer and learn from them. It’s a slow process, and things don’t come right away.”

As a freshman, Beatty stood out to PHS boys lacrosse Head Coach Chip Casto as one the more advanced players, having experience in both hockey and lacrosse. 

“He also brought the other things you want to see in athletes, which is effort, tenacity, intensity, and commitment to getting better at the sport during the off-season, and he really personifies that,” said Casto.

However, at a higher level, it can be difficult to deal with pressures to achieve perfection. 
“There are times when he doesn't feel like he's done enough for the team and he struggles with holding on to that for too long and that might affect the way he plays,” said Casto.

However, as Beatty progressed throughout the years, he has come to understand that mistakes are just part of the process of improvement. 

“As a player he's become better at everything, at playing defense, at figuring out situations so his mental game is much better. He's a better shooter,” said Casto. 

Apart from becoming a better player, he has also grown as a person and a leader, becoming more disciplined, confident in the process of how a game will play out. 

“He’s a great leader. He’s always stepping up to do the right job,” said teammate Peter Pessutti ’27. “He’s always helping out younger kids and teaching us to do respectful things.”

Looking back on his high school career, Brendon’s advice to his freshman self is simple yet telling. 

“Don’t take anything for granted. Always go out to get more reps and work when people aren't watching or listening because that's the biggest thing,” said Beatty.

Beatty’s final season is soon to start, and everyone is looking forward to how much he has grown both on and off the field in the last four years. 

“He’s becoming more vocal and people listen to him. We’re excited to see how he leads us in his senior season,” his coach said. 

Beyond his school career, Beatty is looking forward to playing for the University of Vermont. On September 1st of his junior year, schools began to reach out to him, but Vermont stood out to him the most. 

“Vermont was one of my top schools. When I visited, I saw the campus and met the team. It checked all the boxes, and I knew I wanted to go there,” said Beatty. 


Photo: Jasur Agzamov

Beatty, who has been a lacrosse player since freshman year, looks to continue his legacy at PHS with his senior season.

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