Behind every strong, well-disciplined sports team is strong leadership: the team captains. Captains are tasked with setting the tone for practices and games, leading by example, and holding their teammates accountable.
As winter sports approach the back half of their season, captains across the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) swim, hockey, basketball, and wrestling teams are focusing not only on winning, but on creating the confidence and consistency they will need to carry into the postseason.
Junior Leah Thomson and senior Nora Motahari serve as co-captains of the girls’ swim team, which recently placed third in the relay carnival, and had a strong showing at the Cape and Islands Championship.
Leah said, “We’re hoping the girls can qualify for states and get a chance to compete at a high level. We’re focused on keeping everyone confident, and supporting each other at every meet.”
The boys’ hockey team graduated 11 seniors last year, but currently has a strong young core frontlined by senior captain Griffin Callahan and junior captain Max Metell. The official Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) power ranking came out last Friday, and has the boys sitting at No. 5 in Division 4, with a 10-4 record.
“Setting the standard of getting [to the rink] early, working, and giving our all is a big part of our recent success,” said Max. “As a captain I try to lead by example to make sure everyone has the same mindset, especially with playoffs coming up.”
The girls’ hockey team is led by senior captains Elle Mone and Reese Malowski, and junior captain Abby Geary. The girls are 5-8 this season, and are looking to finish strong.
“We have a strong core and we’re developing depth, and that’s been a difference maker in some close games this season,” Abby said.
The boys’ basketball team is ranked No. 10 in Division 3, and is hoping to have two home games in the playoffs. Led by junior captains Leo Napior, Landon Levine, and Jacoby Light, the team knows they have to resist playing down to their opponents.
“We have to play to our level of basketball,” said Leo. “When we play Martha’s Vineyard basketball, we are one of the best teams in the league. As a captain I value our team’s chemistry, and we’ll be working hard to keep that team chemistry strong heading into the playoffs.”
The wrestling team had their first home match in 42 years this season. Senior Tripp Arciaga, who is new to the sport, led the team to a 54-24 win over Falmouth.
Senior wrestling captain Isaac Lefebvre said the team’s success is mostly about effort. “Even if you don’t have as much skill as your opponent, you can win with effort,” he said.
All captains agree that when Vineyard fans show up in full support of the teams, it enhances their drive and makes all the hard work of the season worth it.
