Baseball
The Boston Latin School boys’ varsity baseball team wrapped up the 2023-2024 season with a final record of 11-9, winning a little over half of the games played this school year. The boys played hard this season and are sad to see the seniors — Aaron Cassidy, Mark Cronin, John Flynn, Stephen Flynn, Charlie George, Elliot Gordon, Brendan Norton and Paul Linso — go. These seniors showcased a great amount of leadership and inspired younger players. In the game against Wayland, Brendan Norton (I) threw a complete game, pitching the entire time and only allowing two hits. Although the graduating seniors made significant contributions in the 11 wins this season, the team’s future looks bright without them.
Lacrosse
The girls’ varsity lacrosse team ended their season with a 9-8 record and “lots of happy memories” as captain Pippa Nilson (I) says. The team was able to just scrape by with their wins in their season due to their strong perseverance. The team is No. 22 in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) lacrosse ranking and has landed a state playoff spot. Although they are sad to see many of their seniors — such as captain Maeve Murray (I) who had her 100th career goal against Concord Carlisle this season — go, the team has high hopes for next year and are excited to make it to states.
The boys on the varsity lacrosse team have strengthened their bonds more than ever this season. The team faced many major changes during the year, including the influx of many new players and the construction project at their previous field in Moakley Park. The construction project rendered Moakley Park unplayable and they were forced to move their practices to a location in Dorchester. Although this created challenges with transportation and access, they still had productive practices. Defenseman Aiden McCue (III) notes, “The captains are good leaders both on and off the field, and during practices they always keep us focused. As a team, we look up to them a lot.” The team ended their season with a 4-14 record. Although they did not qualify for State Championships this year, they look forward to next season for future success.
Boys Volleyball
This year, the BLS boys’ varsity volleyball team has had many ups and downs, leading to an unforgettable and incredibly fruitful season. They started off strong with wins against schools including Catholic Memorial, Boston Latin Academy (BLA) and Waltham High School. The boys trained hard during the season and won their last game with a clean sweep against Catholic Memorial, ending with a record of 11 wins and seven losses. In addition to their successes on the court, the team boasts incredible energy and has genuine connections with one another. John Tran (II), an outside and opposite hitter, states, “This team has proven itself to be resilient and we have worked hard throughout the season, winning against many teams that we wouldn’t have had a chance with last year.” Despite various injuries, the team placed in the top 20 of the MIAA Division I and they look forward to playing in the State Championship. Tran adds, “All of us will continue to make strides in the summer and winter to make the team even better next year.” They will continue their hard work and dedication throughout the offseason and expect to be even stronger next season.
Tennis
The girls on the varsity tennis team have been working tirelessly and have certainly been continuing the legacy of last year’s success. Ranked No. 2 with a current record of 13-2, the team will play in the State Championships and will most definitely make a spirited run at the state title. Despite facing tough losses against Lexington High School, which is ranked No. 1, and Wellesley High School, they hope to triumph against these teams in their rematches during the postseason playoffs. First doubles player Lillian Nguyen (IV) says, “Last year we made it to the State finals before losing to Lexington. We hope to take it a little further this year but no matter how far we go, our team will try our best to pull through.” The team has had an exceptional season so far with wins against schools like Acton Boxborough Regional High School, where they were able to flip the score and come out victorious. The girls will continue to train and play hard and will undoubtedly be a formidable threat in the MIAA State Championships.
BLS boys’ varsity tennis team has made many improvements this season, both on and off the court. With a current record of eight wins and eight loses, the team secured victories against Catholic Memorial, Waltham High School, Newton South High School and BLA among others. In their last regular-season game against Bedford High School, the boys put up a formidable effort but were unable to take the win. Remarkably, they were able to take one point despite needing some junior varsity athletes to fill in, ending the match with a score of 4-1. Hopeful for the future of the team, singles player Simon Chen (III) comments, “Next year, I hope that we can build an even stronger team, as we have some promising players who are capable of playing varsity given that they continue their development.” The team will steadily maintain this momentum into the playoffs and will get past as many rounds as they can.
Softball
The BLS varsity softball team is one of the most focused self-growth teams in the school. Their goal puts less focus on winning but more focus on cheering on their teammates. This is perfectly exemplified by the use of the “top dog,” or as more people understand, the MVP of the game. The team celebrates and cheers on whoever is at the forefront of the team during the game and they never miss a chance to name their “top dog.” Playing hard games across the state can be rough on players, but the girls have always kept their heads up and focused on themselves and their teammates. By the end of the season, the softball team is happily looking forward to the next season and reflecting on their previous one with fond memories of growth and advancements.
Crew
The BLS crew team is sending both a girls’ and a boys’ boat to USRowing Youth National Championships in Florida. The girls are sending their best varsity boat just like last year, whereas this year the boys are sending an under-17-year-old boat of four. The girls’ team is sad to see nine of their seniors go this year, but captain Ellora Bhatt (II) is also excited for the future, saying, “I have confidence that the juniors, sophomores and freshmen will step up.” The boys’ team made tremendous strides this year, such as overcoming their rival Brookline High School, whom they share a boathouse with. Part of the reason for the new successes on the boys’ team can be attributed to their hardworking coach, Atticus Kane, who has made changes to the team. Although the boys were unsure how to feel about the new style of training at the start of the year, captain Rhys Crawford (II) says, “It really feels like a genuine improvement.” Encouraged by these major achievements, the boats are eager for new rowers that can bolster their close community.
Sailing Team
The sailing team is not one to give up, and they have been able to make huge headway this year. Possibly the most exciting part of this year is the girls’ sailing team qualifying for the Herreshoff Women’s New England Championship for the first time in school history. The team’s skills have allowed them to obtain new achievements and they’re hoping for many more firsts in the coming years. BLS was able to beat the previously undefeated Gloucester team as well as place second in the Donald Green Regatta. Last year, the team won the Massachusetts Bay Sailing League Division B Team Racing Championship. Although they placed third in that championship this year, they won the Carl Zimba Mass Bay League Fleet Racing Championship for the first time ever. Off the water, sailing looks to raise funds for a new fleet.
Outdoor Track
The outdoor track team is looking to make some noise to cap off their strong 2024 spring campaign. After gaining access to White Stadium’s facilities for practices this season, the boys’ track team has seen great success and improvement, especially from their younger players. The girls’ track team as a whole is having a remarkable season, with many setting personal records across all grades, and 12 runners qualifying for the divisionals in Westfield, Massachusetts. Captain and Brown University commit Colin Fisher (I) gives lots of credit to the younger runners, as they have played a large role in the team’s success. He explains, “They have started to take a bigger role on the team, scoring points and running faster.” After finishing second in the Dual County League championship, they are looking to finish off this spring season well at future large meets. The team will travel to both the Divisional and All-State Championships and are also sending numerous runners to the United States National Championship, which is hosted by New Balance, where the team will be looking to make a mark on the national stage.
