As the fallen leaves continue to give way to the first snowflakes of winter, the Warrior Nation looks back on a hugely successful fall sports season, one highlighted by our girls’ soccer team clinching the state championship! This victory showcased their exceptional skill and teamwork and embodied the spirit and sportsmanship of all our athletes. From the opening games to the final whistles, each team played with heart, amassing impressive victories, and adding to the school’s athletic legacy. As we shift to the winter season, The Pioneer looks back at our fall sports teams this year to celebrate the triumphs, challenges, and milestones which defined them.
Football The football team enjoyed a stellar season. The Warriors finished with a strong 12-2 record, battling their way to regional runners up in Northeast Ohio. The two losses were to Archbishop Hoban in the regular season and playoffs. Nevertheless, the coaches and players had plenty to be proud of. The team was led by Brock Sherman, ‘24 (RB/ LB), Keller Moten ‘23 (QB), and John Keough ‘24 (WR, DB). Brock said, “The season was an overall success even though we didn’t accomplish our end goal of a state championship for Walsh Jesuit. I am going to miss taking the field with all these boys and coaches during each Friday in the fall.”
Volleyball With a 7-18 record, the girls’ volleyball finished with some notable wins over North Canton Hoover, Beaumont, and a playoff upset win over Willoughby South in a 3-2 set. This year’s team was led by seniors Kate Trzcinski, Gabby Grdina, and Taylor Angieski. “Despite the season we had, we really bonded and grew as a team. We overcame many challenges throughout the season. This enabled us to win two playoff games we were not favored to win and advance to District semi-finals,” said Taylor.
Boys’ Cross Country: The 2023 season for the boys’ cross country team was marked by significant achievements and strong performances. The team’s success included winning both the McQuaid Invitational in Rochester, New York, and the Crown Conference title. Senior leader Ajay Khandekar played a pivotal role in the team’s success. “We won the Crown Conference against the odds because NDCL was supposed to beat us,” Ajay shared. The team’s lineup also included key contributors like Ben Purduk and Conner Pittinger. The season began with a strong start at the 3k Time Trial at home and continued with a first-place finish at the Streetsboro and Hoban event, where the team scored 32 points, surpassing both Hoban (38 points) and Streetsboro (62 points). The team also participated in the GlenOak Golden Eagle Invitational, achieving 11th place in the varsity category and 5th in the junior varsity category. At the Woodridge, Rootstown, Streetsboro tri-meet, they secured 2nd place with 37 points. Additionally, the Walsh Jesuit Pat Ritchie XC Invitational saw the team place 8th in the varsity category, 5th in the junior varsity, and 3rd in the open category. The season’s results showcase the depth of talent and provide a bright future for the boys’ cross-country program.
Boys’ Soccer: The boys’ soccer team had a very strong season once again as they finished the season off with a notable 18-3-1 record. The Warriors’ great performance was driven by All-State 2nd Team Carter Madden who tallied 23 goals and 8 assists. Along with Madden, many other players contributed key moments, including senior Charlie Robinson and junior Brady Catanzarite. After last season’s triumph, the Warriors knew they needed to make a statement once again in the ’23 season. “Last season was a lesson. Now, we don’t just revel in victories because we dissect our gameplay looking to improve,” said Catanzarite.
Girls’ Soccer: The Warriors girls’ soccer team overpowered the Ohio competition once again as they booked a trip down to Columbus for a state championship showdown against Olentangy Liberty. The team finished their season with a 17-2-3 record. Virginia Tech commit Hannah Pachan, a junior, led the team with 16 goals and 6 assists along with junior Reagan Pentz who had 8 goals and 5 assists despite only playing in the second half of the season. The Lady Warriors’ state semifinal loss last year against Strongsville helped fuel plans for a state title run. The Warriors’ ability to come together as a team and display stellar performances on the field influenced their domination. “We just work off each other off of that. We make each other better every day, and that’s something that I really appreciate,” said Reagan on how the team finds a way to come together and perform at the highest level. The program has a bright future as they bring back plenty of talent.
Girls’ Tennis The varsity girls’ tennis team finished the season 9-11 with strong with great performances all around. The squad made WJ proud as they relentlessly competed in every match. Junior Lauren Stephens shone all season as she led the team in single match wins. Along with Stephens, junior Laura McHale led the team with doubles wins. The ladies won the Crown Conference and have plenty of returning talent for next season.
Girls’ Cross Country: The 2023 season for girls’ cross-country team was both a demonstration of their great athletic abilities and their dedication. The team’s roster boasted key contributors such as seniors Avery Brobbey and Anysia Reimund, juniors Erin Cleary, Maddie Lefoer, and Lindsay Lisle, sophomores Addison Hatcher and Audrey Lobas, and freshmen Kristina Jalics, Ava Magers, and Brenna McKinney. The season began with promise as the team participated in a 3k Time Trial at home on August 5. A significant achievement was recorded at the Streetsboro and Hoban event on August 21, at Streetsboro Middle School, where the team clinched first place with a score of 19, showcasing their superiority over Streetsboro (46) and Hoban (71). Senior Emma Simms reflected on the season’s success, noting, “We won first in the Crown Conference for the first time since 2016, and two of us made first team. We had amazing coaches this year who were strong role models for everyone, and a much more intense training plan. We put in more work this season than ever before.” Another highlight was the Walsh Jesuit Pat Ritchie XC Invitational on September 9, hosted at home.
Girls’ Field Hockey: The 2023 season for the girls’ field hockey team had a mix of challenges and successes. Their overall season record was 4-10. They secured victories against teams like Stow-Munroe Falls High School, Orange High School, Kent Roosevelt High School, and Laurel High School. However, they faced defeats against schools such as Maumee Valley High School, Ottawa Hills High School, Shaker Heights High School, and Western Reserve Academy. The team was characterized by a strong bond and determination as they look on to more wins next year.
Boys’ Varsity Golf: The boys’ team delivered another impressive season in 2023, showcasing their skills and determination on the links. The team secured seven top-three finishes, including notable victories at the Crown Conference and the Strongsville Invitational. While they narrowly missed a spot in the state championship, sophomore standout Anthony Spain individually qualified, finishing a commendable 21st in the state competition. Several team members achieved personal bests this season. Senior Parker Barrett led the way with a remarkable three-under-par 68. Other significant performances included Junior Steven Voinovich’s combined score of 145 (72-73), Anthony Spain’s 71, Ryan Czenszak’s 73, and scores of 75 from Dominic Calleri and Matthew DiMare. Looking ahead, the Warriors are poised for a strong upcoming season. With a blend of experience and talent, the team will be led by Steven Voinovich, Ryan Czenszak, Anthony Spain, Mossimo Russo, and Ben Yeager. “Results come from putting in the work when nobody else is watching. I worked very hard in the summer which prepared me for the season. As a team we all work hard and feel really optimistic about next year,” shared Steven Voinovich.
Girls’ Golf: The girls’ golf team made great strides this year, notably breaking through the sectional event for the first time in five years. The team, under the leadership of Senior Captain Annie Stencel, demonstrated remarkable skill and consistency. Stencel, with an impressive scoring average of 79.5 and a career-low score of 70, led the team with notable scores of 74 and 75 in various events. They clinched the conference championship with a dominant 89-stroke lead! Additionally, they secured top-three finishes in four prestigious events: the Preview Invitational, Paddle Invitational, Medina Invitational, and Sectionals. Freshman Yumi Kohara emerged as a strong asset to the team, boasting a scoring average of 84 and achieving career-low scores of 75 at the Medina Invitational and 77 at the Preview event. Individual accomplishments were also a highlight, with Gianna Rodenhauser, Colleen Stadler, and Isabel Martin each achieving career lows of 78, 78, and 79, respectively. Senior multi-sport athlete Annie Cors provided support during the late-season surge. Looking ahead, Ava Roman and an exceptionally talented incoming freshman, Sarah Vojtko, are set to join the team, promising continued success and an exciting future for our girls’ golf team.
