This past fall Colorado Academy programs and teams have proven once again to be some of the best in the state. All CA Varsity teams competed in their respective State Tournaments. Cross Country sent a Boys team and Girls representatives to the final State Meet, Field Hockey and Soccer both advanced to the State Tournament semifinals, Boys Golf and Ultimate both competed in the final State round, the Volleyball Team made it to the State Regional Tournament, and Boys Tennis won the State Championship.
To honor our outstanding athletes, the Colorado Academy Athletic Department has initiated the Captain’s Award. This award is presented to one captain, chosen by the Athletic Department staff from team captains who have completed their season and been nominated by their coaches. The person who earns this award serves as a role model on and off the field and demonstrates work ethic, integrity, leadership, commitment, and dedication.
‘Unquestionable integrity for the game’
The fall trimester Captain’s Award goes to Senior Tennis player Richter Jordaan. Jordaan was also named the 4A State Player of the Year for his play at the #1 singles position.
“As a tennis player, Richter was confident in his abilities, which ensured that his teammates trusted him as a leader,” says CA Boys Tennis Coach Brian Singer. “In his four years at CA he showed great dedication and commitment to working on his tennis game by setting high goals for himself and his team. He uplifted the morale for all of his teammates. The supreme quality Richter projected was the unquestionable integrity for the game of tennis. By his actions, he inspired others to dream big, learn more, do more, and become more.”
Also nominated: Murphy, Harvey, O’Donnell
Also nominated for the Captain’s Award were Senior Field Hockey player Sloane Murphy, Senior Ultimate player Bryce Harvey, and Senior Volleyball player Gracia O’Donnell.
Veronica Scott, CA’s head of Field Hockey, praises Murphy for her competitiveness and athleticism. “Sloane truly has been the backbone of our team—a definition of a competitor,” Scott says. “Strong, fast, with an incredible work ethic and wonderful leadership ability, Sloane always puts the team first while pushing herself to continuously be the best she can be.”
Eric Augustin, Head of CA Ultimate, says Harvey has great ability to mentor younger players. “Bryce values team chemistry over individual accolades, and, in a sport frequently defined by its spirit and sportsmanship, continuously displays exemplary qualities of both,” says Augustin. “Simply put, the entire team follows his lead.”
O’Donnell ended the Volleyball season second in CA history for assists, with 1717 throughout her four years as a Varsity starter. “Gracia was exemplary in her leadership of younger CA players who attended summer team camp,” says Head of CA Volleyball Bob Ulrich. “Throughout the fall season, she continued to nurture and lead all the players at all four levels.”
‘Lean into the hard work’
I am constantly reminded of the tremendous, positive influence exhibited by our student-athletes as I observe games, practices, and team meetings. Our student-athletes understand the leverage they can exert to promote a better culture within their teams, programs, and on the CA campus. I’m grateful for students who get involved in the CA athletic program, regardless of their prior experience, and who lean into the hard work that is necessary to compete athletically against the best schools and teams the state has to offer. I look forward to seeing parents, alums, students, and staff at upcoming CA winter sporting contests. Check the CA website for schedule details.