Every competitive athletic season, the Colorado Academy Department of Athletics recognizes an individual who recently completed their competitive season and who reflects and possesses the qualities that we look for in our CA team Captains—work ethic, integrity, leadership, commitment, dedication, and being a leader both on and off the field.
This year, because of CHSAA COVID-19 restrictions, we had three sports competing during Season A this fall: Tennis, Golf, and Cross Country. Senior Tennis Captain Ryan Gaghen is the Season A Captain’s Award winner.
Ryan led his teammates with a calm, positive, and humble demeanor this fall. He consistently showed up to practice and warmups on time and always with a focused, hard-working attitude, which he possesses on and off the court. Ryan understands that athletics are not all about winning, but also about giving your best effort and having a positive attitude. He was a great representative of the Tennis program and CA.
In the coaches’ opinion, Ryan won what was perhaps the most epic match of the regular season, coming back from 2-5 down in the third set against Cheyenne Mountain High School and winning the match that clinched CA’s best regular season in recent history. Ryan will be greatly missed by the coaches and his teammates next year.
CHSAA has created 4 competitive seasons and moved the other fall sports that CA offers—Field Hockey, Boys Soccer, and Volleyball to Season C, which will start March 1.
Five Seniors sign National Letters of Intent
Five Seniors and members of Colorado Academy’s Varsity athletic teams signed National Letters of Intent on a bright, chilly day on the Colorado Academy Tennis Pavilion. Even though their smiles were hidden behind their masks, it was evident that these 5 individuals were proud of their accomplishments, as they committed to play their respective sport next year at the Division I level.
Maya Rutherford
Daughter of Matt and JJ, Maya has been at CA since Ninth Grade. She is a standout for the Girls Field Hockey team and a top defender for Coach Laura Sandbloom’s Lacrosse team. Sandbloom describes Maya as one of the best defenders she has ever coached and a loyal teammate with a sly sense of humor. Rutherford has won three State Championships at CA, two in Lacrosse and one in Field Hockey. Maya can be counted on to shut down the opponent’s main offensive threat and does so regularly. Poised and steady, Maya brings these same attributes to the classroom, where she is a powerhouse student. Maya will be a Captain for Coach Sandbloom this spring. Maya is set to compete for the Wolverines at the University of Michigan, under head Coach Hannah Nielsen.
Maya Pellegrini
Daughter of Gino and Ivonne, Maya has been at CA since Kindergarten. She has played Girls Soccer under Coach Sean Stedeford for two seasons, won a State Championship, and will be a Captain next spring for the Mustangs. Maya, who also has ties to the Chilean National team, can be counted on to work hard at both ends of the field and to score timely goals for her team. According to Coach Stedeford, “Maya embraces the spirit of competition in everything she does on the soccer field and in the classroom and has undoubtedly left her mark on the Girls Soccer program.” A teacher at CA describes Maya as “quietly ferocious, pursuing answers with curiosity and gratitude.” Maya also competes in triathlons with her brother and is interested in mechanical engineering, so she can work in the automotive industry. Maya is set to compete at the University of Portland for the Pilots and Head Coach Michelle French.
Katharine Merrifield
Daughter of Brooks and Linda, Katharine has been a member of the CA class of 2021 since Ninth Grade and has made her mark on the school since the first day she stepped on campus. Katharine was named Colorado State Player of the Year in Field Hockey last fall and was also named First Team All-State Lacrosse in her Sophomore year. Katharine has won three State Championships at CA and has been described as dominating on whatever field she competes. Mustang fans won’t soon forget some of the key goals she has scored in Lacrosse and Field Hockey games. Katharine is also a studio artist who creates beautiful and abstract designs. CA Lacrosse Coach Laura Sandbloom says, “Katharine is the clutch player that every coach dreams of having on their team.” Katharine will be a Captain for the Mustangs this upcoming season and will continue her lacrosse career at the University of Michigan, playing under Head Coach Hannah Nielsen.
Spencer Harvey
Son of Ned and Libby, Spencer has been at CA since he was in Pre-K. He has been a member of the Varsity Boys Lacrosse team for three seasons and has also been a member of the Boys Soccer program. Spencer does extremely well in the classroom and is a strong citizen in the CA community. A teacher commented, “Spencer pushes himself headfirst into intellectual challenges, and he brings his peers into the fold with energy and grace.” CA Lacrosse Coach Randy Colley says, “Spencer can be counted on to dive in wherever the team needs him, and his story is best told through his commitment to the program. No one has cared more about his teammates or the team than Spencer.” Spencer was named Captain for the 2021 Lacrosse season and will be looked upon to lead the young Mustang squad. Spencer will be a member of the Colgate University Raider lacrosse team after graduation and play for Head Coach Matt Karweck.
Jessie Bakes
Daughter of Peter and Katie, Jessie is a part of our CA athletic family, even though she does not attend Colorado Academy. Coach Sandbloom says Jessie is “extremely dedicated to the values of CA and the Lacrosse Team.” Jesse attends D’Evelyn High School, where she is a “stellar student” according to her counselor. Jesse has been a star midfielder for CA, is a terror at the draw circle, and has scored some critical goals for the Mustangs. According to Coach Sandbloom, “We’ve won State Championships, not only because Jessie is an amazing producer and has scored some key goals for us, but also because she wins the game-changing 50/50 balls every time. Jessie, we are so lucky that you chose to play with us during your high school career. We will miss your infectious smile, inclusive personality, and your grit.” Next year, Jessie will play for Coach Keely McDonald and the Brown University Bears.