College-Bound Student Athletes Talk Tiger Pride

This has been a banner year for GCDS athletics, marked by championships, records, new facilities, and incredible moments. It has also been a banner year for college-bound student-athletes. In total, 20 student-athletes will move on to compete at the college level next year. Matt Ward, Assistant Athletic Director, sat down with four of them recently to talk about what their time at GCDS has meant to them.

Wyatt Lupo, Hamilton College, Golf

Wyatt Lupo joined GCDS’s varsity golf team as a freshman, making an immediate impact and eventually serving as team captain during his senior year. A two-sport varsity athlete, Wyatt also competed in squash throughout his four years at GCDS. Wyatt attributes much of his development to his coaches’ guidance. “The GCDS coaches have not only helped my game in terms of technical skills but have also changed the way I mentally approach every round of golf I play. They have taught me how to maintain composure and make correct decisions in high-pressure situations.”

As he reflects on his time at GCDS, Wyatt most cherishes the team chemistry developed with his fellow seniors and teammates. This camaraderie contributed to the team’s perfect undefeated season and victory over Brunswick. For Wyatt, Tiger Pride means “embodying core values like empathy and integrity both on and off the course, and holding myself to higher standards at all times, not just when people are watching.”

Director of Athletics Tim Helstein praises Wyatt’s leadership and skill: “He has dedicated countless hours to the sport and continues to shave strokes off his game. He is our No. 1 golfer for a reason, never standing down to pressure and always rising to the occasion. He is our first male golfer recruited to play at the collegiate level.”

Wyatt leaves behind a legacy of leadership, determination, and hard work at GCDS. His success, both individually and as part of a team, has prepared him for collegiate golf student athletes will compete at the college level next year. Look out for more news in the graduation issue. at Hamilton College. His advice to younger students is straightforward: “Get involved with a sport as early as possible and ensure it is what you love to do; it will make spending hours practicing feel like minutes. Look at setbacks as ways to improve rather than letting them get to you.”

Wyatt’s journey from freshman standout to team captain showcases how passion and dedication can help athletes maximize their potential and prepare for competition at the next level while embodying the values that define Tiger Pride.

Griffyn Flood, Wesleyan University, Lacrosse

Griffyn Flood has witnessed the remarkable growth of GCDS’s athletic program firsthand. He began playing varsity lacrosse as an eighth-grader and participated in football for two years and basketball for four years during his Upper School career. This fall, Griffyn heads to Wesleyan University to continue his lacrosse journey.

During his time at GCDS, Griffyn has seen the lacrosse program flourish, reaching a 10-0 record and first place in the FAA with championship aspirations. “I stayed here because I wanted to help build the program and grow with it. It has been everything I’ve asked for,” he reflects.While Griffyn’s on-field performances have been impressive, he values the countless hours of practice, teamwork, and personal connections most. His coaches have significantly influenced his development as both an athlete and person. Head Lacrosse Coach Andrew Copelan’s focus and passion, along with Head Basketball Coach Patrick Scanlon’s emphasis on resilience and toughness, have instilled in him qualities of positivity, determination, and commitment.

Although Griffyn looks forward to competing at the collegiate level, he acknowledges what he’ll miss most: “I think that you play with your best friends and you might not get that chance again. I’ve known these guys since elementary school.”

Athletics Director Tim Helstein commends Griffyn’s impact: “From quarterbacking our Middle School Football Team to being the All-Time Leading Scorer for our Varsity Lacrosse Team, Griff was always a determining factor. What I’ve been most proud of, however, is the leader Griff has become.”

For Griffyn, Tiger Pride transcends words: “I always think about the community, and how this is such a great place, because of that. Students of all ages, teachers, administrators, staff—everyone is rooting for each other and we want each other to succeed.”

His advice to younger Tigers emphasizes connection and balance: “Build relationships early—it’s such an important piece. Make sure you’re staying on top of your academics too but take advantage of the community you have here.”

BRIANNA McDERMOTT, Holy Cross, Basketball

Brianna McDermott’s path to playing Division I basketball at Holy Cross demonstrates her perseverance and determination. Since arriving at GCDS in 2021, she has helped transform the girls’ basketball program from a newcomer in a competitive league to one challenging the best programs in New England.

Brianna leaves a lasting legacy as the first GCDS student-athlete to score over 1,000 points in basketball. Her name now graces a banner in The DON, immortalizing her accomplishment. Athletics Director Tim Helstein notes: “Bri is the definition of drive and determination. It is her dedication to improvement, drive for success, and determination to overcome obstacles that truly reflect her game.”

Reflecting on her growth, Brianna identifies leadership as her greatest area of improvement: “I have been given leadership opportunities and I’ve learned a lot.”

The GCDS community has been integral to Brianna’s experience: “Most people know what’s going on with athletics at the school, especially with basketball, so teachers, friends, everyone wants to know how you’re doing. The buy-in has been great, and my teammates were the best.”

Competing as part of a team has taught Brianna valuable lessons she’ll carry to Holy Cross: “I’m definitely going to take with me the fact that you need to win with each other as a team. No one can do it alone. You accomplish so much more together.”

While Brianna acknowledges the nervousness of leaving a place that felt like home, she’s excited about her next chapter: “I think GCDS has prepared me so well in order to excel academically, athletically, and as a person.”

For Brianna, Tiger Pride encompasses “thoughtfulness, determination, honesty, integrity, and community. That’s what I’ll remember and take with me. I’ve developed as a person because of it.”

As she prepares for her new journey at Holy Cross, Brianna offers advice to younger Tigers: “Mistakes are signs of growth, so don’t dwell on them. They will make you better. Time goes by too fast. Enjoy it.”

Ella Wilner, Clemson, Lacrosse

Ella Wilner joined GCDS in eighth grade and immediately became an integral member of the varsity lacrosse team. After five trans- formative years, she’ll continue her lacrosse career at Clemson University.

Ella takes pride in her team’s evolution: “We started out as a very young, scrappy team, who has evolved into a very successful team. This has come from the many lessons that we learned as we grew. We quickly climbed the rankings and became known in the FAA.”

Coach Caitlin Copelan has been instrumental in Ella’s development: “I have been fortunate enough to play for Caitlin Copelan who inspired all of us to work hard for each other. She always taught us the importance of the intangibles: hard work, heart, and hustle.”

Ella’s experience helping build GCDS’s program positions her uniquely for her next challenge at Clemson: “I have been so incredibly lucky to have learned what it’s like to build a new program here at GCDS and I’m excited to do it all over again this fall.”

Athletics Director Tim Helstein recognizes Ella’s impact: “Her speed and tenacity are unmatched. If the ball is in her stick, chances are, it will shortly be in the back of the opponent’s net. She has put great focus and effort into the growth of her game. As the leading scorer in program history, Ella has left her mark on GCDS Athletics that will be seen and felt for many years to come.”

While Ella will miss wearing the GCDS uniform and playing alongside her teammates, she carries Tiger Pride with her: “Throughout my five years at this school, the concept of Tiger Pride has been carried in my heart. I’m always thinking about respect and dependability in order to be a great teammate, but it goes way further than the field or the school hallways. I apply Tiger Pride to everything in my life, because when I’m off of the field, I still represent the GCDS community.”