NMH Celebrates Winter Athletics at Hogspys Ceremony

With the first hints of spring emerging all around campus, citizen-scholar-athletes gathered with their coaches and athletics staff in the Rhodes Art Center on March 27 to celebrate the 2025–26 winter athletics season. The NMH Winter Hogspys honored the grit, determination, and team spirit inherent throughout the winter sports program with awards, highlights from the season, and reflections from staff and students.

Winter student-athletes enjoyed a formal dinner with their teams in Alumni Hall, then headed down the hill to pose for group photos with teammates and coaches before the official ceremony kicked off in Raymond Hall.

The evening began with an introduction from Assistant Athletics Director Molly Rehnquist, who lauded students' dedication to their teams and sport, despite the "late nights, long bus rides, and cold, short days that somehow turn into long days.

"Year after year, our students find a way to make it competitive, connected, and fun," Rehnquist said.

She noted several milestones from the season, such as several basketball players eclipsing the 1,000-point mark, the boys' and girls' ice hockey teams playing their last games in McCollum Arena, the strong showing the swimming teams had at the All-NEPSAC championships, and the fencing team's triumphant return to NMH.

Head of School Brian Hargrove thanked the athletics staff and coaches for their continuous efforts and support of each team and athlete and expressed his gratitude to students for "making the winter a little brighter" with their dedication to their craft and each other.

"I absolutely believe we grow through all of it," said Hargrove. "We grow in the wins, we grow in the losses, and we always grow through what we learn. So thank you for being the student-athletes-citizens that you are."

Following Hargrove's remarks, seasonal awards were handed out in the following categories:

• The "Contest of the Year" award went to the girls' varsity basketball team for its comeback win against Austin Prep after trailing by as many as 26 points in the third quarter.
• "Breakthrough Athlete of the Year" was awarded to Jonathan Toriello '29 for his continuous improvement as a wrestler over the course of the season, culminating in his pin of an opponent in the semifinal round at the New England championships.
• "Best Performance by an Individual" went to swimmer Paulo Mota Neto '27, whose 45.36-second time in the 100-meter freestyle shattered the previous NMH record set in 1988.
• "Play of the Year" was given to Izzy Cassady '28, a member of the girls' varsity ice hockey team, for her winning goal against Kents Hill.

Following seasonal awards, student speakers Nate Djanogly '26 and Ellie Pinkham '26 offered thoughts on their athletic journeys at NMH and the growth they experienced as individuals and teammates in their time here.

Djanogly, who grew up in London, spoke of overcoming feelings of not being good enough when he went from being one of the best players on the court in his homeland to fighting for a spot in the lineup at NMH.

"I learned to keep going and focus on myself," he said. "I realized that the most important person to care about on the court is you. It is about the goals you set for yourself, not about trying to match someone else."

Djanogly related the tribulations he went through after suffering serious injuries in two consecutive seasons and how those experiences helped him grow as a teammate. "My time away from the game taught me that I have more to give to NMH athletics than putting a ball in a basket. I started to enjoy cheering my teammates on and trying to help from the sidelines, because part of being an athlete, especially at NMH, means being part of a family."

He summed his feelings up with a personally meaningful quote: “‘It's not about the destination; it's not about the journey either: It's about the company.' I think all of us in this room are in pretty good company here at NMH as student-athletes. I encourage you to make the most of it." 

Pinkham, a leader on the girls' Alpine team, ruminated on the gear necessary for her sport and how items such as her ski boots, socks, and jacket symbolize the memories and mindset she developed over her time skiing at NMH.

"When you put on your jacket or suit or jersey, you represent not only yourself as an individual, but also your teammates and the school as a whole," Pinkham said. "By putting on the uniform, you carry a small piece of your team's culture and legacy with you, and you will carry this legacy for years after you graduate."

She expressed appreciation for the nuances, rituals, and "small moments" that make being part of a team a transformative experience. "When we all graduate, looking back on our time here as athletes, the victories — and even the losses — won't be the first things we remember. It will be traditions like wearing fun socks or singing in the locker room or playing imposter on the bus that will come to mind. As high school athletes, at the end of the day, what really matters is these small moments that build lifelong connections.

"As we all pack our bags at the end of the season, remember these values that make you not only an athlete, but a competitor, a mentor, and, most important, a teammate," Pinkham said.

The ceremony proceeded with the announcement of Coaches Awards, when the following students were recognized for their contributions to their teams, the athletics program, and the school:

• Boys' Alpine: Samuel Rotermund '26
• Girls' Alpine: Ellie Pinkham '26
• Boys' Thirds Basketball: Michael Edokpa '29
• Boys' JV Basketball: Jaden Lee '28
• Boys' Varsity Basketball: Darren Moore '26
• Girls' Thirds Basketball: Jane Namusisi '26
• Girls' JV Basketball: Albertine Faye '26
• Girls' Varsity Basketball: Larea Jean-Ross '26
• Fencing: Allen Chen '26
• Boys' JV Ice Hockey: Georgii Panasenko '26
• Boys' Varsity Ice Hockey: Joseph Dellacroce '26
• Girls' JV Ice Hockey: Sarah Keator '26
• Girls' Varsity Ice Hockey: Chloe Corbin '26
• Boys' Nordic Skiing: Owen Hill '28
• Girls' Nordic Skiing: Ruby Neutra '26
• Boys' Varsity Swimming: Paulo Mota Neto '27
• Girls' Varsity Swimming: Tianni Zhou '27
• Coed JV Swimming: Joshua Hyun '27
• Boys' Varsity Wrestling: James Bechter '26
• Girls' Varsity Wrestling: Niayla Curley '26
• JV Wrestling: Donnell McGruder '26

Reflecting on his awards, Mota Neto expressed his gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and the NMH community, whose support and encouragement helped rekindle his passion for swimming.

"I have an amazing community, amazing teammates," said Mota Neto, who hails from Brazil. "Everyone supports each other, cheers for each other: It's a very comfortable environment. I almost gave up on swimming, but NMH helped me fall in love with the sport again. I worked really hard, and being recognized for it is amazing."

Rehnquist followed by revealing this season's Excellence in Coaching Award recipient. Presented to a coach who exemplifies the core values of NMH athletics and serves as a transformational influence, this season's award went to swimming coach Anne Atkins.

"Anne's an outstanding swimming coach whose years of dedication, passion, and uplifting spirit have shaped not only a successful team, but a strong and supportive culture," Rehnquist said. "Under her leadership, the team achieved incredible results, a true reflection of her commitment, energy, and positive demeanor."

Atkins expressed surprise and humility at being chosen for the award. "It was rewarding to see and hear the students cheering upon hearing my name," she said.

The ceremony ended with a highlight video featuring key moments from the winter season, illustrating the commitment to excellence and camaraderie that typifies athletics at NMH.

"What stood out this season wasn't just results, but how consistent the energy was across every team and every level," Rehnquist said. "Whether it was a championship race, a tight game, or a mid-week practice, there was a real sense that you all enjoyed being part of something bigger than yourself, and that matters."