Throughout the school year, Watervliet Athletics will highlight student athletes of the month who demonstrate good sportsmanship, exemplary athletic performance and achievement in their respective sports, academic responsibility and leadership.
Nominated by their coaches, our Athletes of the Month for October are Kendall Hoefer, Matheus Manchame, Jamir Thompson, and Aaria Watson.
Kendall Hoefer: Girls Soccer
Coach Nick Grolley commends Kendall Hoefer for her positive attitude, enthusiasm, and commitment to teammates and applauds her steadfast determination to improving her skills and understanding of the game while applying lessons from practice and embracing any role the team needs.
Kendall has developed into a strong and dependable player this season. Her footwork, awareness, and understanding of the game have improved tremendously, a reflection of her effort and dedication. She consistently applies what she learns in practice and embraces whatever role the team needs, even playing defense despite it not being her natural position. She has become a steady presence on the back line, shutting down attacks and helping turn the ball back up field. Beyond her play, Kendall’s attitude, enthusiasm, and commitment to her teammates make her a tremendous role model. She leads by example, wears her school colors with pride, and carries that same dedication into the classroom.
Matheus Manchame: Boys Soccer
Coach Paul Travers calls Matheus Manchame a driving force behind the varsity soccer team’s overall performance and a major contributor to their incredible success this season.
Matheus has been the backbone of the team all season and played a major role in an outstanding October. His leadership and play helped guide the Cannoneers to a 6-3 record during the month, highlighted by the program’s first home playoff victory in over 30 years. Matheus contributed 4 goals and 4 assists, but his impact goes well beyond the stat sheet. His consistency, work ethic, and leadership have been instrumental to the team’s success.
Jamir Thompson: Football
Coach Jason Wagor describes Jamir Thompson as a strong player on the field, a natural leader and a positive role model who willingly provides guidance and support to younger players during practices.
Jamir had an outstanding October, leading the team in both rushing yards and touchdowns. Beyond his performance on the field, he has become a positive role model for the younger players. He takes the time to answer their questions, help them understand plays and techniques, and reinforce what the coaches are teaching. He naturally takes on a leadership role at practice, often serving as an extension of the coaching staff. His willingness to help others and lead by example makes him an important part of our program.
Aaria Watson: Volleyball
Coach Michelle Deguire commends junior Aaria Watson for her remarkable growth, work ethic, determination, maturity, and commitment to her teammates, which also inspired her team’s captains to independently recommend her for Athlete of the Month recognition.
I am incredibly proud to nominate Aaria for Athlete of the Month. As a first-year varsity player, she has embraced the challenges and expectations of varsity athletics with the work ethic, determination, and maturity of a seasoned veteran. Her growth from summer open gyms to the player she is today has been remarkable. What makes this nomination especially meaningful is that her captains independently approached me and asked that I nominate her, recognizing the same qualities I see every day: her effort, growth, positive attitude, and commitment to her teammates. Aaria has earned the respect of those around her through her actions, and I couldn’t be more proud of the player and teammate she has become. She is truly deserving of this recognition.