Our seniors and sports captains are vital to our school’s culture. When you combine both roles, you get the people everyone looks up to and appreciates. As the 2025 school year comes to a close, so does the era of our current senior sports captains. Each senior captain was given the opportunity to write a letter reflecting on their experience and saying goodbye.

Paula Carmela Lopez-Landeo, Captain – Varsity Softball

When I first joined the W-L softball team, I never imagined I’d one day be writing this letter as captain. Back then, I was just excited to represent my school in the sport I love—learning from the upperclassmen, hustling through drills, and soaking in every win and loss. But over the years, this team became a second family. I learned what it means to show up—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally—for the people beside you.

Becoming captain wasn’t something I set out to do. It happened naturally—through consistency, trust, and a genuine love for this sport and this team. Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice or the biggest talent—it’s about listening, lifting others up, and setting the tone even on the tough days, especially on the tough days.

This final season has been bittersweet. It’s been filled with early Saturday mornings, late nights, plenty of bruises, and even more laughter. I’ll never forget the dugout chants, the bus ride playlists, or the way we rallied when everything was on the line. Being captain meant leading in those moments, but it also meant recognizing the strength in every single player and giving them space to lead, too.

To the next generation of players: stay hungry, stay humble. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to care. Care about the game, about each other, and about the little things. And remember, the jersey doesn’t make the captain. Your actions do.

Thank you, softball, for the lessons and the memories. I’ll carry them with me long after the final out.

With love and pride,
Paula Carmela Lopez-Landeo
Captain, Varsity Softball

Charlotte Kulikosky, Captain – Varsity Girls Soccer

It’s truly a privilege to be a captain this year. I’ve loved growing through high school with this amazing group of girls. W-L soccer has brought me so much joy throughout my high school experience, and I hope that, as captain, I’ve been able to pass that on to the underclassmen. Winning a district championship last year was an incredible highlight, and I’ve always appreciated the high level of play we’ve maintained at W-L. I love all the girls on this team, and I’m so grateful for my time with W-L soccer!

Alina Sagatov, Captain – Varsity Girls Soccer

As a captain, I’ve really enjoyed the responsibility of helping organize and lead the team. This team is incredibly special to me—I love my teammates, our chemistry, and the game itself. I’m especially appreciative of our new coaching staff this year.

While I also run cross country, soccer season is my favorite because of our team’s dynamic. It’s important to me and the other captains that we stay connected both on and off the field. Our team bonding activities help us play better together—we know each other on a deeper level. On the field, our strong chemistry shines, especially because many of us have been playing together for four years, both at school and through club soccer.

As captain, I strive to make sure every teammate feels included and knows they’re making a meaningful impact. That’s what makes this team so great.

Frances Shapiro, Captain – Varsity Girls Soccer & Basketball

I’ve truly enjoyed my time playing sports at W-L and creating so many great memories over the past four years. The teams I’ve played on have grown and bonded over time, and that connection has allowed us to play cohesively and with heart.

This year, I had the honor of being captain of both the W-L soccer and basketball teams. I’ve loved having the opportunity to be a leader. Being a captain means taking on more responsibility, but it also means making sure everyone feels supported and valued.

Overall, my experience with W-L sports has been amazing, and I’m genuinely sad to see it come to an end!

Alex Wilson, Captain – Varsity Softball

Being a softball captain has been one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences of my life. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about always having the right answers—it’s about being present, listening, supporting, and showing up as your best self every single day.

Whether it was staying positive after tough losses or celebrating big wins, I was constantly reminded of the heart this team puts into not just the game, but into each other. To the next captains: lead with respect, humility, and confidence. Earn your teammates’ trust through your actions, not just your title. Be the first to show up, the last to leave, and always bring your best attitude.

Set the tone with your work ethic, uplift those around you, and never forget—at the end of the day, it’s a game meant to be played with joy.