This summer has been remarkable for Blair Academy student-athletes and alumni, with several making headlines for their outstanding achievements in the sports world. From dominating national and international competitions to setting new standards of excellence, Blair’s sports community continues to exemplify dedication and talent.

Incoming senior rower Emily Tierney ’25 has been a standout in the rowing community, earning a coveted spot on the Junior Women’s 8 for Team USA. Her hard work and dedication will be on full display as she represents the United States at the World Rowing Junior Championships in Canada at the end of August. 

At the 2024 Nike Premier World Cup in Portland, Oregon, this past July, Anna Groseibl ’27 and her Professional Development Academy girls’ soccer team won the world championship. 

Blair wrestling also had an outstanding summer, with several student-athletes making their mark on both national and international stages. Billy Dekraker ’25 delivered a dominant performance at the U20 Pan-Am Championships, outscoring his opponents 40-0 and taking home the gold medal. 

At the prestigious U.S Marine Corps Juniors and 16U wrestling tournament, Blair wrestling continued to excel. Will Henckel ’25 placed second in the Junior Men’s division, showcasing his skill and determination against some of the best wrestlers in the nation. Peter Snyder ’26 also made a strong showing, placing seventh in the same division, further solidifying Blair’s reputation for producing top-tier wrestling talent.

In the Women’s division at Fargo, Blair’s athletes also made significant strides. Sarah Henckel ‘’26 earned second place in the Junior division, while Morgan Edwards ’24 secured eighth place, both demonstrating the depth and strength of Blair’s women’s wrestling program. In the 16U division, Corynne McNulty ’27 and Victoria Carbonaro ’27 both placed second, and Marie Sharp ’28 rounded out the impressive performances with a fifth place finish. These achievements reflect the dedication and hard work of Blair’s wrestlers and their coaches.

Former Blair field hockey stars Ella Gaitan ’24 and Milaw Clause ’24 earned silver medals at the 2024 Junior Pan-Am Championships this past July, playing on the U21 USA Field Hockey team. Ella will play at the University of Maryland this upcoming fall, and Milaw will play at the University of Connecticut.

Blair Academy’s legacy of athletic excellence was further highlighted on the world’s biggest stage this summer, as several alumni competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Sami Hill ’13 represented the Canadian National Basketball Team, bringing her skills and leadership to an international audience. Marial Shayok ’14 competed as a member of the South Sudan National Basketball Team, showcasing the talent he developed during his time at Blair. Along with Marial, Royal Ivey ’00 served as the head coach and Luol Deng ’03 played a pivotal role as the President of the South Sudan Basketball Federation and assistant coach of the national team. Their leadership helped guide South Sudan to its first-ever Olympic appearance in basketball, marking a historic moment for the nation and for Blair Academy’s proud tradition of producing world-class athletes and leaders. In rowing, Andre Matias ’07 represented Angola, continuing his impressive career with a strong performance on the Olympic stage. 

As the summer comes to a close, the achievements of Emily Tierney, Blair’s wrestlers and the alumni who shone at the Paris Olympics and other international competitions serve as a powerful reminder of Blair Academy’s commitment to fostering talent both on and off the field. With the new athletic facilities, including the all-weather track, upgraded weight room and enhanced swimming pool, Blair Academy is well-equipped to continue its tradition of excellence in sports. The successes of this summer are just the beginning, and the Blair community eagerly anticipates what the future holds for its athletes.