Winter 2025

Message from the Upper School Athletics Director

Ms. Carla Di Filippo

Hello Gators,

Havergal College’s winter athletic season has come to a successful close, marked by outstanding performances and improvement in skill, dedication to practices and teamwork across all levels. Our student-athletes showcased a true joy for being active, a competitive spirit and pride in reppin’ the green and gold.

This winter the school won an impressive nine CISAA Championships. Our swimmers dominated the pool at all age groups with many senior swimmers qualifying for the OFSAA provincial championships. Our volleyball teams showed impressive perseverance to win three volleyball championships. One of our newest teams, the U20 D2 Hockey Team, won their first CISAA hockey championship for the school. This young group of athletes often played teams much older than them. After finishing with a silver for the last two years, the team worked hard each practice and played with impressive teamwork to beat Country Day School 5-4 to win the finals. 

Finally, I would like to give a shout out to our newly formed U14 Curling Team and their coaches. It was a treat to watch this young group learn this iconic Canadian sport! 

A big thank you to the more than 425 students who played on 28 winter teams. The best part of Havergal Athletics is that trying, playing and competing is woven into the everyday fabric of the school. Sport is for everyone. Thanks must go out to Kaya and Maddy, our Sports Prefects, and the Sports Council for all their hard work this season, especially Hockey Day (our most favourite day of the year). Although we lost in overtime, what holds true year after year is that we love Havergal regardless, we have the VERY best spirit and it is a privilege to have this amazing rivalry. 

Finally, I must thank our amazing HC coaches. Our coaches go beyond teaching the technical aspects of a sport; they serve as mentors, motivators and role models who contribute significantly to the overall development of our students. Thank you, coaches, for your time, passion and support of our athletes. 

I look forward to some sunshine in the upcoming spring season!

Ms. D

Message from the Junior School Athletic Director

Ms. Anna Bartlett

With Intramurals, Squads, Squad Teams and Teams in full swing, the Junior School students are staying active and engaged during these winter months.

The Junior School Athletics Program continues to grow, with an impressive 11 Volleyball Teams and 94 players from Grade 4 to 6 participating this season, which sets a new record for our school! This remarkable number of participants remains the highest in the CISAA, showcasing our students’ enthusiasm for the sport.

Our athletes made a splash at the swim championships, with the women’s team claiming the overall championship title — a testament to their dedication and hard work in the pool.

The U12 Hockey Team proudly represented Havergal on Hockey Day, taking to the ice in front of a crowd of more than 1,500 spectators. The excitement and school spirit were palpable throughout the event.

The sounds of joy continue to echo through our gyms during recess periods, with intramural activities keeping our Grade 1 to 6 students active and engaged. Our Grade 6 leaders have done an outstanding job organizing and leading these sessions, where students enjoy everything from benchball to invasion games while developing their athletic skills.

Looking ahead to spring, our Athletic Program continues to thrive. This year brings an exciting development as our U12 Ultimate Team joins forces with Crescent School to compete in a co-ed format. Students will also have opportunities to participate in U12 Softball, and our robust Track and Field Team athletes will be ready to compete. Multisport and Basketball/Soccer Squads will continue to keep our younger grades active and engaged. The dedication, enthusiasm and growing participation in our Athletic Programs demonstrate how our Junior School students embody the spirit of active, healthy living while building lasting friendships and memories on the courts, fields and ice.

Go Gators! 

Ms. Bartlett

A Message from the Student Editor

Peyton Furgiuele

As the winter sports season wraps up, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible strength, dedication and passion of our Havergal athletes. This season was not just about competition, it was about resilience, teamwork and the unwavering spirit that defines what it means to be a Gator. From the courts to the ice, the pool to the curling rink, our student athletes gave their all, proving that sports at Havergal is about more than just winning, it’s about community, perseverance and pride.

This winter, Havergal secured an incredible nine CISAA Championships, a testament to the talent and hard work of our athletes and coaches. Beyond the victories, what truly stands out is the energy and enthusiasm that each Gator brought to their sport. Whether it was an early morning practice, a hard-fought match or cheering on teammates from the sidelines, our students embodied what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.

As we celebrate this season, we also recognize the importance of women in sports and the role that athletics play in empowering young women. With International Women’s Day being recognized in this sports season, it’s a perfect time to acknowledge the trailblazers who came before us and the athletes who continue to push boundaries and redefine what is possible. At Havergal, we are not just participants in sport, we are leaders, competitors and changemakers. Every game we play and every challenge we take on is another step forward in breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.

Thank you to our athletes, coaches and supporters for making this season unforgettable. Your dedication and spirit of the game truly shine green and gold representing why Havergal is so special. Thank you to the power of sport, the strength of our community and the bright future ahead.

ROLL GATORS!

Peyton

Message from the Sports Prefects

Maddy & Kaya

Hey Gators!  

We can’t believe the winter season has come to an end. It’s wild to think we only have the spring season left before the school year is over! While we’re sad to say goodbye to winter sports, we’re incredibly proud of everything that was accomplished and we can’t wait to celebrate everyone’s achievements. Whether on the court, ice or trails, this term was nothing short of amazing!  

We’ve continued to highlight our incredible athletes through Athlete of the Week on our Instagram, @havergal_gators. This initiative recognizes students in Grades 7 to 12 for their outstanding performance, commitment and leadership in sports!  

Our intramural competitions thrived this term! Whether it was grade-level battles or House competitions, the Gators never failed to bring energy and spirit. During Spirit Week, we held a bench ball tournament, where students and staff faced off in an epic showdown. Our House intramurals were also a huge success, featuring Jumbo Volleyball and Extreme Racing, where every House showed up ready to compete and cheer on their peers!  

After the December break, we hosted our second Gator Day of the year, where the U20 Volleyball Team put on an incredible game. The turnout in the stands was a true testament to HC’s unwavering school spirit and support!  

Of course, no winter season is complete without Hockey Day, and this year’s event did not disappoint. Havergal and BSS battled it out in a thrilling game, with HC just falling short in a shootout. But no matter the outcome, the Havergal community showed up in full force, cheering louder than ever. Mattamy Arena was flooded with green and gold, proving once again that this tradition is a powerful celebration of women in sport. The incredible support will stay with the team forever and serves as a reminder that HC is truly one big family.  

Now that we’re two-thirds of the way through the year, it’s time to get excited for the spring season! We know this final term will be just as unforgettable and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.  

Your Sport Prefects,

Maddy and Kaya

U13 Gators Shine in an Unforgettable Season

Peyton Price & Ainsley Nichols

The U13 Basketball Team had a fantastic season. They developed their skills and teamwork both on and off the court. The season came to a memorable end when they had the amazing opportunity to attend the Winnipeg CAIS tournament. 

One of the team’s most memorable moments from their trip was playing the home team with a full crowd cheering in the stands. The hard fought game had the spectators at the edge of their seats while the team persevered, stayed focused and built up their lead to win the game. Two members of the team, Maddie and Saachi, were dominant throughout the tournament and ended up winning the skills competition! The team’s hard work and collaboration paid off, winning them the Division II Championship! 

Our Gators also had a great time outside of the tournament, where they spent time at The Forks for some amazing food and shopping, and visited the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. They also spent an evening at the Rec Room arcade, which proved to be a great bonding experience for everyone.

Our U13s brought energy, enthusiasm, commitment and HC pride to every single one of their games. We are so proud of them. The future of Havergal basketball is in great hands. 

Undefeated: U20 Badminton 2025 Season

Hanna Smith & Isabel Snare

The U20 Badminton Team has been smashing their way to success this year, and have not only been crowned CISAA champions but have also ended the 2025 season undefeated.

The team got off to an unconventional start this winter, unexpectedly falling short of Grade 11 and 12 students to complete their roster. However, by bringing up some exceptional Grade 9 and 10 players to join them, the team quickly began to blaze their way through the competition. For many players, the CISAA finals was the most memorable match of all, a hard-fought battle against Branksome Hall that determined which team got to bring home gold. Ultimately, the score came down to the outcome of a single seat with Havergal emerging victorious.

According to Helen Cao, a Grade 11 student, the team’s success is largely owed to the support of their coaches, Ms. Lau and Coach Lau. Helen, now in her second year of having them as coaches, says, “They are amazing! I feel our coaches really care about us and push all of us to keep improving. They watch each of our games closely, give feedback and run drills that are so tiring but so helpful.” She also cites “team spirit” as being a big contributor to each of their wins. In Helen’s experience, “when you have good chemistry with your partner, you perform better.”

Overall, this season the U20 Badminton Team has definitely demonstrated the skill, grit and teamwork that define a Havergal sports team. Don’t forget to “serve up” a congratulations next time you see a player walking the halls!

Hockey Day 2025: A Game to Remember

Jordy Meyerowitz & Kiana Kay

Hockey Day is one of those events that makes us extra proud to be a Gators. It’s not just about the score, or even the game itself, but when Havergal walks into Mattamy Arena, the energy is unmatched. This year’s Hockey Day had everyone on the edge of their seats, from our spirited crowd in the arena to community members cheering from their homes, every Gator played a huge part in making this day magical. 

Our Varsity Team came out strong from the first puck drop, ready for a fierce fight, setting the tone early by scoring a goal in the first period. Bishop Strachan School (BSS) responded quickly, tying it up, but our Gators didn’t back down. During the first period break, our amazing Junior Hockey Team took to the ice. They fought hard and dominated their match against BSS with a 5-1 victory. With that momentum, our Varsity Team came out ready for the second period, scoring an amazing goal. BSS responded quickly by tying up the game, but our Gators didn’t back down. The team fought hard, reclaiming the lead and firing up our crowd before BSS managed to slip in one more goal, pushing the game into an intense shootout. The tension was growing with each player who took their shot, while everyone in the arena held their breath. In a nail biting, five round of shootouts, BSS secured the Hewitt Cup. However, our HC pride shone brighter than ever, reminding us that it’s not about the result, but the energy and spirit we bring to the ice. From the sea of green and gold, to the cheers that echoed through the arena, Hockey Day once again proved why it’s such an integral part of every Gator’s experience. To our incredible HC team, you left it all out on the ice and we couldn’t be prouder. To the Gators who showed up in their face paint and loud outfits and cheered until they couldn’t anymore, thank you for creating a community where we all belong. We can’t wait to see what happens next year, and are so excited to watch this tradition grow.

An Inside Look at Daniella Ponticelli’s Rise in Sports Broadcasting

Sarah McQuillen Younge & Sophia Liu

Anyone who tuned in to the Hockey Day 2025 livestream from Mattamy Arena had the opportunity to hear one of the newest voices in sports commentating, Daniella Ponticelli, as the game’s announcer.

From calling roller derby to the announcing for the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), Ponticelli turned her passion into a profession. Her love for commentating began in 2016 with her desire to share the sport of roller derby with a wider audience because she loves how the sport unites communities and uplifts athletes. Ponticelli found creative ways to share the sport, including by streaming games on Twitch to showcase the intensity of the sport.

She first felt the “bug to be around live sports” in 2018, with her coverage of a professional lacrosse team. When the pandemic hit, she thought that her career in sports had reached its end. However, at that time, the University of Saskatchewan decided to launch a new platform to cover their hockey teams, and were in search of a female announcer to cover the women’s team. Despite never playing hockey herself and not being as familiar with the sport, Poticelli took a leap of faith and began covering hockey. For the first time in university sports history, a private radio company provided full-season coverage for a women’s team, rather than just for select games. After one month, Ponticelli quit her full time job to pursue her passion for calling hockey full time. After building up experience commentating for men’s hockey as well as football, Ponticelli is now calling games at the biggest stage for women’s hockey: the PWHL! 

Although this is only the second year of the PWHL, the professional women’s hockey league has become a beacon for players, coaches, staff and fans. The league has set a new standard, proving what is possible and showcasing the incredible talent, hard work and dedication of women in sport. The league’s rapid growth and excitement is paving the way for young girls in hockey, leading to increased participation in the sport and a clear development path. Ponticilli highlights the PWHL’s strong sense of community and dedicated network of people working to grow and elevate the league. She emphasizes the significance and power in amplifying female voices in a male-dominated industry, acknowledging the privilege of using her own voice to showcase the players’ talent.

Ponticelli reflects on her coverage of the Hockey Day live stream, noting that the event serves as a powerful reflection of hockey’s growth and its connection to the larger stage. She says that being a part of such a longstanding tradition and sharing the excitement with both schools was truly special. The spirit and energy was unrivaled, and witnessing the support and love from the community was inspiring. 

Reflecting on her journey as a commentator, Ponticelli offers a powerful piece of advice: if something keeps calling to you, take the leap and trust yourself. Embrace the process and know that every step, even the uncomfortable ones, leads to growth. 

Staff Spotlight: Curling Coaches Ms. Koekkoek and Ms. Dow

Carol Rong & Marlowe Herman

Ms. Koekkoek and Ms. Dow play pivotal roles in the Havergal community as the Vice Principal of Student Life & Wellbeing and the Admission Coordinator, respectively. Beyond ensuring student wellbeing and admitting new students, they are also the coaches of this year’s new U14 Curling Team! 

Growing up, both coaches participated in sports — Ms. Dow ran cross country and track, while Ms. Koekkoek played a lot of softball. Now, Ms. Koekkoek enjoys hikes in nature and Ms. Dow recently joined a spikeball league to “try something new.” Having an active background naturally led them to say “heck ya” when Ms. D asked them to consider coaching the all-new U14 Curling Team. The two coaches couldn’t wait and even bought curling socks! Ms. Koekkoek readily brought her experiences from coaching rugby and a “Learn to curl program” while Ms. Dow became an HC athletics coach for the first time. 

After a great first season that included amazing bonspiels (curling tournaments), the two coaches share that they believe curling is “a fantastic sport for any level of athlete to enjoy — even those who don’t consider themselves athletic.” They truly value the sport for its  “good combination of mental strategy with physicality.” However, it was the regular weekly practices and getting to know the fabulous group of student-athletes that stood out to the coaches and made them passionate about this sport. On behalf of these coaches, a big shout out to the best U14 curlers: Yolanda, Lily, Liv, Emma, Jessie, Ruhee, Gyu Ri, Avery, Lora, Sadie and Keira! “‘Hurry hard!’ and join the sport,” the coaches remark!