Walnut Hills Athletics celebrates student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in both academics and athletics. Success at Walnut Hills extends far beyond the playing field. This fall, Eagles student-athletes across nine sports are being recognized for their commitment to academic achievement as members of the Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) All-Academic Team. The Eastern Cincinnati Conference recognizes varsity athletes participating in league-sponsored sports who earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher during their season of participation. This distinction highlights the importance of balancing the demands of high school athletics with the dedication, discipline and perseverance required to succeed in the classroom. Walnut Hills is proud to recognize these student-athletes for their academic accomplishments and for representing the Eagles with excellence in their respective sports. Their achievement reflects the department's commitment to education-based athletics and the belief that student-athletes are students first. Congratulations to Our ECC All-Academic Team Honorees! Girls Tennis Sylvia Fatten, Kaitlin Goodman, Vivie Hanjani, Sanya Joshi, Charlotte Lauer, Perasa Poompanit, Eva Sarembock, Olivia Swift, Louisa Woerner, Mae Zink Girls Golf Riya Allamaneni, Cecilia Brown, Ella Giles, Grace Gong, Ash Kertpet, Anjana Mandava, Himani Patel, Elise Weinrich, Amy Wongsaroj Boys Golf Logan Clary, Jonah Schenk Girls Soccer Elle Speelman, Abby Colonel, Marie Shaffer, Lily Campbell, Elise Timmers, Esha Dhur, Tanu Khullar, Lucy Campbell, Karringtyn Wilder, Elyse Fritsch, Elena Brown, Payton Porter, Eliza Pierce, Chloe May, Bria Wilson, Linde Harris, Elena Hadaway Boys Soccer Colten Frentzel, Ben Oakenfull, Chet Gardner, Noah Cotton-Riker, Alex Cabral, Anthony Kesler, Sam Cabral, Will Hamilton, Jack Davis, Zach Cumby, Charles Ellsworth, Jacob Enia, Talin Sonecha, Elliot Jones Volleyball Natalie Smith, Piper Thomas, Yori Chamberlain, Lenora Minnillo, Nico Azpiroz Galante, Ashlyn Bankes, Hope Vernon, Perina Verticchio, Satiana Hackworth, Zoe Feldman, Nicole Williams, Lila Smith, Avery Leimbach, Sania Washington Football Joshua Thornton, Caylen Murray, Henry Morrison, Naod Amsalu, Colin Ross, Vance Lamb, Maron Baumgartner, Connor Carlton, Paxton Konz, Tomi Olakanmi, Jahtrell Foster, Anhad Sandhu, Simeon Siffel, Wesley Baker, Charles Kitzmiller, CaMar Roscor Powell, Beckett Irwin, Kellen Pike Cheer LaKya Ballew Jones, London Byers, Aniyah Calvin, Aleigha Conyers, Victoria Gavin, Jasmine Isome Girls Cross Country Delilah Begtrup, Dorothy Birmaher, Libby Brodnicki, Isabel Brueggemann, Ella Byrne, Claire Cohen, Juliet Corbus, Nayerlin Cruz Gusman, Norah Eads, Tahirih Fananapazir, Myah Firdaus, Nora Flynn, Alice Gutridge, Zoe Haas, MJ Hartnell, Claire Hoekzema, Olivia Hoekzema, Lily Hoffman-Suder, Ezta Hubbell, Eleanor Jackson, Caroline Johnson, Kennedy Karuna, Evy Klayer, Emma Landen, Ellie Little, Emory Loadenthal, Cecelia Lundgren, Liza Lundgren, Sloan McCarthy-Wolf, Sienna McClain, Audrey McFarland, Abby Melesse, Vivienne Novosel, McKenzie O'Loughlin, Petra Pandora-Nelson, Katie Ragland, Avery Reising, Izzy Reising, Charlotte Ridenour, Morgan Ryan, Silbernagel, Adya Sohal, Holly Sutton, Hannah Symson, Lucy Szabo, Ava Tate, Isabella Tempest, Ellie Tolokonsky, Willa Turpin, Evy Verticchio, Anna Vierecke, Addilyn Warburton, Haley Whitehead, Grace Williams Boys Cross Country Yomi Aina, Helios Arias, Dyllan Beaver, Nate Berry, Jack Brennan, Xavier Corbus, Henry Critser, William Crone, Owen Donlin, Eli Egan, Oliver Felder, Peter Flanders, Sean Foley, Luke Garrison, Benno Gibson, Henry Gilliss, Theo Hagood, Aman Hamadani, Nathan Hand, Myles Hill, Levin Hobson, Liam Holland, Lowell Hubbell, Ben Jump, Tyler Kelley, Sam Kettula, Zach Kroner, Teddy Kulik, Jack Meisman, Barkley Merche Garcia, Dean Miller-Graham, Gus Monnin, Hugh Moothart, Eamon Mosher, Casey Moy, Isaac Namaky, Hudson Neiheisel, Nicholas Nye, Rishi Pampati, Eli Pinsky, Will Pinsky, James Popelar, Andrew Prevost, Grant Reed, William Roller, Oliver Santer, Beckham Shore, Brandon Smith, Michael Sroufe, Roger Steel, Grayson Vaughn, Alex Wang, Rowan Weber, Everett Weisman, Alaister Wells, Harrison Wright ...

Marco, Polo! When the Eagles call, Caylen Murray is always ready to answer. In Week 8 of the 2026 football season, Murray reached 50 receptions, establishing a new Walnut Hills football record for the most catches in school history since joining the Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC). And he wasn't finished there. Through nine games, Murray has continued to build on his record-setting season. According to the latest statistics on ECCSports.com, the senior wide receiver has recorded 56 receptions for 531 yards and four receiving touchdowns, averaging 9.5 yards per catch and 59 receiving yards per game. With 56 catches, Murray has averaged more than six receptions per contest, consistently giving the Eagles a reliable target in the passing game. But Murray's impact extends well beyond the receiving game. The senior has also made his presence felt on special teams, recording two kickoff-return touchdowns, including an electrifying 98-yard return. His ability to create game-changing plays both as a receiver and a return specialist makes him a dynamic threat every time he touches the ball. Despite the team's overall record, Murray has continued to show up and produce week after week. His consistency, playmaking ability, and willingness to make an impact wherever he's needed reflect the determination and resilience that define the student-athlete experience at Walnut Hills. From the first catch to the record-setting 50th and beyond, Murray's performance has earned him a place in the Eagles' record books. His accomplishments highlight not only an outstanding individual season but also the dedication required to excel at the highest level of high school football. Marco, Polo? More like Murray, Polo! With 56 catches, four receiving touchdowns, and two kickoff-return scores, Caylen Murray is making sure the Eagles always know where to find their playmaker. Congratulations to Caylen on a historic season! With more football to play, this Eagle is still answering the call and making his mark in the NUTHOUSE....

The Hughes volleyball team is off to an impressive 14-2 start, and first-year head coach, Aniah Hollowell, credits the team’s success to hard work, consistency, chemistry and, most importantly, a genuine love for the game. “We want to win. We want to be the best, and overall, we genuinely love the game of volleyball,” the coach said. One of the biggest changes this season has been the team’s focus on consistency and building an offense. Rather than simply trying to get the ball over the net, the team has embraced the philosophy of “three hits—bump, set, spike.” That emphasis on passing, setting and attacking has helped Hughes develop a more complete style of play. The team’s chemistry has also been a major factor. With six seniors on the roster and five in the starting rotation, Hughes has a strong foundation of experience and leadership. That chemistry is especially evident when the team faces adversity. The Big Red have shown an ability to regroup after mistakes and fight their way back into games, even when facing significant deficits. That resilience and determination have become defining characteristics of the team. For the coach, her first season leading the program has been both challenging and rewarding. While the 14-2 start is something to be proud of, she is even more encouraged by the growth she has seen from her players. “I’m learning my players, learning how each girl responds to coaching, and learning how to make adjustments as a coach myself,” she said. Senior leaders have played a major role in the team’s success. Setter Alexionna Phann has helped run the offense and keep the team organized on the court, while libero Tae’Rell Kirkland provides energy and leadership defensively. Neah Harden has contributed at middle, and Faith and Hope Laury has made an impact as a right-side hitter. Freshman six-rotation outside hitter Daisy Huckleberry has also quickly become an important contributor. Her volleyball experience and knowledge have allowed her to make an impact alongside Hughes’ upperclassmen. The coaching staff has been another important part of the program’s success. Assistant coaches Gabrielle Barnett and Anita Burke have helped support the team’s vision and reinforce expectations throughout the season. The future of Hughes volleyball is also looking bright. The JV team is undefeated at 10-0 under new JV head coach Gabby Barnett. Developing the JV program is an important part of building a sustainable volleyball culture at Hughes and preparing younger players for future varsity roles. Although the team is proud of its start, Hughes is not satisfied. The goals extend beyond 14-2. The team hopes to continue improving, compete for the CMAC championship and establish a volleyball culture that the players, school and community can be proud of. For Hughes volleyball, the mindset remains simple: 1% better every day....