Varsity Boys Basketball

Nasir Pettigrew ’24 Sinks Milestone Shot

When Nasir “Nas” Pettigrew ’24 first stepped onto the basketball court as a middle school student, he was awed by the players demonstrating well-honed skills. He immediately knew he wanted to excel in the game and got to work. Last season, his discipline paid off when he scored his 1,000th point. The milestone reflected years of perseverance and countless hours in the gym and on the court.

Pettigrew said it took more than grit to succeed. He credits his family with teaching him to finish what he starts, King coaches with mentorship and guidance, and his teammates for being part of every one of his points.

Now in his first year at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, Pettigrew reflects on his time at King and the support system that helped him raise his game.

“King represents a loving community,” he said. “Throughout my years here, I have felt a genuine connection with my teachers, the students around me, and the coaches.”

Varsity Girls Volleyball

Vikings Claim Historic NEPSAC Title as Ellis Heads to Ole Miss

The Varsity Girls Volleyball team continued its dominance in 2024, capturing its first-ever NEPSAC Class A title. The win came after eight consecutive New England titles in Class C and B. Finishing the season with a 21-0 record, the Vikings also secured a third straight FAA title.

In addition to their athletic success, the team earned the 2024 American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award, recognizing their commitment to both academics and athletics. The award honors teams that maintain a collective GPA of 3.3 or higher, and the Vikings went above and beyond by earning a spot on the Team Academic Honor Roll, placing them in the top 20% of teams in their division for GPA.

Ace Caroline Ellis ’25 was nominated for Connecticut’s Gatorade Player of the Year for both the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Her dedication, discipline, and resilience earned her spots on both the All-FAA and NEPSAC tournament teams and caught the attention of News 12, which featured her as a Scholar Athlete of the Week.

A two-time NEPSAC Class B Player of the Year, Caroline embodies the spirit and success of the team as she prepares to continue her volleyball career at the University of Mississippi, a member of the Southeastern Conference, one of the top leagues in the country.

An Unlikely Crew

Last spring, five Grade 9 students with varying levels of experience joined the King Crew team with a focus on mastering the fundamentals. Though they had little in common beyond their shared boat, Kleigh Kennedy, Linus Grabowski, Mason Dietz, Tristan Gemelli, and Will Evans faced a steep learning curve. They worked to master teamwork, understand the physics of rowing, and build the physical strength and endurance required for the sport. Over time, their synchronized movements improved as trust grew and technique sharpened. By season’s end, this unlikely team became the first King Crew team to qualify for the 2024 USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Florida. Their journey to becoming national contenders highlights the program’s commitment, teamwork, and perseverance.