Unsung Heroes: Hashem and Walsh led volleyball, Mridan a perfect teammate
Aug. 4—EDITOR'S NOTE: One of late sportswriter Michael Muldoon's pride and joys during his 35-year journalism career was honoring the region's lesser know athletes in the Andover native's "Unsung Heroes" feature. Over the summer, we have looked back at the Andover Unsung Heroes he honored for the 2021-22 school year.
LUKE HASHAM
Boys Volleyball
TERRIFIC DEBUT
Luke was a first-year volleyball player this spring, but a great leader and, more importantly according to coach E.J. Perry, an excellent student.
"He is close friends with Owen Chanthaboun, our captain, and Owen convinced him to spend the end of his senior year playing volleyball," said Perry. "He is an outstanding soccer player, but has had to take a peripheral role on the volleyball team and he has done it seamlessly." Word is the younger players look up to him. What is also amazing about Luke is that he has diabetes and is often seen measuring his blood sugar during practice.
"But this hasn't slowed him down," said Perry. "Like his sister, he is a very religious Mormon and he will attend Brigham Young next fall."
JACK WALSH
Andover volleyball
'BIG HEART'
Jack was a senior volleyball player in the spring who excelled this past fall in soccer and was convinced to join the volleyball team by fellow players, particularly senior captain Owen Chanthaboun. The fact other soccer players like Enzo Masters, Luke Haslam and Walter Boden also on the team helped. That tight-knit group, according to volleyball coach E.J. Perry, led the Golden Warriors to a 12-8 record.
Jack, says Perry, has been inspirational having nicknamed him "Big Heart" because in this era of star performers, spoiled athletes and instant gratification. You will see Jack cheering on his teammates in every capacity, willing us to win out in the Algonquin game when we were down 2-0 and came back to win 3-2. It was one of his better games.
KAMILLA MRIDAN
Andover tennis
IDEAL ATTITUDE
Kamilla is the ultimate player you want to coach, said Andover High tennis coach Alan Hibino. "She shows up every day with enthusiasm, great energy and a willingness to get better on the tennis courts."
Hibino notes Kamilla is an outstanding teammate who is willing to do anything to help the team and you can't find anyone at Andover High that could say a bad thing about her.
"Just a real positive person and teammate," said Hibino. "Kamilli is also a member of DECA and the Cure Club which makes care packages for kids with cancer."
