In this issue, The Panel would like to highlight Davi Souza Ribeiro ’23 as the Athlete of the Issue. Davi is a valuable member of the Varsity Football team and was selected to be a captain this season for Varsity Track and Field. Davi’s leadership has helped to propel the team to start the season unbeaten with a 4-0 record.
Davi has worked hard throughout his three years at school to become an essential member of the Track and Field team, competing in the events of the discus and shotput. Davi said that in his “first year I didn’t really have a role on the team, I had fun and threw the discus. Then, junior year, I stepped out of my comfort zone and demonstrated who I am and how my parents taught me how to be a leader.” In order to achieve all of his athletic and leadership prowess he has had to work hard both on and off the field noting that “in the past years, I have really crossed some boundaries in my lifestyle and really stepped up to what Belmont Hill has to offer. I am lucky to have been the Senator in the student government, elected as peer leader and elected vice-president of the jazz band. I am really proud of myself, because If I did not take steps out of my comfort zone, I wouldn’t be the same person that I am today. I always give 100% effort and when in the Belmont Hill Community I implement the phrase “we over me” into my lifestyle.” Being elected as a captain for the track and field by his peers was a huge honor for Ribeiro, as it proved others had noticed his commitment to both leadership qualities and athletic skill: “I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to represent this school and this team. When I found out that I was going to be a Captain I was excited; I know I am ready to take on a more significant leadership role with the other captains [Miles Sandoski ’24 and Will Lloyd ’23]. I always carry the 3 C’s with me: Caring, Courageous, Consistent.” Davi is ready to prove that he is willing to hold himself to a higher standard in order to inspire the rest of the team, “I need to hold myself to a standard of giving 100% effort in every practice and game. I cannot cut any corners.” Throughout the years, Ribeiro has many fond memories of Belmont Hill track and field, most prominently last season when the team won the ISL title: “My favorite memory in my years at Belmont Hill was the ISL championship day at Thayer last year. We won due to amazing performances from guys like Will Lloyd and James Donahue ‘22. We were so happy we threw a full water jug at Coach Harder.” Davi is setting his own personal sights high this year, but always puts the team first and is looking forward to helping teammates get better and trying to win a second straight ISL Title. “[My] first priority is to see that everyone is to get better every day and compete for a back-to-back ISL championship,” he said.
Looking towards the future, Davi is a committed student-athlete to Bowdoin College in Brunswick Maine and is ready to represent the colors of the Polar Bears for the next four years. The Panel wishes Davi Souza Ribeiro and the rest of the track team luck with the rest of their season and their quest for a second straight ISL title.
