Lakeside School

Lakeside Athletics is proud to announce that Kaiden P. ’26 of the boys lacrosse team and Phoebe P. ‘27 of the track and field team have been named BIG CAT Award recipients for the month of April!

The BIG CAT Award, which recognizes exceptional athletic performance, dedication, and sportsmanship, is a monthly honor presented to two standout Lakeside athletes – one from a boys’ sport and one from a girls’ sport – who exemplify excellence in athletic performance, leadership, and sportsmanship. The selection of the BIG CAT Award recipients is a collaborative process involving coaches and athletic staff. Each month, coaches nominate athletes from their teams who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to their sport, team culture, and overall positive influence on their teammates.

On the lacrosse field, Kaiden, a two-year team captain, played a pivotal role all season as the squad’s primary face-off specialist, taking more than 100 draws and winning over 60 percent of them. His impact extended well beyond the X, as he led the team with 46 groundballs (more than double that of any teammate) consistently securing possession in critical moments. Demonstrating exceptional versatility, Kaiden remained on the field for both offensive and defensive sets, underscoring his all-around value and endurance as one of the team’s most reliable contributors.

“Kaiden is the kind of player every coach hopes to have,” head coach Chris Hartley said. “He sets the tone for us at the face-off, competes relentlessly for every groundball, and never comes off the field. His versatility and consistency make a huge difference, but it’s his leadership and work ethic that truly elevate the entire team.”

Phoebe P. has emerged as a cornerstone of the track and field program, playing a key role on both the Girls 4x200-meter relay team (currently ranked #8 in the 3A state rankings) and the 4x400-meter relay team (ranked #5). She was part of the 4x200 squad that made history on April 30 at Nathan Hale, breaking a 14-year-old school record with a time of 1:44.99. Individually, Phoebe has posted Metro Championship–qualifying times in both the 100-meter hurdles (17.2) and 300-meter hurdles (48.7), positioning herself for a strong postseason run. A three-year contributor and team captain, she consistently competes in up to four events per meet, demonstrating both endurance and competitive drive. Beyond her performances, Phoebe is widely respected for her leadership, work ethic, and commitment to growth, helping cultivate a strong sense of camaraderie among the team’s hurdlers.

“Phoebe competes with a special kind of ferocity on the track, but is incredibly supportive, coachable, and analytical when she's not competing,” said head track and field coach Kian Flynn. “She is a true student of the sport, working with coaches to fine tune her approach. She has fostered an incredible community among the other hurdlers on the team ("The Herd" as they call themselves) and it's wonderful to see the way that her teammates look up to her.”

Congratulations to Kaiden and Phoebe on being named our April 2026 BIG CATS!

FIGHT LIONS FIGHT!

Follow Lakeside Athletics on Instagram at @LakesideLionsAthletics.