Paige Kenny and Adam Chouiki are two West Haven High School athletes who have each taken on important roles for their teams this season. Paige competes on the girls varsity lacrosse team as a midfielder, while Adam competes on the boys varsity tennis team in Doubles 1. Both have helped set the tone for their programs through consistent effort and leadership.
For Paige, one of the most meaningful memories from her time on the lacrosse field has come from sharing the experience with family. “My favorite memory from lacrosse is having been able to play with my cousin Juliana who graduated last year and my sister Jocelyn who is a freshman this year,” she said. Adam reflected on a moment that built team connection outside of competition, saying, “My favorite memory includes driving home from a long set of matches and talking on the bus. We play music, talk about our games, debrief, and overall it is a fun team bonding moment. Of course, we grab some Chick-fil-A to end the day off.”
Paige and Adam also spoke about what they have learned through their roles this season. Paige explained, “Something I’ve learned from being a captain is the importance of leading by example at all times. Being in this leadership position makes it incredibly important to practice, play, and behave how you want the rest of your team to. I’ve also learned captaincy isn’t just during practice or games, it’s at all times, on and off the field, and throughout the school community.” Adam shared a different perspective on leadership, saying, “I learned that being a true leader is about uncovering the potential that people couldn’t see for themselves. For example, when a new player comes, and I help them with their skills, the smile on their face, realizing they have so much potential, makes it all worth it.”
Both athletes also continue to balance their commitments beyond athletics. Paige said, “Something I’m proud of off the field is I’ve been able manage being a captain for lacrosse, Co-Vice President for WHHS theatre workshop, and keeping up high honors in my classes. I’m taking honors and AP classes and maintaining my GPA is very important to me, so learning to manage my time during my junior year has been very important.” Adam added, “I am certainly proud of the number of leadership roles I have been able to accumulate at West Haven. Whether it be through clubs or sports, I find it lovely I am given the opportunity to lead such amazing peers!”
Looking ahead, Paige plans to attend college to study psychology before continuing on to speech language pathology. Adam plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania where he will study neuroscience and public health with long term goals in medicine and nonprofit work.
Each athlete also pointed to strong family support as a major influence in their lives. Paige said, “Someone who helped me become who I am today is my mom who has been by my side always and supporting everything I do. I am so grateful for her.” Adam said, “My father and mother for certain. He has taught me the true value of hard work and persistence, that truly, when one works hard, success becomes certain. My mother has taught me how to lead with care and compassion. They are truly the best.”
Paige Kenny and Adam Chouiki continue to make an impact through the way they approach their teams and responsibilities. Their seasons have been shaped by growth and commitment. Each athlete continues to carry lessons from their experiences that extend beyond their sport.