Despite the spring athletic seasons being canceled due to COVID-19 precautions, the dedication and leadership exuded by the spring sports captains at Walpole High School will be fully recognized.

Varun Mandulapalli

When did you first begin playing this sport?

When I was 10. 

Do you want to continue this sport in college?

Yes.

Who was a prominent coach in your sports career? Why?

Coach Gough was a prominent coach for me because he was always there when I needed him. 

What other activities/clubs are you involved in?

None. 

Who have always been some big opponents/rivals? Why?

Natick, Needham, Milton and Wellesley.  Natick, Needham and Milton have always been rivals with us because we always have competitive games with them, that could go either way. I think Wellesley will be a new rival because they’ve always been better than us, but now we are able to compete with them and hopefully in the upcoming years as well. 

How has this sport impacted you?

Tennis has impacted me because it’s given me many memories and friends that I will remember forever.

What is one of your favorite memories of this sport?

Winning the Division Title and moving onto the State Finals last year. Even though we lost in states, it was the first time Walpole tennis had won the end of the year division tournament so it was fun to be apart of it.

Dan Colbert

When did you first begin playing this sport?

Since I was 12 years old. 

Do you want to continue this sport in college?

No. 

Who was a prominent coach in your sports career? Why?

Coach Gough has been a prominent coach in my tennis career. He has taught me how to stay relaxed and calm, especially in big matches. 

What other activities/clubs are you involved in?

Soccer. 

Who have always been some big opponents/rivals? Why?

Needham and Wellesley would’ve been big matches this year because last year they were close.

How has this sport impacted you?

Tennis has impacted me in high school by creating friendships.  It is also a sport that I’ll be able to play for the rest of my life.

What is one of your favorite memories of this sport?

My favorite memory was playing in a state championship junior season, after beating Duxbury and Hopkinton in close 3-2 matches.