Alexander Roker ’16: Episcopal’s small enrollment and co-educational foundation present immediate disadvantages when pitted against fierce Inter-Ac competition in all-boys schools like The Haverford School and Malvern Prep. With a smaller number of boys to begin with, Episcopal’s ability to consistently compete against single-sex schools has been impressive. Because of such an obstacle, tri-sport athletes like Wills Singley ’14 are extremely important to the school. Singley plays soccer, hockey, and tennis, serving as co-captain for both hockey and soccer. His participation in three sports is a model for other students to follow, and extremely important to the school. Understanding this, he stated, “Especially with the amount of boys we have compared to other schools, we need [as many people as possible]”
Photo Courtesy of Wills Singley ’14
Aside from this, Singley attributed his involvement in all three seasons to his parents, who pushed and encouraged him to compete for Episcopal, and stressed the importance and value of competition at a very young age. In the fall, Wills plays admittedly his most challenging sport, soccer. Playing a position in which so much is asked of him, a goalie, Wills states, “There’s definitely a learning curve when you end your season in November and then pick the sport up again in June. It is definitely a challenge not playing for such a long time in between seasons and then being asked to play such a demanding position.” Singley picked up his main sport and first love, hockey, when he was four years old, and has played ever since at an elite level, now in his fifth year of varsity play for Episcopal’s hockey team as EA’s lead defender. Outside of school, Singley plays for the Jr. Flyers, a Tier 1 Elite Hockey team. Singley has high expectations for the rest of the season, saying, “It’s pretty early, but we feel we can win the IHL…We don’t feel like there’s another team [in the IHL] that can beat us…..we hope to go undefeated.”
The last in a long line of Singleys to serve as captain of their hockey team, Wills said that it is an honor to step up as a senior captain, along with Drew DeBacco ’14 and Grant Regillo ‘14, after playing and contributing since freshman year.
Photo Courtesy of Wills Singley ’14
As far as his favorite memories from 10 seasons (and counting) of interscholastic play, Wills immediately referenced his sophomore hockey season, starting alongside his sister, Ali Singley ’12, on defense. “Playing with a sibling is pretty unique, but I don’t think many kids get the chance to play a game like hockey with their sister at the varsity level. It really makes you aware of everything that goes on during a game.” Wills Singley’s participation in all three seasons of sports at Episcopal makes him a role model for other students, and makes him an asset to our sports program. Looking to finish strong in the EA blue and white, Singley is determined to go out on top in both hockey and tennis.