After the Bell: A Hillers Podcast

In Episode 6, The Road to College Lacrosse, Kendall Tom and Lucie Mato break down their season so far, from exceeding expectations in a “rebuilding year” to stepping up as leaders on a competitive team. They talk about key players making an impact, overcoming adversity—including Lucie’s ACL recovery—and what it takes to stay consistent at the high school level. The episode also dives into their college commitments, sharing how they’re preparing for the next level and what excites them most about playing lacrosse in college.

In this episode, we sit down with Arjun Paluri and Cooper Dold to break down Business Professionals of America (BPA) and how it’s helping students gain real-world business skills. From competitions and case studies to presenting in front of judges, they share what it’s like competing at the state and national level—and how these experiences are preparing them for future careers.

We’re joined by Cal Rockwell and Alex Rush to break down what’s ahead for Hiller boys lacrosse. From a young roster stepping into leadership roles to big scrimmage wins and a confident mindset heading into the season, the guys talk team culture, new coaching staff, and why this could be a breakout year. Plus, insight from the manager perspective and a bold message to the rest of the TVL—Hiller lax is coming.

In this episode of After the Bell, hosts Dylan Hatherley and Gabe Cafazzo sit down with Head of Guidance Mrs. King to navigate the "pressure cooker" of the college application process and post-secondary planning. Mrs. King offers a refreshing perspective on life after graduation, reminding students that "the path doesn't have to be linear" and that when it comes to building a resume, they should prioritize "quality over quantity" by investing in things they truly care about. Beyond the guidance office, the duo recaps a "wild" week in Hiller sports—from the boys' hockey victory over Gloucester to the end of the basketball playoff runs—while providing essential updates on course selection deadlines and senior slideshow submissions. Whether you're feeling the weight of expectations or just starting your journey, this episode provides a much-needed reassurance that "it's okay if you've done nothing yet. You're fine, you're going to be just fine."

This episode of After the Bell brings listeners behind the scenes, beginning with a major celebration of the MIAA Division II State Champion track and field team. The program highlights several top individual finishes at the state meet, alongside standout regular season and state tournament performances in wrestling, gymnastics, and swimming. The coverage also spotlights student innovation, featuring a published wheelchair invention and the success of the recent club fair.The heart of the discussion features an interview with an alumna and multi-sport coach who shares her unique philosophy on "academic coaching" and the human side of education. She explains the goals of her Literature of Leadership course, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, asking for help, and breaking out of social "silos" to foster a unified community spirit across athletics, academics, and the arts.Looking forward, the community is gearing up for the girls' basketball state tournament opener on February 27 and the Special Olympics Polar Plunge on March 12. Student-athletes are reminded that the registration deadline for all 2026 spring sports is midnight on March 15, requiring a completed FamilyID profile and an updated physical. Updates and inquiries can now be directed to the new official Instagram account, @afterthebell.podcast.

Ahead of senior night, Hopkinton High School senior basketball captain Tory Ahlstrom reflects on what it means to play one of his final home games in the same gym where he once sat in the stands as a kid.“For me, it feels like just another game — but it’s crazy that it’s my senior night,” Ahlstrom said. “I remember going to these games when I was younger and thinking, ‘That’ll never be me.’ And now it is.”Ahlstrom talks about leading a younger varsity roster, preparing for a rematch against Dedham as the team pushes for a playoff spot, and playing alongside teammates he’s known since he was five or six years old. He also points to added motivation within the program this season as head coach Tom Keane continues to battle cancer.“We want to win for him,” Ahlstrom said. “It means a lot to all of us.”At the time of the conversation, Hopkinton High School was in the middle of a busy stretch, with students preparing for the upcoming club fair, the school’s 38th annual science fair recently wrapping up with teams advancing to regionals at WPI, and winter sports seasons nearing their postseason runs. Girls basketball had recently defeated TVL rival Holliston, indoor track completed an undefeated season with a state relay title, and wrestlers earned key individual wins.“I’ve been playing basketball my whole life,” Ahlstrom said. “If I only have a month left, I want to enjoy every moment and finish the right way.”