With an undefeated season and another state title, on the surface this year looked like so many others for Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Riflery team.

It wasn’t, as the Titans dealt with one obstacle after another, which is why the final outcome was so satisfying to this year’s team and coaching staff. The final reward was WMA landing six members on the Connecticut State Rifle and Revolver Association All-State Team.

Marisa Cyboron ’24, Vaishnavi Venkat ’25 and Arzum Li ’24 earned spots on the First Team, while Julia Choi ’26, Yejun Lee ’27 and Sungjae Yeo ’24 were named to the Second Team. The all-stars will be honored on May 2 at the league’s end-of-the-year banquet.

Quotes from Coach Passy regarding:

This season’s success: “This team was special because they overcame a lot of adversity and found a way to win another state championship. For multiple unexpected reasons, we carried only 10 kids this season when we would normally carry 12, and only had nine available for the championship match. I couldn't be more proud of this group and what they accomplished.”   

Marisa Cyboron: “Marisa is a perfect example of how hard work brings good things. She capped her senior season with her second straight First Team All-State nod. She tied with teammate Vivi Venkat for the top scoring average in the league from a high school shooter. Marisa's hard work has earned her a chance to shoot for one of top Collegiate Club rifle teams in the country, Purdue University.”

Vaishnavi Venkat: “Vivi continued her impressive rise as a shooter by pairing with teammate Marisa Cyboron to form the top duo in the Connecticut High School league. Vivi and Marisa were the top two shooters for WMA in every match this season. Vivi became the team’s 'closer,' always shooting in the last relay of each match and ending any team's hope of upsetting the Titans. She will enter her senior season as the top high school shooter in 2025.”

Arzum Li: “Arzum joined Marisa as a two-time First Team selection. They also become the first Titans to be on four State Championship teams. Arzum was calm and steady down the stretch, providing a veteran presence the team needed. Arzum's best trait was that he was extremely reliable, something the coaches counted on from him.”

Sungjae Yeo: “A repeat Second Team selection, Sungjae struggled to start the year, but kept working hard and kept improving. He had big performances in the conference-clinching win versus Xavier and the Prep Gallery Match. His results seemed to improve after he got the news that he was accepted (to college). Sungjae has a bright future ahead of him.”

Julia Choi: “Julia's season, and the team’s, took a big turn for the better when she switched rifles about a third of the way into the season. A risky move at that point in time, it proved to be what the doctor ordered. Julia's scores improved in four-straight matches and her confidence soared. She became another legitimate scoring option for the team desperate for just that. She will enter her junior season with much promise.”

Yejun Lee: “As a freshman, Yejun posted an impressive score of 186 in his first-career match. Probably the most coachable and likable kid on the team, Lee fought through some mid-season struggles, but promised to come through at the state championship. (He) did just that, shooting a very important score of 187 to help the Titans overcome a deficit and win their fifth-straight title. Yejun's future is bright as he will undoubtedly keep improving over the next three years.”