Athlete of the Week - Jasper Dhanraj
Grade 12 student Jasper Dhanraj is a multi-sport athlete whose love of sport drives him every day. He is very committed to improving himself and doing the best he can on the many teams he commits to. Jasper experiences “pure joy” from sports. Simple activities like shooting hoops in his driveway give him great pleasure.
The Thornhill native joined CDS in Grade 9 and immediately immersed himself in the many sports available to students. In his first two years at the School, Jasper played soccer, basketball and tennis, but in Grade 11 he decided to make a change by dropping the soccer ball for a volleyball.
Switching from soccer to volleyball was not a decision that Jasper took lightly, but he is happy with his choice. The first volleyball season was a learning experience and a chance to test himself as an athlete; he learned new lessons and is excited to improve this year. He has a new role this season, moving from the right side of the court to the left in his final year at CDS. Jasper explains his growth as volleyball player, “At the beginning I was not a good passer, but I am significantly better now, which has helped boost my confidence.” He attributes this growth to his practice time at school, as well as outside of school, where he spends time practicing with his brother.
Despite his appreciation for volleyball, basketball is still his favourite sport at CDS. The shooting guard first joined the Senior team in Grade 10, a decision that helped convince him he was a good player and offered something to the team. “[Playing with older players] was a learning experience, but I found that it really solidified my relationship with Mr. Milonas as a coach. Going forward I feel I can be more of a vocal leader, unlike previous years on the team.”
Jasper has been greatly influenced by all of the coaches who have trained him at CDS; he specifically mentions David Drake, Joshua Collins and Peter Milonas. “They have brought out the best in me and inspire me to work harder. I give it my all during practice and am committed to improving my game.”
His current volleyball coach Mr. Collins is very complimentary of Jasper’s work ethic, “He is an athlete who you don’t need to tell what to do; he just goes out and gets to work. He is quiet, but absorbs what is being taught and puts it to use right away.”
The best CDS sporting moment for Jasper happened in Montreal at a basketball tournament where CDS was able to overcome Division 1 opposition (CDS is Division 2). “It was a great moment; I made a three-pointer at a very crucial time in the game.”
Jasper also plays tennis for CDS and has been recognized for his talents with three MVP honours. Next year he plans to pursue the sciences at university.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
