Students can enjoy the best of both worlds with Clapham partnerships. They benefit from a Christian, liberal arts education focused on developing virtue and critical thinking, guided by expert faculty mentors, while also accessing the diverse opportunities and experiences larger institutions offer through elective courses and even college credit. Upper school students at Clapham use this program by attending Clapham from 7:25 AM to 1:00 PM, then moving on to their chosen electives, whether offered at Clapham, online, or at other local schools.Read on to see an example of how this program equips students to thrive.
Rising Clapham junior Eli Kaufman is a participant in our school partnership program. He attends Clapham for the core school day before heading to Wheaton Academy, a local Christian private school, for baseball practice and games. This year, Eli was honored with the Junior Varsity Warrior Award at Wheaton Academy for his outstanding contributions on and off the baseball field.
In announcing the award, Eli’s coach said this,
“With a team like this we had many deserving players who could be eligible for the Warrior award, but one stood out. This player had a .416 batting average with 8 doubles and 25 RBI’s, but that’s not what made him deserve this award. It was his unselfish play behind the plate and sacrifice for the team that earned him this award. You see, we only really had one catcher this year. That would normally be a problem, but Eli was a Warrior back there catching 28 of 31 games–and he was gone for one of the three he didn’t catch! He took a beating back there at times but never complained. I tried to get him to only catch 27 but he was not having it; he wanted to be back there for his pitchers and his team. As good of a baseball player as he is you should see him interact with all his siblings. You will learn all you need to know about him and the person he is becoming. This year’s JV Warrior Award goes to Eli Kaufman!”
We caught up with Eli to capture some of his reflections from the season:
When did you start playing baseball? What got you interested in it, and what made you decide to keep playing at a high school level while attending Wheaton Academy?
I started playing baseball when I was seven years old. From the beginning, I was drawn to the competitive nature of the sport and the way each play requires focus, strategy, and teamwork. As I got older, I developed a deeper appreciation for the game and the relationships it helped me build. Deciding to play at the high school level was easy—I loved the coaches at Wheaton Academy, and I was excited to keep playing with my friends. The environment here made it easy to stay committed and keep improving.
Your coach is really proud of your performance this season, especially that .416 batting average, hitting 8 doubles, and catching 28 out of 31 games. What do you think was the biggest change or improvement you made this year that led to that kind of offensive success and defensive endurance?
This season, I really focused on enjoying the game and not putting too much pressure on myself. That mindset helped me stay relaxed at the plate and more confident overall. I also spent more time practicing—especially in the cage and working on my defensive drills—and that extra work started to show in games. Another big improvement was my ability to recover faster and maintain focus through long stretches, which helped me catch almost every game this season without burning out.
What’s the toughest part about catching, and how do you stay mentally and physically ready for that challenge day in and day out?
You’re constantly reading the game, anticipating plays, and thinking one step ahead. To stay ready, I focus on preparation—keeping my body in shape with stretching and strength training, and mentally staying locked in by treating every practice like a game. I also try to have fun with it and remind myself why I love catching in the first place.
Beyond the physical demands, catchers are often seen as the ‘field generals’ or leaders on the field. How do you see your role in leading the team and communicating with your pitchers, especially when things get tough in a game?
As a catcher, I see my role as a leader who helps keep the team grounded, especially the pitchers. It’s important to stay calm no matter the situation and help others stay focused when things aren’t going our way. I’ve learned that every pitcher is different—some need to be pumped up, while others just need quiet confidence—so I try to understand their personalities and give them the support they need in the moment. Communication is everything, and I try to be someone my teammates can count on for stability and encouragement
Looking back at the season, what was your favorite moment or the most memorable play you were a part of, and why does that particular moment stand out to you?
My favorite moment this season was when we beat a team that had beaten us the day before. They came into the second game overly confident, thinking they had us figured out. That win felt great—not just because we proved ourselves, but because it sparked an 18-game winning streak for our team. It was a turning point that showed our grit and brought us closer together as a group. That game set the tone for the rest of our season.
As a sophomore, you’ve clearly made a big impact on your team. What are some of your personal goals for next year, either individually or on behalf of your team?
Next year, my biggest goal is to help lead our team to a state championship. I also want to continue growing as a leader—both vocally and by example—and earn a consistent starting role on varsity. Individually, I’d like to keep improving both offensively and defensively, becoming more reliable in big moments and continuing to develop my baseball IQ. I know there’s always room to grow, and I’m excited to keep putting in the work.
Congratulations, Eli! Clapham celebrates you!
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