Izzy Torchinsky-Field ’25 (left) and Timo Radionov ’24 (right) have built a unique friendship that’s only grown stronger since graduating from GFS. Read more about their intertwining journeys!
When Timo Radionov ’24 and Izzy Torchinsky-Field ’25 first crossed paths at a local squash tournament, they had no idea how closely intertwined their lives would become. After relocating to the U.S. from Ukraine, Radionov found a second home with Torchinsky-Field’s family in Philadelphia and a welcoming community at GFS.
Today, both are excelling as student-athletes and college students. Radionov attends Colby College and is majoring in psychology with concentrations in neuroscience and education, and Torchinsky-Field is at MIT majoring in mathematical economics and political science.
Though they have transitioned from high school squash teammates to collegiate opponents—even facing off at Nationals in a thrilling match!—their bond remains strong. We caught up with the two young alumni to discuss their journeys from teammates to friendly competitors, their favorite GFS memories, and how their time at GFS shaped their current academic and athletic paths.
What are the biggest highlights from your time in college so far?
Radionov: At Colby, we have a version of GFS’ J-Term in January. This year, I worked at a local elementary school as a teaching assistant for the entire month. Getting to know the kids and teaching them was amazing; one of my students even came out to support me at a squash match!
Torchinsky-Field: Two big highlights stand out for me. First, MIT’s squash season ended on a high note this year when we won our division at Nationals. Second, during January, winter athletes stay on campus for training. Because there are no standard classes, I spent the month doing research, which was a great opportunity.
How have your college squash careers been going? How did your time playing at GFS set you up for success?
Radionov: My career at Colby has been memorable so far, and I’m excited to be a team captain next year! Even though I was only at GFS for my senior year, it was an amazing team to be a part of. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, and it taught me how much mutual support truly matters.
Torchinsky-Field: Junior and senior years at GFS were memorable because we had a big, close-knit senior class, and we were all great friends outside of the sport. At MIT, the training is much more integrated into our daily lives; there are four of us in my class on the team, and we've formed a very tight training bond.
Radionov and Torchinsky-Field pictured during their time on the GFS squash team.
You went from being squash teammates at GFS to facing off as rivals this past season! What was that like?
Torchinsky-Field: It was definitely nerve-wracking! We met once during the regular season when Colby traveled to MIT in November. Colby is a tough team—they ranked 14th last season after beating us at Nationals the year prior. Then, we faced each other again in the finals at Nationals. We were both playing the number six spot for our respective teams, and the entire team match came down to a tight 5-4 decision. It could have been the deciding match, so the pressure was definitely on!
Your connection goes deeper than being high school teammates—you actually lived together after Timo moved here from Ukraine. How did that happen?
Torchinsky-Field: During my sophomore year, I was playing in a squash tournament in Bala Cynwyd, and I noticed a Ukrainian player in the tournament draw. I showed my mom, who grew up in Kyiv and moved to the U.S. when she was 18. She’s very personable, so she went right up to Timo and struck up a conversation in Russian. They stayed in touch, and later that summer when Timo needed a place to attend school, GFS graciously opened up an opportunity for him. He also needed a place to live, so he moved in with us, and he still stays with us whenever he's back in town.
Radionov: Before meeting Izzy’s family, I was living with my Ukrainian coach, Sergei, who had relocated to the U.S. When I met Izzy and his parents, they were incredibly welcoming and asked about my goals. I told them I wanted to play collegiate squash, and they advised me that taking an extra year to study and play at GFS would give me the best recruitment opportunities. It was honestly fascinating how everything lined up.
Torchinsky-Field and Radionov co-present their project during GFS’ Science Night, 2024.
GFS teachers care deeply about their students. Having such an impactful academic experience is part of the reason why I’m studying education at Colby.
–Timo Radionov '24
Thinking back to your GFS days, are there any specific classes, teachers, or moments that really stuck with you?
Radionov: I have to highlight Maria Alvarez, my biology teacher. Because I was still adjusting to the English language, I was struggling with some of the wordy phrasing on the bio tests. Maria noticed this and, for the next test, brought me two copies: one in Ukrainian and one in English. Maria told me, "I am testing you on your content knowledge, not your English proficiency." That showed how deeply GFS teachers care about their students. Having such an impactful academic experience is part of the reason why I’m studying education at Colby.
Torchinsky-Field: Being at a technical and formal school like MIT has made me appreciate GFS even more. One highlight was an engineering class senior spring with Bob Wein. We spent the second half of the semester designing and building an autonomous vehicle. I remember being at school until 9:30 the night before the last day of school working with a friend to finish the project. At the time, it was tough work, but I’ve grown to appreciate the practical skills it gave me.
I also loved taking history electives like Civics and American Political Ideologies with Ted Oxholm, which inspired my current studies in political science. And having Robin Friedman for English my junior and senior years taught me how to write well, which is a skill that sets me apart from my peers at MIT.
Radionov and Torchinsky-Field at GFS prom, 2024.
What advice would you give to current GFS students and our soon-to-be graduates in the Class of 2026?
Radionov: Keep an open mind. Coming from an entirely different country and culture to GFS, I was worried about fitting in. But I told myself to be open to people, and in turn, people were open to me. If you enter college with a readiness to meet new people, you will find a community of friends.
Torchinsky-Field: Lean into what you love, and don't be afraid to push for the things you want to see exist. GFS is unique because if you are passionate about starting a club or working closely with a teacher on a specialized project, the school gives you the freedom to make it happen. Take advantage of those opportunities to explore your interests.
Lean into what you love, and don't be afraid to push for the things you want to see exist. GFS is unique because if you are passionate about starting a club or working closely with a teacher on a specialized project, the school gives you the freedom to make it happen.
–Izzy Torchinsky-Field '25
Have you kept up with GFS friends and teachers since heading off to college?
Radionov: One of my best friends from GFS goes to Bates College, which is only about 40 minutes away from Colby. Whenever I have some free time, I drive over to visit him. I also stay in touch with GFS friends who go to colleges in Boston, and I love catching up with everyone over summer and winter breaks.
Torchinsky-Field: I'm still very close with several GFS friends, including classmates at Cornell and Trinity. I also love keeping in touch with the faculty. When I was in town over Thanksgiving break, I stopped by campus to say hi to a whole bunch of my former teachers, and I look forward to continuing to cultivate those relationships.