"We are thrilled to see how our student-athlete's hard work is paying off with success...the Athletic Accolade is an opportunity to recognize student-athletes who contribute on and off the field at the highest level" ~ Sherry Levin, Athletic Director
October 4th:
The first round of accolades was the most competitive group of nominees since the award's inception in 2008. The first recipients of the award are Senior Lexi Knopf (girls' varsity soccer), sophomore Joe Connelly (varsity cross country), and eighth grader Jordan Gomolin (MS boys' A soccer). "Team captain Lexi Knopf '11 is the model of what a captain should be on and off of the field," says girls' varsity soccer coach Giovanni Viana. "Off the field, Lexi takes an interest in her teammates and always communicates clearly with the coaches. She is the first one to volunteer and assist the coaches and never misses an opportunity to go the extra mile. On the field, her no-nonsense style of play consistently keeps the team in the game. As a defender -- usually the last defender -- Lexi has repeatedly saved the team from game-changing breakaways. Her consistency on and off of the field make her the clear choice for an Athletic Accolade."
"Joe Connelly '13 has led the charge for Beaver's cross country team's 3-0 record," cross country coach Jake Walter said. "The first meet of the season (at Bancroft), Joe came in second place overall, and first for Beaver. Against Portsmouth Abbey, Joe took first place in a time of 17:20! His commitment to the team, along with his dedication, makes him an outstanding teammate to his fellow runners and the Beaver community."
"Jordan Gomolin's '15 consistent performances on the MS boys' A soccer team earns him an Athletic Accolade. His technical skill, field vision, and unselfish play has been integral in the team's 3-0 start. Gomolin has already proved his value on the field by scoring three goals and adding three assists," praised head coach Jeff Anderson.
October 14th:
The second group of fall Athletic Accolade honorees are Oliver Hunt '11 (boys' varsity soccer), Riley Nelson '14 (girls' JV soccer), and Shantal Risk-Belliard '17 (MS girls' B soccer).
"Oliver Hunt has been the backbone of our team so far this year," says coach Steve Schechter. "Coming off of a season last year in which he was named All-EIL and a League MVP nominee, the expectations were very high. Oliver has not disappointed. He has eight points in seven games (five goals and three assists) to match his tally for all of last season. This past week Oliver scored on a brilliant 25-yard free kick to help his team earn a hard-fought draw with Concord Academy. Beyond statistics, Oliver has been the ultimate team player. He has played through pain all season long, and never complains. Despite nagging injuries, Oliver is the first to challenge on every 50-50 ball and plays with unparalleled passion and personality."
Riley Nelson has earned high praise from coach Joe Robinson: "Riley really stepped up as a player and a leader for the rest of the team. Her ability to adapt and fill both offensive and defensive positions on the field has been integral to our team. She continues to grow daily in her skills and always takes a strong leadership role"
"Shantal Risk-Belliard stepped up to play goalie for us having never played before and is doing an amazing job," raves coach Jeff Hecht. "She has listened to every tip and instruction I have given her, improving her punting ability and overall goalie awareness. She is probably the the biggest reason we have been successful so far this season and has major potential to become a key asset to the Beaver soccer program in the future."
October 22nd:
Alex Jacobs '11 (varsity golf), Nora Demick '12 (varsity field hockey), and Hayley Zukerberg '16 (girls' MS A soccer) were the recipients of the third round of Athletic Accolades for the 2010 Fall season.
"Alex Jacobs is a captain and the best golfer on the team," says coach Larry McKinney. "He always competes against the top golfers in the league, and in his last four matches, he has two wins, one loss, and one tie. He also has posted six rounds of 43 or better so far this season."
"Many people do not realize the amount of pressure goalies face and Nora Demick, a returning player, has stayed cool under fire and continues to perform as the varsity field hockey goal keeper," raves coach Ashley Rohn. "Nora is always on time to practice, ready to work hard, and is often one of the most well-conditioned players on the team, hustling during sprinting and running drills! On average Nora records 20 saves per game and she notched her first shut out of the season at Saturday's homecoming win against Concord Academy. As coaches, it is a huge reward to have other coaches and referees often comment on her aerial saves, huge clears, and ability to keep her head up if scored upon. Nora is a silent leader with an incredibly positive attitude and we anticipate she will continue to make huge contributions to Beaver field hockey!"
Girls' MS A soccer coach Chris Lamar says, "Regardless of the position I need her to play, Hayley is always ready to perform. Over the last couple of games she has shown amazing hustle and fight. She wins over half of her 50/50 balls and Hayley amazes me on how she can transition from defense to offense and vice-versa. Haley deserves an athletic accolade for her talent, hard work, and spirit."
"Many people do not realize the amount of pressure goalies face and Nora Demick, a returning player, has stayed cool under fire and continues to perform as the varsity field hockey goal keeper," raves coach Ashley Rohn. "Nora is always on time to practice, ready to work hard, and is often one of the most well-conditioned players on the team, hustling during sprinting and running drills! On average Nora records 20 saves per game and she notched her first shut out of the season at Saturday's homecoming win against Concord Academy. As coaches, it is a huge reward to have other coaches and referees often comment on her aerial saves, huge clears, and ability to keep her head up if scored upon. Nora is a silent leader with an incredibly positive attitude and we anticipate she will continue to make huge contributions to Beaver field hockey!"
Girls' MS A soccer coach Chris Lamar says, "Regardless of the position I need her to play, Hayley is always ready to perform. Over the last couple of games she has shown amazing hustle and fight. She wins over half of her 50/50 balls and Hayley amazes me on how she can transition from defense to offense and vice-versa. Haley deserves an athletic accolade for her talent, hard work, and spirit."
November 5th:
As the fall sports season begins to wind down, the Athletic Department honors David Price '14, Silmar Bueno '14, and Zack LaCava '14 for boys' varsity soccer; Valerie Fisher '15 for MS field hockey; and Leo Connelly '14 for MS cross country with Athletic Accolades.
Boys' varsity soccer head coach Steve Schechter praises each of the accolade honorees:
"Valerie Fisher is a worthy candidate for an athletic accolade because of her hard work and dedication to the MS Field Hockey team," says coach Jessica Paulin. "She controls the field at center mid, and her commitment to the game during the offseason has shown through her knowledge and experience in play. On the field, Val is focused and hustles to every ball, always giving 100%. Her positive attitude and team spirit makes her a valuable asset to the Beaver Field Hockey team."
"Leo Connelly has shown amazing talent and leadership through example on the MS cross country team this season," coach Amy Slabich. "Leo has placed in the top 10 in all of the races the team has participated in, including an eighth place finish in last week's Larz Anderson Invitational -- the team's most competitive race this season. More importantly, Leo leads his teammates through example by running each workout and race with great intensity and focus. He does extra strength training on his own and shows good sportsmanship by congratulating his competitors and teammates. Leo has proven that he is not only an extremely talented athlete, but also an athlete with great character."
Boys' varsity soccer head coach Steve Schechter praises each of the accolade honorees:
David Price has proven to be the most technical keeper in the league. Beyond his tremendous skill, he has stepped up as a leader on the team. His timing, remarkable and fearless saves, and communication have resulted in eight shutouts and the fewest goals allowed for our program in several years.
Silmar Bueno has stepped in as a freshman and played with great poise. His technical ability is remarkable. He currently has 13 goals and 10 assists through 14 games and is second in the EIL in scoring. Silmar not only knows how to find the back of the net and set up his mates, but he plays with unbridled passion and creativity.
Zack LaCava has been the ultimate teammate. He has scored timely goals and has provided several key assists to help his team earn wins. As the EIL's third leading scorer, Zack has scored 10 goals and assisted 7 times. While he is a freshman, he has not backed down once against significantly bigger and older players. He clearly wants to help his team and make others around him better.
"Valerie Fisher is a worthy candidate for an athletic accolade because of her hard work and dedication to the MS Field Hockey team," says coach Jessica Paulin. "She controls the field at center mid, and her commitment to the game during the offseason has shown through her knowledge and experience in play. On the field, Val is focused and hustles to every ball, always giving 100%. Her positive attitude and team spirit makes her a valuable asset to the Beaver Field Hockey team."
"Leo Connelly has shown amazing talent and leadership through example on the MS cross country team this season," coach Amy Slabich. "Leo has placed in the top 10 in all of the races the team has participated in, including an eighth place finish in last week's Larz Anderson Invitational -- the team's most competitive race this season. More importantly, Leo leads his teammates through example by running each workout and race with great intensity and focus. He does extra strength training on his own and shows good sportsmanship by congratulating his competitors and teammates. Leo has proven that he is not only an extremely talented athlete, but also an athlete with great character."