On December 2, the members and families of the fall varsity athletic programs gathered to honor the athletes of the fall varsity teams. Awards were given for the most committed, most improved, and most valuable athletes on each team.
The Bernie Ward Commitment Award is named after our beloved former faculty member, coach, and colleague Bernie Ward is for the athlete who has displayed the most passion and commitment towards bettering themselves and their teammates during the season.
The Most Improved Player Award is awarded to the athlete who displayed the greatest amount of improvement and growth in their skills which contributed to the success of their team.
The Most Valuable Player Award is awarded to the athlete whose contribution to the team contributed most towards that team’s success during the season.
Varsity Tennis A
Gianna Smith
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Gianna Smith displayed excellent sportsmanship and always had a smile on her face. She was a team player. She loved coming to practice and was incredibly devoted to the tennis program over the last four years. She enjoyed competitive drills with her teammates and encouraged new players as well. Other coaches remarked about how she complimented her opponents during matches. What we will remember most about Gianna were her spirit and determination. Gianna truly represents what Kellenberg athletics is all about. Congratulations, Gianna! We will miss you!
Alexa Doht
Most Improved Player
The entire team improved dramatically throughout the season, but one player really stood out among the rest. From the first day of tryouts, Alexa Doht played her heart out. She soaked up every bit of advice given to her by the coaches and immediately used it to improve match play. She quickly became a force to be reckoned with at the net. Her positive attitude and determination are what led her to beat some very tough opponents. Her power and her net play improved consistently throughout the season. Congratulations, Alexa! We cannot wait to have you back next season!
Emma Lincks
Most Valuable Player
Emma Lincks faced some extremely challenging opponents this year as the team moved up to the A division. Her match play was consistent, and she never gave up even when facing skilled players. Emma was a role model for her teammates. She assisted newer players, encouraged them during matches, and offered kind words after a loss. Emma may be small in size, but she is strong and fierce on and off the court. She has been an asset to the tennis program and a role model for the past four years. We will undoubtedly miss you next year, Emma! Congratulations!
Varsity Tennis AA
Delia Cashin
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Sophomore Delia Cashin is the perfect representative of what the Bernie Ward Commitment Award recipient should be. Delia’s talent is undeniable, and her work ethic is unmatched. Delia possesses a quiet confidence and incredible competitive drive to be one of the best, but we consider her kind and gentle demeanor to be her greatest attribute. Always the first to warm up, help out with equipment and cheer on her teammates, she leads by example on and off the court. Delia gives 100% during practices and matches and works on her skills throughout the year. She has earned the top doubles position on the team and easily transitions into singles when needed. Besides being one of our best players, Delia succeeds academically in our honors program and is a member of the National Honor Society. We look forward to watching Delia continue to succeed on and off the courts.
Katelyn Larman
Most Improved Player
One of our newest Freshmen to join the Varsity AA Tennis, Katelyn demonstrated a focus and commitment to the team like no other. Katelyn never missed a practice and improved every time she stepped onto the courts. This season was Katelyn’s first time playing competitive tennis, but due to her athleticism and competitive focus, she was easily placed on first doubles. Her confidence and skillset improved greatly at each match, and with her partner, she was able to earn the respect from all the coaches and collect a few wins against the best in the NSCHSAA AA League. We have no doubt Katelyn will continue to be a force in our league and leader over the next three years.
Mia Devino
Most Valuable Player
Captain Mia Devino began her Kellenberg tennis career in 2019 and played a leading role in Kellenberg’s NSCHSAA Varsity Tennis A undefeated season and conference victory. She has continued to lead by example on and off the courts. Mia has held the number one singles position for the past two years. A two-season athlete, starting lacrosse player in the spring for the Firebirds, and has committed to The University of Indianapolis, Mia has it all. Power from the baseline, quickness on the court, and overall exceptional athleticism gives Mia the competitive edge. Mia plays year-round and competes locally, recently earning her a several championship titles. Besides her obvious talent, Mia has guided her teammates throughout the season and was a positive role model for all. We will greatly miss Mia and wish her continued successes on and off the courts!
Varsity Swimming
Katie Barberi
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Katie was unquestionably dedicated to our team and any and all needs she could fulfill all season. Katie has always been a great leader and role model but excelled even further this year with her role as captain. Katie was often found helping her new teammates with the flow of the season and meets, and always putting the team’s success above her own. Katie never missed a practice or a meet and executed her role as captain to perfection. We’ll miss you next year Katie!
Colleen Hawkins
Most Improved Player
Not only did Colleen grow immensely in the pool breaking lifetime personal records seemingly every meet, but her growth as a leader of the team stood out as well. Colleen excelled in races she was not normally asked to swim, and she did it with a ferocity not seen in her time at Kellenberg up until now. Colleen will be sorely missed next year, but we know she will become even more dominant in her college swimming career!
LilyAnne Darcy
Most Valuable Player
LilyAnne led the charge for the team the whole season, winning every 100 breaststroke she swam and scoring the most points per meet. LilyAnne also led the relays to victory several times, having the fastest breaststroke split in the CHSAA and often having one of the fastest freestyles on the team. LilyAnne is a racer and was always ready to put the team first and give her best effort towards helping the team.
Girls Varsity Volleyball
Sophia Zakovic
Most Improved Player
Doc Rivers, head coach of the NBA franchise the Philadelphia 76’ers, explained his teaching approach in a recent episode on Playbook: “I’m not going to coach to who you are; I’m going to coach you to who you should be someday.” Although it may have taken some time for Sophia Zakovic to understand the radical change the coaching staff was suggesting to her at the Smithtown West tournament back in September, once she began to embrace and relish that same vision, she became an integral part of our success this year.
Sophia was always a very talented player; she came to Kellenberg possessing great volleyball skill and gifted athleticism that allowed her to elevate to soaring heights almost effortlessly. During tryout week when we were measuring vertical jump and block touch, Sophia was just a mere inch beneath our tallest middle blocker, despite the fact that she stood 6 inches shorter. Because we had an abundance of outside and right side hitters, we were looking to find a place somewhere to insert her into the line-up, and against all traditional thinking, we plugged her in as a middle blocker.
Thanks to Sophia’s cooperative spirit and her explosiveness off the ground, she immediately made contributions even on that very same tournament day when her block touches and kills ignited us to win the round of 16 and the quarterfinal matches against Hauppauge and Ward Melville! As she began to get more reps during practice, Sophia became a sensational hitting option for us, running “B” patterns and attacking behind the setter in order to capitalize on her speed and her vision when gap hitting. In the championship match against Sacred Heart, Sophia’s hard work truly paid off for us when she was the second highest attacker on the team in both kills and in blocks, eventually ending the year with 72 terminations and 17 stuffs!
Although in Sophia’s mind she may never have envisioned herself running quicks in the middle with our setter, her willingness to try something radical, her receptivity to learning a brand new court position, and her utter devotion to our team concept earned her this very special award. We thank her for allowing us to coach her not as who she was but as who she could be for us.
Hayley Judge
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
A quasi-coach on the sidelines. A driven athlete on the court. A superstar in the classroom. A fierce competitor in every drill. A person who brings incredible energy to everything she does. Sounds like some bionic being manufactured in some futuristic lab, doesn’t it? Some kind of robotic conglomeration of all the best ingredients combined into some super-human, right? Actually, no. That person does exist, and her name is Hayley Judge. The 2021 team and the coaching staff were able to witness on a daily basis just what this dynamo brings to the table.
Hayley was relegated to limited playing time this season, but never did that restriction alter her love for the game or her dedication to her teammates. When she did get the chance to compete physically, she ran the offense from the setter position at non-league tournaments and games at OLMA and St. Mary’s. Known for her smooth connections with her outside and right side attackers and for her point-scoring serves, Hayley bled blue and gold whether she was sweating on the court or on the sidelines. When she wasn’t going on service runs behind the stripe, she was informing the coaching staff about trends and developments she was noticing on the statistics she was tracking. When our team would be strategizing and preparing for our next opponent, Hayley would often provide additional intel at our film sessions because of her familiarity with various teams and/or personnel. Her suggestions were always on point and always accurate. Even when we were headed into the championship match, it was Hayley who put forward the possibility that one hitter on Sacred Heart (whose tendencies she had already enumerated) might be replaced with another who had been out of the line-up in recent matches. Not only was she absolutely right, but her wisdom in supplying that kind of information kept our team fluid and adaptable when game time came around.
Hayley Judge certainly fulfilled many roles for us this season, but perhaps the greatest one of all resulted in her being called the “energy giver” on our team. Her positivity was effervescent and contagious, and every one of us–player, manager, and coach–could not help being swept away by her optimism. A rare and prized treasure, Hayley maximized her contributions; indeed, our team’s success hinged upon her total and complete unselfishness. In the future, whether she is sliding across the floor on her knee pads to make a dig in a game or riding up an escalator with her briefcase in hand headed toward her corporate office, it makes no difference. Hayley Judge will always be successful because she knows only one thing: she is “all in.”
Teresa Moulder
Most Valuable Player
Lots of players like to “talk the talk” but not many of them can continually “walk the walk.” Teresa Moulder was never one for talking much, so let’s just put that part of the aforementioned comment to the side. What she did do–every practice, every scrimmage, every game, every tournament–was let her actions do the talking.
It’s one thing to be looked upon as the team leader on the court, but it’s quite another to deliver on that label time and time again. There have been very talented players who have come through the KM program who were dominant hitters or blockers or defenders or setters, but it takes a rare athlete who can perform at that high level ALL the time. Teresa was able to do that for us every day. Relegated to playing only three rotations (sometimes four if she had the chance to serve), Teresa would make an impact, and then have to head to the sideline to wait to check back in. For Teresa, however, there was no “down time.” In fact, she was even louder and more engaged on the sideline than she was on the court–which is kind of crazy to say because on the court she was unstoppable.
Dominating matches with her team-leading 196 kills, 82 solo blocks and 8 assist blocks, Teresa learned to attack from every location at the net and was often called upon to run pin-to-pin in order to single block an opponent’s outside hitter. But what is so refreshing and so unique about Teresa is that she deflects all of the credit and shies away from the spotlight primarily because she wants the success to be all about the team. That is why she is just as pumped and just as excited on the sidelines as she is when she is tattooing yet another backrow defender with one of her thunderous attacks.
In addition, Teresa is a true “gamer.” The higher the stakes, the greater she elevates her play. She does things on the fly that, for most people, would require hours and hours of training and reps in practice. Not only was she chosen as MVP of the championship match (thanks to her unbelievable 20 kills and 7 blocks), but she was also named as the NSCHSGAA Player of the Year. Finally, Teresa was also recognized at the national level when she was chosen as the recipient of the AVCA Best and Brightest Award (top performer on her team and high achiever in the classroom) and became Kellenberg’s very first AVCA All-Region Honorable Mention All American.
With statistics and awards like that, Teresa Moulder doesn’t ever have to “talk the talk.” As she tackles collegiate volleyball in the years to come, we are certain that she will simply continue to “walk the walk,” embracing a brand new team and garnering new titles and accomplishments with her customary humility and grace.
Boys Varsity Soccer
Adrian Nowak
Bernie Ward Commitment
This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment award recipient should come as no surprise to anyone. This Senior began this season as our starting goalkeeper, later due to injuries, our starting center defenseman, to ending his season as our starting forward! If being asked to play every position on the field, with success and without any question, it is no wonder why Adrian Nowak is this year’s Bernie Ward Commitment award recipient.
James Cavallaro
Most Improved Player
Our Most Improved award recipient goes to a Senior who went from playing goalkeeper entering his junior year to finishing his senior season on the field and being one of the top ten leaders in the league in total points! This player showed up to every game with the determination to compete, even though he will be continuing his college career playing basketball next fall. Congratulations to James Cavallaro.
Gregory Kenney
Most Valuable Player
This year’s Most Valuable Player goes to a player who may not statistically lead the team in total points but was essential to our success. This player was the center of our midfield for two seasons, consistently playing at a high level, and by the end of his season, demonstrated the leadership to become captain. Congratulations to Gregory Kenney on being our Most Valuable Player recipient this season.
Girls Varsity Soccer
Katherine Shammas
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award recipient is a young woman who continually put the team before herself. Over the past two seasons, Katherine Shammas has been a leader on and off the field. She would play any position that was asked of her and always gave her absolute best. Katherine Shammas has been a pleasure to coach and an exemplary model of all the attributes that the Bernie Ward Commitment Award signifies.
Gianna D’Amato
Most Improved Player
This year’s Most Improved Player is a young woman who continuously strived to improve all aspects of her game for the team. Gianna always has a smile on her face, a positive attitude, and a great work ethic. An early-season injury did not stop Gianna from continuing to grow her game this season. Her relentless work ethic and mental toughness are some of the many reasons why Gianna D’Amato is this year’s Most Improved Player.
Sofia De Vito
Most Valuable Player
This year’s Most Valuable Player goes to the young woman who led our defense this season. Sofia De Vito has been the team’s most consistent, reliable presence on the field this year. She led the CHSAA with 129 saves, many of which were major saves that were deciding points in critical games. We look forward to having her back in goal next year. This year’s Most Valuable Player is Sofia De Vito.
Boys Varsity Crew
Jimmy Robb
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Commitment is an attribute that does not go unnoticed. In the sport of Crew, the team members need to not only be committed to their individual success, but all individuals in the boat. Jimmy Robb could always be counted on to encourage others when they needed support. Being a member of the Crew team consisted of long days after school and Jimmy was present at every practice. Jimmy is a fine young man who exemplifies all the characteristics needed for success and was a pleasure to coach.
Victor Gallo
Most Improved Player
Almost all members of the team had never rowed on the water. Therefore, every single individual improved throughout the season. However, Victor Gallo made tremendous strides that greatly contributed to the success of his boat. His hard work and determination allowed him to develop into a valued member of the team and we look forward to his continued success.
Jack Hardiman
Most Valuable Player
Jack Hardiman is a coach’s dream. He was the calming factor during rocky times on the water. Jack was able to use his prior experience in rowing and be an extension of the coaching staff as many members of the team were new to the sport. Jack worked very hard every day and could always be found assisting teammates. Jack’s commitment was evident as he was the first to arrive at the boathouse and the last to leave. We are proud of Jack’s success on the water, but more importantly, the respectful, coachable, young man he is.
Girls Varsity Crew
Megan Mulroy
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Commitment was one of the first things we had discussed to all of our athletes at the start of this season because it is an important aspect of any team sport. Like most of the girls on the crew team, Megan Mulroy always gave 100% commitment at practice. What makes Megan stand out from the rest of her team is her dedication off the water. She is committed to becoming a stronger rower and on her own time. She would constantly ask for erg workouts that she could do at home and ways that she could improve her technique. Megan understands that to be a rower, it is not just about the work you put in during the few hours of practice per week, but it is a mindset. It is about learning to be better on your own time and to become stronger when no one is telling you to do so. Megan has been a wonderful young lady to coach and we are looking forward to her continued success in this sport.
Lillian Stern
Most Improved Player
Lillian Stern started off the season as an athlete and ended the season as a true rower. Lillian didn’t just get better with her technique and stronger on the erg, she grew to be a prime example of what it means to be a member of a crew team. In the beginning of the season, Lillian came to practice focusing on how she could individually become a better rower. Within weeks, her attitude changed. She was dedicated to her team by getting things done on land and staying calm on the water, especially during those difficult practices. She ultimately led her team to a victory against Saint Anthony’s and Saint John the Baptist. It was her selfless dedication that ultimately led to her boat’s success. In the last week of practice, Lillian took the challenge of learning a completely new technique of rowing in a double for the sake of her team. Lillian demonstrated what it means to grow as a rower and as a teammate. We are excited to see her continued improvement in the winter and spring seasons.
Kathrine Hansen
Most Valuable Player
When you think of the most valuable member of the crew team, each seat has a unique role that contributes to the success of the boat. The stroke seat is ultimately the member who not only sets the pace for the boat, but also helps to set the mindset of the boat. Kathrine Hansen took on the role of stoke seat for our varsity boat like she has been doing it for years. When Kathrine got serious, the rest of the girls got serious. When Kathrine got strong, the rest of the girls got stronger. When Kathrine was determined, the rest of the girls willingly followed their leader. Kathrine was one of the original members of the Crew club that has helped to mold the team to what it is today. We consider her to be a valuable rower because she is always striving to be better. Kathrine always asked questions during practice about how to work on her technique and become a stronger rower. It has been a pleasure coaching Kathrine this past season, and we are looking forward to seeing her leadership grow in the upcoming spring season.
Varsity Cheerleading
Gianna Truisi
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
This season’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to a cheerleader who has fully dedicated herself to the team and gives one hundred and ten percent at each and every practice. She is one of the strongest flyers on the team and is always pushing herself and others to be better. Her positive attitude and humorous personality is contagious to the entire team. She’s always ready to work with a smile on her face and we commend her for her commitment to the betterment of the team at practice each day. The Varsity cheerleading commitment award goes to Gianna Truisi.
Caroline Reda
Most Improved Player
The most improved award goes to a young lady that has improved tremendously throughout this fall season. She works extremely hard in improving herself in all aspects of cheerleading. We are impressed with her stunting ability and commend her on determination at each and every practice. She has truly come such a long way and we are so proud of the cheerleader she has become. The most improved Varsity cheerleader is Caroline Reda.
Chloe Lovera
Most Valuable Player
This season’s MVP is a young lady who has been truly valuable to our program since she was a Latin School cheerleader. Her strength and positive attitude make her a leader and role model for every girl on our team. She is an all-around cheerleader, with strong stunting skills, good tumbling, and beautiful jumps. The coaches turn to her to motivate and set an example for her teammates. We have watched this young lady work effortlessly throughout the season and we are extremely impressed with how far she has come. We look forward to watching her succeed and shine throughout our competitive season. This season’s most valuable cheerleader is Chloe Lovera.
Varsity Dance Team
Leah Tilocca
The Bernie Ward Commitment Award
This year’s Most Committed Award goes to a dancer who is an integral and influential part of the team. She has been invested in making our team better throughout the season. Her commitment to the team was most apparent not only on the dance floor but in practice sessions as well. She is always willing and ready to try new dances and works well with others to perfect her skills. When her coaches or teammates need her, she is always there without hesitation. Coming to dance camp as a young girl, we have seen her grow and progress through dance and turn into the fantastic dancer she is today. We are proud to have her as a member of the Varsity Dance Team. This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Junior, Leah Tilocca.
Jessica Bryant
Most Improved Player Award
This year’s Most Improved Player Award goes to a dancer who continually developed her technique and performance skills throughout the season. She is a valuable asset and incredible addition to the Varsity team. Though we may have lost a year, as a junior she worked hard to become ready for her senior year. Now a senior, she continues to perfect her moves and adjust her own dancing style to dance as one with her team members. She is always looking to improve, and we have seen her become a developed and gifted dancer. With her hard work ethic and practice, she will continue to excel on the dance team. This year’s Most Improved Player Award goes to Senior, Jessica Bryant.
Fiona Higgins
Most Valuable Player
From the start of the season, we knew this young woman would be one of our most dedicated and strongest dancers. Her technique is always impressive and as the season progressed, it continued to mature. She possesses excellent leadership skills and is always willing to assist her teammates with learning new choreography for each dance. She shows unwavering commitment at all practices and was always willing to go above and beyond, especially to help her team and coaches. Her personality and mature demeanor have made it a pleasure to have her on the team. This year’s Most Valuable Player Award goes to Senior, Fiona Higgins.
Boys Varsity Cross Country
Vincent Franco
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Vincent Franco is a committed and hardworking runner. He has used his commitment to the sport to convert himself from a good varsity runner into a great varsity runner. Vincent ran so well this year he was selected to the All-League Team. Vincent also qualified for the prestigious New York State Federation Meet. He is an excellent example of what we want all of our runners to be. He was a unanimous choice to be one of this year’s Team Captains and to win this award. The Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Vincent Franco.
Noel Jackson
Most Improved Player
At the start of the season, we believed that Noel Jackson would be one of our top Junior Varsity runners. Thru hard work and determination, Noel improved so much this season he became one of our top varsity runners for the season. Noel improved so much that at the Catholic State Championship, Noel was our 3rd best scorer on the team. This year’s Most Improved Runner Award goes to Noel Jackson.
Jeremy Martinez
Most Valuable Player
You can use many words to describe Jeremy Martinez hard worker, fierce competitor, driven. Jeremy started his season with solid performances at the Regis Invitational, Six Flags Great Adventure Meet and Nassau Coaches Invitational. Still, he saved his best performances for the Championship part of the season. At League Championship meet, he performed well enough to receive All-League First Team Honors. At the Catholic State Championship, Jeremy Achieved All Catholic State Team Honors. At the New York State Federation Championship, Jeremy finished in the top 1/3 of all competitors in this all qualifier meet.
Girls Varsity Cross Country
Caleigh Hopkins
Caleigh HopkinsBernie Ward Commitment Award
Caleigh always trusts the process. She can always be counted on to support her teammates and empower them to be the best version of themselves. She takes the sport seriously but knows how to enjoy it at the same time.
Brooke Hoffman
Most Improved Player
Brooke Hoffman has improved year after year and set a personal record in almost all of her races. Starting the season as a “JV” athlete, she ran her way to a spot on our State Federation Team.
Kathleen Healy
Most Valuable Player
Kathleen was consistently our best runner on the team this season highlighted by her first-place finish at the League Championships. She was also a top-10 finisher at the Catholic State Meet.
Varsity Football
Marcus Guillaume-Sam
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Marcus is a student-athlete who always does what is asked of him, that did not start this year, it has been the case for the last four years. Marcus has been an example to all the other players in the program for what to do and how to carry themselves. Marcus was battling injuries his entire senior season, but he never missed a practice or a game. He worked despite the obvious pain he was in every day and continues to make himself and his teammates better. Even on weeks where Marcus knew his playing time would be limited, he still gave a maximum effort every practice knowing that it was what the team needed. He is the ultimate team-first player.
Nicholas DeTommaso
Most Improved Player
Nick played just about every offensive snap we had this season. This is significant because during out spring season and throughout the summer Nick was getting ready to help the team on the defensive side of the ball. When Nick was asked to help the team because of a void created by injury he did not just “fill in”, he stepped in and had a huge impact. Nick anchored the offensive line at Tackle one of the more difficult positions on the line and helped lead the Firebirds offense to an average of over 28 points per game.
Brendan Leahy
Most Valuable Player
Brendan was not only our MVP but also quite often the heart and soul of our team. With a hard-nosed running style and an ability to catch the ball out of the backfield Brendan always caused a mismatch for the opposing team. While sometimes not lighting up the stat sheet himself Brendan was willing to do the things that would help his teammates be able to put up lofty statistical numbers. Whether it was blocking, carrying out fakes, or just leading by example Brendan always did what was best for the team. Brendan’s selflessness on the offense let everyone around him shine.
