On November 14, the members of the freshman and sophomore classes gathered to honor the athletes of the fall freshman and junior varsity teams. Awards were given for most committed, most improved, and most valuable athletes on each team.
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 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 Valuable Player Award is awarded to the athlete whose contribution to the team contributed most towards that team’s success during the season.
The Bernie Ward Commitment Award:
Boys Freshman Cross Country
James Hopkins
James Hopkins has everything that we are looking for in a runner. He is dedicated, hardworking, he has never missed a practice or a competition. This season was a very good season for the Kellenberg Freshman Cross Country Team. Although it is true that many runners on this year’s team are deserving of this award, James showed the perfect combination of dedication and consistent top-level performances for the coaching staff to believe that he is deserving of this award. This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to James Hopkins.
Girls Freshman Cross Country
Lauren Tarpey
Lauren Tarpey, a Cross Country neophyte, kept up her strong drive and hard work from August to November. Despite a setback that left her sick for a good week, she came back strong to be a critical scorer in both the NSCHSGAA and CHSAA Championship Meets.
Freshman Cheerleading
Mia Quinones
The Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to a cheerleader who has shown tremendous dedication this season. Every practice, Mia Quinones pushes herself to go above and beyond what is asked of her. Throughout the season, the coaches could always count on her to have a positive attitude and open mind to anything put her way. Her commitment to her teammates, coaches, and the sport is evident each and every practice. It is evident that her passion and commitment cheerleading have only just begun, and we’re looking forward to watching her grow as a cheerleader. This seasons Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Mia Quinones.
Junior Varsity Cheerleading
Isabella Gillam
Isabella Gillam is committed to improving her skills in the sport of cheerleading each and every day. Uncertain as to whether her destiny was to be a flyer or a base, she worked tirelessly to perfect both positions. Finally solidifying her place as a flyer, she worked double as hard. She fearlessly tried new elite skills while never backing down to any setbacks. She always has a smile on her face, no matter what work the day has set out for her, and her smile and positive attitude contagiously affect those around her for the better.
Junior Varsity Volleyball
Emmie Koszalka
The Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to an athlete who told the coaches that she has a “never-ending love for volleyball.” Her actions verified this statement. This young woman showed resilience and tremendous personal growth. Emmie Koszalka played every position which we placed her in with hunger and passion. Not once did Emmie ask why she was being moved…she simply played her part for the betterment of the team. In all ways, Emmie showed commitment- at practice, in the classroom, and in matches Emmie shared her never-ending love for the sport with everyone in her circle. Congrats Emmie!
Boys Junior Varsity “B” Soccer
Joseph Bencosme
Joe is a player that was committed to the all-around growth of the team. As a returning sophomore, he knew what was to be expected and was able to help the new players in that regard.
Boys Junior Varsity “A” Soccer
Thomas Boland
Tommy was a steady figure in our defense all year. He was there day in and day out putting in the work needed to help improve our defense from game to game. His hard work and commitment throughout the season paid off as he played his best soccer during the playoffs when we needed it most.
Junior Varsity Dance Team
Arianna Termini
This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to a JV dancer who is always looking to strive better for her team. Effortless carrying the heavy Pom bag to and from practice, this dancer’s dedication to the team is undeniable. She is fully open to trying new things and is invested in improving herself all for the good of the team. Her commitment has never faltered. Sophomore, Arianna Termini is completely worthy of such a prestigious award. She is a great dancer and an asset to our team. We are proud to have been able to be her coach.
Girls Junior Varsity “B” Soccer
Devan Bauer
Devan Bauer is the recipient of this season’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award. Devan was a silent but strong leader on this team. Devan was always willing and ready to help out whenever the coaches needed it. One moment that showed her commitment to the team was when she was called upon to play a position that she normally did not in order to help the team. She was more than willing to try that new position and played her heart out. Over the course of the season, Devan came out of her shell more and the coaches noticed her encouraging her teammates both on and off the field. The coaches would like to recognize Devan’s commitment to this team for the past two years. Congratulations Devan!
Girls Junior Varsity “A” Soccer
Claire Galante
This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award recipient goes to Claire Galante. Claire came to practice every day with a huge smile on her face a desire to learn and improve. Her positive attitude was contagious and she was a joy to coach. She was a very hard worker and worked endlessly to improve her skills. She was a leader to her younger teammates and showed them that continuous encouragement can build a team’s confidence.
Junior Varsity “B” Football
Brendan Leahy
Brendan was a quiet leader on team JV “B” football team that led by action. His day-to-day positive attitude and determination to become a better football player demonstrated what being a member of this football team means to him. Brendan never once let his teammates down and was always the first person to take on any responsibility asked of him. For example, when Brendan was asked to play both offense and defense, he willingly took on that responsibility and became one of the best offensive weapons for the team. Brendan clearly embodies what it means to be a Kellenberg Football player and what a committed player means to a team.
Junior Varsity “A” Football
Will Ligarzewski
This year’s Commitment Award goes to a player that not only committed himself to the program throughout the season but was by far the hardest working player in the program during the offseason as well. After intense two-a-day practices in the August heat, it was not an uncommon sight to see Will lifting weights for an hour at the end of each day. We, as coaches, always ask players to “buy in” to our strategy and the player that most embodied this mentality was Will Ligarzewski. As a two-year two-way starter and team captain, Will has completely “bought in” to the program; and I am excited to see what the future holds for this young man. Congratulations Will!
Most Improved Award:
Boys Freshman Cross Country
Michael Doht
Michael Doht started out the season as one of the last few members of the Freshman “A” Team, but his hard work has helped him lower his personal best time by 30 seconds at Van Cortlandt Park and almost a minute at the Sunken Meadow Course. This dramatic improvement has led to Michael becoming one of the top scorers on the entire team. The future looks bright for Michael Doht as a member of the Kellenberg Cross Country Team. This year’s Most Improved Runner goes to Michael Doht.
Girls Freshman Cross Country
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Isabella Coschignano
Isabella Coschignano implemented her signature determination and diligence in a gradual improvement which led to over a one minute and twenty-second improvement on the standard freshman 1.5-mile course, and was Kellenberg’s top performer at the CHSAA Intersectional freshman championships.
Freshman Cheerleading
Francesca Fortunato
Francesca Fortunato has grown tremendously since she first put on her Kellenberg cheerleading uniform in September. A gymnast turned cheerleader, Frankie has spent her time perfecting her already-existing skills and striving to acquire new ones. She has pushed herself to improve her jumps, tumbling, and stunting skills. For someone who has never stunted before, Frankie has proven to be one of our most reliable flyers. We look forward to watching Frankie continue to progress in the future and are so proud of how much she’s learned this season. This seasons Most Improved Player is Francesca Fortunato.
Junior Varsity Cheerleading
T’Anna Lloyd
This year’s most improved award goes to an athlete who is new to the cheerleading world. As a gymnast, T’Anna already excelled in the individual areas of jumping and tumbling. Learning to become part of a team and work together to perform elite stunts was her challenge. It was one she not only took on bravely but successfully. She quickly learned proper technique and performed stunts with her teammates with ease. We look forward to seeing her improve even more as she continues to work with her team.
Junior Varsity Volleyball
Reilly Minnigan
The most improved player goes to someone who barely saw the court last year. This year, our most improved athlete found her way to a starting spot and proved to be a powerful presence in the front row as she put up a solid and intimidating block. This young woman worked hard every day to take each comment from the coaches to heart and transition the comment to action on the court. Reilly Minnigan proved herself to be a competitor in every way. Reilly’s personal growth is simply outstanding and the program looks forward to her continued improvement! Congratulations Reilly!
Boys Junior Varsity “B” Soccer
Jack Williamson
Jack is a very tough player, with a lot of determination. Making his way into a starting position did not surprise the coaches or players as he continued to grow during practices. His willingness to listen to direction and advice made him a very coachable player. I am looking forward to his growth in the program and what else he can bring to Kellenberg soccer.
Boys Junior Varsity “A” Soccer
Alex Scagnelli
Alex started the season out in a rotation at forward with 4 other players. As the season progressed he improved daily with his foot skills and his finishing. He was a critical part in our playoff run scoring 2 goals in the playoffs. His never-ending determination to do whatever he could for the betterment of the team was apparent every day at practice. He was a great extension of the coaching staff.
Junior Varsity Dance Team
Cassidy Shillingford
This season’s Most Improved Award goes to sophomore, Cassidy Shillingford. During try-outs and team practices, her strive and dedication to improving were evident. She took the time to take more classes, even switching studios, and developed her craft as suggested last winter. Being a season away between last fall and this fall has brought Cassidy back even better than ever, and she is a force to be reckoned with. As Cassidy’s second year as a member of the fall season, her elite skills were dully notes and as coaches. We appreciate her hard work and consistency to perform better. She understands constructive criticism and takes every opportunity to become a stronger dancer.
Girls Junior Varsity “B” Soccer
Mackenzie McAllister
This season’s most improved player is Mackenzie McAllister. Mackenzie decided to try out for the JV soccer team as a sophomore after having not played soccer since she was in 3rd grade. Mackenzie was always positive both on and off the soccer field. As a strong athlete, the coaches knew Mackenzie would play well as a center midfielder for this season. Every practice and every game, Mackenzie improved her soccer skills to become a go-to player and leader on this team. The coaches are so proud of Mackenzie and would love to see her continue to pursue a soccer career here at Kellenberg.
Girls Junior Varsity “A” Soccer
Tara Brennan
Tara Brennan is this year’s recipient of the Most Improved Player Award. As a natural athlete, Tara always had a competitive spirit to become the best soccer player she could be. Throughout the season she continuously strived to improve in many aspects of the game. That fire and that desire helped her earn a starting spot in one of the most important positions on the field; center back. Her skills, as well as her decision making on the field, improved tremendously throughout the season.
Junior Varsity “B” Football
Tyler Evert
When the season started, Tyler Evert was a player that had a lot of responsibilities on the field. Tyler was asked to play offense, defense, and special teams. Tyler started the season as a player with basic knowledge on how to play the game. As the season grew on, Tyler improved each week as a football player absorbing directions from Coach Roberts. During the team’s film sessions, Tyler would sit next to Coach Roberts and listen to his instruction on how to improve himself every week. By the end of the season, Tyler became one of the best defensive ends and guards in our league.
Junior Varsity “A” Football
Cesar Romano
The Most Improved Award goes to a player who, at his position, was not expected to see much playing time at the beginning of the season. However, through his relentless work ethic and hard-nosed determination to constantly get better, this player became a two-way starter for us by week 4 at fullback and linebacker. In our run-heavy offense, the fullback became a catalyst to our success and, when called upon, even proved to be a very capable ball-carriers. Congratulations to Cesar Romano on the well-deserved Most Improved Player Award!
Most Valuable Player:
Boys Freshman Cross Country
Jeremy Martinez
It should come to no one’s surprise that Jeremy Martinez is this year’s Most Valuable Runner. He was the team’s top runner at every single meet this season. Some of his season highlights include a 4th place finish at the Regis Invitational out 150 runners. He also finished in 3rd place overall at the NSCHSAA Championship meet. In the final meet of the season the CHSAA Championship meet, which is also known as the Catholic State Championship, Jeremy finished in an impressive 8th place. Individual honors achieved by Jeremy include All NSCHSAA First Team and All CHSAA Second Team (he narrowly missed first-team by 1 place).
Girls Freshman Cross Country
Jessica Lampasone
Jessica Lampasone was Kellenberg’s top finisher in nine of the ten meets that the freshman team competed in. Her sixth-place finish led the team to a surprising runner-up finish in the NSCHSGAA freshman championships. She is a versatile athlete with a great future.
Freshman Cheerleading
Michelle Coakley
This season’s Most Valuable Player goes to a cheerleader who is valuable not only as an athlete but also as a teammate. Michelle Coakley truly represents what it means to be a Kellenberg cheerleader. This young lady has worked tirelessly throughout the fall season, excelling in every aspect of cheerleading and never settling for anything less than perfect. She is an all-around cheerleader with strong stunting skills, beautiful tumbling, and phenomenal jumps. Michelle’s talent and leadership qualities are evident each and every day and make her a huge asset to the team. This season’s Most Valuable Player is Michelle Coakley.
Junior Varsity Cheerleading
Ava Carrano
A lot of different characteristics make an athlete valuable. One of the most important in the sport of cheerleading is consistency. Doing things until you get it right is not an option. The goal instead is to practice until you can’t do them wrong. Ava never settles once she achieves a new skill, but instead starts immediately working on how to perfect it and learn a new one. Her dedication to the team, admirable work ethic, and constant positive attitude make her a clear and undeniable MVP.
Junior Varsity Volleyball
Leah Marchisoto
The Most Valuable Player for the 2018 JV volleyball season is Leah Marchisoto. Leah is a powerful presence. Her stability, her confidence, her drive, and her talent make her a uniquely qualified person to play libero. Leah’s passion for the game is undeniable. Leah’s ability to pass in a tough side out situation or read a hitter just the right way steadied us and at times lifted us to new defensive heights. Leah is a leader and unafraid to be authentically herself. Leah led the team in digs and serve to receive. Any solid team is only solid because of its defense, and Leah led the way for the Firebirds. Congratulations Leah!
Boys Junior Varsity “B” Soccer
Adrian Nowak
Adrian Nowak was the starting Goal Keeper on JVB Soccer. Throughout the season he played excellently to keep many games close and ensure many victories. But his performance in our playoff game against Chaminade was unbelievable. Adrian has a long career of Goalkeeping at Kellenberg and we are excited to see his growth and achievements as the year’s progress.
Boys Junior Varsity “A” Soccer
Justin Mossey
Justin has been a very versatile player for us this year. He has played almost every position on the field and has done so with ease. His hard work and leadership have helped push the others to raise their level of play. Justin anchored the defense during the playoffs holding Chaminade and St. Anthony’s to a total of 2 goals. His willingness to put the team first was crucial to our success this season.
Junior Varsity Dance Team
Brielle Termini
The recipient of this year’s JV Dance team’s Most Valuable Award is sophomore, Brielle Termini. She effortlessly takes initiative and is always one of the last to leave soaking up the most of her time perfecting dance moves. She is the dancer who loses her breath counting out loud for a team of 20 plus girls. Given the best faces to entertain the crowd shining bright with a genuine love of dance, Brielle is most deserving of this award. We as coaches are proud to say that she is one strong dancer. The height she gets in her toe touches and vast abilities of tricks up her sleeves are just a few characteristics of this valuable player, and it’s been an honor to have her on our team.
Girls Junior Varsity “B” Soccer
Sara Carro
This season’s Most Valuable Player is Sara Carro. Voted as one of the captains, Sara took on the challenge of being one of the leaders of the team this season. Sara gave everything she had to this team. Sara would play aggressively while maintaining great sportsmanship. There were a few times this season where Sara showed she was the most valuable to the team on the field. The first was scoring the winning goal against Our Lady of Mercy in the final minutes. Another time was when she ran through a ball to give a great assist to allow for a tying goal in the last three minutes against St. John the Baptist. Sara played through every ball and never gave up. The coaches knew that Sara could be thrown into any position and that she would accept the challenge without hesitation. The coaches are so proud of how Sara grew as a player in this program for the last two years! Congratulations!
Girls Junior Varsity “A” Soccer
Nicolette Leonard
This year’s Most Valuable Player Award goes to Nicolette Leonard. Since the beginning of the season, Nikki has made an immediate impact in the games. She was an offensive threat to every defense she faced. She accumulated 12 goals in just 15 games. Nikki was the go-to player that I could rely on to get the job done in crucial situations. She has a love for the game that was continuous to her other teammates. Her hardworking attitude and mental toughness allowed her to dominate on the soccer field.
Junior Varsity “B” Football
Ethan Greenwood
Since the two-a-day practices in August, Ethan has demonstrated what it means to be valuable to a team. On the very first day of tryouts, Ethan gave up his own ambition on playing running back to play quarterback when he saw the team was in need of one. Ethan then went on to become the centerpiece of the offense. Throughout the season, Ethan showed determination and a willingness to succeed. After the team lost the first 3 games of the season, Ethan went on to lead the team to win 3 out of its last 4 games. If Ethan continues to push himself and his team, he could establish himself as one of the best players in the CHSFL.
Junior Varsity “A” Football
Griffin Chernoff
This year’s Most Valuable Player award goes out to a player that was the driving force behind our offense and our defense. Averaging over 200 rushing yards per game is no easy task, but doing so while also starting as the middle linebacker is an impeccable feat. This young man has displayed an immense work ethic and, as a captain, always led by example. Whether it be attending voluntary workouts or trying to find the end zone during every play in practice, Griffin was always encouraging his teammates to play to the best of their individual ability. Congratulations on the honor of being this team’s MVP, Griffin!