Congratulations 68th Annual Awards Recipients!
Scroll down to bottom of page to see the event slideshow.
High School Student-Athlete Awards
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Male High School Student-Athlete of the Year
The Merrill Hoover Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Optimist Club of Arlington Hudson Greene Hudson played football at Yorktown for four years and was captain and quarterback this season. He led the Patriots to an upset playoff win over #1 seed South Lakes, throwing the game-winning pass with 30 seconds left. Coach Ryan Larcamp said he not only led by example, but actively fostered an environment where everyone’s voice was heard and respected. Hudson is a four-year varsity lacrosse player, two-time captain, state champion, and holds every offensive record for the Patriots, finishing with 300 career points. Coach Greg Beer called him one of the finest leaders in the history of our program, on and off the field. Hudson created GreeneVisuals social media account, serves on the Patriot athletic council, is a National Honor Society member and a National Merit Scholar. He founded and ran Yorktown families4families for the past two years, raising more than $15,000, and then buying and delivering basic needs items. Hudson will be attending school and playing lacrosse at Bowdoin College this fall. |
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Baseball Sportsman of the Year
The George McQuinn Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Arlington Cal Ripken Babe Ruth, Arlington Little League, and Arlington Senior Babe Ruth Jack Couture Jack had lots of success during his four years of playing baseball for Washington-Liberty, as he grew from a scrawny freshman to ace of the pitching staff with a 90 mile per hour fastball. While Jack is deservedly well-known for his exploits on the baseball field, he is perhaps equally well-known for his dedication to the Arlington Little League Challengers baseball program for kids with disabilities. Jack first volunteered to help at a Challengers game along with his Little League team, but then he came back on his own the next week, and the week after that, and the following week, all the way through high school. The Challenger players know him as the Music Man, coach, friend and role model. Jack is a member of the National Honor Society and received a National Merit Scholarship program commendation. Next year, Jack will attend Haverford College, where he will play baseball. |
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Basketball Sportswoman of the Year
The Candice Brown Trophy Sponsored by: Harriet Shapiro A four-year varsity basketball starter at Washington-Liberty, Harriet was a key contributor to the team’s success, both on and off the court. As a senior, she was named the team’s speaking captain, and helped lead the Generals to their most successful season in the past 20 years. Harriet was a strong and consistent combo guard who was able to stretch the floor on offense and guard any position on defense. She was also the starting goalie on the Generals’ soccer team, where she helped lead the team to the district finals in 2022 and again in 2023. When not on the basketball court or soccer pitch, Harriet was a National Merit Scholar, Harvard Book Awardee, Science Fair mentor, and a member of the National Honor Society. She also volunteered at the Arlington Food Assistance Center throughout high school, earning recognition from the Center as its 2023 Teen Volunteer of the Year. Harriet will attend Rice University in the Fall. |
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Basketball Sportsman of the Year
The John and Ed Hummer Trophy Sponsored by: Beyond the Hoop, Inc. Carlton Young Carlton is your prototypical military brat, moving many times throughout his school years, always having to make new friends, always needing to try out for and fit in on a new team. He quickly became a leader on the Wakefield basketball team. Since Carlton was trying to fit in with the guys, he often didn’t say much. He let his play speak for itself, leading the Warriors to a 21-win season. Wakefield went 10 and 2 in the Liberty District, winning its first district championship since 2017. Carlton was selected as the Liberty District Player of the Year and first team All-State. He was also named honorable mention All-Met by The Washington Post. Off the basketball court, Carlton was involved with the Readers Are Leaders program, making weekly visits to Claremont Elementary School to read with first and third graders. Carlton will attend college and play basketball at Augusta State University this fall. |
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Cheer Sportswoman of the Year
The Ray Michael Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Daniela Salinas A co-captain on the Bishop O’Connell cheer team, Daniela exhibited character, leadership and dedication in everything she embraced. Daniela was selected as an All-American cheerleader each of the past two years, and marched in the December 2022 Pearl Harbor Memorial Day Parade in Honolulu. Daniela rarely missed a practice or team related event and was always the first to arrive, with a smile on her face and ready to offer assistance to her teammates. When not cheering, Daniela served as President of O’Connell’s Asian-American Student Association her junior and senior years. As a member of the St. Paul’s “Grate Patrol,” she distributed masks, food and toiletries to the homeless. Daniela will attend George Washington University this fall. |
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Crew Sportswoman of the Year
The William and Frank Havens Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Natalie Kaldahl Natalie has been a reliable team member and boat mover since the day she joined the Wakefield crew program. Early in her crew career, she was a swimmer who occasionally rowed. She would swim at a very high level nine months a year, step into a boat, row fabulously, and then go back to swimming. Her junior year, Natalie committed to becoming a crew team leader, as a rower who also swam. She consistently set the standard for the Wakefield program, and was instrumental in keeping the women’s team the fastest in the state for her entire high school career. When not on the water, Natalie was a National Honor Society member and volunteered at the Our Lady of Peace food drive, making sandwiches and cookies to be put into bagged lunches for the homeless. Natalie will attend the University of Virginia this fall. |
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Crew Sportsman of the Year
The Charlie Butt Jr., Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Nathan Murphy Nathan has pushed the top echelon of the Wakefield boys’ crew team to be faster year-over-year, since he joined the program as a sophomore. To quote his coaches, Chris Margopoulos and Russel Topp, “Nathan’s commitment to conditioning and working out every day transformed him and his teammates from an out of shape group of chuckleheads into a formidable group of state finalists." When not in a boat, Nathan was an active member of the Wakefield School Marching Band and Indoor Drum Line. He also volunteered on the Blue Star Families Military Kid Panel. Nathan will attend Fisk University this fall. |
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Cross Country Sportswoman of the Year
The Anne Viviani Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Molly Weithman Molly is one of the top distance runners in Virginia. She won the Virginia Independent Schools Cross Country Division 1 State Championship in both her junior and senior years. Molly has broken 18 minutes on an official cross country course twice and holds the Bishop O’Connell school record for the fastest time on a 5 kilometer cross country course. She is not bad on an oval track either. This Spring Molly ran the 1600-meter race in four minutes, fifty-six seconds, becoming the first female in O’Connell history to break the five-minute mark. This past January, Molly ran up to Camden, New Jersey, where she spent three days working in a soup kitchen. When not running, Molly is a member of the National Honor Society, as well as Honor Societies in math, science, social studies, german, and english. Molly will be running cross-country, running track, and running to class at the College of William & Mary this fall. |
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Cross Country Sportsman of the Year
The Michael A. Wardian Trophy Sponsored by: Matthew Pedicano Matthew is a thoughtful, hardworking and skilled athlete who has been an outstanding performer and leader of the Yorktown High School cross country team for the past four years. As a senior, he was appointed team captain. At races, he ensured the team’s new athletes understood when to warm up and where to go. Matthew was always cheering them on from the side lines. His leadership in modeling his love of the sport and his attention to detail are something new athletes will embrace for years to come. Matthew contributed to the team on the course as well, placing 6th at the district championships and 8th at the regional championships this past season. Each week, Matthew volunteers with Special Olympics to coach athletes, teach them the rules of the sport and encourage them to do their best. He was also an active member of the Patriot Athletic Council. Matthew will attend Wake Forest University this fall. |
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Dance Sportsperson of the Year
The Emily Carnes Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Ellie Grieco Ellie was a member of the Yorktown Varsity Dance team for four years, and was elected to and served in an officer position her sophomore, junior and senior years. Ellie was an exceptionally talented dancer in many genres, from tap to hip hop, and was selected to the National Dance Alliance All American Team for three straight years. During her four years with Yorktown Dance, the team changed dramatically, switching focus from school performances to being a more competitive program that also provides game day experience for the dancers, so that they are better equipped to pursue dance team in college. Ellie did a phenomenal job of carrying the banner of the program as the team navigated the change in direction. Off the dance floor, Ellie was a percussionist in the Yorktown band, and chapter president of United Sound, a unique program offering musical opportunities to chronically underserved populations. Ellie will attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall. |
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Field Hockey Sportswoman of the Year
The J. Elwood Clements Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Alexis Williams Alexis has been the true definition of what it means to be a student-athlete as seen through her character, leadership and dedication to the sport of field hockey and her community. A varsity starter for four years, she led Yorktown to three state championship finals, winning two, as well as two regional titles and three district titles. Alexis has been a three-time First-Team All Liberty District selection, three-time First-Team All-Region, three-time First-Team All-State, and two-time Second-Team Washington Post All-Met. Not surprisingly, Coach Olivia Shipley is a big fan, telling us this, “While Alexis is determined to find her individual growth and success, she is also dedicated to ensuring her teammates are recognized and finding equal success. She has been a strong role model for younger athletes and put her leadership on display through her commitment as a volunteer with the Arlington Youth Field Hockey League.” Alexis will be attending the University of Pennsylvania this fall, where she will be playing field hockey. |
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Football Sportsman of the Year
The Eric Sievers Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Jonathan Bhojwani Jon played football all four years of high school. His senior year, he led Washington-Liberty to a conference championship with record of nine wins and one loss, the Generals’ best record in 51 years. For the season, the team scored the most points in the 100-year history of the school, with Jon leading the way by throwing for 2,500 yards and a school-record 35 touchdown passes. Jon was named conference offensive player of the year, first team all-conference quarterback, second team all-region quarterback, and team MVP. Off the field, Jon was a member of the National Honor Society and a National Merit Semifinalist. He also volunteered many hours with the Arlington Food Assistance Center and founded the Physics Club at Washington-Liberty to get more students interested in STEM related topics. Jon will attend the University of Virginia this fall. |
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Golf Sportswoman of the Year
The Shelley Savage Trophy Sponsored by: Washington Golf & Country Club Women’s Golf Association Riley Scheffel Riley lettered in golf all four years of high school, serving as Yorktown team captain her junior and senior seasons. She qualified for the regional tournament three times and was a top ten finisher at the Yorktown High School Girls Patriot Invitational this past season. Coach Chris Williams told us this about Riley, “With the growth of our girls’ program, Riley took on more of a leadership role with our team and really flourished. She would remind the other players on the team that one person can’t win a match or a tournament, we have to do it as a team. At times it was like having another coach. I think Riley enjoyed saying ‘Coach I know what you’re going to say’ and of course she would say exactly what I was about to say.” Riley is a member of the National Honor Society and volunteered in the Postpartum/Pediatrics unit at Virginia Hospital Center, where she assisted with patient needs, helped communicate with Spanish-speaking patients and oriented new volunteers. Riley will attend the University of Virginia this fall. |
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Golf Sportsman of the Year
The Henry Kerfoot Trophy Sponsored by: Buck and Associates Miles Woodcock O’Connell golf coach David Owens described Miles this way, “Dependable, reliable, trustworthy, and very hardworking.” Miles was sick almost the entire 2023 golf season, but played through illness and pain to keep his commitment to his teammates. At the same time, he worked hard to turn in his class assignments on time and keep up his grades. When not on the links, Miles was an AP Scholar with Distinction and a member of the Mathematics, German, Science, English, and History Honor Societies. He co-founded the Alzheimer’s Awareness Club, one of the largest clubs at O’Connell with more than 150 members. Along with his twin sister, Miles will be studying engineering at the University of Virginia this fall. |
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Gymnastics Sportswoman of the Year
The Joe D’Emidio Trophy Sponsored by: Arlington Aerials Parents Association Alana Johnson Alana was captain of Washington-Liberty’s 2024 gymnastics team. She placed second in vault, sixth in bars and fifth individual all-around at the 2024 state meet. Alana placed first in the individual all-around at the 2024 regionals, with a first place finish in vault and third place in bars. While her gymnastic routines were impressive, Alana gained respect from her teammates, coaches, judges, and even her opponents due to her positive attitude and work ethic. Outside the gym, Alana is a member of the National Honor Society, President of the Washington-Liberty Key Club, and a member of Best Buddies. Alana will be off to New Orleans this fall, where she will attend Tulane University. |
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Ice Hockey Sportswoman of the Year
The Jim Allen Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Campbell Thompson Campbell was the driving force that led to the establishment of the girls’ ice hockey program at Bishop O’Connell. During her junior year, she recruited players, helped secure ice time and even collected gently used equipment that she could donate to students who were interested in trying ice hockey for the first time. Once players were on the ice, Campbell helped organize practices and scrimmages, and instructed new players on the skills and techniques of ice hockey. There simply would not have been girls ice hockey at O’Connell without Campbell’s efforts over the past two years. As a senior, she led O’Connell to the Mid-Atlantic Girls Hockey League and Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championships. Playing center on the top forward line, she earned first team honors in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference and was named second team All-Met by The Washington Post. Campbell will attend Penn State University this fall. |
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Ice Hockey Sportsman of the Year
The Tom Newman Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Brian Hannigan Sam Lukas Sam was a four-year player for the Washington-Liberty Ice Hockey Team and helped lead them to two Capital Scholastic Hockey League championships. He was a versatile teammate, playing defense or offense, depending on the needs of the team. While Sam didn’t compile the offensive stats that other players may have had, he was one of the best all-around players in the league. He contributed offensively when it was most needed, such as scoring the game-winning goal against Yorktown in the 2023 Battle of Arlington. Sam also worked as an ice hockey referee for many years. Having seen the game from the perspective of a referee, he had a heightened sense of good sportsmanship which served as an important influence on his teammates. Off the ice, Sam was an American Sign Language tutor and a lifeguard with the Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol. Sam will attend The College of William & Mary this fall. |
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Lacrosse Sportswoman of the Year
The Jamie Reynolds Trophy Sponsored by: Columbia Gardens Cemetery Libby Lapierre Libby has been a starting attacker in every game since she joined the Yorktown varsity as a freshman, scoring more than 100 goals in her career. As a sophomore, she was the most impactful attacker on the Patriots’ 2022 Virginia State Championship team. Coach Jenny Tran told us this, “Libby’s best trait is her integrity. She does what’s right when no one is watching and always plays by the rules. During the off-season she came to every optional conditioning session that began last September and continued through tryouts in February. I wish I could clone an entire roster of athletes with her positive attitude and work ethic.” Off the field, Libby is a tutor for the Yorktown Tutoring Club, a member of the Model General Assembly, and a member of Young Women Lead. She also volunteers as a Blood Donor Ambassador for the American Red Cross. Libby will attend Bucknell University this fall. |
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Lacrosse Sportsman of the Year
The Jon Reynolds Trophy Sponsored by: Judge George Varoutsos William Clarke Throughout his high school lacrosse career, Will has been a stalwart member of the Washington-Liberty team. He was elected by his peers as a team captain in 2024. Will was a mid-fielder that could be trusted on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. When Will was on the field, he was a physical force, often matched up against the opponents’ best players. He averaged almost three ground balls per game, often key ground balls in intense moments of games. Offensively, Will was more of a team contributor – not the star but consistently putting himself in the right place on the field to facilitate the flow of the offense. Will also was a team captain and key contributor on the Washington-Liberty ice hockey team. He consistently made it to both lacrosse and ice hockey practices during the early part of lacrosse season, when the two sports overlapped, showing his dedication to both teams. He will begin serving his country at the United States Coast Guard Academy this fall. |
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Rifle Sportswoman of the Year
The Charlie Viars Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Sgt. Dorothy M. Doyle American Legion Post 139 Katie Driscoll As captain of the Wakefield Rifle Team, Katie took practice very seriously and always showed up with a smile on her face. Katie was the highest scorer for Wakefield in six of the team’s seven matches, and registered the highest individual score on the team at 383.4 points in her last match of the year. While being a very dedicated rifle athlete, Katie also is an accomplished saxophone player. She was a member of the Wakefield Jazz Ensemble, which has won Best Saxophone section for three years running. Katie also conducted the Wakefield Orchestra for two theater productions. There were times when she would have a saxophone performance that would occur within a close timeframe to her rifle match. Rather than choosing between the two, Katie would show up smiling for the rifle competition, then immediately leave and change clothes in the car enroute to her saxophone engagement. She will be attending Cornell University this fall. |
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Soccer Sportswoman of the Year
The John “Mac” McLaughlin Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Arlington Soccer Association Abigail Litterst Abby played soccer at Yorktown for four years. She was a two-year JV starter and sophomore year captain. She then played Varsity soccer two years and was a starter and captain her senior year. She took all the team’s free kicks and anchored the defense at center back. As a center back, Abby didn’t have the flashy statistics offensive players do. Abby showed her dominance by helping the Patriots play flawless defense, including six shutouts at the time her nomination was submitted. Yorktown’s defense would not have been nearly as strong as it was this past season without Abby. When not on the soccer pitch, Abby was a member of the Youth Against Alzheimer’s club, a member of Young Women Lead, and she volunteered at the Arlington Housing Corporation. Abby will attend Indiana University this fall. |
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Soccer Sportsman of the Year
The George Towner, Jr. Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Arlington Soccer Association Joseph Cordaro Joey has been a member of the Washington-Liberty soccer program for four years, two on JV and the last two with the varsity. He was a hard working player who could run for days. A “box-to-box” midfielder, Joey let his play speak for itself. However, Coach Jimmy Carrasquillo was happy to tell us that very few players have performed better for Washington-Liberty than Joey. Joey also was a member of the cross country and football teams for two years, earning second team All-District honors as a wide receiver. Joey is quite the athlete, but in his own words, “at the end of the day, I am a soccer player.” When not playing sports, Joey was a co-leader of the school spirit group “The Generals Brigade.” He also was the 2022 Student of the Year for the Leukemia – Lymphoma Society, helping to raise thousands of dollars in donations. Joey will attend Clemson University in the fall and will try out for the Tiger's club soccer team. |
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Softball Sportswoman of the Year
The Kristy Burch Bergmann Trophy Sponsored by: Arlington Girls Softball Association Kelly Chmiel Yorktown Coach Heather Sutphin told us that Kelly embodied everything you could want in a student-athlete. She was a hard worker, natural leader and devoted teammate. This devotion was readily apparent by watching how excited Kelly became when her teammates performed well. Kelly was a four-year starter for the Patriots, starring in the pitching circle and at third base. As a Junior, she batted .437 and led the team in hits with 31. She spent most of her time on the mound but when she wasn’t pitching, she played an excellent third base. Her outstanding season led to her selection as First Team All-District and Second Team All-Region Pitcher. Kelly continued her stellar play as a senior and was again named First Team All-District at third base. Off the softball diamond, she was a member of the National Honor Society and Women in STEM club. Kelly also volunteered at the Arlington Food Assistance Center and as a youth league coach with the Arlington Girls Softball Association. Kelly will attend Villanova University this fall. |
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Swim & Dive Sportswoman of the Year
The Shelley Mann Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Mary Schade Rachel Conley Rachel is arguably the winningest athlete in Yorktown sports history. In four years, she has been a part of four Liberty District Championships, three Northern Region Championships, and three State Championships. During this time, Rachel was a major contributor – she made the All Liberty District Team all four years, the All Northern Region Team three times, and the All State team in 2023 and 2024. Furthermore, Rachel was a Washington Post Second Team All Met selection in 2023, and earned honorable mention selections in 2022 and 2024. Last but not least, Rachel was named a 2024 Academic All American. Coach Torey Ortmayer told us this, “While we have had several top rate athletes go through the Yorktown girls swimming program over the last seven years, Rachel has probably done the most to transform this program into a perennial state championship contender, partially because of her talent in the water, but more so because of the person she is outside of it.” When not in the pool, Rachel is a member of the National Honor Society at H-B Woodlawn. She was also an active participant in the Mentors Club, where she helped sixth graders adjust to their new school. Rachel will attend the University of Minnesota this fall, and will be swimming for the Gophers. |
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Swim & Dive Sportsman of the Year
The Tom Dolan Trophy Sponsored by: Eli Martin Eli has grown in many ways on the Washington-Liberty swim team. Over the last four years, he has shown what discipline, strong character, dedication – and a few inches in height – can accomplish. As a senior, Eli capped his high school swimming career with a state championship in the 100-meter breaststroke. He also finished second in the individual medley. At the preceding regional championship meet, Eli won the 200-meter freestyle and was sixth in the backstroke. Eli also is an accomplished member of the Arlington Forest swim team, where he has been a long time swimmer and record holder since his days as an eight-and-under. Eli is now a junior coach at Arlington Forest, where he is an outstanding role model and mentor for more than 200 young swimmers. Eli will be attending college and swimming at Virginia Tech this fall. |
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Tennis Sportswoman of the Year
The Donna Floyd Fales Trophy Sponsored by: Gianna Felder Gianna has played in the number one position for the Washington-Liberty girls tennis team since her sophomore year. She was a modest team leader who quietly went about her business, crushing balls to the corner of the court. She never complained, she just got the job done. On the court against opponents, the most impressive thing about Gianna was her integrity. She was an unfailingly honest and fair player, always giving her opponent the benefit of the doubt on close shots. When not on the court, Gianna was involved with the Washington-Liberty Black Student Union and volunteered at Arlington Science Focus elementary school, where her sister works. Gianna will attend Livingstone College this fall on a full athletic scholarship for tennis. |
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Tennis Sportsman of the Year
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Track and Field Sportswoman of the Year
The John Randolph Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Addison Young Addy has been an extremely valuable member of the Wakefield track & field program for years. Her dedication and hard work inspired her teammates to be better. Addy is on the Wakefield school record-holder teams in the 4 x 400 meter relay, distance medley relay, sprint medley relay, and the 4 x 800 meter relay. She was a state championship qualifier in the 800 and 1,000 meter races, and qualified and participated in the New Balance National Championships 4 x 800 meter relay. When not running, Addy was a member of the National Honor Society and a French and Spanish National Merit Commended Student Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. She was also a three-year member of the Wakefield High School Scholastic Bowl Team. Addy will attend the University of Virginia in the fall. |
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Track and Field Sportsman of the Year
The Peter Weilenmann Trophy Sponsored by: Jackson Nowinski The word that best describes Jackson is fast. He ran the 100-meter race in 11.3 seconds, the 200-meter in 22.6 seconds, and the 400-meter in 52 seconds. More than just fast, Jackson was a leader on and off the track. He was exceptionally gracious in victory, and steadfastly upbeat in defeat. Jackson is a member of the National Honor Society and volunteered with the Cool Cats Ice Hockey program, teaching kids with disabilities hockey skills and self-reliance. If all that isn’t impressive enough, he was also captain and Most Valuable Player of Washington-Liberty’s district champion football team, garnering first team all-district and all-region honors. Jackson will be attending school and playing football at Bucknell University this fall. |
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Ultimate Disc Sportsperson of the Year
Girl Matching Division The Jenny Fey Trophy Sponsored by: Youth Ultimate League of Arlington Gabby Everett Gabby is the kind of athlete coaches love to have on their team. Coach Maddy Boyle reports, “Gabby is an exemplary role model for the Spirit of the Game. She balances her competitive fire with pure joy for her teammates and opponents. You can always count on Gabby to bring the spirit and intensity. As a captain, she led our team to win the spirit award at three major tournaments.” In addition to being a captain and leader on her high school team, Gabby has represented the D.C. region in the Youth Club Championships her entire middle and high school career. Even more impressively, Gabby made the USA Ultimate U-20 National team and will represent the United States in the World Junior Ultimate Championships in England this summer. In addition to Gabby’s passion for ultimate, she has been heavily involved in theater, choir and band at H-B Woodlawn, while also serving as the co-chair of the National Honor Society, participating in Model UN, and serving as chair of Arlington Public School’s Student Advisory Board. Gabby will attend the University of Virginia this fall. |
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Ultimate Disc Sportsperson of the Year
Open Division The Bernie Kirchner Trophy Sponsored by: Youth Ultimate League of Arlington Mitchell Blaha Mitchell has been an exceptional athlete throughout his high school career. He is a captain of the H-B Woodlawn Open team and a four-year varsity athlete. Mitchell has been selected multiple times to represent the D.C. region in the Youth Club Championship tournament held each summer. Last year, Mitchell’s gritty play helped the team finish second in the nation. In 2023, Mitchell earned a selective invitation to try out for the United States National U-20 team. In 2024, Mitchell tried out and earned a roster spot with the DC Breeze, a local professional ultimate frisbee team. Mitchell also has a passion for environmental preservation. Last summer he spent time in Costa Rica working to clean up beaches and support sea turtle preservation. Mitchell will be attending the University of Texas-Austin in the fall to study mechanical engineering and continue his ultimate career with the “Texas Tuff” college team. |
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Volleyball Sportswoman of the Year
The Bill Finney Trophy Sponsored by: The Meiburger Law Firm, P.C. Erin Debiec Erin is without question an outstanding volleyball player. Each of the last three years this Bishop O’Connell standout has been named First Team All-Conference, First Team All-State, and Washington Post first team All-Met. Coach Mehdi El Alaoui made this characterization, “Erin is not merely a player, she is the heartbeat of our team. Her unparalleled work ethic not only inspired her teammates but set a standard of excellence that elevated the entire squad. In fact, Erin inspired the Lady Knights to conference and state championships this past season. When not playing volleyball, Erin is active at her church, where she was a vacation bible school leader and also helped deliver clothing and food to young, expectant mothers in need. Erin will be attending Colorado State University this fall on a full volleyball scholarship. |
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Wrestling Sportswoman of the Year
The Matthew T. Cluff Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Arlington Tigers Wrestling Club Nicole Barahona-Rios Nicole was a pioneering wrestler – the first girl to sign up for the Wakefield women's wrestling team. Her courage and determination to enter a traditionally male-dominated sport opened doors for other young women to pursue the sport. On a personal level, Nicole’s strong work ethic and passion for wrestling soon led to success on the mat. She compiled impressive record of 20-8 during her two-year career, topping it off with a Liberty District championship. When not on the wrestling mat, Nicole volunteered with the school's music department, helping with set-up and coordination of events. Nicole will be a student and wrestler at Marymount University this fall. |
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Wrestling Sportsman of the Year
The Matthew T. Cluff Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Arlington Tigers Wrestling Club Dominik Woodard Dominik was a three-year varsity starter at Washington-Liberty. He worked hard not only to improve his own wrestling skills, but also those of his teammates. He took the initiative to make his team better by going to wrestling camps to improve his skills, then returning to practice and teaching others what he had learned. Evidently, Dominik was a quick learner. In 2024, he placed second in the Liberty District, third at regionals, and seventh at the state tournament. This past summer, Dominik served as a counselor for children between the ages of 6 and 12 at Camp Horseshoe Youth Opportunity Camp in West Virginia. He really enjoys mentoring young kids, and will be returning to Camp Horseshoe this summer. Dominik will be attending the University of Virginia this fall. |
Adult Awards
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Arlington Outstanding Coach
The John Youngblood Memorial Award Sponsored by: The Better Sports Club Josh Shapiro Josh has been coaching football at Washington-Liberty for 17 years. This past season, his players won the Liberty District championship with a record of nine wins and just one loss. This was the fourth best season in school history. Everyone likes winning games and championship seasons, but Coach Shapiro dedicates his time and energy toward building young men of character, skill and toughness. Coach Shapiro does not shy away from teaching all players. He frequently invites players with no football experience to join his program. He gives them all individualized attention to develop as players who can contribute to the team's success. Coach Shapiro embodies what it means to be an outstanding role model in the community. Players frequently come back to visit and speak fondly of their time as a player and how it molded them into the young men they are today. The Better Sports Club is proud to recognize Coach Shapiro for all he has done to support his players and his school community. |
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Arlington Outstanding Coach
The John Glover Memorial Award Sponsored by: The Better Sports Club Hannah Davis Measured by wins and losses, Coach Hannah’s seven years as the girls’ soccer coach at Yorktown have been wildly successful, with two state championships, two Northern Region championships, and three Liberty District championships. Measured by the impact she has had on the growth and development of her players, both skill-wise and personally, her performance has been even more impressive. Coach Hannah’s trust in her players is truly unique. Specifically, before the game and at halftime, the players lead the team meetings with Coach Hannah nearby but completely deferring to their suggestions and constructive feedback. As these meetings progress, Hannah will insert her own thoughts, but the bulk of the in-game coaching is student-driven and student-implemented. As a competitive athlete herself, Coach Hannah does everything possible to take the pressure off her players by providing stability and calm, while challenging them to respect the game. She never yells at an official and can be seen processing her frustration internally on the sideline – a real time example to her players on how to handle adversity. The Better Sports Club is proud to recognize Coach Hannah for all she has done to support her players and her school community. |
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Arlington Sportsperson of the Year
The David J. Morgan Award Sponsored by: The Better Sports Club Frank DeMarco Frank DeMarco started earning awards for his exceptional soccer skills in high school and went on to play Division I soccer at Hofstra University. Soon after college, in 2004, he joined Arlington Soccer Association as a team coach. In his gentle, but persistent way, he helped develop a strong travel program and became the head coach in all age groups as the program grew exponentially. In 2012, Frank was selected as the ASA Travel Coach of the Year. Finally, in 2022, Frank accepted the position of ASA Executive Director, and now leads one of the largest and oldest youth soccer organizations in Northern Virginia. Arlington Soccer serves more than 9,000 boys and girls ages 3 to 19 every year through recreational, travel, auxiliary and community-based programs. Frank’s philosophy is simple, “Youth Soccer is about teaching skills, tactics, knowledge of the game, hard work and most importantly having fun by improving every day.” The Better Sports Club of Arlington is proud to name Frank DeMarco as its 2024 Sportsperson of the Year. |
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The President’s Award
Awarded to the Outstanding Club Member Sponsored by: The Better Sports Club CHANDLER FOX Chandler has served on the Board of The Better Sports Club for the past few years. His enthusiasm for the Club has led him to recruit many new members to Club. Recently, he has been an instrumental member of the Club’s Awards Event Selection Committee; delving into the nomination packets for the many deserving nominees. The Better Sports Club is grateful for Chandler’s service to the Club! |
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Take a look at some great photos from a great night!
Thanks to Dennis Whitehead for the excellent photography!
Thanks to Dennis Whitehead for the excellent photography!