Rachael Frazier

Rachael Frazier first learned about the Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization last year when her cousin, Rebecca Hall, was selected as a nominee.

She never imagined that a year later, she’d be granted the same honor as well.

“It kind of took me by surprise,” Frazier said of being nominated and selected. “I was like, ‘me, of all people.’ It was really cool, just to be shown that all my hard work has paid off.”

Frazier, who played three years of varsity basketball and soccer, along with two years of varsity track and field, is a recent graduate of Maple Hill High School.

“What truly sets Rachael apart is her natural ability to lead by example,” Maple Hill girls’ soccer and track coach Sheila Golden wrote in her recommendation letter for Frazier.

“She upholds the values of fair play, respect and teamwork, consistently setting a positive example for her teammates and peers,” Golden continued. “Her ability to motivate and inspire those around her has been a significant factor in the team’s success and cohesiveness.”

“I have the same soccer and track coach,” Frazier said of Golden, “and she’s really pushed me to be better. She really brought me out of my shell.”

Frazier will attend SUNY Adirondack next fall, where she will major in childhood education and continue to play soccer.

Her choice of childhood education stems from experience working at summer camps and volunteering.
“I’ve been able to work at summer camps and the kids are just a lot of fun to be around,” Frazier said. “I’ve alway loved working with kids.”

On top of a GPA over 95%, Frazier volunteers for Quilts for Kids, which she’s done since she was six years old. She has also volunteered with the Maple Hill Booster Club, helping out with the concession stands and with events since she entered sixth grade.”

“Rachael displayed exceptional leadership and positivity throughout both basketball seasons she was with me,” Maple Hills girls’ basketball coach Michael Oliver wrote in his recommendation letter for Frazier. “As a team captain, Rachael took on the role of communicating important information, allowing her teammates ranging from grades 7-12 to receive the best experience.”

Frazier, who has won numerous athletic awards as well, attributed her competitiveness to growing up with a twin brother, Colby, who will play baseball in college.

“As a three-sport athlete, Rachael has consistently gone above and beyond in her efforts, both in practice and during competitive events,” Golden wrote. “She is always the first to arrive and the last to leave, and her determination to improve and excel is truly inspiring.”

She also gave a lot of credit to her mom.

“My mom has been my top inspiration in life,” Frazier said. “She has always been my biggest supporter and fan through sports and school. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her.”

“When they explained it,” Frazier said of the CDSWOY honor, “they said that there’s 99 schools that can nominate and only 10 girls get picked. Especially being from a small school, I didn’t even know that many people knew who I was. To get picked for this, it’s amazing.”