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Author: Eric McDowell

MacKenna Roberson

Morgan Burchhardt

Explore CDSWOY All-Time Roster Members

MacKenna Roberson

Member of CDSWOY Class of 2024
  • Class

    2024

  • Sport(s)

    Scholastic

  • Induction

    2024

Written by Harrison Huntley

MacKenna Roberson is always willing to offer an assist. In her sports career, she became known as a team player that was willing to do anything it takes to win. But perhaps more importantly, Robertson does everything she can to help kids have the opportunity to do the things they love.

Roberson won the Triple Crown award at Hoosick Falls High School for playing a varsity sport each season. She competed in field hockey, basketball, and softball in her time with the Panthers.

“I didn’t get a lot of off days,” Roberson said. “The most important thing was to take the time I did have to relax or do mobility work and get sleep to be prepared to whatever is coming next.”

Softball is the sport Roberson played the longest. Her experience was an asset to her team since she could play several different positions. As the only upperclassman on the team during both her junior and senior years, Roberson quickly found herself in a leadership role.

“I had to step up,” she said. “The other players trusted me, it was easy to form a connection. I was the only one who knew everything in and out.”

“MacKenna exemplifies the qualities that every coach hopes to find in their players,” Hoosick Falls Head Softball Coach Nicole Martin said. “Beyond her athletic abilities, MacKenna is also a natural leader and a positive influence on her teammates.”

That leadership was prevalent on the Field Hockey pitch as well. Though Roberson was a two-time first team All-Star and an All-State selection, she said she found her role on the team helping others score.

“In field hockey, I tried to be a helping hand,” she said. “I enjoyed being more of the assist player on the team.”

Yet, on the basketball court, Roberson helps her team out as one of the team’s main scorers. With an inexperienced team, she had to step into more of a scoring role. Roberson was named Rookie of the Year in 2021 and MVP in 2022 and 2023.

“A lot of the people on the team were new to the sport,” she said. “I had to step up and score, play defense, and do a lot.”

While spending most of her high school days playing sports, Roberson also spent time making others could enjoy sports in the same way she did. Working with the EC Fund, Roberson helped raise money to provide scholarships for local youth to participate in extracurricular activities like sports, music, and arts. For Roberson, it’s a cause that’s close to her heart.

“I didn’t have the easiest life growing up,” she said. “The EC Fund was always there for me. I want them to know how grateful I am.”

As a recipient of a scholarship from the EC Fund, Roberson knows exactly what this kind of support means. She now speaks on behalf of the organization to encourage others to donate if they can and use the Fund if they need it.

“I’m trying to let kids know it’s ok to ask for help,” she said. “Everyone is just looking for money these days with AAU teams and club sports. It’s a lot of money to play, and there’s not a lot of opportunities for free. I want people to be able to get better at things that matter to them.”

If any young athlete in Hoosick Falls needed help finding a role model, MacKenna Roberson would be an excellent one. Her kindness and determination are evident in everything she does on and off the field.

“To me the award means more than just a trophy or medal I will receive,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine getting this award as my dream was to hold myself to the highest standard both in the classroom and on the field or court. I couldn’t be more thankful for this award and it shows me that no matter where you come from or who you are, you can succeed and achieve your goals.”

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Amy Stevens

Morgan Burchhardt

Explore CDSWOY All-Time Roster Members

Amy Stevens

Member of CDSWOY Class of 2024
  • Class

    2024

  • Sport(s)

    Collegiate

  • Induction

    2024

Written by Harrison Huntley

After four years playing field hockey at Lock Haven University, Amy Stevens transferred to Russell Sage College as a graduate for the 2023 season. Though playing for the Gators only for one year, everyone in and out of the program can agree that Stevens made an outsized impact on the Russell Sage field hockey team.

On the field, Stevens earned second-team All-American honors from the NFHCA, becoming the first All-American in program history. Stevens, a first-team NFCHA All-Region selection, was also voted the Empire 8 Conference Player of the Year after leading the conference with 49 points and 20 goals, both of which are school single-season records.

“Quite honestly, Amy had the single greatest season any athlete has had in the history of Russell Sage Athletics, bar none,” said Russell Sage athletic director James Lyons.

Stevens credits the spectacular season to both hard work and the support she received from her team.

“I felt confident with the years of experience under my belt,” she said. “But I was surrounded by a team of hard-working, friendly girls. They treated me with warmth and enthusiasm that motivated me to work even harder.”

Amy brought a “know how to” approach to our team, which quickly rubbed off on the entire team’s daily habits,” Russell Sage head coach Nick Pontari said. “Amy would be the first one to practice not only putting extra shots on cage but bringing others along with her; working on dribbling, passing, and shooting with her teammate on the side before practice even began.”

Although she was technically a newcomer in the program, Stevens was seen as a leader on the team almost instantly since she was so experienced. Her experience was valued by her teammates and coaches so much that Stevens stayed around the program as a volunteer coach in the spring of 2024.

“As a transfer in, she was the first person here helping welcome the new students on move-in day,” Pontari said. “For six hours, she helped first-year students carry their belongings into their residence hall buildings and made sure they had a friendly welcome upon arriving to campus.”

“Amy’s work ethic is one of the greatest I have ever seen,” Lyons said. “That work ethic allowed her instant credibility with her coaches and teammates as she got to know everyone early in the year.”

During all her success on the field hockey pitch, Stevens was in school pursuing her doctorate in physical therapy. It wouldn’t be easy, but Stevens said she got support from both her coach and teammates.

“At first, it was incredibly daunting,” she said. “My coach reached out and really put me at ease, especially after talking with multiple girls on the team who were also in the same program.”

“Amy has maintained ‘A’ student status during her time in Albany,” Lyons added. “She was a tremendous role model for her teammates when it came to juggling her academic endeavors with her pursuit of greatness on the field.”

Stevens’ love of field hockey began in fifth grade. She was a soccer player at the time but said field hockey was very popular in her area and a lot of her friends played. While attending Whitney Point High School, Stevens earned All-State honors and helped the program win five-straight field hockey titles. But high school was formative for Stevens in more than just field hockey. During her sophomore year, she tore her ACL while playing lacrosse. During the six months of physical therapy, Stevens realized her passion for the field of physical therapy.

“I immediately knew that’s what I wanted to do,” she said. “I know that it’s everything for athletes to get back to their sport and I have so much enthusiasm to help them.”

That enthusiasm was highly valued on the field hockey pitch and, according to her head coach, will be valuable wherever she goes in the future.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Amy will continue to and go on to do amazing things as a person in her time here at Russell Sage and beyond,” said Pontari.

“I am beyond the words of being thankful and honored to receive this award,” Stevens said. “When reflecting on the incredible accolades of each of the present and past honorees, it has truly been put into perspective how blessed I am to have been named among these decorated and accomplished women.”

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Talia Spenziero

Morgan Burchhardt

Explore CDSWOY All-Time Roster Members

Talia Spenziero

Member of CDSWOY Class of 2024
  • Class

    2024

  • Sport(s)

    Collegiate

  • Induction

    2024

Written by Harrison Huntley

Talia Spenziero knows what it means to work hard. She certainly worked hard during her career at Siena College during which she was a five-time All-MAAC diver. But behind the scenes, Spenziero’s unique work ethic and leadership helped her find success all over North America.

Spenziero chose Siena because she wanted to stay close to home. After six years of diving for Shenendehowa High School, she decided to compete at Siena to stay near her family in Clifton Park. But at the time, the Saints had just one diver on the team, who had only joined the team the year prior, and no diving coach.

“We would coach each other by taking videos,” Spenziero said. “It brought out the strengths in both of us.”

“Despite the challenges of not having a diving coach on staff, the two girls were positive, hard-working, and extremely successful,” said former Siena Swimming and Diving Head Coach Brogan Barr.

Spenziero’s success included capturing the MAAC Championship in the one-meter diving event, becoming the program’s first individual champion since 2011, and she was named Co-Diver of the meet on her way to being just the fourth diver to represent Siena at the NCAA Diving Zone Regionals.

“She also dedicated herself to getting stronger in the weight room and to executing her dives to the best of her abilities,” Barr said.

The hard work began in middle school for Spenziero. Just like her mom, she was a gymnast early on before moving to the diving board in middle school. She started competing on her high school’s varsity diving team in seventh grade.

“I practiced day in and day out,” she said. “I’d end school at 2:30, have varsity practice until 5:30, and then go to practice with my club team from 6-8 a couple days a week.”

That schedule only filled up more when she reached college. While Spenziero admits she struggled at first, she found a way to work harder and find success in the classroom.

“I didn’t have many study habits in high school,” she said, “That doesn’t work in college. But I started working really hard and I got at least a 3.8 every semester.”

Spenziero had to bring her best effort to balance a courseload that included difficult health sciences classes. Even with a hard major, Spenziero still graduated Magna Cum Laude this past spring.

“Throughout her time at Siena, Talia continuously challenged herself with some of Siena’s toughest science courses, as she wanted to prepare herself for the rigors of a physician assistant master’s program,” Barr said. “She handled the nuances of her academic, athletic, and work schedules seemingly flawlessly.”

The summer before her senior year, Spenziero traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico as a Global Medical Volunteer. She visited the local clinics there for five hours, five days a week. She was able to help lower income residents in the city get much needed health care.

“It was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever done,” she said. “I got to work hand-in-hand with doctors down there to address the disparities in their healthcare system.”

Whether she’s high atop the pool looking down at a diving board or bending down to help a patient in need, Talia Spenziero’s hard work is always on display to those around her.

“Receiving this award validates the countless hours of training and hard work I’ve put into not only my sport but my academics and extracurricular activities,” she said. “It makes me grateful for all the challenges I’ve overcome over the years. It also inspires me to continue pushing myself to be the best that I can be in my future endeavors.”

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Pascale, Dingley named CDSWOY Grand Sports Women of the Year

Dingley, Pascale named CDSWOY Grand Sports Women of the Year

SCHENECTADY, NY — Ariana Dingley, a senior from Lansingburgh High School, and Katie Pascale, a senior from the University at Albany, received Grand honors at the Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Event held at the GE Theatre at Proctors on Monday evening, August 12, 2024.

Ariana was named the Grand Scholastic Woman of the Year and Katie was named the Grand Collegiate Woman of the Year. The event also honored 11 other female student-athletes from the region, who made up the 2024 Class of the Capital District Sports Women of the Year. CDSWOY honors excellence in academics, athletics and community service.

The virtual guest speaker was Lisa Bluder, the recently retired women’s basketball coach at the University of Iowa. Entertainment was provided by Angelina Valente.

CDSWOY now features a total of 64 student-athletes who have been awarded since the program’s inception in 2020.

Academically, Ariana was the Valedictorian of the Class of 2024 at Lansingburgh with a 99+ average. She earned High Honor Roll recognition in each marking period in grades seven through 12 and is a member of the National Honor Society. Ariana received the Rensselaer Medal for outstanding academic achievement in mathematics and science. She also was awarded the Certificate of Merit, given by the new York State Capital District Society of Engineers. Ariana performed at the All-County Band Music Festival.

Athletically, Ariana was a Colonial Council Co-Defensive Girls Soccer Player of the Year and Team Most Valuable Player during her career. She was a two-time First Team Section 2 Class B Girls Soccer All-Star. She was a two-time Colonial Council First Team All-Star in bowling, and served as a captain in all three sports, bowling, soccer and softball.

Ariana’s community service includes assisting nursing home residents at Heritage House. She was a volunteer for Lansingburgh Boys & Girls Club and assisted with numerous fund raisers and events and placing flags on headstones for the Lansingburgh Veteran’s club. Ariana was the treasurer of her class in all four years of high school, and her activities included Odyssey of the Mind, SADD Club, and working on school musicals.

Academically, Katie had a 3.64 GPA and graduated with a degree in Accounting and a minor in Business. She was a three-time America East All-Academic Team honoree and was a two-time America East Women’s Lacrosse Spring Scholar-Athlete. She was the SUNY Women’s Lacrosse Scholar-Athlete of the Year. She was selected to the 2023 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team and the IWLCA Academic Honor Roll that season. Katie was a two-time America East Honor Roll honoree and was selected to the America East Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

Athletically, Katie was on the 2024 Tewaaraton Award Watch List and was a 2024 Inside Lacrosse Midseason All-America Honorable Mention and Preseason All-America Honorable Mention honoree. She was a two-time America East Midfielder of the Year (2023 and 2024) and a two-time Inside Lacrosse All-America Honorable Mention selection. Katie was a two-time IWLCA All-Region Second Team selection as well as a 2022 IWLCA All-Region First Team selection. In 2023, she made All-ECAC and was the America East Tournament Most Outstanding Player. A three-time America East All-Conference First Team performer, she made the America East All-Tournament Team twice. During her career she also had received honors as a pre-season offensive player of the year, rookie of the year, six-time player of the week, and five-time rookie of the week. Katie holds UAlbany career records in points, assists, draw controls and single season draw controls and single game points. She holds the America East tournament record for single game points. She suffered a major knee injury that caused her to miss most of the final five games of the 2024 season. Before that injury, she ranked ninth among NCAA Division I players in points per game and was fourth among all active Division I players in career assists and career assists per game. She is the first woman in UAlbany lacrosse history, and third overall including men’s lacrosse, to record 300 points in a career. She is the fifth women’s lacrosse player and seventh overall in America East to record that mark. Katie suffered a major head injury playing basketball in high school that required her to be resuscitated, and the injury nearly ended her athletics career.

Katie’s community service includes assisting in cleaning up Madison Park, youth sessions with CityLax, a Communities Day Clinic, Women’s Sports Day, and Gift of Life. She had worked with the Tunnel of Towers Foundation and volunteers as a youth coach.

Here are the other members of the CDSWOY Class of 2024 who were honored at the Awards Gala:

Kate Ackerman, Maple Hill High School
Leonni Griffin, Shaker High School
Taylor Holohan, Averill Park High School
Carly King, Guilderland High School
Amber Kolpakas, Galway High School
Cassidy McClement, Waterford-Halfmoon High School
Isabella Miller, Fonda-Fultonville High School
MacKenna Roberson, Hoosick Falls High School
Talia Spenziero, Siena College
Amy Stevens, Russell Sage College
Kennedy Swedick, The Albany Academies

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Angelina Valente to perform at Awards Gala

Angelina Valente to perform at CDSWOY Awards Gala

ALBANY, NY — Angelina Valente, a multi-award-winning artist, will be the guest performer for the 2024 Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala at the GE Theatre at Proctors on August 12, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

Angelina is a singer-songwriter from Saratoga Springs who creates music that moves you. With songs that feel like a warm summer breeze, Angelina’s uninhibited voice and sincere lyrics draw you in and leave you feeling restored and inspired. Her unique blend of indie folk features piano, ukulele, and genuine storytelling influenced by her small-town roots and love of nature.

In the five years she has been performing, Angelina is now selling out shows around the Capital Region. She has released one full length album, two EP’s and three singles, and has recorded at the esteemed Village Studios in Los Angeles, as well as the Atlantic Records Studio in New York City. After the release of her most recent album “Sing,” in November 2023, Angelina has won the distinguished awards for Songwriter of the Year, Album of the Year, and Artist of the Year for the New York Capital Region. These awards were presented to her at the Sixth Annual Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards on April 21, 2024 at Proctors.

“Angelina Valente is the most decorated local artist this year,” said Eric McDowell, President of CDSWOY. “We are very pleased that she will entertain our recipients and audience at our 2024 Awards Gala. Like our recipients, Angelina has numerous talents and has already achieved so much. She has a bright future as well.”

Tickets are on sale now at atproctors.org.

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Carly King of Guilderland Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

carly king

Carly King of Guilderland Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

ALBANY, NY – Carly King, a senior at Guilderland High School, has been named as one of the 10 scholastic award recipients for 2024 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization.

Carly, who competes in field hockey, indoor track and lacrosse, will be recognized at the Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on Monday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady. Tickets are available online at proctors.org or at the Proctors Box Office.

The Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization (CDSWOY) honors the best and brightest female student athletes from high schools and colleges in the Capital District of New York State. The student-athletes will be recognized for their achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. More information is provided at the website: cdswoy.com.

Academically, Carly served as the Co-Vice President of the National Honor Society and was a scholar-athlete for all four years at Guilderland. She was a member of the Connect 4 Cancer Club and the Environmental Club. Carly was a member of the school orchestra and chorus all four years and received an AP Scholar Award.

Athletically, Carly made the New York Field Hockey All-State Team last fall, one of five students honored from Section 2. She was also a First Team Suburban Council All Star and Section 2 Class A Champion. As captain of the Guilderland field hockey team, Carly helped lead the squad to the best record in school history in 2023. The team was made the New York State Elite 8 and played in the 3 Max Field Hockey High School Invitationals in Philadelphia. The top teams in the country are invited to this tournament. She competed in field hockey, indoor track and lacrosse all three years at Guilderland, and competed on the junior varsity programs in all three sports one year. Carly received the 12 Season Award, a prestigious award given to Guilderland students who participate in 12 total seasons from 9th grade through 12th grade.

Carly’s community service includes serving as the lead coach for the Guilderland Youth Field Hockey Program. She volunteers for all practices, camps and play days offering a free opportunity for any field hockey player in Guilderland to improve, develop and try field hockey. Carly helped with a grant through the Albany County Legislators Office to receive money to purchase equipment for the Guilderland Youth Field Hockey Program. This grant has allowed the program to grow while offering free equipment to any player who attends clinics, camps and practices. Carly also serves as an NHS Tutor and volunteers at Red Cross Blood Drives.

Carly becomes the first Guilderland High School student-athlete to be selected by CDSWOY in the organization’s five-year history.

A total of 10 high school and three college female student-athletes will be honored at the August 12 event.

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Amy Stevens of Russell Sage Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

Amy Stevens of Russell Sage Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

ALBANY, NY – Amy Stevens, a graduate student at Russell Sage College, has been named as one of the three collegiate award recipients for 2024 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization.

Amy, who competes in field hockey, will be recognized at the Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on Monday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady. Tickets are available online at proctors.org or at the Proctors Box Office.

The Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization (CDSWOY) honors the best and brightest female student athletes from high schools and colleges in the Capital District of New York State. The student-athletes will be recognized for their achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. More information is provided at the website: cdswoy.com.

Academically, Amy is pursuing her doctorate in physical therapy at Russell Sage. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Lock Haven University in 2023.

Athletically, Amy earned second-team All-American honors from the NFHCA in the 2023 season. She became the program’s first All-American and received first-team All-Region honors from the NFHCA. Amy was voted the Empire 8 Conference Player of the Year and earned first-team All-Empire 8 honors. She was selected the Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Week on October 23. Amy led the E8 in points with 49 and in assists with 20. She established RSC single-season records in both of those categories and set the program record for goals in a game with four goals vs. Elmira. She also registered eight points in that contest against Elmira. On the season, Amy started all 16 games, finished with nine assists, and recorded 11 multi-point games with scoring two or more goals in six games. She led the Empire 8 with an average of 3.06 points per game and 1.25 goals per game and both marks ranked sixth in NCAA Division III.

Amy participated in numerous Russell Sage College athletic department-wide community service events. This includes her volunteer work with Making Strides in Albany, the Breast Cancer Walk, and Adopt a Family.

Amy becomes the third Russell Sage College student-athlete to be selected by CDSWOY in the organization’s five-year history. She joins Halley Klosterman (2021) and Megan Flynn (2020).

A total of 10 high school and three college female student-athletes will be honored at the August 12 event. The final recipient will be announced on July 19.

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Kate Ackerman of Maple Hill Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

Kate Ackerman of Maple Hill Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

ALBANY, NY – Kate Ackerman, a senior at Maple Hill High School, has been named as one of the 10 scholastic award recipients for 2024 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization.

Kate, who competes in bowling, cross country and softball, will be recognized at the Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on Monday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady. Tickets are available online at proctors.org or at the Proctors Box Office.

The Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization (CDSWOY) honors the best and brightest female student athletes from high schools and colleges in the Capital District of New York State. The student-athletes will be recognized for their achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. More information is provided at the website: cdswoy.com.

Kate, an honor roll student who has received scholar-athlete recognition, was in the top 10 of her senior class and has been on the principal’s list in Grades 9-12.

Athletically, Kate has made the Patroon Conference Bowling All-Star Team since 7th grade. For the past two seasons, she was named the league’s Most Valuable Player and was Maple Hill’s Most Valuable Bowler. This past season, Kate recorded a 211 average, a 300 high game and a high of 760 for a high series. She earned a spot on the Section 2 Composite Team that went to the state tournament in March, and thus became the first bowler in Maple Hill history to make it to the state tournament. At that tournament, she finished first for girls’ composite teams for a high series with a total of 1,487, which earned the First Place Medal. She also averaged 248 pins over six games in the tourney, 37 pins above her average going into the day. Her 1,487 total earned a place in the state record book and a third place slot for a three game high series. Kate the Section 2 Sportsmanship Award at the tourney and helped lead the team to a third-place finish. At the United States High School Bowling National Championship, held in June in Lancaster, PA, Kate placed 37th with an average score of 196 over seven games. In June, Kate was selected for the 2023-24 All-USA TODAY HSSA Girls Bowling Team and is a nominee for National Girls Bowler of the Year. USA Today will reveal the winner in August.

Kate’s community service includes service in the recycling club and donating to Maple Hill’s blood drives. She donated books to several libraries, and donated dresses and formal heels to Cinderella’s Closet. Kate works for the Schodack Town Camp, working with children in the community, and donates her time at the East Greenbush Bowling Center. Maple Hill High School administrators and teachers selected Kate to serve as a mentor to middle school students who shadow her in the high school to see what it is like to be a successful high school student.

Kate becomes the fourth student-athlete from Maple Hill High School to be selected by CDSWOY. Previous recipients include Rachael Frazier (2023), Rebecca Hall (2022) and Jenna Hoffman (2021).

A total of 10 high school and three college female student-athletes will be honored at the August 12 event. The next recipient will be announced on July 17.

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Cassidy McClement of Waterford-Halfmoon Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

McClement

Cassidy McClement of Waterford-Halfmoon Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

ALBANY, NY – Cassidy McClement, a senior at Waterford-Halfmoon High School, has been named as one of the 10 scholastic award recipients for 2024 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization.

Cassidy, who competes in soccer, indoor track and outdoor track & field, will be recognized at the Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on Monday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady. Tickets are available online at proctors.org or at the Proctors Box Office.

The Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization (CDSWOY) honors the best and brightest female student athletes from high schools and colleges in the Capital District of New York State. The student-athletes will be recognized for their achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. More information is provided at the website: cdswoy.com.

Academically, Cassidy was the Valedictorian of her class at Waterford-Halfmoon. She is a President of the National Honor Society and was the Treasurer for the Class of 2024. Cassidy was in the top 10 of her class in all four years of high school.

Athletically, Cassidy was a three-time individual sectional champion in outdoor track. She is the school record holder in the 100, 200, long jump and the 4×1. She was a member of the back-to-back Class C Girls Soccer State Championship teams at Waterford-Halfmoon and earned Wasaren League All Star honors in soccer. She was a All-League First Team soccer selection and was a Third Team All State honoree. Cassidy served as captain of the Waterford-Halfmoon soccer team in her senior year.

Cassidy’s community service includes volunteering for the food drives for the Town of Waterford. She also volunteers for the town’s Dragon Boat Event, which benefits To Life, a cancer charity. She works the blood drives at the school through the American Red Cross.

Cassidy becomes the second student-athlete from Waterford-Halfmoon High School to be selected by CDSWOY. Addyson Galuski was honored in 2023.

A total of 10 high school and three college female student-athletes will be honored at the August 12 event. The next recipient will be announced on July 15.

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Leonni Griffin of Shaker Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

Griffin

Leonni Griffin of Shaker Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

ALBANY, NY – Leonni Griffin, a senior at Shaker High School, has been named as one of the 10 scholastic award recipients for 2024 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization.

Leonni, who competes in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track & field, will be recognized at the Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on Monday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady. Tickets are available online at proctors.org or at the Proctors Box Office.

The Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization (CDSWOY) honors the best and brightest female student athletes from high schools and colleges in the Capital District of New York State. The student-athletes will be recognized for their achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. More information is provided at the website: cdswoy.com.

Academically, Leonni had a 95 GPA while excelling in rigorous coursework that included 14 college credits from the State of New York. She is an active member in the Latin Club and the Business Club. She is expected to receive a New York State Advanced Regents Diploma. Leonni has been on the high honor roll and honor roll during her time at Shaker. She a four-time recipient of the NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete Award.

Athletically, Leonni was the cross country team MVP for three years. She has broken several school records on the track, including the 300m, 600m, 800m and 20m hurdles as well as SMR and the 4×800. She has received Indoor Track and Outdoor Track Team MVP honors for five years. Leonni is the state champion for the 600m indoor race and was second in the Federation in 2024. She also was fourth in the state for the outdoor 800m twice in her career. She was invited to the prestigious Millrose Games two straight seasons, in the 4×800 in 2023 and 600m in 2024 (she ranked 10th in the country in the 600m this past season). Her time of 1:33.06 holds the 600m record in Section 2 and she is a three-time Track & Field All-American (Nike, New Balance, AAU and Junior Olympics). Leonni has been a member of the Albany Allycats travel soccer club for eight years and has played semi-professional soccer for the New York Shockers for two years.

Leonni’s community service includes volunteering for the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club, where she helps work the water stop at a marathon each year. She serves as a mentor, role model and source of inspiration for younger runners and volunteers her time supporting the youth cross country and track community programs.

Leonni becomes the first student-athlete from Shaker High School to be selected by CDSWOY.

A total of 10 high school and three college female student-athletes will be honored at the August 12 event. The next recipient will be announced on July 12.

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