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Author: Eric McDowell

Katie Pascale of University at Albany Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

Pascale

Katie Pascale of University at Albany Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

ALBANY, NY – Katie Pascale, a senior at the University at Albany, has been named as one of the three collegiate award recipients for 2024 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization.

Katie, who competes in 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, 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.

Katie becomes the third University at Albany student-athlete to be selected by CDSWOY in the organization’s five-year history. She joins Amanda Chambers (2023) and Katie Falotico (2022).

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 10.

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Taylor Holohan of Averill Park Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

Taylor Holohan of Averill Park Named to 2024 CDSWOY Class

ALBANY, NY – Taylor Holohan, a senior at Averill Park 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.

Taylor, who competes in basketball, 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, Taylor had an 87.22 GPA and ranked 93rd in her class. She had a 92 GPA throughout her first three quarters of her senior year and made the Honor Roll.

Athletically, Taylor was a varsity basketball player for five years. She will attend Northeastern University in the fall on a full athletic scholarship. Four of her teams won the Section 2 Championship (there were no sectionals in her freshman year due to the covid pandemic). She was a member of three NYSPHSAA regional championships, and a New York State Class A championship. Taylor was a two-time Section 2 Class A Tournament Most Valuable Player and was a Section 2 Class AA Tournament MVP in her senior season. She was named the MVP of the Averill Park Tip Off Tournament in both her junior and senior seasons. Taylor was the Suburban Council Player of the Year in 2022-23 and 2023-24 and received the Albany Times Union Large School Player of the Year honor in both of those seasons. Taylor was the team’s Most Improved Player as a sophomore and the Team’s Most Outstanding Player in her junior and senior seasons. Also, athletically, she played for an Under Armour sponsored travel team, the New York Havoc, for five years. Out of all players on the 32 Under Armour teams in the league, she was ranked in the top five for points in her sophomore year. For her 2023 season, she was ranked second in blocks per game and third for most productive interior scoring. She was also a McDonald’s All-American Nominee in 2024.

Taylor’s community service includes volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, making meals and baked goods with family for people staying at the facility. Throughout her seasons she volunteered for the Averill Park Youth Basketball program, and she also assisted at a food pantry. Taylor has volunteered to hand out thanksgiving meals with Equinox and works in the track and field events for the Special Olympics when they happen locally.

Taylor becomes the fourth Averill Park student-athlete to be selected by CDSWOY in the organization’s five-year history. She joins Michelina Lombardi (2022), Anna Jankovic (2021) and Lydia Ware (2020). Lombardi and Ware each were also recipients of the Grand Scholastic Woman of the Year Award in their year.

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 8.

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Kennedy Swedick of The Albany Academies Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

Kennedy Swedick of The Albany Academies Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

ALBANY, NY – Kennedy Swedick, a senior at The Albany Academies, has been named as one of the 10 scholastic award recipients for 2024 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization.

Kennedy, who competes in golf, 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, Kennedy graduated as the Salutatorian. She carried a 4.24 GPA, scored a 1570 on her SAT and a 35 on her ACT, and is a member of Cum Laude. She also received a Harvard Book Award.

Athletically, Kennedy won the NYS Women’s Amateur Championship as a 15 year old. This year she made it to the Quarterfinals in the US Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship in San Antonio, Texas. She won her third straight NYSPHSAA Girls’ Golf Championship, shooting 8 under par for the tournament. She won the NENY PGA Section qualifier shooting 11 under par for the tournament and will play in her fifth straight Girls’ PGA Jr. Championship at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. Kennedy was a co-medalist at the U.S. Girls’ Jr. Qualifier, shooting three under par for the tournament. She will play in her fourth straight U.S. Girls’ Jr. Championship at El Caballero Country Club in Los Angeles, California. This month, Kennedy is competing in the AJGA Ralph Lauren Junior Classic at Bethpage – Black Course. She will compete at the University of Virginia and the team’s first tournament in September will be in Japan.

Kennedy’s community service includes volunteering for the Special Olympics, where she worked with the golfing competitors. She also worked with Camp Abilities Saratoga, a sports camp for children and teens who are visually impaired, blind, or deafblind. Finally, for several years she assisted with the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge (VBOB), a World War II association that celebrates and puts on luncheons and programs for the veterans who served, as Kennedy’s own Great-Grandfather was killed in action in the Battle. She becomes the first student-athlete from The Albany Academies 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 1.

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Isabella Miller of Fonda-Fultonville Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

Isabella Miller of Fonda-Fultonville Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

ALBANY, NY – Isabella Miller, a senior at Fonda-Fultonville 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.

Isabella, who competes in cross country, indoor track & field 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, Isabella received the Xerox Award from the University of Rochester for the Highest Cumulative Average during her high school career. She also received the Highest Average in Algebra honor, the Excellence in AP Biology award and Excellence in Anatomy & Physiology and Highest Average in Geometry honor. Isabella was third in her graduating class at Fonda-Fultonville and made the Principal’s List in each of her four years.

Athletically, Isabella was presented the Section II Class C Sportsmanship Award at the New York State Cross Country Meet. Isabella was a two-time Most Valuable Cross Country Runner for Fonda-Fultonville as well as a two-time Best Distance Runner in Indoor Track and Outdoor Track. She was named a WAC All-Star all four years and qualified for the State Cross Country Championship Meet in 2023. Other honors included Dedicated Cross Country Runner and Best Newcomer for Indoor Track. For 2023, she was the Ken Smith Bi-County Female Track Athlete of the Meet and in 2024 she was the Overall Female Athlete of the Meet. In her senior season, Isabella was the MVP for both Indoor Track and Outdoor Track. She also received the WAC Scholarship Award.

Isabella’s community service includes serving an internship at the Neural Stem Cell Institute in Rensselaer. She was a Ronald McDonald House volunteer and at Conbeer’s Farm as well as serving as a volunteer coach at a Learn to Row Summer Camp. She also received the Seal of Civic Readiness. At graduation, Isabella will be receiving the Community Service Award for completing over 300 community service hours during her time at Fonda-Fultonville.

Isabella becomes the second Fonda-Fultonville student-athlete selected by CDSWOY. She joins Emma Crahan, who was selected 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 June 28.

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Talia Spenziero of Siena Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

Talia Spenziero of Siena Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

ALBANY, NY – Talia Spenziero, a senior at Siena College, has been named as one of the three collegiate award recipients for 2024 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization.

Talia, who competes in swimming & diving, 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, Talia graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Health Studies at Siena. She earned an Outstanding Academic Athlete Award and received the distinguished Alpha Kappa Alpha membership award, which is the highest award granted to a Siena Honor Society member. Talia was a two-time CSC (College Sports Communicators) Academic All-District Selection. She earned MAAC All-Academic and MAAC Academic Honor Roll recognition throughout her collegiate career.

Athletically, Talia was a five-time All-MAAC Diver at Siena. She finished second in one-meter diving and fourth in three-meter diving at the 2024 MAAC Swimming & Diving Championships. A six-time MAAC Diver of the Week in the 2023-24 season, Talia received 11 weekly MAAC honors during her career. She was the 2023 MAAC One-Meter Diving Champion and was the MAAC Co-Diver of the Meet at that championship event. She is a two-time NCAA Diving Zone Regional Qualifier (2022 and 2023), and a one-time competitor in that meet.

Talia’s community service includes her time as a Global Medical Volunteer at Oaxaca, Mexico in 2022. Weekdays, she spent five hours every morning learning about the disparities in the healthcare system and the struggles of those with lower incomes. She volunteers at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and at Albany Medical Center. At Albany Med, Talia provides activities at the children’s hospital. She is a member of the Red Cross Club at Siena, where she assists in service events including blood drives, fundraising management, 5K runs, and food drives. She also coaches for the Siena swim clinic.

Talia becomes the second Siena College student-athlete selected by CDSWOY. She joins Olivia Lomascolo, who was selected 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 June 26.

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Ariana Dingley of Lansingburgh Named to 2024 CDSWOY Class

Dingley

Ariana Dingley of Lansingburgh Named to CDSWOY Class of 2024

ALBANY, NY – Ariana Dingley, a senior at Lansingburgh 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.

Ariana, who competes in bowling, soccer 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.

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 also 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.

Ariana becomes the first Lansingburgh High School student-athlete selected by CDSWOY since the program began in 2020.

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 June 24.

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MacKenna Roberson of Hoosick Falls Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

MacKenna Roberson Named to CDSWOY 2024 Class

ALBANY, NY – MacKenna Roberson, a senior at Hoosick Falls 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.

MacKenna, who competes in basketball, field hockey 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.

Academically, MacKenna has been a scholar-athlete each year since seventh grade. She has been named to the Principal List and Honor Roll and is a member of the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society.

Athletically, MacKenna received the Triple Crown Award at Hoosick Falls for four years and was the basketball team’s Rookie of the Year Award recipient in her freshman year. She was a two-time basketball Most Valuable Player and a two-time First Team All-Star in field hockey. In 2023, she was named to the All-State Team in field hockey.

MacKenna’s community service includes volunteering for the EC Fund and working in the Hoosick Falls Waterworks program. She assisted youth in making projects for loved ones for Christmas and helped coach youth programs for basketball and field hockey. She was a volunteer at the Karen Magovern Volleyball Tournaments and assisted teachers in cleaning classrooms. MacKenna volunteered at the HACA Food Pantry and Christmas Wish Work program. She assisted the Town of Hoosick Falls in work for the town and mentored at the Town of Hoosick Falls Youth Center.

MacKenna becomes the first Hoosick Falls High School student-athlete selected by CDSWOY since the program began in 2020.

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 June 21.

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