SCHENECTADY, NY – Morgan Burchhardt, a senior at The College of Saint Rose, has been named as one of the three collegiate award recipients for 2020 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year.

Morgan, a soccer player from Burnt Hills, NY, will be recognized at the first-ever Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady. Tickets for the Gala will go on sale on Monday, April 13 at proctors.org and at the Proctors Box Office.

The Capital District Sports Women of the Year (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, Morgan was named a United Soccer Coaches second team Scholar All-American and a United Soccer Coaches first team Scholar All-East. Athletically, Morgan was a United Soccer Coaches third-team All-America pick and earned United Soccer Coaches first-team All-East honors. She was a Northeast 10 first-team All-Conference pick and made the NE-10 Championship All-Tournament Team and made the NCAA National Championship All-Tournament Team as her team reached the national semifinals. She was a four-time NE-10 All-Conference pick. A D2CCA second-team All-East pick, Morgan was named to the NE-10 weekly honor roll (10/21/19). She was fourth in program annals with 114 points, tied for 11th with 31 goals, and second with 52 assists. Morgan is one of only eight players in school history to record 100 career points. She was one of 14 active players in the country with 30 goals and 20 assists in 2019. Morgan was the active NCAA Division II leader in assists in 2019. She is the only player in school annals to record 10 or more assists in four separate seasons.

Morgan’s community service includes the following: a former two-year Executive Board member of Saint Rose Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a four year member of SAAC, named the recipient of the 2019 Michael Simpson Striker Award, which is bestowed upon a Golden Knights men’s or women’s soccer player who is active in community service as determined by the athletics coaching staff, volunteer at Capital City Rescue Mission – Albany Food Bank, Team Reading Days at the Delaware Community School (City School District of Albany’s only school offering a bilingual education curriculum. The Dual Language Program teaches students in both English and Spanish), organized Penny Wars, fundraiser for the Strength in Numbers non-profit organization, Coaches U-10 & U-12 girls teams – Albany Alleycats Premier, Delaware Community School Volunteer – Mardi Gras and Math Night, Team Impact – Leadership position, and a volunteer at Saint Rose Women’s Soccer Youth Clinics.

CDSWOY will announce the next student-athlete on March 18 and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 7.

Testimonials:

“Morgan has an innate ability to bring out the best in others with her winning attitude, intense work ethic and unwavering commitment for excellence. What impresses me most outside of her academic and athletic achievements is her passion and involvement with the young girls she coaches in the community. We had quite a bit to celebrate this fall with her team competing in the NCAA DII Women’s Soccer Final Four. Morgan shared all these moments on the field, holding the hands of the girls who look up to and aspire to be like her. I know Morgan will serve as a tremendous representative of the Capital District Sports Women of the Year.”

— Lori Anctil, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics

“I strongly recommend Morgan for this honor. She is a well-rounded, disciplined and academically superb student-athlete who demonstrates the highest level of character, leadership and commitment while performing her sport at the national level. In addition, Morgan has demonstrated the ability to overcome significant adversity in her sport and return to national prominence.”

— Laurie Darling Gutheil, Women’s Soccer Coach

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SCHENECTADY, NY – Makenzie Terrell, a senior at Middleburgh High School, has been named as one of the 10 scholastic award recipients for 2020 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year.

Makenzie, who competes in basketball and softball, will be recognized at the first-ever Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady. Tickets for the Gala will go on sale on Monday, April 13 at proctors.org and at the Proctors Box Office.

The Capital District Sports Women of the Year (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, Makenzie ranks fourth overall in her MCS Class of 2020. She received the Class of 2020 Award of Top 5 Students in Rank in 2016, 2018 and 2019. She received the MCS Class of 2020 Award of Health Science Achievement and has received the High Honor Certificate of Achievement in each of her four years. Makenzie is a NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete and WAC Scholar Athlete and received the 2019 Timothy Murphy Scholar Athlete Award of Citizenship.

Athletically, Makenzie was honored with the Girls Varsity Softball Coach’s Choice Award in 2019. Last season, she was the Girls Varsity Basketball Defensive MVP and captain and won the team’s Most Improved Award in 2017. Makenzie was an Elk’s Hoop Shoot Foul Shooting Contest Regional Finalist in 2016. Makenzie’s community service includes serving in the MCS SADD organization, the Rotary Interact Club, Tutor for Liberty Partnership and Youth as Leaders Athletic Association. She is the treasurer of the MCS National Honor Society.

CDSWOY will announce the next student-athlete on March 17 and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 7.

Testimonial:

“Despite a health issue that makes competing difficult, particularly during softball season, Makenzie not only perseveres but takes on a leadership role in all she does. This past winter season, she broke her wrist on the very first night of basketball practice, yet she not only attended all games and practices while injured, she also assisted in the Athletic Office. She attends many other events to support her peers in their athletic endeavors and is an active member of the Athletic Association.

Outside of sports, Makenzie is an exemplary student and excellent role model. She was just named 4th in her class for overall ranking, and she maintains a high level of academics. She is an active member of several clubs, all with a smile on her face. Makenzie demonstrates the qualities we encourage all of our young female athletes to aspire to. She is more then deserving of this recognition.”

— Melinda Narzymski, Special Education Teacher/Case Manager, Co-Athletic Director

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SCHENECTADY, NY — Rachel Wnuk, a senior at Galway High School, has been named as one of the 10 scholastic award recipients for 2020 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year.

Rachel, who competes in soccer, basketball and track & field, will be recognized at the first-ever Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady. Tickets for the Gala will go on sale on Monday, April 13 at proctors.org and at the Proctors Box Office.

The Capital District Sports Women of the Year (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, Rachel has received numerous honors including SUNY Buffalo Honors Program, National Junior Honor Society in all four grades of high school, Academic Scholar recognition in all four quarters of her first three years and two quarters thus far in her senior season. Rachel received the Rensselaer Academic Medal Scholarship. She hopes to study Chemistry/Engineering/Environment.

Athletically, Rachel has received Scholar Athlete honors in all three sports and each of her first three years and has earned it in soccer and basketball in her senior season with track & field yet to be determined. She was captain in her junior and senior seasons for soccer and basketball in her junior year. Rachel competed in the 2020 New York State Indoor Track & Field Championships in the high jump in 10th grade. She was a WAC Hudson Valley Division Soccer Second Team All Star and WAC All-Star and attended and was honored at the Soccer Scholar Athlete Award Luncheon and the Basketball Scholar Athlete Award Breakfast. This past fall, she was a News Channel 13 Athlete of the Week honoree.

Rachel’s community service includes membership in the following clubs: Student Senate, GTV Anchor, EMC, Prom Committee, Science Club Co-President, Best Buddies, Do Something Club, Drama Club, Leo’s Club and Things of Our Very Own. Rachel was Class Office Secretary and her class Prom Queen.

CDSWOY will announce the next student-athlete on March 12 and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 7.

Testimonials:

“Rachel is an asset to the Galway Central School District, our community, and each program she chooses to be a part of. What is striking about Rachel is her personality, her empathy, and her kindness. She always has a smile on her face and is always ready to reach out a helping hand. There is no doubt in my mind that Rachel has a bright and successful future ahead of her.”

— Elise Britt, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal

“Rachel is very committed to the classroom, community and the sport of basketball. Leo’s Club helps at the local food pantry, works at the Memorial Day Parade, and donates its funds to local organizations. Things of Our Very Own is a crisis intervention organization that works in the school to assist students. As a captain, she goes above and beyond keeping the team informed and organized for practices, games and special events. She works as hard as any player I have ever coached and is the ultimate example of sportsmanship.”

— Phillip Meashaw, Girls Basketball Coach

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SCHENECTADY, NY — Rachel Hunsicker, a senior at Lake George Jr. Sr. High School, has been named as one of the 10 scholastic award recipients for 2020 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year.

Rachel, who competes in bowling, will be recognized at the first-ever Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady. Tickets for the Gala will go on sale on Monday, April 13 at proctors.org and at the Proctors Box Office.

The Capital District Sports Women of the Year (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, Rachel has a GPA of 94.53, and is ranked 7th in her class of 84 at Lake George. Athletically, Rachel is the captain of her bowling team and is a Leadership Council Member.

Rachel’s community service includes the Castleton Honors Choir, the Eyes of the World student-led cultural showcase Chairperson, the Being Human Project (a youth planned educational set of sessions for the community on current issues in the county), GLSEN Street Team, True Colors LGBTQ+ Diversity Conference, French Club, Spectrum (GSA Club) President, Yearbook Committee Editor, and Treasurer, Lake Take School Newspaper Editor, Rock Solid Mentoring Program Team Leader, Leadership Retreat for YMCA Camp Chingachgook on Lake George, Class of 2020 Officer Secretary, Astronomy Club, Student to Student Peer Counselor, Senior High Art Club, Senior Select Choir, Cabaret Club and Drama Club.

CDSWOY will announce additional student-athletes March 11 and 12 and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 7.

Testimonial:

“We have known Rachel for five years. During that time, we have watched her grow into an exceptional young woman who has superseded her goals academically, athletically and personally. As her bowling coaches, we have watched her mentor other teammates and be a responsible captain for her team. She goes above and beyond without any direction when she sees someone needs help.

Rachel has spear-headed a project at the school called ‘Eyes on the World.” She is a thinker who thinks outside the box. She is involved in many clubs at the school and manages her time well to be part of all of them.

Rachel is a unique individual. She is a person to be looked at as a role model. She has a compassionate, sensitive, calming nature. We are so proud of Rachel and all her characteristics and know that she will continue to grow beyond her high school and is bound to do great things in her life.”

— Laurie J. Skellie, Teacher Assistant, Assistant Bowling Coach and Todd Wood, Varsity Bowling Coach

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ALBANY, NY — The Capital District Sports Women of the Year initiative conducted voting from a committee of media professionals following a press conference on March 4, 2020 at O’Toole’s Restaurant Pub, 1814 Central Ave. in Albany. The selections will be announced throughout March and into April.

The Capital District Sports Women of the Year (CDSWOY) initiative will honor 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. The CDSWOY Awards Gala will take place at the GE Theatre at Proctors on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the Gala will go on sale on Monday, April 13 at proctors.org and at the Proctors Box Office.

The CDSWOY initiative was created by Eric McDowell, President of The Eric Idea Agency, a Capital District business that provides services in public and media relations, event management and M.C. services.

A total of 94 high schools (members of Section II in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association) and 15 colleges feature athletics in the Capital District. The Athletic Director from each institution was provided the opportunity to nominate one female student-athlete for CDSWOY recognition. The CDSWOY Awards Gala at Proctors will feature three collegiate and 10 scholastic honorees, with two Grand Sports Woman of the Year honorees selected by the committee.

Capital District Sports Women of the Year 2020 Schedule of Announcements

The announcements of the 2020 Capital District Sports Women of the Year honorees will take place during the months of March and April prior to the Awards Gala on May 12 at Proctors. Announcements will be made on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from March 10 to April 7, at 3:00 PM Eastern time on cdswoy.com. The Grand recipients will be announced at the Gala.

Here is the schedule for the 2020 announcements:

• March 10 – High School Honoree
• March 11 – High School Honoree
• March 12 – High School Honoree
• March 17 – College Honoree
• March 18 – High School Honoree
• March 19 – High School Honoree
• March 24 – High School Honoree
• March 25 – College Honoree
• March 26 – High School Honoree
• March 31 – High School Honoree
• April 1 – High School Honoree
• April 2 – College Honoree
• April 7 – High School Honoree
• May 12 – Grand Scholastic Woman of the Year and Grand Collegiate Woman of the Year (at Gala)

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — Capital District Sports Women of the Year, Inc. President Eric McDowell recently visited with Ed Dopp, the Executive Director of Section 2 of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. 

The Capital District Sports Women of the Year program honors the best and brightest female student athletes from high schools and colleges in the Capital District of New York State. CDSWOY will honor outstanding female student-athletes who excel in academics and community service as well as athletics. A total of 94 high schools and 15 colleges feature collegiate athletics in the Capital District. The Athletic Director from each institution is provided the opportunity to nominate one female student-athlete for CDSWOY recognition. Each institution may also nominate a candidate for the Legacy Award, which will be presented to a long-time administrator, coach, supporter or volunteer who has been instrumental in serving female student-athletes. A committee that features media members selects the honorees in each category. The awards Gala at Proctors features five collegiate and 10 scholastic honorees, with two Grand Sports Woman of the Year honorees selected by the media committee from the finalists in each category.

Mr. McDowell was invited to attend a meeting of the Section II Presidents at Mr. Dopp’s headquarters in downtown Saratoga Springs. Mr. McDowell discussed CDSWOY and how the nominations have begun, as each Athletic Director of the 94 eligible high schools in the Capital District, as well as the 15 eligible colleges, have received formal official links to nominate. Nominations will be eligible to be received by February 21. Announcement of the winners will begin March 10 at CDSWOY.com.

The awards gala will take place on Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the GE Theater at Proctors in Schenectady, NY. Tickets for the gala will go on sale on April 13 at proctors.org.

Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available by writing Mr. McDowell at cdswoy@gmail.com.

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The Hoffman Helping Hands program provides charities with fund raising opportunities. Hoffman Car Wash is supporting the Capital District Sports Women of the Year program.

CDSWOY will receive 50% of selected car wash packages from Hoffman’s, which is providing discounts on the car wash packages for the fundraiser. The Full Service Car Wash is a $29.00 value, “inside and out,” and is available at 1672 Route 9, Clifton Park; 1757 Central Avenue, Colonie; and 753 New Loudon Road, Latham. The Exterior Car Wash has a $12 value, “exterior only,” and is available at locations in Albany, Amsterdam, Clifton Park, Colonie, Delmar, East Greenbush, Hudson, Kingston, Latham, Queensbury, Saratoga Springs and Troy.

Orders must be made online here: http://www.hoffmanhelpinghands.com/fundraiser.cfm?id=19054#.XYJlUa6-vMI.email

Funds generated will provide CDSWOY with the opportunity to host an awards gala at Proctors for outstanding female student-athletes from high schools and colleges for academics, athletics and community service. Funds will also be provided to charities.

The Capital District Sports Women of the Year program honors the best and brightest female student athletes from high schools and colleges in the Capital District of New York State. CDSWOY will honor outstanding female student-athletes who excel in academics and community service as well as athletics. A total of 94 high schools and 15 colleges feature collegiate athletics in the Capital District. The Athletic Director from each institution is provided the opportunity to nominate one female student-athlete for CDSWOY recognition. A committee that features media members selects the honorees in each category. The awards Gala at Proctors features five collegiate and 10 scholastic honorees, with two Grand Sports Woman of the Year honorees selected by the committee from the finalists in each category. The awards gala will take place on May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the GE Theater at Proctors in Schenectady, NY.

Nominations from Athletic Directors from high schools and colleges continue to pour in, and will be accepted until late February. Selections will be made by Capital District media members and announcements of the recipients will begin on March 10.

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Can’t attend? You can still support CDSWOY by donating securely online HERE.

Recovery Room Sports Grill will provide donations to Capital District Sports Women of the Year, Inc.

On Thursday, December 19, donations will be provided at the Recovery Room Sports Grill location at 62 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12218 during the time window of 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. You must present THIS CERTIFICATE at the time of payment to have up to 15% of your check’s value excluding tax and tip, to Capital District Sports Women of the Year, Inc.

Learn more at recoverysportsgrill.com.

For more information, email at cdswoy@gmail.com or call President Eric McDowell at 518-588-8016.

Capital District Sports Women of the Year, Inc. will honor 10 high school and five college female student-athletes for academics, athletics and community service with a Gala at Proctors in May. CDSWOY will provide donations to charity after the Gala. CDSWOY is a 501(c)(3) organization.

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Chipotle joins the numerous generous local businesses supporting the Capital District Sports Women of the Year, Inc.

On Tuesday, January 14, donations will be provided at the Chipotle location at 2 Wade Road, Latham, NY 12110 during the time window of 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. You need to bring a paper version of THIS FLYER, show the cashier a digital flyer on your device, or mention “Capital District Sports Women of the Year fundraiser” to the cashier prior to your purchase.

Online orders will not be included in the fundraiser. To ensure your purchase is counted in the fundraiser, be sure to order and pay in-restaurant. Chipotle will provide 33% of all of CDWOY’S supporters’ sales to the charity and awards program. Gift card purchases during fundraisers do not count towards total donated sales, but purchases made with an existing gift card will count.

CDSWOY has featured a fundraiser each month since September, and the program was announced in August. See CDSWOY.com and click “ABOUT” for complete information.

For questions about this event or other information, email at cdswoy@gmail.com or call President Eric McDowell at 518-588-8016.

Capital District Sports Women of the Year, Inc. will honor 10 high school and five college female student-athletes for academics, athletics and community service with a Gala at Proctors in May. CDSWOY will provide donations to charity after the Gala. CDSWOY is a 501(c)(3) organization. 

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Can’t attend? You can still support CDSWOY by donating HERE.

Panera Bread will provide donations to Capital District Sports Women of the Year, Inc. as a partner in the Panera Fundraising program.

On Thursday, November 14, donations will be provided at the Panera location at 601 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110 during the time window of 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. You must bring THIS FLYER or show an electronic version to the cashier when you place your order. Panera will donate 20% of the proceeds from your purchase.

If you order online for Rapid Pick-Up or Delivery, enter “PRFUND” as your Promo Code to have a portion of your proceeds donated to CDSWOY. Gift card purchases and catering orders are excluded and will not count toward the event.

Learn more at Fundraising.PaneraBread.com.

For more information, email at cdswoy@gmail.com or call President Eric McDowell at 518-588-8016.

Capital District Sports Women of the Year, Inc. will honor 10 high school and five college female student-athletes for academics, athletics and community service with a Gala at Proctors in May. CDSWOY will provide donations to charity after the Gala. CDSWOY is a 501(c)(3) organization. 

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