SCHENECTADY, NY — Clare Howard, a senior from Taconic Hills High School, and Hallie Klosterman, a junior from Russell Sage College, 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 8, 2021.

Howard was named the Grand Scholastic Woman of the Year and Klosterman was named the Grand Collegiate Woman of the Year. The event also honored 10 other female student-athletes from the region, who made up the 2021 Class of the Capital District Sports Women of the Year. CDSWOY honors excellence in academics, athletics and community service.

The virtual guest speaker was Tara VanDerveer, the head coach of the Stanford University women’s basketball program. The Cardinal won the national championship this past season and Tara is the winningest women’s basketball college coach in history. Local entertainer Annie Scherer performed. Over 200 family, friends, administrators and coaches attended to support the newest CDSWOY honorees.

Academically, Clare Howard is a member of the National Honor Society and is a NYS Athletic Administrators Association Scholar-Athlete nominee. She ranks third in her senior class and won the 2020 RPI Medal for Math and Science. She also won the 2020 RIT Award for Innovation and Creativity. Clare was accepted to play cello with the NYS Empire State String Youth Orchestra. She was an NYS School Music Association Soloist in cello, flute, and piano.

Athletically, Clare earned varsity letters in five sports, including dual sports in the fall (cross country and soccer) and dual sports in the winter (alpine ski and swimming) and with her spring sport, track & field. In track & field, she set new school records in the pentathlon, steeplechase, 100 hurdles, 400 hurdles, 1600 relay and the 3200 relay. She was a two-time state qualifier, three-time Patroon Conference 400 Hurdle Champion, and a three-time Patroon Conference First Team All Star. She was the MVP in 2018 and 2021, 2019 Coach Award recipient and member of the 2018 and 2019 conference title teams as well as the Section II title teams in 2017 and 2019. Clare earned three Section 2 title in 2021 and was named the Patroon Conference Track MVP. At the 2021 Colonie Relays, Clare was first in the 400 hurdles and set school and meet records while posting the fastest time in the State at 1:03.86. She was third in the heptathlon at the USATF Youth National Championships. In swimming, Clare set a new school record in the 400 free relay and was the 2021 captain. Her team won the 2018 Southern Division Championship. In skiing, Clare was named a 2021 Section II First Team All Star for Alpine Skiing and earned her team’s MVP award. She was co-captain of the high school ski team for two years and earned the Leadership Award in 2020. On weekends during the winter seasons, Clare competed for the Catamount Alpine Ski Racing Team. She qualified to compete in the NYS Ski Championships for three years and had to be one of the top 10 in Section 2 to qualify. Clare qualified for the USA Ski under 16 women’s finals and the under 19 women’s finals.

Clare’s community service includes volunteering to help run a youth track program and with the humane society as a dog walker. She was treasurer for her class for three years and Senior Class President. Clare also worked as a board representative for the Scholarship Committee for Dollars for Scholars, and a senior class representative for the school’s reopening committee during the Covid-19 closure.

Academically, Hallie Klosterman has been named to the Empire 8 President’s List and Dean’s List in each of her three years at Russell Sage. She was inducted into RSC’s Athletic Honor Society in 2021, and recorded a 4.0 undergraduate GPA in each of her three years. She was also named to the 2020-2021 CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team and is a candidate for the CoSIDA Academic All-America Team. She was also named to the 2020-2021 United Soccer Coaches Player of Distinction NCAA Division III Team, as well as the 2020-2021 USC NCAA Division III Women Scholar All-East Region Team.

Athletically, Hallie led the Gators to the 2021 Empire 8 Women’s Soccer Championship, played in the spring. She was the tournament Most Valuable Player and was named the Women’s Soccer Gator of the Year. A two-time Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Week, Hallie served as captain of the team this past season.

Hallie’s community service includes serving as a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee at Russell Sage. She provided service in a food pantry, volunteered for a pop tab fundraiser for donations, and worked with a bottles and cans drive to raise funds for local charities.

The other members of the CDSWOY Class of 2021:

• Naseyah Dix, Bryant & Stratton College
• Phoebe Fox, Glens Falls HS
• Riley Gibbons, Germantown HS
• Jenna Hoffman, Maple Hill HS
• Beth Irwin, Guilderland HS
• Anna Jankovic, Averill Park HS
• Sara Langworthy, Warrensburg HS
• Isabella Mancini, Galway HS
• Madison Relyea, Mayfield HS
• Kate Sherman, Mohonasen HS

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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 7^th 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
                -Todd Wood, Varsity Bowling 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 7^th 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
                -Todd Wood, Varsity Bowling Coach

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SCHENECTADY, NY – The Capital District Sports Women of the Year program is proud to announce that Northwestern Mutual-Capital District has provided sponsorship support for the organization.

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.

“We are continually impressed by the talent, passion and determination of athletes and the success they strive for,” stated Alex Tronco, Northwestern Mutual Managing Partner. “Congratulations to all of the women being recognized at this year’s awards event. You should be proud of your achievements.”

The Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on Monday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady. Tickets are on sale via proctors.org or through the Proctors Box Office phones, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 518-346-6204. All tickets must be purchased online or by phone.

“Northwestern Mutual’s support is a wonderful tribute to the exceptional young women whom we honor,” said CDSWOY President Eric McDowell. “The funding assists us in all aspects of our program, including the Awards Gala, to provide the recognition that these young ladies deserve.”

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SCHENECTADY, NY – Anna Jankovic, a senior at Averill Park High School, has been named as one of the 10 scholastic award recipients for 2021 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year.

Anna, who competes in basketball, outdoor track & field and volleyball, will be recognized at the Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on Monday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady. Tickets are on sale via proctors.org or through the Proctors Box Office phones, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 518-346-6204. All tickets must be purchased online or by phone.

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, Anna has recorded High Honor Roll status in every quarter at Averill Park. She has a 94.07 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. She was received the Underclassman Biology Award and the St. Michael’s Book Award. Anna has been named a NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete in every season of her varsity career.

Athletically, Anna received the Al DeShaw Award, the most prestigious award at Averill Park. It is presented to a multi-sport athlete who has displayed outstanding dedication and athletic skills, contributed greatly to the success of the teams, and exhibited characteristics that one would consider model for any athletic program. In basketball, she was a First Team Suburban Council all star and made Second Team All-Area for the Daily Gazette and Albany Times Union teams in her senior season. Anna was a member of the Section 2 Class A championship teams in her freshman, sophomore, and junior years (the sectionals were not held in her senior year). She has previously been named to the NYS All-State Class A 8th Team and Section 2 Class A All-Tournament Team. In her senior season of outdoor track & field, Anna set the school record for the 400 hurdles and was second in the Section 2 Class A Sectionals in that event while also joining teammates in a first place finish at the sectionals in the 4×400 relay. She was second in the 400 hurdles at the Shen Suburban Council Showcase Meet and is second all-time on the school leader board in the high jump. Anna received the APHS Coach ALDI Award, presented to a track & field member at the end of the season for Athleticism, Leadership, Dedication, and Integrity. She was the Rising Star Award recipient in her freshman year and ran at the prestigious Penn Relays that year as well as in her sophomore season. Anna was a Section 2 Group 2 Champion and the Suburban Council Champion in the pentathlon. Averill Park did not have an outdoor track & field season in her junior year.

Anna’s community service includes assisting the elderly with household activities and volunteering with a food drive. She works with youth at the Averill Park Girls Hoop Camp and a modified volleyball camp. Anna is a school orientation guide and basketball coach at NY Havoc, and organized teacher appreciation cards while also serving as a biology tutor.

CDSWOY will announce the next student-athlete recipient on July 19 and the final honoree on July 21. A total of 10 high school and two college female student-athletes will be honored.

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SCHENECTADY, NY – Kate Sherman, a senior at Mohonasen High School, has been named as one of the 10 scholastic award recipients for 2021 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year.

Kate, 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 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady. Tickets are on sale via proctors.org or through the Proctors Box Office phones, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 518-346-6204. All tickets must be purchased online or by phone.

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, Kate has been a NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete every season. She was a team captain for seven straight seasons and served on the Mohonasen Athlete Advisory Committee. She also served on the Suburban Council Athlete Leadership Council. Kate received the Artemis Award for having the highest athletic point total and a 96.7 academic average.

Athletically, Kate has broken Mohonasen school records 11 times in indoor and outdoor track & field. She currently holds seven track records. In cross country Kate holds the school record on every course with the exception of the new short XC course on campus. She holds the Fortin Park course record which she broke in 2019 by 48 seconds. Kate won 10 individual and relay Sectional championships and three 2nd place finishes in cross country, indoor and outdoor track. She won nine Suburban and Colonial Council league individual event championships in all three sports. In her Junior year Kate was undefeated in cross country league meets, won the Colonial and Section 2 championships, and placed 7th at the NYS Championship meet earning her First Team All-State status. She is the only Mohonasen cross country athlete to ever earn this distinction. She was the 1500m, 3000m and 3200m relay Colonial Council Indoor track champion and the 3000m and 3200m Section 2 Indoor champion. Kate qualified for the 5000m national championship race, a first for a Mohonasen runner. Unfortunately, the national meet and the outdoor season were canceled due to the pandemic.

In her sophomore year Kate was the Colonial Council cross country champion, the Section 2 runner up, and placed 16th at the NYS Championship earning her Second Team All-State status. She also placed 3rd at the Nike Regional Open championships and earned the first ever at-large bid for the NYS Federation Championship for a Mohonasen cross country athlete. During indoor track she was the Section 2 champion in the 1500m, 3000m and 3200m relay. She won the 1500m and 3200m relay at the Colonial Council championships. During outdoor track she was the 1500 and 3000 relay runner-up and won the 3000. Her freshman year featured she was third in the Section 2 Championships, earning her first of three state bids. Indoors she won the 1500 and 3000 Section 2 titles and won the 3000 outdoors that earned a berth in the US National Outdoor Championships. Her teams have never lost a Colonial Council regular season or championship meet in cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field. She has won Team MVP honors (for most points scored) eight times.

Kate is an officer for Mohonasen’s Student Athletic Club which is involved in many community service activities such as Toys for TOTS, City Mission, Anchor Room, and Mohon Food Pantry.

CDSWOY will announce the next student-athlete recipient on July 14 and Mondays and Wednesdays through July 21. A total of 10 high school and two college female student-athletes will be honored.

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SCHENECTADY, NY – Annie Scherer, a singer/songwriter from Voorheesville, N.Y., will be the guest performer for the 2021 Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on Monday, August 9 at the GE Theatre at Proctors at 7 p.m.

Tickets are on sale via proctors.org or through the Proctors Box Office phones, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 518-346-6204. All tickets must be purchased online or by phone.

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.

In April 2021, Annie was voted the best local performer in New York’s Capital Region according to the readers of the Albany Times Union.

“We are so pleased that Annie will be performing for us at the Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala,” said CDSWOY President Eric McDowell. “She will enlighten our stage with her talent, and we know many of her fans will be pleased to see her perform at the GE Theatre. As we provide our award recipients with a night to remember, it is fitting that Annie entertains us with her performances to make our Gala even more special.”

Annie combines her passion for classic rock icons such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones with her love for alternative artists like Lana Del Rey and Lorde. Her music fuses strong lyrics with haunting melodies.

“It’s wonderful to be able to perform for a live audience again, especially at such a noteworthy event,” commented Annie. “I’m honored to be a part of this celebration, which recognizes incredible young women who excel in so many ways. I can think of no better place to be celebrating these scholar athletes than in this historic theater. Proctors is special to me personally. As a child, I attended summer film camps here and performed with choirs in the theater and Key Hall. It is a thrill for me to be back here. Congratulations to the Capital District Sports Women of the Year and thank you for including me in this special event.”

Annie’s musical career began at a young age. At just six years old, Annie began piano lessons and devoted 13 years to classical performance. A year after she started playing piano, Annie wrote her first song. By age 12, Annie had taught herself guitar and started gigging and writing more seriously.

In 2015, she began recording her first EP, ‘Dreams Like This’ with the help of David Flint, a Nashville producer. The EP featured five original tracks and was released on January 1, 2017. That same year, she won a regional contest to sing the National Anthem at Tri-City Valley Cats.

As a student at The College of Saint Rose, Annie was awarded the Producer’s Choice for the ‘Celebration of Music’ PBS special in Troy, NY, hosted by Ethan Bortnick. She won a trip to Los Angeles, where she was taped performing her original song, ‘Andy Warhol’.

After releasing several singles, Annie’s first full-length album, ‘Garden Bed,’ debuted on March 26, 2021. Annie wrote all the songs and produced all but one track. ‘Garden Bed’ showcases Annie’s skills as a composer and multi-instrumentalist, as she performs the trumpet, piano, guitar, and ukulele, while arranging string quartet scores for songs like “Kaleidoscope” and “Ashamed.” The album was widely praised by numerous outlets, including American Songwriter, the Albany Times Union, and NYS Music.

In addition to her musical aspirations, Annie is a visual artist who does charcoal portraits. She recently graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry.

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SCHENECTADY, NY – Phoebe Fox, a senior at Glens Falls High School, has been named as one of the 10 scholastic award recipients for 2021 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year.

Phoebe, who competes in Alpine ski, lacrosse, soccer, and tennis, will be recognized at the Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on Monday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady. Tickets are on sale via proctors.org or through the Proctors Box Office phones, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 518-346-6204. All tickets must be purchased online or by phone.

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, Phoebe received the Post Star Teen Excellence Award this year. She earned high honor roll in all four grades 9-12, and was the VIP Award recipient, for positivity and kindness, in 2020.

Athletically, Phoebe was a first team all-star in girl’s lacrosse in grades 8-12. She received Foothills Council Honorable Mention recognition in soccer and was a captain for the soccer teams in her junior and senior seasons. Phoebe also served as captain for the lacrosse teams from grade eight through grade 12. She was an all-star for the tennis team in 2020.

Phoebe was a Lake George Triathlon Volunteer for four years and has served as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Her other community service included her work for Operation Santa Claus and her service as a youth lacrosse coach.

CDSWOY will announce the next student-athlete recipient on July 7 and Mondays and Wednesdays through July 21. A total of 10 high school and two college female student-athletes will be honored.

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SCHENECTADY, NY – Jenna Hoffman, a senior at Maple Hill High School, has been named as one of the 10 scholastic award recipients for 2021 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year.

Jenna, who competes in basketball, softball, tennis and volleyball, will be recognized at the Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on Monday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady. Tickets are on sale via proctors.org or through the Proctors Box Office phones, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 518-346-6204. All tickets must be purchased online or by phone.

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, Jenna was the Student Council President and the National Honor Society President. She received the Kiwanis Outstanding Senior Award as well as a Heisman Scholarship. She was on the Principal’s List for all four seasons for a 95 GPA and above during her academic career at Maple Hill. Jenna also received these awards: YMCA Leadership, Hoby Leadership, Ryla Rotary, Youth Leadership, Elks Club and the J. Stalker Caring for Others Award. She was a student council mentor, served on the Mental Health Committee, was a student representative on the Board of Education, served as a seventh grade mentor and was the Key Club Secretary.

Athletically, Jenna was the Team Most Valuable Player, a first team all-star and served as captain of her basketball team this past season. She was also a second team all-star in 2020. Jenna was the Team Most Valuable Player, a first team all-star and captain of her volleyball team in her senior season. She was named to numerous all-tournament teams in basketball and volleyball.

Jenna received the Girl Scout Silver Award for Community Service. She was a Junior EMT and created thank you signs for essential workers during the pandemic. She works with the Miracle League basketball program, is a pen pal for residents at the Castle Hill Nursing Home, and created and organized a holiday video tribute for teachers.

CDSWOY will announce the next student-athlete recipient on July 7 and Mondays and Wednesdays through July 21. A total of 10 high school and two college female student-athletes will be honored.

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