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

MacKenzie, 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.

MacKenzie has received numerous academic awards at Rensselaer High School. These include the Empire Girls State Award, NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals) American Citizenship Award, HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership) Representative Award, DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Excellence in American History Award, SAANYS (School Administrators Association of New York State) Region 6 Leadership Award, Youth to Youth International Award, Top Student HVCC Psychology, Academic Excellence in Physics and the Iron Woman Award.

Athletically, MacKenzie received the Basketball Scholar Athlete Award, was an AAU Junior Olympics participant, received the Sportsmanship Award, was a High School Heisman Scholarship winner and an NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete.

MacKenzie’s community service includes the following: assisting as an organizer for a youth summit through the Troy Drug Free Community Coalition, volunteer for collecting clothes and Jeans for Teens through Circles of Mercy, Red Cross Blood Drive, Rensselaer Christmas in the City, Trunk or Treat through RADAR, and Kiwanis Club for the Community Pancake Breakfast. She also is a volunteer coach for youth soccer.

CDSWOY will announce the next student-athlete on April 1 and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 7.

Testimonials:

“MacKenzie is a student-athlete of the highest character and a leader on and off the field. She has been a captain in three sports and is a great leader and role model for other students in our district. She excels in the classroom as well as a model of what a student-athlete truly means. MacKenzie works hard to maintain a 95 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is serving an internship with the local court system and plans to attend law school. In our community, she has spent time as a volunteer coach for local organizations as well as giving her time to volunteer with several local charities. MacKenzie’s selflessness is one of her strongest and most admirable qualities.”

— William Spath, Director of Athletics

“MacKenzie was a starter and captain on the girls varsity soccer team where her leadership, dedication and hard work were huge attributes to our success and growth throughout the season. She was always willing to give more than what was expected of her. She also excels in the classroom where she is second in her class. She spent several days a week doing an internship at Albany Law School and now is interning at Rensselaer City Court. MacKenzie’s dedication both on the field and in the classroom speaks volumes of her dedication and hard work ethic as both an athlete and student.”

— Kristin Alonzo, Girls Soccer Coach

“MacKenzie has always been dependable, enthusiastic and a leader who is always searching for ways to make herself and those around her better. I believe that her self-discipline and hard work will carry over to life on a college campus and will serve her well as a student-athlete. As an educator and a Veteran of the Marine Corps, I feel that she possesses outstanding characteristics of citizen and leadership.”

— Joel Preston, Former Girls Track & Field Coach/Head Football Coach

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SCHENECTADY, NY – Lauren Willis, a junior at South Glens Falls High School, has been named as one of the 10 scholastic award recipients for 2020 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year.

Lauren, who competes in field hockey, lacrosse and 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, Lauren has earned High Honor/Honor Roll recognition since 2017. She also is a member of the Spanish Honor Society and National Honors Society.  
Athletically, Lauren was named the Most Valuable Player for the field hockey team in three seasons, 2017-19. She also was a scholar-athlete in field hockey in those three years. For the past three seasons, Lauren was named to the Section 2 Foothills Field Hockey All-Star First Team. He was a Section 2 All State honoree in helping to lead South Glens Falls field hockey team to the Sectional Finals. Lauren has been a lacrosse scholar-athlete since 2017 and was named to the Foothills Lacrosse Honorable Mention team in 2019. She also earned scholar-athlete honors in bowling in 2018.

Lauren’s community service includes the following: Salvation Army bell ringer, volunteer for the Ben Osborn Fund (getting gifts and wrapping them for children in need at Christmas time), South Glens Falls Marathon Dance participant, field hockey intramural/youth coach for girls age five and up, ice hockey youth coach, and landscaping for the Double H Ranch.

CDSWOY will announce the next student-athlete on March 31 and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 7.

Testimonials:

“Lauren is an extremely dedicated young woman who is not afraid to put in the work and step outside the norm to be the best she possibly can be. Lauren’s positive attitude is contagious and invigorates her teammates and coaches. Academics are very important to her as can be seen by her 94.18 GPA. It’s nearly impossible to look through her transcripts and find a teacher that hasn’t stated she’s a pleasure to have in class, strives to do her best, or displays a positive attitude.”

— Matt Griep, Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics

“Lauren is a ‘natural’ leader. This characteristic was very much evident during her freshman year on the varsity team. With a strong, intimidating group of seniors, Lauren did not hesitate to speak up when needed, whether she was asked to or not. I knew that she would be capable of handling the leadership role and has been elected team captain every year thereafter. She works extremely hard to balance her high academic standards and extracurricular activities. Lauren is also active in her community, volunteering her time to help others.”

— Mary Ponda, Physical Education/Health Teacher/Field Hockey Coach

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SCHENECTADY, NY – Liz Brady, a senior at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been named as one of the three collegiate award recipients for 2020 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year.

Liz, a lacrosse player from Bradford, MA, 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, Liz posted a 3.55 GPA for the fall semester, and a 3.10 Cum in Biomedical Engineering. She has served as an R&D Quality Intern at Alexion Pharmaceuticals in Boston, MA. Liz serves as a mentor for Women at Rensselaer Peer Mentoring Program, is a two-year member of SAAC (the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) and has also been an invaluable work-study student for the RPI Athletics Communications department.

Athletically, Liz broke the school record for assists in a season in 2019 after overcoming ACL surgery. She recorded 36 assists that spring. Liz was a two-time Liberty League Honor Roll selection. 

Community service for Liz includes the following: Colleges Against Cancer, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross Blood Drive, Things of My Very Own, reading to the Pre-K and elementary school students at Troy School 14 and Latham Ridge Elementary School, SAAC’s “Not So Scary Kids Day,” Special Olympics Basketball Tournament, Fresh Check Day and the National Girls and Women in Sports Day Clinic.

CDSWOY will announce the next student-athlete on March 26 and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 7.

Testimonials:

“Liz is a special person who is a silent leader. During her junior year, Liz suffered a major setback as she tore her ACL and missed a season of competition while having surgery and rehabbing her injury. Despite this setback, Liz remained a committed teammate and attended all practices, lifting sessions, scouting meetings, and was a positive voice from the sideline. After returning this past spring (2019), she scored nine goals and had a record setting 36 assists to lead the team and finish second in points. I have had the pleasure of working directly with Liz the past two years as she is a valued member of our Student Athlete Advisory Committee. She is an outstanding citizen of the institute, someone who is ready to change the world, who excels in the classroom, on the field, and in the community.”

— Lee McElroy, Associate Vice President & Director of Athletics

“While at RPI, Liz has found a way to contribute to her community, lead her peers, and represent Rensselaer proudly. What sets Liz apart academically, in my belief, is the rigor of study that she is pursuing, Biomedical Engineering. In addition to her time as a a full-time student, with lab time, groups sessions and multiple engineering courses per semester, Liz is also a 40-hour student-athlete. In addition to her academic and athletic responsibilities, Liz engages in the RPI and greater Capital District communities. She is an excellent candidate for this award.”

— Leslie DeLano, Women’s Lacrosse Coach

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

Lydia, who competes in soccer 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, Lydia is Valedictorian of the APHS class of 2020 and a member of the National Honor Society. Other honors include recognition as a National Merit Scholarship Corporation Finalist, recipient of the Rensselaer Medal Award, New York State Capital District Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Merit, CASDA Capital Region Scholar, NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence, and Averill Park High School Academic Excellence Awards for thirteen courses over the span of her freshman through junior years. Lydia received Rensselaer County Legislature Commendation in her freshman, sophomore and junior years, which is awarded to the top five students per class in Averill Park High School. Lydia participated in the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth program, where she also earned High Honors (awarded to the top 30% of selected students).

Lydia’s athletic highlights include: Varsity member of the soccer team with Scholar-Athlete honors for three seasons, Brunswick Soccer Club age-level travel team from 2011-19, Varsity member of the track & field team with Scholar-Athlete honors all four seasons, Suburban Scholastic Council All-Star Award in outdoor track, APHS Coach Aldi Athleticism, Leadership, Dedication and Integrity Award, qualifier for New York State Outdoor Championships in the 100m and 200m, APHS outdoor record holder in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m and 4x400m relay, APHS Most Outstanding Track Performer Award, indoor record holder in the 55m, 400m, 4x200m, 4x400m, and sprint medley relays, qualifier for  New York State Indoor Championships in the 55m, third place in the NY State Intersectional Relay, Penn Relays Wheel 4x400m, Times Union High School Track & Field All Star, Second Team Suburban Scholastic Council All-Star, APHS Most Outstanding Sprinter, APHS Most Outstanding Scholar Athlete, and APHS Rising Star Award.

Lydia’s community service includes the following: Averill Park Student-Athlete Advisory Council (nominated by coach to serve on the committee promoting sportsmanship, leadership, and community service in APHS Athletics). Secretary and co-founder of the APHS Science Club. Camper in Leadership Training (CILT) and Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program participant at Camp Cedarbrook in the Adirondacks. Music Ministries, Child Nurture Ministries, Vacation Bible School volunteer, and Audio/Visual Ministries at Brunswick Church.

CDSWOY will announce the next student-athlete on March 25 and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 7.

Testimonials:

“Lydia is one of those few student-athletes that you come across that just has it all. She is a tremendous student, talented athlete, and serves her school, community, and church in a variety of ways. I believe that Lydia is the definition of the Capital District Sports Women of the Year. I honestly do not know how she does so much with such little free time yet continues to excel at all that she does.”

— Mark Bubniak, Athletic Director

“Lydia plans to compete at the college level in track & field and study medicine. Her work ethic and focus will allow her to be successful both athletically and academically at the next level. She is a positive and strong role model for younger teammates and classmates and is a tremendous help to our coaching staff.”

— Zach Gobel, Head Football Coach, Head Indoor Track & Field Coach

“Beyond being one of the best sprinters ever at Averill Park, I can honestly say that she is a model citizen that goes above and beyond for her teammates and coaches. She is the valedictorian of her class while taking many college level and advanced placement courses. She excels in time management and is also able to balance all her passions. At all times I have found Lydia to be self-motivated, reliable, hard-working, dedicated, honest and courteous.”

— Nathan Luskin, Varsity Girls Outdoor Track & Field Coach, Varsity Girls Soccer Coach

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

Morgan, who competes in volleyball and basketball, 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 is the valedictorian of her 2020 Class and has a 99% overall average. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. She is a New Visions Medical Program student.

Athletically, Morgan was a four-year dual-varsity athlete and multi-year starter for each sport. Her teams made the sectional final in both volleyball and basketball, and she served as the captain for both sports. Morgan earned the Top Scholar-Athlete Award from Section 2 during the basketball season and was an Adirondack League Scholar-Athlete representative as well as a News Channel 13 Athlete of the Week in the fall.

Morgan’s community service includes Double H Ranch, Key Club, Student Council, Operation Santa, Regional Food Bank, Platoon Land Farm, and Peer Mentor Leader. Throughout the past six years, she has taken it upon herself to work with area service providers on numerous occasions. Her work with the Regional Food Bank and Platoon Land Farm help support local families. Her work with the Double H Ranch prepares their facilities for the summer programs they offer. Through part of her work with the National Honor Society, Morgan has helped maintain Fort Edward’s community garden.

CDSWOY will announce the next student-athlete on March 24 and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 7.

Testimonial:

“Morgan is very determined once she is involved in something and gives more than a hundred percent. Morgan was one of my captains and a true leader among her peers helping raise money not only for our volleyball club, but also each year for Breast Cancer Research (Side Out Foundation). She juggles many aspects of her life from playing sports to participating in New Visions Health Career Program which allows her the opportunity to explore the professions of a medical career.

I have had many conversations with Morgan regarding her commitment to everything she sets her mind to. This young lady stays up late to ensure all course work is complete, even after a long, hard practice. Morgan’s commitment to her academics while participating in her varsity sports has assisted her to be a driven young lady who will succeed at anything she sets her mind to and I feel she should receive the Capital District’s Sports Women of the Year Award.”

— Michelle DAngelico-Taylor, Volleyball Coach

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

Brytney, who competes in soccer, 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, Brytney is projected to be the school’s Class of 2020 Valedictorian. She was a Section 2 Girls Basketball Scholar-Athlete nominee. Other honors include Principals List Grades 9-11, Spanish Achievement Award, Senior Class Vice President (Officer), English Achievement Award, Elmira College Key Award, University of Rochester Young Leader Award, Rennsselaer Polytechnic Institute Award, National Honor Society Member and Northville Girls Athletic Association Member.

Athletically, Brytney was a 2019 Girls Scholar WAC Mohawk Division First Team All Star. She scored 111 career goals in soccer and earned 2019 Girls Soccer WAC Section 2 First Team All Star honors as well as the Section 2 Class D Player of the Year. Other honors included NYSSCOGS Class D First Team All-State, Section 2 Class D Sectional Champion, and New York State Regional Champion. In softball last season, Brytney earned WAC Mohawk Division First Team honors and led the team in batting average, runs batted in and stolen bases. She has been a WAC Second Team All Star in basketball and has earned numerous honors since her 2017 soccer team won the Class D Sectional Championship. Brytney was a News Channel 13 Athlete of the Week in the fall of 2019.

Brytney’s community service includes the following: Adirondack Cycle Event, Edinburg Common School PTO Dinner, Northville Athletic Booster Club Car Wash, Northville Youth Program Halloween Carnival, Edinburg Common School Easter Bunny Event, making Christmas blanket for needy families through the Edinburgh EMS and Christmas gifts collections for elementary school families in need, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, American Red Cross Blood Drive, and collecting needed items and can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House in Albany. Brytney is the lead in the 2020 Northville Central School Drama Club performance of “Newsies.”

CDSWOY will announce the next student-athlete on March 19 and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 7.

Testimonials:

“Brytney is a very successful and hard working three sport athlete. She is a selfless student-athlete and has volunteered many hours to give back to her school and community. She has been a very important asset to our community.”

— John Karbowski, Athletic Director

“I believe Brytney is deserving of this award because she shows leadership skills as a captain on and off the floor. She is a great example for our underclassmen with her hard work on offense and defense.”

— Gene Frasier, Girls Varsity Basketball Coach

“I am extremely excited about this opportunity for Brytney. She is an excellent example of a well-rounded athlete and leader whose strengths supercede any sports arena. She excels academically and is a member of several clubs. Many of her peers look up to her as a leader and role model.”

— Michele Reidell, Varsity Softball Coach

“Brytney has been captain of her varsity soccer team for three years. She showed fairness and compassion to her fellow teammates and led on the playing field with encouragement and a competitive spirit. She also maintained a very high grade point average.”

— Douglas Hammons, Girls Varsity Soccer Coach

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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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