Four high school athletes from the Seacoast region earned recognition as 'Seacoast Standouts' during the week of October 13-17. These student-athletes represent Marshwood High School, St. Thomas Aquinas, York High School, and Portsmouth High School, showcasing notable achievements in field hockey, soccer, and Unified sports.
Key Takeaways
- Four Seacoast athletes were named 'Standouts' for the week of October 13-17.
- Honorees come from Marshwood, St. Thomas Aquinas, York, and Portsmouth High Schools.
- Achievements include overcoming injuries, scoring crucial goals, and demonstrating leadership.
- Athletes excelled in field hockey, soccer, and Unified sports categories.
Marshwood Junior Overcomes Injury for Field Hockey Win
Marshwood High School junior Hazel Stout delivered a game-winning goal in overtime during a Class A South field hockey match against Portland/Deering. This achievement was particularly significant as Stout had been recovering from an injury, with her participation uncertain just before the game.
Her coach, Molly Humiston, expressed surprise and pride regarding Stout's performance. Humiston had not known if Stout would be available to play. Stout's ability to return and make such a critical play highlights her resilience and dedication to the sport.
Athlete Profile: Hazel Stout
- School: Marshwood High School
- Sport: Field Hockey
- Key Achievement: Scored game-winning overtime goal against Portland/Deering after recovering from injury.
- Team Impact: Her goal secured a vital win for the Marshwood Hawks.
St. Thomas Aquinas Goalkeeper Secures Shutout Victory
At St. Thomas Aquinas, senior goalkeeper Maddy MacCannell played a crucial role in her team's 1-0 victory over Oyster River. MacCannell achieved a shutout, making nine saves throughout the game. Her performance helped maintain her team's undefeated record in Division II soccer.
The win was significant for St. Thomas Aquinas, especially against a competitive opponent like Oyster River. MacCannell's consistent goalkeeping has been a key factor in her team's strong season. Her leadership on the field also contributes to the team's defensive stability.
"Maddy's performance was outstanding. She made critical saves under pressure, which allowed our team to secure a very important win," said her coach.
York High School Forward Excels in Offensive Play
Senior forward Chloe D'Angelo from York High School was recognized for her strong offensive contributions. D'Angelo scored three goals and provided two assists across two games during the standout week. Her efforts were instrumental in securing victories for the York Wildcats.
In a match against Freeport, D'Angelo scored two goals and assisted on another, leading her team to a 4-0 win. She continued her impactful play against Greely, adding another goal and an assist in a 4-1 victory. Her consistent scoring and playmaking abilities make her a significant threat on the field.
Understanding Offensive Impact
In soccer, a forward's role is primarily to score goals. However, providing assists, which means setting up a teammate to score, is equally valuable. Chloe D'Angelo's combination of goals and assists demonstrates her comprehensive offensive skill set.
Portsmouth High School's Unified Soccer Star
Portsmouth High School senior Jake Lacroix was honored for his contributions to the Unified soccer team. Lacroix scored two goals and had one assist in his team's 7-1 victory over Dover. Unified sports promote inclusion by pairing students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team.
Lacroix's performance highlighted the spirit of Unified sports, emphasizing teamwork and shared success. His efforts helped lead his team to a decisive win. The Unified program at Portsmouth High School provides valuable opportunities for all students to participate in athletics.
The Unified sports program fosters a supportive environment where athletes can develop skills and build connections. Lacroix's achievements underscore the positive impact of these inclusive initiatives within high school athletics. His dedication serves as an inspiration to his teammates and the wider school community.
Unified Sports Explained
Unified Sports is a program that combines athletes with intellectual disabilities and athletes without intellectual disabilities (called partners) on sports teams. This approach aims to promote social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences. It is part of the Special Olympics movement.
Recognition for Athletic Excellence and Community Spirit
The recognition of these four athletes as Seacoast Standouts highlights various aspects of high school sports. It celebrates individual athletic achievement, perseverance through challenges, and the importance of inclusive programs like Unified sports.
These student-athletes represent the best of their respective schools and communities. Their performances during the week of October 13-17 not only contributed to their teams' successes but also inspired their peers and coaches. Such acknowledgments reinforce the value of dedication and sportsmanship in high school athletics.
The Seacoast Standouts program aims to highlight remarkable performances and positive contributions from student-athletes across the region. This initiative helps to bring attention to the hard work and talent present in local high school sports. It also encourages younger athletes to strive for excellence.
- Marshwood High School: Hazel Stout (Field Hockey)
- St. Thomas Aquinas: Maddy MacCannell (Soccer)
- York High School: Chloe D'Angelo (Soccer)
- Portsmouth High School: Jake Lacroix (Unified Soccer)
Each athlete demonstrated unique strengths, from Stout's comeback after injury to MacCannell's defensive prowess, D'Angelo's offensive power, and Lacroix's inclusive spirit. Their stories collectively showcase the diverse talents within Seacoast high school sports.
