Unsung Hero: Kyle Menaker, Enfield

ENFIELD, CT — This periodic series on Enfield Patch highlights young student-athletes who are considered "unsung heroes." They are not necessarily the big star, but rather one who works hard, is a good student, is a positive influence and strives for the betterment of his or her school and/or community.

Name: Kyle Menaker
School: Enfield High School, grade 12
Sports: baseball, basketball
Nominated by: Megan Champion

"I can’t think of a more deserving student-athlete than Kyle. For as long as I’ve known him, Kyle has shown a kind spirit and a positive attitude. Sports are his life, whether he’s playing basketball or baseball. He is driven, he commits 100% to whatever he does, and he reflects on who he is as an athlete to better himself as he sets personal goals and strives to reach them. He is a coach’s dream – excellent sportsmanship, talent, and respect for the game. He was captain of the Enfield High varsity basketball team as a junior and senior and made All-Conference his junior and senior years. He also made All-Conference for baseball his sophomore and junior years and has signed on to join the University of Albany’s baseball program in the fall as a pitcher. He’s a teacher’s dream, too: he’s focused, good-natured, and he completes assignments and activities with optimism – a natural leader! With all of this being said, what I’m most proud of is his kindness, his desire to help people and his commitment to others in the community. While head coach of Enfield’s 5th
grade travel basketball team, he received the Shop Rite Kindness Award for his dedication to his players, on and off the court. He committed himself to others when volunteering for Enfield High School’s Unified Sports program. He makes lasting connections with kids as a positive influence, and those who know him would say he strives for the betterment of the community with a calm, supportive, and warm demeanor. I feel very honored to know him and I know he’s going to go on
to do amazing things.”

To nominate a deserving student-athlete, email a brief description of their sports and community endeavors and a non-copyrighted photo (horizontal format works best) to tim.jensen@patch.com.