Country School Girls’ Soccer, Field Hockey Net Undefeated Seasons

From New Canaan Country School: NEW CANAAN, CT — Two New Canaan Country School teams celebrated undefeated seasons this fall. Upper School Girls’ Field Hockey recorded a final tally of 9-0-1 against perennial powerhouse teams including Greenwich Academy and Sacred Heart of Greenwich. The competition was challenging but ultimately proved to be no match for the seventh, eighth and ninth graders who outscored their opponents 31 goals to 2. Coaches Keri Kern and Cynthia Badan had originally thought that this would be a “rebuilding” year, but were delighted by the tenacious spirit of the young team. In their last game, during an unseasonably cold, wet day, the athletes proved they had what it takes.

“Frigid temps and pouring rain couldn't keep these girls from fighting for what they've worked so hard for all season,” said Coach Kern reflecting upon the final, a contest against Sacred Heart of Greenwich. “With all the pressure on their shoulders, against arguably the strongest team they faced all season, the athletes took to the field with confidence, determination and relentless effort despite the ache in their hands and legs from the downpour conditions. Their hard work paid off. I am very proud of them.”

Members of Country School’s undefeated 2017 Upper School girls’ field hockey team included players Annabelle Baird of Darien, Daly Baker of New Canaan, Maeve Baker of New Canaan, Caroline Blouin of Darien, Fiona Burton of Stamford, Elizabeth Dale of Darien, Bennett Ghriskey of Darien, Pippa Gore of Darien, Ellie Hanson of New Canaan, Lucy Jones of Darien, Amelia Lancaster of Darien, Kyle Latimer of Darien, Logan MacLear of New Canaan, Annika Mannix of Wilton, Gigi Morgan of Darien, Katharine O'Shea of New Canaan, Cece Salvatore of New Canaan, Nina Stoops of Darien, Gwen Thompson of Darien and was led by coaches Keri Kern and Cynthia Badan.

Upper School Girls’ Soccer had equally strong results, posting an 8-0-1 record for the season. Coaches Sean Robb and Abigail Cerone led their athletes through a grueling nine-game season which saw 25 NCCS goals find the net, versus only 7 from the competition. Coach Robb noted that by the last game, the second meet-up of the season with Greenwich Country Day School, they knew that they had a possible undefeated season on their hands. Undaunted by the prospect, Robb encouraged his players to stay focused upon the task in front of them and leave any potential accolades for after the game. “They got down to business,” said Robb. “They displayed great resilience. It was not any easy game by any means.” When the buzzer sounded giving them the 1-0 win, the girls mobbed their goalkeeper. “Even though they were soaked to the bone, they forgot about the cold and wet as they celebrated a tremendous accomplishment.”

Members of Country School’s undefeated 2017 Upper School girls’ soccer team included players Margaret Boeschenstein of New Canaan, Ava Gizzie of New Canaan, Anna Hernandez of Stamford, Jennifer Llamas of Norwalk, Audrey Magnusen of Norwalk, Layla Magnusen of Norwalk, Amanda Miller of New Canaan, Caitlin Neafsey of Darien, Alexis Rodgers of New Canaan, Ashley Rodgers of New Canaan, Ella Schoonmaker of Darien, Dylan Seth of New Canaan, Samantha Stevens of Darien, Lauren Walsh of New Canaan, Ella Zea of New Canaan and was led by coaches Sean Robb and Abigail Cerone.

New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9. Located on a 75-acre campus in New Canaan, the school serves families living in towns throughout Fairfield County and Westchester County. The school’s physical education program begins in Lower School (Grades 1-4) offering a broad spectrum of developmentally appropriate activities that emphasize teamwork. In Grades 5 through 9, students progress to a team-based sports program. Girls learn the fundamentals of field hockey, soccer, basketball, ice hockey, lacrosse, softball, volleyball, squash, paddle tennis and cross country while boys are introduced to football, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, baseball, squash, paddle and cross country. The Upper School program (Grades 7-9) is ability-based (tiered teams), with an emphasis on physical skills, teamwork and cooperation and respect for good sportsmanship. All physical education and athletic programs are delivered during the regularly scheduled school day with bus transportation provided to and from the school’s campus located at 635 Frogtown Rd, New Canaan. For more information, please visit: https://www.countryschool.net/page/athletics.

Photo 1: New Canaan Country School's undefeated 2017 Upper School girls’ field hockey team. Photo 2: New Canaan Country School's 2017 Upper School Girls’ Soccer team. Photo credit: New Canaan Country School