Whiz Kid: Joel Barlow Softball Ace Anne Dolan

Whiz Kid’s Name and Age: Anne Dolan, 17

Whiz Kid’s School:

Whiz Kid’s Accomplishments: The ace has helped Joel Barlow off to a 6-0 start and been crucial in the Falcons' recent success.

Whiz Kid’s Key to Awesomeness: Joel Barlow three-year varsity softball pitcher Anne Dolan has been a beneficial part of the Falcons' softball team the past three seasons.

This year’s campaign is even more fascinating thanks to the Falcon’s 6-0 start. Dolan is also undefeated in the circle at 4-0.

Two year assistant coach Kristen Fallo has also replaced former head coach and Joel Barlow school nurse Amarie Gorman who stepped down at the end of last season.

Dolan who has been playing with the eight other juniors on the squad since her younger years credits her fellow teammates no matter what year for her awesomeness, including Katherine Acocella whose father Andy Acocella was the girls’ t-ball coach.

“We’re getting better as a team and if you can keep that up it’d be great,” Dolan said, adding that the success of her teammates allows her to be successful individually as it is a team sport.

After qualifying for state tournament play last season, the Falcons have continued the momentum into this season.

“This is the best start in my three years,” the junior said.

“She is determined,” Fallo said.

She is followed by sophomore ace Morgan Bonis at 2-0.

The Falcons intend to make the Southwest Conference playoffs this year along with states, but are taking it one game at a time.

Anything is possible with Fallo at the helm.

“Everyone seems to have a positive attitude,” she said. “Everyone wants to do well.”

Dolan has been playing softball since the age of five for teams such as the Redding and Bethel team’s along with Traditional South. She will play for the Connecticut Rebels this summer.