Mater Dei Prep Student Nominated For 'Heart Of A Giant' Award

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — A student at Mater Dei Prep, a co-ed Catholic high school in Middletown, was nominated for the 2021 USA Football "Heart of a Giant" award, which are given annually every October.

The student is Catherine Grant, who lives in New Monmouth. She was nominated by Mater Dei head football coach Shannon Hoadley.

Catherine, or Cat as she's known, is a member of Mater Dei's very first girl' flag football team.

The Heart of a Giant Award is presented every fall by the Hospital for Special Surgery and NY Giants NFL team.

The NY Giants ask high school football coaches across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to nominate outstanding student-athletes. The coaches are looking for students who show commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication.

As it pertains to high school football, the nominees are usually boys, but some girls make the list, such as this Middletown young woman.

The public is then asked to vote on a winning student. The voting period for these nominees is now open until October 10, at 11:59 p.m. ET with the final vote tally determining who will be named the group’s finalist. You can vote here: https://usafootball.com/progra...

"Cat is a productive member of our very first HS Flag Football team, and works diligently to accomplish her role’s responsibilities," said Coach Hoadley. "She understands what specific small and large tasks her position job entails are crucial to performing well, individually and on our team. She works towards solving problems among teammates or unsuccessful plays.

"She handles unforeseen problems with grace and a with solution-based mentality. She's flexible. She is a team player aware that helping other people is part of a successful team. She is ALWAYS ready to help in a pinch," he continued. "She speaks up and contributes. She is always creating new routes and plays for our team by contributing ideas. She ALWAYS maintains a positive attitude. She quickly addresses any of our girls who are displaying negativity."

"She maintains a positive attitude, even when times get tough. When mistakes happen or problems pop up, she doesn’t dwell on it, nor does she allow her teammates to dwell. She is optimistic and focused on making improvements for the future. She is ALWAYS willing to learn from others. One of her best qualities is her willingness to learn from others. She embraces new information and uses it to grow."

Overall, there will be six weekly finalists and five wild card finalists, leading to 11 total honorees.

Each finalist will receive $1,000 for their high school’s football program, with the grand prize winner’s school getting an additional $4,000. The grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the "Heart of a Giant."

So if you want to support Catherine or Mater Dei Prep, vote here! https://usafootball.com/progra...

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