Kellenberg Memorial HS honors the Fall Season Athletes

On December 2nd, the Kellenberg Memorial athletics programs gathered to honor the athletes of the fall season. Awards were given for most committed, most improved, and most valuable athletes on each team.

• The Most Improved Player Award is awarded to the athlete who displayed the greatest amount of improvement and growth in their skills, which contributed to the success of their team.
• The Bernie Ward Commitment Award is named after our beloved former faculty member, coach and colleague Bernie Ward is for the athlete who has displayed the most passion and commitment towards bettering themselves and their teammates during the season.

The Most Valuable Player Award is awarded to the athlete whose contribution to the team contributed most towards that team’s success during the season.

Gianna Smith (Girl's Varsity Tennis A) of Malverne displayed excellent sportsmanship and always had a smile on her face. She was a team player. She loved coming to practice and was incredibly devoted to the tennis program over the last four years. She enjoyed competitive drills with her teammates and encouraged new players as well. Other coaches remarked about how she complimented her opponents during matches. What we will remember most about Gianna were her spirit and determination. Gianna truly represents what Kellenberg athletics is all about. Congratulations, Gianna! We will miss you!

Captain Mia Devino (Girl's Varsity Tennis AA) began her Kellenberg tennis career in 2019 and played a leading role in Kellenberg’s NSCHSAA Varsity Tennis A undefeated season and conference victory. She has continued to lead by example on and off the courts. Mia has held the number one singles position for the past two years. A two-season athlete, starting lacrosse player in the spring for the Firebirds, and has committed to The University of Indianapolis, Mia has it all. Power from the baseline, quickness on the court, and overall exceptional athleticism gives Mia the competitive edge. Mia plays year-round and competes locally, recently earning her a several championship titles. Besides her obvious talent, Mia has guided her teammates throughout the season and was a positive role model for all. We will greatly miss Mia and wish her continued successes on and off the courts!

Commitment was one of the first things we had discussed to all of our athletes at the start of this season because it is an important aspect of any team sport. Like most of the girls on the crew team, Megan Mulroy (Varsity Crew) always gave 100% commitment at practice. What makes Megan stand out from the rest of her team is her dedication off the water. She is committed to becoming a stronger rower and on her own time. She would constantly ask for erg workouts that she could do at home and ways that she could improve her technique. Megan understands that to be a rower, it is not just about the work you put in during the few hours of practice per week, but it is a mindset. It is about learning to be better on your own time and to become stronger when no one is telling you to do so. Megan has been a wonderful young lady to coach and we are looking forward to her continued success in this sport.

When you think of the most valuable member of the crew team, each seat has a unique role that contributes to the success of the boat. The stroke seat is ultimately the member who not only sets the pace for the boat, but also helps to set the mindset of the boat. Kathrine Hansen (Varsity Crew) took on the role of stoke seat for our varsity boat like she has been doing it for years. When Kathrine got serious, the rest of the girls got serious. When Kathrine got strong, the rest of the girls got stronger. When Kathrine was determined, the rest of the girls willingly followed their leader. Kathrine was one of the original members of the Crew club that has helped to mold the team to what it is today. We consider her to be a valuable rower because she is always striving to be better. Kathrine always asked questions during practice about how to work on her technique and become a stronger rower. It has been a pleasure coaching Kathrine this past season, and we are looking forward to seeing her leadership grow in the upcoming spring season.

Kathleen Healy (Cross Country) consistently our best runner on the team this season highlighted by her first-place finish at the League Championships. She was also a top-10 finisher at the Catholic State Meet.