Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Tatiana Saunders

Each week, Rye Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.  Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to satta@ patch.com.

Here's our story on this week's Whiz Kid:

Tatiana Saunders, Rye

Senior at Rye High School 

Whiz Kid’s Accomplishment: Saunders, an All-American goalkeeper for Rye High School, was recently named the Gatorade New York Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

Keys to Awesomeness: Saunders is the first student from Rye High School to be chosen as Gatorade’s New York Girls Soccer Player of the Year. She’s had a standout season and career as the Garnets’ goalie. The two-time All-American led her team, which was ranked No.1 in the country during the season, to a league and section title last year. Though the Garnets—who previously won a state soccer championship in 2008—suffered a heartbreaking double-overtime loss in the 2010 championship game against Garden City, She had 16 shutouts and a 0.25 goals- against average this past season. 

Saunders, who will attend Darmouth College when she graduates, said she was surprised to be given the honor. She said she heard the news when she was called into one of the guidance counselor’s office last week. Athletic Director Rob Castagna, along with the school’s Head of Guidance Patricia Taylor, Principal John Smith and Assistant Principal Julia Chung were there to tell her the good news.

“To have been chosen from all the great soccer players there are in New York State is just such an amazing feeling,” Saunders told Patch Saturday. “My family was very excited and proud of me. For them, I think it was also really great to see all my dedication and hard work being recognized.”

Saunders also thanked her Coach, Rich Savage, and her teammates for helping her succeed.

Besides soccer, Saunders is a great all-around student. She maintains a B average, is an accomplished violinist, has volunteered at youth soccer programs and has been involved in Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse.

But soccer is her passion and she hopes her hard work and recognition encourages other kids in Rye to pursue their goals.

“Defenders and goalkeepers don't often receive these top awards so this is particularly special and I hope my winning will be an inspiration to the younger kids in Rye who play these positions to continue to work hard at their game,” Saunders said.