Tolman, Shea honor athletes
Key Spirit Award recognizes athletes who show perseverance, teamwork
PAWTUCKET – Student- athletes at Tolman and Shea high schools were recently recognized and awarded the Key Player Spirit Award for the fall 2018 interscholastic season.
Sponsored by Key Group, Mortgage Division and Spir- it Recognition, the award is presented to one athlete from each Tolman and Shea fall sports team who exemplifies perseverance, effort, spirit, sportsmanship, teamwork, role model, determination and academics.
The following Tolman student-athletes were selected:
Nico Bonella – Boys Cross Country
Head coach John Toth: “Nico always brought his positive attitude and effort to every practice and match. He is not gifted with natural talent but made up for it thanks to his hard work and dedication.”
Abbie Jammeh – Girls Cross Country
Head coach Kayla Fleming: “It was difficult for Abbie at the beginning of the season and she wanted to quit after her first meet. She didn’t give up and continued getting better as the season went on. She also really cares about her academics.”
Tiago Da Costa – Boys Soccer
Head coach Dan Silva: “Tiago was arguably the most important player on the 2018 Division 1 State Champion Tolman boys’ soccer team. The work he did in the central midfield as a defender, scoring key goals, and organizing the team proved to be so valuable. Tiago is extremely dedicated to his team and to the game of soccer. Tiago is accountable to his coaches and his teammates on a daily basis and leads by example on and off the field. He may not get always get a lot of credit for our success, but I know how important this young man is to this team and so do his teammates. Tiago is very deserving of this award and the accolades that come along with it. He is a special young man and a privilege to coach.”
Lindsey English – Girls Soccer
Head coach A. J. Lascola: “Lindsey has been a model example of what a teammate should be. She has always been there for members of her team, playing whatever position was asked as well as organizing fundraising and giving rides to younger players.
Justin Klemanchuck – Football
Head coach Jason DeLawrence: “Justin works in the community, has the highest grade-point average on the team, and is a natural leader. He’s been the team leader during the past three seasons.”
Maya Barbosa – Girls’ Volleyball
Head coach Mike Haggerty: “The reason why this athlete was chosen was because she exemplified all the traits listed of a Key Spirit Award winner. She came to practice every day with effort, perseverance, spirit, teamwork and served as role model for her teammates to follow. She is also an active ROTC member, a good student, always wears a smile, takes coaching very well, and is exactly what we want our girls to be in the volleyball program both on and off the court.”
Alexis Taylor – Girls Tennis
Head coach John Jasionowski: “It is fitting for Alexis to receive this award. Despite having difficulty getting to practice and matches she was able to overcome this and in the meanwhile she compiled a 7-7 record in doubles. She played with several different partners and never once complained about her situation. A true team player.”
The following Shea student-athletes were selected:
Chris Whitfield – Boys Cross Country
Head coach Rich Kucal: “Chris is like having another coach. He is always ready to take on any challenge. He always gives his best effort, even when he does not feel 100 percent, and he is always trying to get the best out of himself and others. He is always respectful towards teammates and competitors. I could not ask for a better person to represent the program.”
Anisia Dos Santos – Girls Cross Country
Head coach Greg Clark: “Anisia always comes to practice, works hard, and never gives up. She is willing and eager to run as far and as fast as she can and constantly wanted to be better for every race. Also, she’s a great student in the classroom.”
Fred Pereira – Boys Soccer
Head coach Pierre Ridore: “Fred showed up every day and worked hard. He did not miss a day of practice, brought no drama, just hard work. He is the most improved player on the team. The coaches appreciate and respect Fred’s work ethics and dedication.”
Hedeliza Gomes – Girls Soccer
Head coach Yianiss Noel: “Hedeliza is being recognized for her dedicated work over the past four years as a varsity player. In her senior year, she was asked to play a different position and she willingly accepted that role. She has matured from someone who spoke very little English when she first enrolled at Shea to an articulate young lady with a bright future ahead of her.”
Marquis Gabbidon – Football
Head coach Dino Campopiano: “Marquis is a wonderful young man. He has overcome so much in his life and I am so proud of the man he has become. He is a leader on and off the field. Marquis is going to do great things in his life and I am so happy he was part of our football program the last two years. We will miss him.”
Sayara Silwal – Girls Volleyball
Head coach Chris Daily: “Sayara has great leadership skills both on and off the court. She is a dependable asset to the team as well as the school wide community.”
Brianna Andrade – Girls Tennis Co-coaches Matt Pita & Jon Leddy: “Brianna is the definition of what a student-athlete is supposed to be. She is usually the first player to practice every day and while she is at practice, she always works hard and has an extremely positive attitude. During matches, she always demonstrates great teamwork with her doubles partner and is very gracious and friendly with her opponents. Brianna is also a very good student and is involved in many other different extracurricular activities at school.”