While this year’s spring sports looked a little different due to the pandemic, GA athletes were able to excel regardless.
This year students playing spring sports were able to have an almost normal and complete season. Every team was required to wear masks throughout the duration of practice and games, with the exception of track. Also, most sports teams gave Seniors two to three spectator passes for home games. Despite the pandemic, sports teams were able to play more games than they would play in a normal season, and while teams were not able to play their typical, end-of-the-season tournaments, most teams were given the opportunity to play in tournaments with the Inter-Ac schools.
Girls lacrosse had one of their greatest seasons yet with a record of 10-11. One of this year’s captains, Marquette commit, Elise Smigiel ‘21 said she was “very grateful that [her] season was not dramatically changed like the fall or winter seasons were”. The possibility to play in games gave her an opportunity to have a strong finish of her high school career. Elise said “I was really happy that I scored my 100th career goal this season against Agnes Irwin.” She also mentioned that the girls “became really close as a team over the course of the season, which helped us a lot with [their] chemistry on the field.” Although the lacrosse team could not play in their usual PAISAA tournament, they were able to play in an Inter-Ac playoff tournament. Overall, this year’s lacrosse season was a huge breakthrough, and they improved so much over the course of the season.
Congratulations to the Girls’ Lacrosse team!
This year the crew season stayed the same for the most part. Unlike most years, spectators were not allowed to watch the competitions, but it was all recorded. The Girls Crew captains Nicoletta Roman ’21 and Sydney Hill ’21” said that, “even though the year was different, the team was still able to have a great season”. Some highlights from these races were the novice 4+ boat getting first at City Championships and 6th in the semifinals at Stotesbury. The girls JV 4 also got 5th at Stotesbury, and everyone improved dramatically throughout the season. Nicoletta and Sydney were happy that all teams did really well and delighted they were able to lead this year’s girls’ crew team.
Congratulations to the Crew Team!!
This year’s track season was described as lively and intense for many of the runners. Selected runners were able to compete at the Henderson Invitational where many people ran a personal best! Girls track did especially well this year, as they were able to win all of their relays and they also won gold in Shot Put and Discus. Caitlin Lozano ‘24 mentions “I grew a lot over the season throwing about 19ft at my first meet and then finishing with 26ft in the Inter Ac championships”. Additionally, senior Stanford Track commit, Robert DiDonato ran a US #1 3200 meter time. There were numerous school records both by the girls and boys team including the 800m, the 4x800m relay, and the 1600. The girls Track team won Interact, this being the second year in a row! Overall, the track team had a great season and they can’t wait for next year.
Congratulations to all the runners!
Softball was also able to make the best of their season, and the team was fortunate enough to play around 20 games. Although the season might have looked a little different, the team was able to expand, and they were happy to have a Varsity and JV team. Star outfielder Caitlin Boland-Szura says “we were so happy with our season and feel confident going into next year”. She also goes on to say that players were able to build their “softball IQ” by spending lots of time practicing drills, and she was able to stay motivated with “fantastic hitters like Ang Sannicandro ‘21, Colleen Gibbons ‘21, and Charlotte Dilello ‘21 to look up to”.
Congratulations to all softball players!
Boys lacrosse had a great season as well. They felt that they improved a lot from last year and bonded as a team. They had a lot of close games during the season and managed to pull out some excellent wins. The Boys lacrosse team was able to make it into the second round of playoffs, beating PC. The team was able to accomplish a record of 8-8.
Congratulations to all the boys lacrosse players!
Boys tennis also had a fantastic season, losing only 3 games. Each player felt that they were able to improve over the course of the season. They were grateful that the team was allowed to compete and are excited about next season. Also, Armon Meinstein ’24 was undefeated this year as second singles.
Congratulations to all the Tennis players!
Last but not least, Boys Baseball was able to have a great season full of growth. They were extremely grateful for the opportunity to even play this year, since they were not able to have a season last year. Coach Ginter mentions that “while the 2021 baseball team worked very hard, I do not think our record was a true indication of our talent level”. However, the team is confident they will be successful next season.
Congratulations to all Baseball players!
Sports have always been a nice way to end the academic day and give students a break from stress from school, as well as an opportunity to display their athletic talents. While more and more Upper School students become fully vaccinated, GA is optimistic about the way sports will look next year.