Soccer

From P. A9

Cass Souza, assistant Early Learning Center director

Cass is always smiling and keeps the most optimistic view even during the most challenging times. She is a nurturing, patient and kind leader in our Early Education program.

2022 Team Player Award: Lauren Pohlmeyer, member engagement specialist points, three assists, two rebounds and two blocks.

Lauren is the ultimate team player. Her her role supports membership and fitness as well as after-school and summer camp when it is necessary.

Lauren models great customer service skills in her interactions.

Lauren helped relaunch the Connectors program for older active adults this year.

“It was her best game of the year,” said Moran.

The Magicians dropped a 49-30 decision to Masco on Jan. 17. Bosio paced the attack again with five points. Kate Burns and Carlin McGowan scored four apiece. Isabel Ferrante tallied three. Stella Monaco collected two points and four rebounds.

“We’re getting better all the time,” said Moran. “I like the fact that we’re moving the ball better and taking better shots. This is a fun group to work with.” was to help the team win, and earning minutes individually was put on the backburner for team success,” he said.

The Marblehead girls then bounced back to beat non-league Essex Tech, 45-30.

The Marblehead girls are ranked 47th in Division 2 as of Jan. 20. Walpole, at 8-1, is the top seed.

“I’m a big believer in ‘iron sharpens iron,’ and I definitely think this attitude is mainly what allowed us to go undefeated [22-0-1] and become state champions.”

Of course, Rigby’s 13 goals and four assists didn’t hurt. Prep soccer head coach Dave Crowell, who just completed his 22nd season at the Eagles helm, credits Rigby for his contributions — not just for the senior’s habitual presence in the box score, but also for being the ringleader

2022 Department of the Year: Aquatics

James Sweeney leads this team with years of experience in the aquatics field. He is dedicated to providing the best swim experience for members and the community. With support from his veteran staff members including Susan Guertin, Jen Brehob and Chris Riedel, James continues to advance the Y’s aquatics program.

2022 Staff of the Year: Paula Fessenden, administrative manager

Paula supports the directors, frontline staff and the administration team. Her work over the last year has been invaluable. Paula builds strong connections internally and of the Eagles “us not me” ethos last fall.

“For me, his greatest strengths are his unselfish play and his coachability,” he says. “He looks to move the ball to the right spot through his dribbling, rather than prioritizing setting up his own shot.”

Meanwhile, junior forward and Clifton Avenue resident Graham Kramer brought his own skill set and metaphorical seasoning to the Prep’s championship brew. He recorded 12 points on the attack, but what he’ll remember more than putting balls in the back of the net will be — wait for it — the team’s immutable chemistry.

“I think the most memorable part of our season, and one that was also key to our success, was our chemistry externally with our Y members. 2022 Mission of the Year: Membership team members Jane Rizza, Shelby McKie, Paula Fessenden, Lauren Pohlmeyer, John Witt, Besty Stockwell and Keith Newburg. This wonderful, collaborative team makes sure everyone feels welcome. They provide the highest level of professionalism, kindness and customer service.

Celebrating the staff who are at the root of all the wonderful things happening at the Y is an important part of the Y culture. Sharing the achievements of team members and recognizing the importance of working together helps foster collaboration and a positive workplace. While we shout out the 2022 award recipients, we want to be sure to note that we are grateful for each and every Y employee who keeps the Y up and running all year long.

The Y offers meaningful membership where you can share in a mission to strengthen the community. Not a member? Take a tour and see all the wonderful things available at your Y. Reach out to Jane Rizza at rizzaj@northshoreymca.org.

About the YMCA

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

For more than 160 years, the YMCA of the North Shore has been the foundation of the community. It serves more than 40,000 members and program participants in 25 cities and towns across the North Shore and in Southern New Hampshire.

that we developed throughout the year,” said Kramer, 17. “On the field, it always felt like no one had to do too much, and we were always on the same page. We were able to do this not only through good communication, but also with the camaraderie and brotherhood we formed on and off the field.”

Once again, Crowell gives credit for the soccer acumen where it is due.

“Graham was a vital part of our success and was one of the team’s leading goal scorers,” he said. “He’s a hard worker with a nose for the goal who can finish in multiple ways consistently, and he can do it with either foot or his head.”

Chad Konecky is a communications specialist for St. John’s Prep.