Boys Varsity Soccer
Jake Cosgrove
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Over the last two seasons, Jake has been the most consistent defender on our team. What makes Jake special is his work ethic and his mental fortitude when facing any adversity. When his fellow teammate and captain suffered a season-ending injury, Jake took his captainship to a whole other level. Jake never missed a single game in his varsity career, even when playing on an injured ankle this entire season. Jake truly epitomizes what this prestigious award is about. We are proud of his accomplishments in his career.
Joseph Bencosme
Most Improved Player
We, as staff, realized that our program is continuing to head in the right direction when a player, who played two seasons on our JV B team, becomes a consistent starter on varsity this season. Joseph began the season coming off the bench to provide relief for other starters. Though, Joseph maintained the same work ethic and determination to play for “the players to the left and right of him,” rather than himself. This selfless approach eventually resulted in him becoming a starter, and he never relinquished the position for the rest of the season.
Jack Healy
Most Valuable Player
Entering the season, the coaching staff and team knew that every game on the schedule was winnable because we have the best goalkeeper in the league. Jack completed his junior season leading all goalkeepers in private schools on Long Island, with ninety-one saves. Jack’s composure and maturity as an athlete are unmatched to any other player on the field, and his contributions in the playoffs were essential to the team’s success. The team is already looking forward to next season as Jack will once again lead this team to many victories, and another playoff run.
Girls Varsity Soccer
Morgan Salmon
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award recipient is a young woman who demanded the best not only from herself but from the entire team. Morgan Salmon has been a leader and major part of our team, anchoring our defense for the past three years. From organizing summer workouts for the team to hosting numerous pasta parties, Morgan has been a leader on and off the field. Morgan constantly pushed this team to be its absolute best. She will be sorely missed next year as she heads to Adelphi University to continue her soccer career. This year’s award goes to Morgan Salmon.
Caitriona Smith
Most Improved Player
This year’s Most Improved Player is a young woman who continuously strived to improve in all aspects of her game. Caitriona brought a great work ethic and a positive attitude to each and every practice and game. As the season progressed, Caitriona found herself starting as an outside defender. She made an immediate impact, and some games found herself marking the opposing team’s best players. This year’s Most Improved Player is Caitriona Smith.
Kylie McShea
Most Valuable Player
This year’s Most Valuable Player goes to a young woman who helped lead our defense and drive our successful season. Kylie McShea has started in goal every game this season, and she has been our rock. She had a season-high of 113 saves in net and 18 saves in the finals against St. Anthony’s. Kylie came up with major saves in games that were key turning points in several games this season. We look forward to having her back in net next year for her senior year. This year’s Most Valuable Player is Kylie McShea.
Varsity Dance Team
Jillian Simonelli
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
This year’s Most Committed Award goes to a dancer who is an integral and influential part of the team. Her commitment to the team was most apparent not only on the dance floor but in practice sessions as well. She was always willing and ready to try new dances and worked well with others to perfect her skills. Whenever a fellow teammate need help or had a question, she was always there without hesitation. We are proud to have her as a member of the Varsity Dance Team. This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Senior Jillian Simonelli.
Emily Alter
Most Improved Player
This year’s Most Improved Player Award goes to a dancer who continually developed her technique & performance skills throughout the season, as well as last year. She is a valuable asset & an incredible addition to the Varsity team. As the season has progressed, she perfected her moves and adjusted her own dancing style to dance as one with her team members. She is always looking to improve and seeking the advice of coaches & teammates in order to do so. We have seen her become a developed & gifted dancer. With her hard work ethic & practice, she excels in anything she does. This year’s Most Improved Player Award goes to Senior Emily Alter.
Isabella Cascone
Most Valuable Player
This dancer has been on the dance team since her freshman year, and we knew she would be a special young woman. From the start of her dance career, it was clear that she would be one of our most dedicated and strongest dancers. She possesses excellent leadership skills and is always willing to assist her teammates with learning new choreography for each dance. Her commitment to the dance program is unwavering. She is at every practice and is always willing to go above and beyond, especially to help her team and coaches. This year’s Most Valuable Player Award goes to Senior Isabella Cascone.
Varsity Cheerleading
Katelyn Kirby
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
This season’s Bernie Ward commitment award goes to a cheerleader who has fully dedicated herself to the team and gives one hundred and ten percent at each and every practice. She is one of the strongest backspots on the team and is always pushing herself and others to be better. Her positive attitude and humorous personality are contagious to the entire team. She’s always ready to work with a smile on her face, and we commend her for commitment to the betterment of the team at practice each day. The Varsity cheerleading commitment award goes to Katelyn Kirby.
Gina Courtesis
Most Improved Player
The most improved Varsity cheerleader is a girl that has worked extremely hard in improving herself in all aspects of cheerleading. She has become one of the best flyers on our team, and we are very confident in her stunting abilities. We have seen great improvement in her jumps as well as her tumbling. We are very happy to have this opportunity to recognize how far she has come as a cheerleader! This season’s most improved award goes to Gina Courtesis.
Peyton Larkin
Most Valuable Player
This season’s MVP is a cheerleader who is a true asset to the Varsity team. Her strength, positive attitude, and commitment make her a leader and role model for every girl on our team. She is an all-around cheerleader, with strong stunting skills, impressive tumbling, and beautiful jumps. We have watched this young lady work effortlessly throughout the season, and we are extremely impressed with how far she has come. We look forward to watching her succeed and shine throughout our competitive season. This season’s most valuable cheerleader is Peyton Larkin.
Varsity Football
Bossuet Jules
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
His commitment award goes to a player that dedicated four years to the football program. He was at all our 7-on-7 passing scrimmages; he attended the weight training and conditioning sessions. He was asked to play numerous positions on both sides of the ball. He never complained or asked why; he just did what we needed him to do. The winner of this year’s Commitment Award is Bousset Jules.
Daniel Settino
Most Improved Player
This player only threw two passes as a backup in his junior year. But as a senior starter, he threw for 1,590 yards, 99 for 152 with 18 Touchdowns. He also ran for 118 yards on 27 carries and 1 touchdown. He became a true leader on and off the field. He received All-League honors as well as being named player of the week for week 6. The Most Improved Award goes to Dan Settino.
Jordan DeLucia
Most Valuable Player
This player may be one of the best players ever to play football here at Kellenberg. This season he rushed for 1,931 yards on 215 carries. He also added 603 yards on 30 receptions and a total of 29 touchdowns. His passing numbers were 3 for 4 with 2 touchdowns. In his career, he totaled 5,087 yards and 56 touchdowns. The Most Valuable Player Award goes to Jordan DeLucia.
Girls Varsity Tennis A
Melanie McManus
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
The Girls Varsity A Tennis team has been honored to have this young lady since she was a freshman. Her talent is undeniable, and she possesses a quiet confidence and competitive edge, unlike no other athlete in our program. Our Captain Senior Melanie McManus has been a mentor and positive role model for the underclassmen. She has demonstrated a high level of play, good sportsmanship, commitment to her team, and sport. But most importantly, she possesses a kindness and intelligence that is respected and admired by all of her teammates and coaches. Off the court, Melanie is a National Honor Society member, Marianist Mentor, teaches religious ed through PREP, and plays golf for our Varsity team. Never without a smile, she always stepped onto the first doubles court, with a determination and passion, which inspired and led her teammates through a victorious season! Melanie McManus is the obvious choice for the Bernie Ward Commitment Award! We will miss her dearly and wish her continued successes for the future!
Miranda O’Mara
Most Improved Player
With a team that has shown improvement in many of its athletes, this young lady consistently improved each and every time she played. Senior Miranda O’Mara had demonstrated a determination and commitment to improving her tennis skills every day she played. The Varsity A team was lucky to have added her to our family. Last year, Miranda played on our varsity b team, and she came back stronger than ever. Earning a top spot on our third doubles court, Miranda’s league record was 9-1 and non-league 11-3. Her enthusiasm was obvious, athleticism unmatched, and her energy on the courts was contagious. The team will miss Miranda next year, but we have no doubt she will continue to succeed both athletically and academically in years to come.
Bridget Cody
Most Valuable Player
Choosing the Most Valuable Player for the Girls Varsity Tennis A team was a difficult decision. I am proud to say all the athletes of our team have contributed to the success of the season. But one young lady did stand out. Her athleticism, commitment to her team, and competitive mindset always showed through each and every time she stepped on the court! Junior Bridget Cody played most of the season on court two doubles, where she dominated with her partner, earning a record of 9-0 in league play. But on four occasions, she moved up in court position, to cover teammates who were out, and won each time! Twice on court three singles where she easily won in two sets during league matches. And again, moving to court one doubles, where she played with two different partners and accomplished an epic win against a AA Division team. Her overall individual record for the season was 11-2, only losing twice in a higher division match. To compliment Bridget’s success, she has also been selected as an NSCHSAA All-League Athlete! During our matches and practices, she displayed an enthusiasm and passion for her sport. We are honored to have this young lady represent Kellenberg and expect even greater accomplishments during her senior year.
Girls Varsity Tennis B
Kristen Dempsey
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
The most committed player for the Varsity Tennis B Team displayed excellent sportsmanship and always had a smile on her face. All of her teammates loved her and looked to her for guidance. This player enjoyed competitive drills with her teammates and cheered them on as well. Many of the new players learned so much from her because she was so patient and willing to play with anyone who asked her to. What we will remember most about this player is the positive attitude and her determination to be a better player. It was a pleasure to coach this incredible athlete who always puts others before herself. She truly represents what Kellenberg athletics is all about. This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Kristen Dempsey. Congratulations Kristen!
Sydney Insall
Most Improved Player
The entire team improved dramatically throughout the season, but one player really stood out. Although she was new to the sport, this player worked incredibly hard with her partner to win her court. The most improved player on our team was Sydney Insall. Sydney played her heart out. She practiced with more experienced players and took every bit of constructive criticism given to her to help her game. From the first day of tryouts to our semi-finals match, the difference in her match play was like night and day. Sydney was all over the court and quickly became a force to be reckoned with. Her determination is what sets her apart from the rest. We will miss you next season. Congratulations, Sydney!
Kate Buttiglione
Most Valuable Player
The dictionary defines “valuable” as having desirable or esteemed characteristics or qualities. On a team, your most valuable player will consistently come up with the win and does not give up when faced with a challenge. One player who was undefeated this season, including a semi-finals win, was Kate Buttiglione. Kate was a singles player and faced some very skilled opponents. During practice, she assisted her teammates and supported them. She demonstrated phenomenal leadership qualities by helping other players improve their game. At practice, Kate was a goofball and made everyone laugh. In matches, she was a solid player and encouraged her teammates during difficult match play. Kate, it was truly a blessing to have you as a leader on our team this year. We are so proud of how far you’ve come and are thrilled to award you with the Most Valuable Player Award. Congratulations, Kate!!
Girls Varsity Volleyball
Krista Handler
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
“Still waters run deep.” That’s an old expression meant to convey how a quiet or placid manner can sometimes conceal a passionate nature. It is also a phrase that embodies the persona of our libero, Krista Handler.
Although Krista is a chatterbox during game play, she is a reserved, cerebral person off the court. Don’t let that silence fool you, however. Beneath the surface beats the heart of a lion, a lion that is hungry to achieve at the highest level, a lion that refuses to settle for doing anything half-way or for just going through the motions. Excellence is her calling card, and she demands it of herself–first and foremost.
Krista switched positions for us from 2018 to 2019 by going from outside hitter to libero. When we struggled with our side-out game at the mid-point of this season, Krista was asked to switch back to her role from 2018 as outside hitter. Without even a moment’s hesitation, she nodded her head in assent and said she would do “whatever it took” for us to be successful as a team. This unselfishness, coupled with her ability to connect with her teammates, makes her such a special person and athlete. For all of her behind-the-scenes orchestration of training sessions, for her constant communication with her teammates and coaches, and for her inspirational work ethic, Krista Handler is a most deserving recipient of the Bernie Ward Commitment Award for the 2019 varsity volleyball team.
Maggie Caffrey
Most Improved Player
It may be strange to be bestowing a Most Improved Award to a player who was a two-year varsity starter, but to anyone who is close to the program, there was an enormous difference in this athlete’s performance from her junior to her senior year.
Maggie Caffrey ran the offense for the Firebirds in both the 2018 and the 2019 seasons, but what she did beyond the X’s and O’s during these last three months has been nothing short of remarkable. A setter is not only the mastermind behind all of the offensive plays on a team, she is also the psychologist, the on-court coach, the cheerleader, and the disciplinarian. Maggie knew when to fire someone up, when to stroke someone’s ego, when to tell someone strategic information, and when to hold someone accountable. Because of her ability to get so many of our attackers to contribute, we were able to diversify our offense throughout the playoffs, making our team extremely difficult to defend against.
Beyond her responsibilities setting up the hitters, Maggie also became a force to be reckoned with from behind the service stripe. Her 72 aces were the highest on the team, and her critical serving down the stretch in both the semifinals and the finals put us in a position to win. Her growth from August to November was marked by a tremendous surge in her volleyball IQ and complemented by an equanimity that allowed her to remain poised under pressure. For these reasons and many more, Maggie Caffrey is our Most Improved Player.
Emily Acimovic
Most Valuable Player
Anyone who stopped into the Kellenberg gym to catch a few of our rallies this year would find their eyes immediately drawn to the long, lean outside hitter who elevated to such incredible heights in an effort to crush the ball to the floor. No doubt, our team was a solid group, but it was Emily Acimovic who helped take us to the next level.
Gifted with a whip of an arm and an extremely high reach, Emily was able to score offensive points for us at will. Regardless of whether she was hitting against two blockers or even three, she found so many ways to thunder the ball to the ground. Throughout the course of the season, Emily worked on her backrow play as well, becoming a primary passer and a point-scoring server.
There were countless times when she found “the zone” and was simply unstoppable at the net. Whether it was the matches vs. public school powerhouses like South Side or Massapequa or our playoff rounds against Sacred Heart or Saint Anthony’s, Emily’s number was the first one called when it came to a much-needed point. Indeed, the entire Catholic league recognized Emily’s contributions by naming her NSCHSGAA’s 2019 Player of the Year.
With great pride, I am pleased to announce that this year’s Most Valuable Player Award is given to senior outside hitter, Emily Acimovic.
Boys Varsity Cross Country
Aidan Quinn
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Aidan Quinn has been a committed member of this team for the last four years. He is a great example of what we want all of our runners to be. He was a unanimous choice to be one of this year’s Team Captains and to win this award. The Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Aidan Quinn.
Michael Perchinelli
Most Improved Player
Michael Perchinelli came into this season in great shape. Through hard work and determination, Michael has improved a great deal this year. His improvement has led him to be one of our top runners on the Varsity Team this year. This year’s Most Improved Runner Award goes to Michael Perchinelli.
Liam O’Reilly
Most Valuable Player
Liam O’Reilly was our most dominate runner this season. He was our top runner at every meet except for one this season. Liam received All-League Honors and was a lock to make the state meet this year. Unfortunately, Liam was sick for the state qualifying meet. This year’s Most Valuable Cross Country Runner goes to Liam O’Reilly.
Swimming
Elaina Binkis
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
For the past four years, Elaina Binkis has dedicated herself to the Varsity Swim Team. One of her teammates said it best when she said the following, “Elaina has the characteristics of a coach, and is always helping the team be stronger as one.” She constantly pushed herself at practice and motivated the other girls to work hard just as hard. Whatever events we needed her to swim, Elaina did without a complaint. She was the person who remembered the prayer at the start of every practice, who noticed teammates who were having a tough day, who gave her all in everything that she did, and who always put the team’s needs before her own. We cannot think of a swimmer who embodies the best qualities of Bernie Ward more than senior Elaina Binkis.
Chelsea Tabori
Most Improved Player
When Chelsea Tabori entered the pool in August, she was an entirely different swimmer from last season. She started leading her lane at practice, moved up a lane, and then worked her way to leading that lane too. No swimmer worked harder at practice than she did, and her hard work paid off. Although she dropped time in every event this season, her most impressive improvements were in the 200 and 500 Free, where she dropped an astounding 14 seconds and 32 seconds, respectively. Chelsea’s improvement made her a swimmer who was essential to the team’s success in every win we had. We are so proud of the dedication Chelsea has shown, and are excited to see what this hardworking young woman can achieve in the future!
Sarah Zwart
Most Valuable Player
Sarah Zwart has been integral to every success we have had as a team over the past three years, but this year she really came into her own. Sarah was our fastest swimmer throughout the season, and excelled at champs, earning a 12th place finish in the 50 Free and a 14th place finish in the 100 Free. She also had an amazing 29.00 split for the fly leg of the 200 Medley Relay, helping her team to finish 6th in that event. But what makes Sarah valuable to our team even more than her speed is her amazing personality. When we need her to swim the toughest events, it’s not a problem at all. If we ask her to swim back-to-back events, she does it without a complaint. Her teammate said it best when she said, “Sarah is the sweetest girl you will ever meet. She always cheers everyone up.” We are lucky to have her on our team and know that she will continue to excel throughout the rest of her swimming career!
Girls Cross Country
Molly Simons
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Running guru Dr. George Sheehan once famously said, “the desire and commitment to run comes from deep within us-from the unconscious, the instinctive, the intuitive.” The desire and commitment to help others, to guide others, also comes from deep within us; yet, not necessarily “intuitive” to everyone. It seems, however, to be indeed intuitive to this young woman, who has spent not only a season, a summer, but four years committing herself to help, inspire, and motivate her teammates. Bernie Ward would be very impressed with the depth and commitment of this young woman, and we are as well. We are honored to bestow the BWC award to senior Molly Simons.
Margaret McLoughlin
Most Improved Player
This young lady forged a path to improvement through her dedication over the summer, her seeking new ways to get better, such as attending camps over the summer and adding an upper body workout routine to her regimen. The results were that she was our number one runner at New Jersey’s “Six Flags Invitational,” and the team’s strong, consistent number two runner in all other meets throughout the season. We are honored to award junior Margaret McLoughlin with the Most Improved Runner award for the season.
Céili Donnelly
Most Valuable Player
This young lady’s long journey and balance of experience in sport define the best essence of high school athletics. As a young freshman struggling to break three minutes for the 800 meters, she, through nothing short of determined persistence and resolve, rose to the top girl on a strong JV squad in her sophomore and junior years to the number ONE VARSITY runner for Kellenberg at the NSCHSGAA and CHSAA Intersectional Championship races. Her athletic success has only complimented her pursuit of excellence in academics and her strong, muscular commitment to spiritual and community service. We are honored to bestow Ceili Donnelly with this season’s MVP.