JV Field Hockey

Coaches' Award: Morgan W. ’29
This athlete’s unwavering positivity consistently uplifted our team in both practices and games. Throughout the season, she demonstrated determination and a strong work ethic, steadily improving her field sense and technical skills. Her team-first attitude shone brightly when she willingly stepped into a new position without hesitation, proving her adaptability, courage, and commitment to the success of the group. For these reasons, the Coaches’ Award goes to Morgan!  

Most Improved: Eni A. ’27
This athlete gave us a few of the most exciting moments of the season, especially when she helped us score our only goal! Her natural speed was there from day one, and over the weeks her skills and game sense improved tremendously. It takes real bravery to jump into a brand-new sport as a junior, and she approached each challenge with steady effort and determination. We’re so proud of how far she’s come and can’t wait to see her back on the field next year. This year’s Most Improved Player Award goes to Eni! 

Varsity Field Hockey

Coaches’ Award: Sein H. ’27
We are proud to present this first Coaches' Award to a player who has become the backbone of our defensive unit. She entered this season only having experience at the JV level, but unafraid of the challenge of varsity level play, and she met that challenge with incredible focus. We've watched her transform her block tackle into one of the most reliable skills on our defensive line, stopping countless offensive breakaways. Her growth in marking opposing players within our defensive circle has also been outstanding, as she developed a stronger sense of awareness and positioning. Her composure under pressure, especially on our defensive corners, provided a level of security that boosted the entire team's confidence. This award recognizes the hard work and coachable spirit that leads to such growth. For her unwavering commitment and for being a dependable defensive anchor all season, this year’s Coaches’ Award goes to Sein!

Coaches’ Award: Mino Y. ’27
We are now excited to present the second Coaches' Award to a player who defined courage and resilience for our team this season. Stepping into a new position for the very first time, she took on one of the toughest positions in sports without a moment's hesitation. Her learning curve was steep, but her determination was steeper. She quickly became a wall in our cage, frequently making over 20 saves in a single game. What stood out most was her fearlessness; she faced down talented opponents and fierce shots, never once backing down. In fact, often reacting to high-powered shots with ease, preferring not to have too much time to think in the moment. Her resilience and rapid development were both assets to the team. This award honors the player who not only embraced a monumental challenge but also developed under constant pressure. For her incredible growth, bravery, and game-saving performances, this year’s Coaches’ Award goes to Mino!

Swimming and Diving

Coaches’ Award: Elsa M. ’26
This year’s Coaches’ Award goes to a leader on this team who has worked tirelessly in and out of the pool to create a fantastic season for everyone. She has shouldered numerous responsibilities—handling logistics and communication, cultivating team spirit, maintaining a positive attitude for herself and others, and setting a tone for the season that has been equal parts serious and silly…all while dealing with senior year and college applications. Even though she jokingly asked to scratch all her events at sectionals in the week leading up to the meet, I know that she is secretly very committed to this team and even competitive in the pool when she wants to be. Whether it was designing our team suit, eating (and often, throwing) ice chips throughout practice, “yapping” with me on deck, cheering for teammates, or crushing it in her mid-distance freestyle events, this swimmer has undoubtedly shaped our team in a way that will endure long after she graduates. While I know this individual is very excited for life after Emma—perhaps a little too eager to leave us behind—she will be sorely missed. Let’s give it up for the indomitable, irreplaceable Elsa!

Spirit Award: Lucy F. ’29
This year we are recognizing a swimmer with the Spirit Award for being a consistently cheery, committed, and supportive teammate. This person has been a quiet leader all season, modeling in her own way a level of dedication that is inspiring to us all. She has shown us exactly what it looks like to lead by example—coming to optional practices, asking for harder intervals and more challenging sets, always standing on the sidelines cheering loudly, and being fully engaged and present with the team. Her dedication is even more notable and remarkable since she wasn’t even able to compete this season. But, that didn’t deter her from working hard in practice and killing it in her exhibition heats…we can’t wait to see what she will accomplish next year when she is officially on our roster. Let’s give it up for Lucy!

Tennis

Coaches’ Award: Gisele N. ’26
We are honored to recognize this year’s second Coach’s Award recipient, Gisele, a four-year member of the varsity tennis team and an invaluable presence both on and off the court. From her first season through her senior year, Gisele has been a steady force in our doubles lineup, showing consistent growth, determination, and a commitment to improving her game. Her development as a doubles player over these four years has been impressive, marked by smart play, strong communication, and an ever-deepening understanding of strategy and partnership. This year, her teammates recognized her leadership and heart by voting her in as a team captain—a role she embraced with enthusiasm and grace. More than just a leader by title, Gisele became the social center of the team: our unofficial “social director.” She fostered team unity, created a welcoming atmosphere for all players, and ensured that every member of the team felt seen, valued, and appreciated. Whether it was rallying the team before a match or keeping spirits high during tough practices, Gisele brought levity, joy, and a deep sense of camaraderie to everything she did. She competes with a smile, supports her teammates unconditionally, and truly embodies what it means to be a team player. We have no doubt that she will continue to enjoy the game beyond high school, and any adult team would be lucky to have her as a teammate. Thank you, Gisele, for your commitment, your spirit, and your heart. You’ve left a legacy of connection, care, and competition that will be remembered for years to come.
 

Coaches’ Award: Nisha J. ’26
It is with great pride that we present this year’s Coach’s Award to Nisha, a four-year varsity player whose dedication, character, and leadership have elevated not only her game but the entire team. Over her four seasons, Nisha consistently held a spot in the singles lineup, taking on the demanding role of our #1 player. Week after week, she faced the top competitors from every team—an intense challenge that tested not just her skill, but her determination and mental toughness. She learned, adapted, and continued to compete with poise and courage. Her advanced technical skills and deep knowledge of the sport made her a standout, but it was her humility and team-first attitude that truly set her apart. Nisha never saw herself as above anyone. She embraced every teammate, supported them wholeheartedly, and brought energy to every practice and match. While tennis is often seen as an individual sport, Nisha found strength in the camaraderie of the team. She valued the shared journey, celebrated others' successes, and helped shape a positive, unified team culture. She has shown perseverance through every challenge and has been a role model in how to compete—with fairness, passion, and heart. We hope she continues developing her game, especially the mental and strategic aspects that complement her strong technical foundation. She has what it takes to go far—not just as a player, but as a leader in any path she chooses. Congratulations, Nisha and thank you for all you’ve given to this team.
 

JV Volleyball

Most Valuable Player: Camryn R. ’29
The MVP Award isn't just about outstanding performance; it's about the essential spirit and passion that makes a difference at every practice and game. Camryn, you remind us all that great achievements are nurtured with hard work, a will to constantly improve, and a genuine commitment to the team's collective goal. Congratulations!

Coaches’ Award: Cat S. ’28
This year's Coach's Award was earned by Cat S. Throughout the season Cat showed the ability to adjust and improve all while keeping a positive attitude and lending support and encouragement to teammates in need. Congratulations, Cat!
 

Varsity Volleyball

Most Valuable Player: Amy H. ’27
This first award is the MVP award and it goes to the player that I could put in any spot in the back row and she would go for anything and everything. She would play until the whistle blew and never give up. She constantly had good communication, every time she stepped foot on the court she was working hard and constantly improving. This player would own her mistakes and strive to get better after each one. Amy, would you please come up here and accept this year's MVP award for everything I just stated but also for being a constant positive player, teammate, and captain. 

Coaches’ Award: Sophia H. ’27
This next and final award is the Coaches' Award. This year this award is going to a captain on the team that truly embodies the lead by example mentality. She is strong, courageous and does not back down from a fight. She is my go to leader on the court and would argue any point I would tell her. Sophia, I give this award to you for constantly being present and willing to learn new things, she can hit line if you didn't know.  Thank you for being a leader this season. 

Crew

Rising Star: Pressley F. ’26
It’s been a pleasure to see this rower thrive in her very first season on the Emma Crew team. This rower arrived at exactly the right moment when the team needed her most. She shows up everyday with a positive attitude and a burning desire to win. She’s fast on the erg, clean on the water, and works her hardest every day. She may be smaller in stature but is mighty on the water. We can’t wait to see what this rower is capable of next season. Congratulations, Pressley!

Iron Oar: Mina G. ’29
When I first saw this kid on the erg I got super excited and I tried to play it cool but I knew right there, on the first day, that we were going to have a great season.  In fact, the last day of water practice I had coach (Duh-coo-jew) with me in the launch and he was like “wow! Look at the transfer of power there!” when admiring this athletes form.  In the middle, she had more than her fair share of scares and challenges but it didn’t stop her from giving 100% every day that she was allowed on the water. 

Most Improved: Melanie M. ’27
This rower stepped up early in the season with a positive attitude and a willingness to be versatile on the water. She showed dedication to the sport each day, and always showed up to practice eager to get things done. Over the course of the season, she improved her technique and thrived in a variety of seats. She emerged as a leader amongst her teammates, and we cannot wait to see where she goes next. Congratulations on your dedication and impressive progress, Melanie

Top Banana: Ann Z. ’28
For being flexible about rowing or coxing whenever we needed her, wherever we needed her and having a marked more positive attitude this semester than last.

Top Banana: Ava S. ’28
For a persistently positive attitude and acting as a cheerleader for every level of athlete this season.

 

Golf

Coaches' Award: Joyce Y. ’28
While this student is new to golf at Emma Willard School, she is an experienced golfer with excellent all around skills. She plays with poise and maturity and possesses one of the most important skills to be a high level golfer—the ability to play in the moment and focus on each shot, as they happen, without dwelling on past shots or looking too far into the future. As captain, she led the team in practices and spent significant time assisting her team mates with their technique and strokes. She improved each round she played, and after qualifying for the Sectionals, played some outstanding golf for 2 rounds and found herself being selected to play in the NY State Championships. For being an excellent role model for her peers and for playing with commitment, determination and composure, the golf coaches award is presented to Joyce!

Varsity Soccer

Rookie of the Year: Alice Y. ’29
This award goes to a player who played more minutes than anyone other than Lucy this year, who showed more guts and power than anyone her size has any business showing on a soccer field, and who saved our butts more times than any of us would like to admit. In fact, Coach and I deliberated about calling this award the “Saving Our Butts Award,” but we thought a more traditional title would befit a player who has earned our highest respect and regard this season. I am very pleased to award the title of Rookie of the Year to Alice!

Most Valuable Player: Lucy N. ’28
This award goes to a player whose value to the team was proven over and over, game after game, shot after shot after shot after shot. No matter where we went or who we played, this player was singled out for praise by opposition coaches and parents time and again. I never quite heard them say it out loud, but you could see that as games wore on the opposition strikers took notice, they got less cocky, and tread a little lighter in and around the box. Well, either that or they tried to kick her in the face. Remember this season, everybody, as the one and only season you’re likely to see a keeper with a 100% penalty save record. That is, of course, unless you’re lucky enough to share a team with this year’s Most Valuable Player, our number one, Lucy N.

Congratulations to all of our fall athletes on a successful season!