Cross Country

Coaches' Award: Sofia P. ’25

This athlete stood out—not as the loudest or flashiest on the team, but as an athlete whose quiet resolve and strength grew more powerful with every season. She tackled each workout with grit and never hesitated to give her all, no matter the challenge or intensity. Her focus and determination soon became her trademarks, inspiring those around her to push beyond their own limits. Over the years, this athlete blossomed into a steady leader. As a captain this season, she consistently set an example for the younger athletes, guiding them through the pressures of competition and modeling the balance of hard work with joy. But if there was one challenge that she couldn’t conquer - a puzzle designed for children. On three separate occasions, she found herself locked in an epic battle with a unicorn—and on three separate occasions, the puzzle emerged victorious. Her dedication and resilience in every other arena, however, are undeniable. For her loyalty, her steadfast leadership, and the laughter and strength she brought to our team, we are proud to honor Sofia with this Coaches' Award.
 

Most Valuable Player: Abbe A-N. ’27

When people think about their favorite sports team, they often envision the star player. The best athlete on the team garners the most acclaim and attention. However, anyone with knowledge of team dynamics will tell you that a team cannot be defined solely by their best player. Rather, a team's success is better measured by the way the group works together. Our team's success this past season is a prime example of the power of positive team dynamics. Each member of the squad recognized that their hard work and effort during a race could directly benefit the entire team, not just themselves. If a teammate was struggling, there was always someone else who felt they could provide that additional push to pass an opponent or sprint to the finish line. I don’t know if this athlete has truly internalized how instrumental she was in the team’s success this season. Without her steady finish times, we would not have won as many meets. Her ability to run hard, often with very few people around, kept the team competitive. I think this athlete believed that the most valuable runners were those ahead of her, but without her dependability to close out scoring, we would not be able to celebrate in the way we are now. Her willingness to put in the hard work and grind out results, even when the spotlight wasn't directly on her, played a huge role at League Championships. For her consistent performances in races and dedication to the team, we are proud to honor Abbe with this Most Valuable Award.

 

JV Field Hockey

Most Valuable Player: Julia P. ’26
This player joined field hockey this year and quickly showed that they have a natural talent for the sport. They were quick on their feet, quick to attack, and stayed low on all defensive plays. They were incredibly coachable, and asked questions to clarify how they could improve their technique while they practiced. They were always positive about the sport and made sure to move the ball around the field, capitalizing on all moments our forwards were open. We look forward to seeing just how much they grow in the sport next year. Our most valuable player award goes to Julia!

Most Improved: Claire L. ’27
This person also joined us for the first time this year. They were diligent while learning the new skills and ran without complaint. They consistently left it all on the field, but most importantly, tried their absolute hardest every practice. This effort led to consistent and impressive growth. They became one of our best defenders and ended the season on the starting lineup. Our most improved award goes to Claire!
 

Varsity Field Hockey

Coaches’ Award: Maci C. ’25
This player led the team with strong leadership and a positive attitude. They always had a smile on their face at practice, and were as invested in their teammates’ successes as they were their own, constantly cheering them on and helping them improve in any way they could. They are respectful to their teammates, coaches and opponents. They have been a great role model for others and have shown players what it takes to get better and encouraged them along that journey. They are a committed teammate who cares about creating a positive environment for everyone. We will be lost next year without their ability to organize team spirit, assign secret psychers, commit to a strong ribbon game, and of course send the best pregame emails. So, for being a true team player and leader on and off the field, we are proud to present our Coaches’ Award to Maci C. ’25. 

Most Improved: Coco Y. ’25
This year’s Most Improved Player award goes to someone who not just upped their level of play this season, but throughout their career as an Emma Willard field hockey player. When she started, she was on the JV squad due to a simple lack of experience, but her commitment to learning the game and improving her skills was the difference maker the next season. While she didn’t see as much time on varsity that year, it was clear the matchups with older players were only helping her grow in practice each and every day. By the time her junior year rolled around, she found herself playing a much larger role. This year, this player was a key contributor on the front line for us, as she clearly implemented everything she had been learning all along: cutting back to the ball, getting her feet around, where to make the right cut. Not only that, but her hits were stronger and her pulls a little sharper. She played the difficult left side all year long without complaint, and still would meet the coaches with a simple, “anything for me to work on?” anytime she would be subbed out. For her dedication to improving her play for the last four years, we’re proud to present this Most Improved Player award to Coco Y. ’25!

JV Soccer

Most Improved: Najia K. ’27
This year’s Most Improved Player went from zero soccer experience to being one of our most reliable players. Although she didn’t arrive to try-outs until halfway through the week, this player came to practice every day ready to absorb as much information as she could. Her positive attitude and growth mindset led to her wanting to do everything she could to help her team, which manifested as an undeniable fearlessness. This midfielder refused to give up on any ball until she won it for herself, hustling for more minutes of gameplay than anybody else on the field. Her positive attitude and determination to develop the necessary skills made this decision rather easy for us: the Most Improved Player for the Fall 2024 JV Soccer Season is Najia K. ’27.
 

Most Valuable Player: Lucy N. ’28
This year’s Most Valuable Player will come as no surprise to anybody. She showed promise at the beginning of the season, though once she requested to play goalie, everyone quickly realized that we had a star, a powerhouse, a leader. Several times after games, opposing coaches and even parents from other teams would tell us how awesome our goalie was. One parent of a Tamarac player said she was caught cheering for our goalie more than her own daughter. She worked hard every day to improve both the physical and mental skills required to play such an important position. We cannot imagine what this season would have looked like without her, and now we’re happy to award this year’s Most Valuable Player award to Lucy N. ’28.
 

Swimming and Diving

Coaches’ Award: Ally D. ’25
This year’s Coaches’ Award goes to a swimmer who has worked tirelessly in and out of the pool to create a fantastic season for everyone. They have contributed so much to this team— boosting morale, cultivating team spirit, and supporting their teammates. Most importantly, this person has served as an excellent role model and leader for this team. She put in the work every day at practice, encouraging everyone to work hard while also creating an atmosphere that was fun, positive, and inclusive (even if sometimes her playlists were a bit of a downer). She has been an absolute joy to coach and we can’t wait to see where the future takes her.
 

Most Improved: Margaret L. ’26
This year’s Most Improved award goes to a swimmer who demonstrated a clear passion for the sport and a commitment to doing what it takes to improve (even if that meant choosing fly during stroke sets). While this swimmer was fantastic already, they fully deserve this award because they set a goal, worked consistently hard at it, and accomplished that goal. We can’t wait to see all the ways he improves next season!
 

Tennis

Rookie of the Year: Ashley Y. ’28
The Rookie of the Year award recognizes a new player on the team who has made great strides over the short course of the season, has displayed immense dedication in improving their own game and has shown a solid commitment to the team overall. It became clear mid-way through the season that this player was willing to push themselves out of their comfort zone by moving from the doubles line-up to singles.  This player improved their competitive performance by embracing discomfort while also maintaining a positive attitude. This player has made a great impact on Emma Tennis during her first year on the team. We can’t wait to see what is in store for this athlete in years to come. Congratulations on your perseverance and impressive progress.  The Rookie of the Year award goes to Ashley Y. ’28.

Coaches’ Award: Madeleine S-K ’25
This player has shown a lot of growth since she started on our team in her freshman year. Her self-confidence has grown, she has become an assertive doubles player, taking risks and placing the ball where her opponents have no chance of getting it. She is always available to everyone on the team with a shoulder to lean on, a smile, and words of understanding and encouragement. In our busiest weeks with several matches, she even volunteers to wash everyone's jerseys! This year's Coaches' Award goes to Madeleine S-K ’25.  

JV Volleyball

Most Valuable Player: Kaveri G. ’27
The Most Valuable Player award goes to someone who has exhibited qualities of commitment, discipline, dedication and focus throughout the season. Kaveri began the season with all of these qualities and not only maintained but developed and strengthened them. Her will to improve never wavered. When something needed fixing, she found a way to improve. When something went well, she worked to make it even better. Kaveri was an athlete that became an asset and I never planned a match without her skills and contribution in mind. Congratulations Kaveri! Thanks for a great season. 
 

Coaches’ Award: Clara L. ’26
The Coaches' Award is given to an athlete who shows focus, dedication, sportsmanship and leadership. Clara is a player that steadily and consistently improved throughout the season. She was dedicated and reliable and had a great ability to keep calm and focused though all varying tides of a match and often made the best play under stressful situations. She stays centered which is very difficult to teach. All of these qualities contributed to her success throughout the season. Congratulations Clara! Your contributions to the team are appreciated. 

 

Varsity Volleyball

Most Valuable Player: Levi L-A. ’25
This first award is the MVP award and it goes to the player that I could always depend on. She would play until the whistle blew and would find a way to pump all of her teammates up. She constantly had good communication, even if it was a little quiet sometimes, she was still making calls. 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. Levi, would you please come up here and accept this years MVP award for everything I just stated but also for being a constant positive player, teammate, and captain. 

Coaches’ Award: Sydney P. ’25

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 I love her commentary back to me even in the middle of the point. Sydney, I give this award to you for constantly being present and willing to learn new things, for being open to new coaching ideas, and for staying back after practice to work with girls if they needed someone. Thank you for being a leader this season. 

Honorable Mention All Star: Nadia M. ’25

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