BRIEFS ADMINISTRATION
Athletics Welcomes New Leadership This year, Agnes Irwin welcomed two new women to its athletic leadership team.
Courtney Lubbe, Athletic Director
Courtney came to AIS in July from Convent of the Sacred Heart, New York City’s oldest independent school for girls, where she served as Acting Head of Athletics and Wellness. Courtney managed the school’s physical education and wellness programs, in addition to a strong athletics program fielding 34 teams and over 40 coaches. Courtney was an accomplished student-athlete, playing lacrosse for four-time Ivy League champion University of Pennsylvania. She holds a Master of Science in Sports Management from Columbia University, and spent three years there as an assistant lacrosse coach before joining Sacred Heart. “From the moment I stepped onto campus, the energy and enthusiasm of the students, faculty, staff, and coaches was evident,” Courtney said. “Agnes Irwin’s commitment to providing programs of excellence in athletics, physical education, and wellness is inspiring. I’m excited to be a part of this special community!”
JV Squash Coach Inducted Into Hall of Fame Maurice Heckscher, Agnes Irwin’s Junior Varsity Squash Coach, first entered the world of competitive squash more than 50 years ago when he led the University of Pennsylvania to its first Ivy League title — marking the start of a long and successful history in the sport. In October, Heckscher was recognized by US Squash for those achievements through induction into the US Squash Hall of Fame.
Swim Team Breaks Records
Agnes Irwin’s Varsity swim team broke five school records on January 9. Maddie Aguirre ’19 set a new mark for AIS in two events: 2:24.91 in the 200 IM, and 4:39.66 in the 400 Freestyle. Myka Thomas ’18 was not only the first-place finisher, but also set new AIS records in both the 50 Freestyle (28.21) and 100 Freestyle (1:01.12). Riley Pujadas ’21 broke her own AIS 100 Backstroke record with a time of 1:10.71.
Lauren Wray, Assistant Athletic Director, Head Lacrosse Coach
Lauren Wray joined AIS in August, after serving as Head Coach of Women’s Lacrosse at Haverford College for six years. While there, she mentored 16 student-athletes to Centennial Conference selection and three Centennial Conference tournament appearances. Lauren was a four-year letter-winner at Duke University, a three-time All-ACC selection, a three-time IWLCA All-America selection, a member of the US Lacrosse U-19 World Championship team in 1999, and the US Lacrosse Developmental Team from 2001-2003. Lauren got her start in coaching as an undergrad in 2004. She then served as Assistant Coach at Temple University, Head Coach at Cedar Crest College, and Assistant Coach at Lafayette College, before joining Haverford College. In addition to her extensive coaching experience at the college level, Lauren is the Girls’ Director of Operations for Mesa Lacrosse, a youth program in Haverford. “You develop a different relationship with studentathletes as a coach versus as an administrator,” Lauren said. “I’m looking forward to helping our players reach their lacrosse and leadership potential this season.” Lauren, Gus, and Courtney at AIS/EA Day 2017
Fifteen Agnes Irwin seniors have verbally committed to continuing to play their primary sport at the college level, representing more than 20 percent of the Class of 2018. Top row from left: Myka Thomas (Howard University, swimming), Rajaa Wilcox (Howard University, softball), Brynn Smith (George Washington University, lacrosse), Sydney Wolfington (Penn State, lacrosse), Maria Pansini (Princeton University, lacrosse), Annie Hepburn (West Point, lacrosse), Grace Weise (Washington and Lee University, field hockey). Bottom row: Juliana Jaskot (Boston College, crew), Alexandra Hark (Boston University, lacrosse), Meredith Murphy (Bucknell University, lacrosse), Lily Zelov (Cornell University, squash), Emma Macaione (Dartmouth College, lacrosse), Kaitlyn Lees (Dartmouth College, golf), Rose Lawrence (Drexel University, squash). Not pictured: Ana Mashek (Colorado College, swimming)
WINTER 2018 AGNESIRWIN.ORG
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