of self motivation and determination. I’ve needed these two qualities as I work towards my college goals, especially during Covid when so many in person events have been cancelled.” Sharla-Mae values the fact that athletics enabled her to function in group situations, “Sports have always contributed to my life with social camaraderie and learning how to be a good person, how to collaborate and how to mesh with others while trying to reach a similar goal.” Listening to Sharla-Mae, Kayrin, and Ella speak of their experiences and what they have learned from them, it is not surprising that they are strong proponents of getting involved with athletics. Sharla-Mae offers advice to young people preparing to enter Fryeburg Academy, “If you want to do something, commit to it 100%. Give it your very best. Sports can be a great stress reliever. If you are feeling a lot of stress academically, a great way to relieve some of it is to be on a sports team. It is cathartic to me.” Kayrin’s advice to young people is music to coaches’ ears, “Give your best in everything you do. There is a lot you can’t control, but you can control if you are the hardest worker on and off the field. Give yourself credit and allow yourself to be proud of your small accomplishments.” While some might argue that it is important to find your one area of expertise and pursue it, Ella suggests a different approach to the young people of her community, “I recommend trying a bit of everything in high school, whether it be trying a new sport, a new position in a sport you already play, or joining a new club. With so many amazing opportunities available to the student body at FA, I would first recommend keeping an open mind to trying new experiences.”
8th Grade picture of Ella (back row, second from left) next to Sharlah, who both played on the Mt. Washington Valley Soccer Club team.
These three Fryeburg Academy teammates and classmates have bright futures. They are outstanding students as well as athletes and school citizens. Ella will attend St. Lawrence University next year where she will study environmental policy and political science. Kayrin and Sharla-Mae will attend St. Joseph’s and study nursing in the fall. Kayrin hopes to play soccer there as well. The FA community should be proud that one of these three teammates hopes to help develop policy that will lead to better care of our environment, while the other two hope to help people with their health in the medical field. If the fundamental quality of being a good team member is caring about others, then it is easy to understand why these three FA student-athletes are known as such good teammates.
FA Athletes Sign with Colby and University of Maine
Congratulations to Morgan Fusco ’21 on her signing to commit to playing softball at Colby College in the fall. She joins the roughly 6% of high school softball players who are fortunate enough to continue onto an NCAA softball career! Above: Morgan Fusco with her father, Mike Fusco (left), and mother, Amanda Fusco (right).
Eli Mahan ’21 signs with the University of Maine Black Bears to join their football program this fall. His parents Ryan Mahan (left), Nicole Goggin (right), and sister Maya Mahan ’24 (standing) were on-hand to celebrate the important day.
Fry ebu rg Ac a de m y Scene s
11
