Athletics FLIGHT PATH
Alumnae Return to Coach Next Generation at AIS by Amanda Mahnke When Cindy Hooper Bell ’79 was a student at Agnes Irwin, athletics was her niche. “It was everything — it was where I found my closest friends, where I learned how to cooperate, how to compromise, where I learned leadership, where I had my most fun, and really, where I was able to shine,” she recalled. After playing field hockey and tennis in college and spending 10 years as the tennis coach at Bryn Mawr College, she made her way back to Agnes Irwin, first serving on the Alumnae Board, then on the Board of Trustees — and eventually, as a coach for softball and tennis. “It always felt like home here,” she explained. Bell is not the only alumna who found her way back to Agnes Irwin: More than 15 members of the staff and faculty are Agnes Irwin graduates, including seven of this year’s Middle and Upper School sports coaches. Former Owls include Middle School tennis coach Kelly McBride ’83, Junior Varsity tennis coach
“The team aspect of it — being part of a group that was all invested in the same goal — was a huge part of my Agnes Irwin experience.” — JANET BARTHOLDSON
Cindy Hooper Bell ’79, Middle School Varsity soccer coach Molly Scudder ’02, assistant swim coach Anastasia Dorrance Grillo ’03, assistant Varsity cross country coach Joanna Johnston Stott ’03, and Varsity assistant crew coaches Janet Bartholdson ’06 and Josselyn Rimel Delussey ’97. “We are very fortunate to have seven alums coaching our girls this year,” said Athletic Director Sheila Pauley. “Aside from bringing an understanding of the Agnes Irwin culture to their coaching, alumnae coaches can help prepare our current student-athletes for life after they leave Agnes Irwin — and they serve as great role models for our girls. It’s exciting to see that these women are so passionate about athletics at Agnes Irwin.” A diverse set of factors drew these women back to Agnes Irwin, but school pride and a desire to give back are common threads. “I was looking for other ways to get more involved at AIS and give back to my school through volunteering or coaching,” explained Stott. “I live close by,
Photo by Amanda Mahnke
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AGNES IRWIN MAGAZINE
FALL 2015
TK CREDIT HERE
ALUMNAE This year, Agnes Irwin has seven alumnae coaching its teams. Pictured from left are Joanna Johnston Stott ’03, Kelly McBride ’83, Cindy Hooper Bell ’79, Molly Scudder ’02 and Anastasia Dorrance Grillo ’03.
