2022 NEPSAC Winter News Magazine

NEPSAC News ®

NEW ENGLAND PREPARATORY SCHOOL ATHLETIC COUNCIL

Meet Martha Brousseau, NEPSAC’s new president

WINTER 2021–2022

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2 | NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022

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®

NEPSAC News NEPSAC®

New England Preparatory School Athletic Council President Martha Brousseau Greenwich Academy Vice-President Ryan Frost Cardigan Mountain School

In this issue

10

Meet Martha Brousseau, NEPSAC’s new president

Secretary Rob Quinn Berwick Academy Treasurer Jim Smucker Berwick Academy Co-Directors of Championships Jamie Arsenault New Hampton School Bob Howe Deerfield Academy Lisa Joel Phillips Andover Academy Director of Classifications Mark Conroy Williston Northampton School Coordinator of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lamar Reddicks Milton Academy Past Presidents George Tahan Belmont Hill School Bob Howe Deerfield Academy Jamie Arsenault New Hampton School Mark Conroy Williston Northampton School Richard Muther St. Paul’s School Middle School Representatives Rob Feingold The Fay School Amber Kuntz Beaver Country Day School District I Representatives Stefan Jensen Hyde School Nan Hambrose Kents Hill School District II Representatives Tara Brisson Tilton School Jenna Simon Holderness School Ryan Frost Cardigan Mountain School District III Representatives Rob Quinn Berwick Academy Betsy Kennedy Pingree School Jen Viana Cushing Academy Rick Forestiere Thayer Academy District IV Representatives Geoff Barlow Avon Old Farms School Mike Marich The Frederick Gunn School Kati Eggert The Ethel Walker School Tim Joncas Westminster School Communications Specialist Laurie Sachs The Rivers School

14 17

Student Filmmakers Aim High with Creative Partnership

inter Starts Now: Holderness W Skiers Appear in Latest Warren Miller Film

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26

Lessons Learned from COVID

NEPSAC Athletes Participate in Bay State Games Programs

38

Guarding NHL Players’ Health, Safety & Rights

41

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35

Jamie Arsenault Honored at New Hampton

36

T his Local Teen Will Rep the U.S. at Maccabi Games in Israel

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33

Swinging for Success

ow to Align Team Goals and H Set Individual Goals from TrueSport

Turf Enhancement Project at Greens Farms Academy

Max Cobb ’83 Applying Lessons on the World Stage

44

Lacrosse Family Affair: Becca Block ’09

Departments

Snow Removal of Natural and Synthetic Sports Fields

4 Around NEPSAC 8 Laurels 46 #ICYMI

“NEPSAC” and the NEPSAC logo are registered trademarks of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council and may not be used or displayed without permission.

New England Preparatory School Athletic Council qualifies as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3).

ON THE COVER: Tiffany Hagler-Geard

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NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 3

AROUND NEPSAC

President’s Letter Martha Brousseau Greenwich Academy

G

reetings to all and welcome to a new NEPSAC year!

Let’s hope that 2022 can usher in more normalcy as it relates to our world of athletics. While we are all hopeful that we are closer to an “endemic” as I write this, we are now navigating the Omicron variant. Yet again we will be nimble in our thinking and planning as we do our best to support and host our winter championships. Before going into more detail on that I would like to once again thank George Tahan for his steadfast leadership these last two years. George welcomed us at the DCU center back in November of 2019 and it has been Zoom ever since. While George managed the mundane tasks normally associated with a NEPSAC Presidency — eligibility, classifications, out of season coaching policy and the like — he was thrown into two situations which none of us had a playbook for: a global pandemic and a national reckoning on race relations. In each case NEPSAC emerged intact and stronger than before due to George’s measured guidance. I think we can all agree that our communication has improved albeit it has been via a computer screen. Collecting schools’ COVID policies, sharing information on spring training plans, go or no go on championships and then how and where to host championships when they were a go. All these actions required an uptick in communication and we are the better for it. When, as a nation, we were again confronted with our past, George’s steady presence led the way in creating a new position on the Executive Board, the Coordinator of Diversity Equity and Inclusion and Lamar Reddicks, Athletic Director at Milton Academy, has been actively serving in this role.

Going forward these two topics will remain at the forefront of the Executive Board’s work. As we think ahead to the winter championships we will be discussing how we can host these events in the safest way possible. Basketball and ice hockey contests will be played at the higher seed throughout the tournament while we consider reducing the number of participants in swimming and diving as well as wrestling. Squash may revert to a team tournament rather than an individual tournament while our alpine and nordic skiers will have the benefit of being outside! As was the case this past fall, COVID policies will mirror what is happening in the majority of member schools. And, as has always been the case, tournaments are “opt in” events; if a member school is uncomfortable with the playing environment they may elect to not participate.

Recent events have made it clear that the creation of the DEI role on the board was a good decision though disheartening to recognize the need. In the coming weeks and months, the Executive Board will be formulating an appeal to the NCAA and NFHS asking them to adopt our most recent rules modification

4 | NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022

that was unanimously approved this fall that: Players may wear hair in styles associated with their race, religion, or culture, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, twists, locks, hijabs and headscarves. Items in hair that are considered permanent or semi-permanent, including, but not limited to, beads at the ends of braids, are permissible if they are secured to one’s head or covered. Regrettably, in order that winter contests could be played, NEPSAC reverted to the current basketball rules as published by the NCAA. As we look to the spring, we will notify all officiating organizations so that they are well aware of our modification to ensure that our studentathletes are able to compete in an environment that honors their individual expression. We will be examining both NCAA and NFHS rules looking for similarities and inconsistencies as it relates to player safety: what is allowable (padded casts) and what is not (beads in hair). Before we headed out on the winter break, the Executive Board met with DEI Directors from AISNE (Association of Independent Schools of New England) discussing our shared goal of seeing this appeal come to fruition. By collaborating with one another and by enlisting support outside of NEPSAC we are hopeful and confident that this change will occur.

Hopeful that you all had a restful and restorative break! All appendages remain crossed and that we will see each other in the flesh at Andover on April 12, 2022.

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TREASURER’S REPORT

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Online Payments and Coaches’ Associations

Meeting locations (virtual/in person) change rapidly. Be sure to check with your district leadership before traveling.

by Jim Smucker, Berwick Academy, NEPSAC Treasurer

District I

Reminders / Tips for making payments online:

To be most efficient it is important that schools only create one account when making their payments. If you don’t remember your login information, simply click on the “Forgot your username or password?” link to enter your email address to receive instructions to reset your password. Remember to check your spam/junk folder for these instruction emails.

For the following sports: Field Hockey, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, and Ice Hockey, please do not pay for Tournament fees until your team has been selected.

Please be aware that there is a processing fee to off-set our cost with every online transaction. We are not able to refund processing fees, so please be diligent about this process and your record keeping.

View My Account

» Feb. 24, 10 a.m., Hebron Academy » May 19, 10 a.m., Hebron Academy

District II » Feb. 10, 9 a.m., Tilton School » Also weekly on Tuesdays via Zoom

District III » Jan. 25, TBD » April 26, TBD

District IV » April 12, 6 p.m., Loomis Chaffee School

How To View Your Account

If you already have a Username and Password, go to 'View My If you already have a Username go to ‘View Account' and enter your credentials and to logPassword, in.

My Account’ and enter your credentials to log in. logging you willaccess have to access to ‘Payment History”.

AfterAfter logging in, youin, will have 'Payment History. Use the Use the available filters toofview ALL of themany or date choose any available filters to view ALL them or choose range or date period. range or period.

2021-2022 and NEPSAC By-Law Policy Handbook

If you have any concerns about this process please feel free to reach out to Jimmy Smucker jsmucker@berwickacademy.org or Laurie Sachs communications@nepsac.org

Coaches’ Associations / District Banking Transfers:

Remaining: District III, Boys Soccer Field Hockey, Swimming and Diving, Wrestling, Field Hockey and Boys Tennis. NEPSAC anticipates opening these accounts by September 2022 so that these Associations can comply with NEPSAC’s 501(c)(3) status. If you have any questions or need any assistance please reach out to Jimmy Smucker.

www.nepsac.org 2021

Last edited: 9/15/

Have you looked at NEPSAC’s new online By-Law and Policy Handbook? Click the cover (members only) to access information about NEPSAC policies, information from SMAC, lists of member schools and more.

The same link will take you to the online Directory of member schools. The Directory can be updated throughout the year, so if you have any changes or additions please be sure to add them.

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NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 5

AROUND NEPSAC

From the Archives

Why is There a Tree Trunk in the Archives?

by Brenda Semmelrock, Kingswood Oxford Archivist

W

hen visitors come to archives, the sight of a tree trunk by the entrance is always a surprise. This tree trunk has quite a history, going back to 1988.

Under the leadership of Coach Todd Marble, Assistant Coach Ron Monroe, Tri-Captains Jon Kuhe ’89, Brendan McDonald ’89, and Jim Slavin ’89, the football team ended the season undefeated with a 9-0 record. The final game against Avon Old Farms (36-7) earned the team the Erickson League Championship title, which the football team had not held since 1974. The last undefeated season was in 1971. At the start of the season, Coach Marble urged his players to “commit themselves to what he called the “Three Ps”-preparation, positive imagery and perseverance.” (Rob Kyff, Kingswood Oxford Magazine, Winter 1989). And that they did!

Photos courtesy Kingswood Oxford archives.

So, what about the tree trunk? The story is told that the team began the tradition of touching the trunk before each game for good luck. The scores were engraved on the trunk in order to preserve the memory of that outstanding football season. The players’ initials can be found on the bottom.

For the longest time, it was a mystery as to where the trunk came from. Finally, the mystery was solved during Kingswood Oxford’s reunion in June 2019. The team was inducted into the KO Athletic Hall of Fame. Some of the 1988 Team members met in archives where Matt Levy ’89 revealed that he had picked up the trunk from the side of the road!

One of my favorite photos is the one I include here in this article of team members finally reunited once again that June evening. Here in archives, their stories and memories will forever live on!

6 | NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022

(Thanks to Lisa Christensen Petersen ’74 for bringing it to my attention that 1974 Varsity Football was the last undefeated team before 1988, and not the 1971 team, as stated above.)

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NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 7

Chuck Elrick, Longtime Hopkins Coach, Reaches 1,000 Wins

O

n Thursday, November 4, 2021, Swimming & Diving and Water Polo Coach Chuck Elrick captured his 1,000th combined win at Hopkins.

Chuck reached this improbable milestone in his 39th year with the School, which will also be his last as he will retire following the 2021–2022 school year.

Win #1,000 was achieved in dramatic fashion as the Hopkins Boys Water Polo team defeated Hydra Water Polo Club 12-11 in overtime.

The milestone is fitting as Chuck was responsible for establishing the water polo program (then co-ed) at Hopkins in 1996. The program has since grown exponentially.

While Chuck remembers all of his milestones fondly—like his 100th win on February 17, 1990

or win number four hundred during a season where his daughter Elizabeth swam and played water polo—what he truly cherishes are the relationships he’s built with players and coaches through the years.

“It’s been a dream to come in every day,” said Chuck. “It’s just pure enjoyment.”

Looking back on an illustrious career, it’s the small stories of swimmers or water polo players coming into their own or overcoming obstacles that truly stand out to him.

“Any success I have is due to the successes of my students. They are the ones who put in the hard work and rose to the occasion time and time again,” Chuck said.

That the 1000th win came at a home game at Hopkins has made things extra special. Chuck, who joined Hopkins during the 1983–84 season, worked directly with architects to design the Bud Erich Swimming Pool facility, which opened in 1986. As the home crowd leapt to their feet when the final goal was scored, Chuck took in the moment in the place where it all began. He didn’t have much time to reminisce, however, because the Hopkins Boys Water Polo team immediately threw him into the pool to celebrate.

“Hopkins has given me the opportunity to do something that I truly love doing,” said Chuck.

“The School and this community have been such strong supporters of these programs, and I am grateful,” said Chuck.

Chuck was recently featured in CT Insider which discussed his 1,000th milestone.

Got news to share with other NEPSAC schools? Send the details to communications@nepsac.org and we’ll put it in the next issue.

8 | NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022

TAFT SCHOOL | WATERTOWN, CONNECTICUT

Nic Bell to Present at IMLCA Winter Summit

C

ongratulations to Head Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Coach Nic Bell, who shared his coaching expertise at the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMCLA) Winter Summit in Orlando, Florida. Founded with a mission to educate, the IMLCA bills the Summit as a weekend of educational and invaluable resources for coaches, players, and parents. Bell presented to the college and high school coaches in attendance during a session entitled, “Drills to Enhance Pace of Play and Practice Competitiveness.”

DEREK WARD

HOPKINS SCHOOL | NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT

From Andy Dunn, Director of Athletics and Afternoon Program, “Congratulations to Nic Bell on his invitation to present at the 2021 IMLCA convention. Nic’s inclusion in this event is a testament to his reputation in the lacrosse community as a knowledgeable and effective teacher of the game. Through Nic’s tutelage, Taft Boys’ Lacrosse has risen to the upper echelon of prep lacrosse. We are proud to have him in our community as a coach and mentor for our students.”

Since his arrival at Taft in 2018, Bell has led his teams to Founders League and Geico High School Lacrosse National championships. He has been the head coach for Team New England and Team Connecticut at the Under Armour Underclass AllAmerican games, and is a co-founder of the Prep School Summer Challenge. In addition, he has helped place over 40 Taft boys’ lacrosse players on NCAA Division I and III rosters in the ACC, Ivy League, Big 10, Patriot League and NESCAC.

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Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2021

Five NEPSAC Alumni Honored

M

assachusetts Hockey is pleased to announce the upcoming 2021 Hall of Fame event. The 2021 class of inductees include dedicated volunteers, Olympians, professional and amateur ice hockey executives, coaches, players and referees from Massachusetts. 2021 Inductees: 2018 U.S. Women’s Gold Medal Olympians from Massachusetts — Kacey Bellamy, Meghan Duggan, Kali Flanagan & Paul Mara; Tim Burke, Paul Gilmartin, Dave Hoffman, John Rolli, Kevin Stevens & Phil Zona. 2021 Legends Inductees: Ty Anderson, Amo Bessone, Bill Cleary, Sr., Paul Guibord & Bob Priestley.

Kacey Bellamy | Member of 2018 U.S. Olympic Gold Medal Team

Berkshire School Kacey Bellamy is a winner.

A competitor in three U.S. Olympic Games, and eight World Championships, Bellamy won Olympic silver twice (2010 and 2014) and, finally, the gold in 2018. At the World Championships, her squads won gold in seven of the eight years in which she participated. As a professional, Bellamy played in both the Canadian Women’s Hockey League and the National Women’s Hockey League, winning championships in both.

Apart from her exemplary international career, Bellamy was a star defenseman at the University of New Hampshire from 2005 to 2009. In three of her four seasons with the Wildcats, she was named to the Hockey East All-Tournament Team, earning Tournament MVP recognition as a senior, a year in which she was also chosen by the nation’s coaches as a first team AHCA All American. She graduated as the third highest scoring defenseman in UNH history. She was also named to the Hockey East 10th Anniversary All-time Team.

Meghan Duggan | Member of 2018 U.S. Olympic Gold Medal Team

Cushing Academy Few American women have compiled the legacy of success that Meghan Duggan has over a long and storied career. She captained the 2018 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team to a gold medal in PyeongChang, having previously earned silver medal in 2010 and 2014. In eight World Championships, her U.S. teams won gold seven times and silver once. Intertwined with her starry international career was an equally successful career playing for Mark Johnson at the University of Wisconsin. In her four years in Madison, Duggan was a member of three NCAA championship teams and retired as the career scoring leader for the Badgers. The Danvers native had a particularly

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fruitful senior year (2010-11) when Wisconsin won the national championship and Duggan was named first team AHCA All-American and winner of the Patty Kazmaier Award as the best player in women’s college hockey. Following Wisconsin, she returned home to play professionally, first for the Boston Pride in the National Women’s Hockey League, and later for the Boston Blades in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League.

Paul Mara | Assistant Coach of 2018 U.S. Olympic Gold Medal Team

Amo Bessone | Player & Coach

Belmont Hill School Following a 12-year career as a National Hockey League defenseman, Paul Mara found new success as a coach of elite women hockey players. The Belmont native served as an assistant to head coach Robb Stauber when the United States won the gold medal in PyeongChang in 2018 and then, in May of that year, began his professional coaching career with the Boston Pride in the National Women’s Hockey League. As a player, Mara went from the Belmont Hill School to the Ontario Hockey League which prepared him for the long professional career that followed. Drafted seventh overall by Tampa in 1997, he followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Rob, who was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 1994. During his dozen years in the NHL, Mara played for Tampa, Phoenix, Boston, New York Rangers, Montreal and Anaheim. His professional career ended in 2013. His stint with the U.S. Women’s Olympic Team was not his first international hockey experience. He played in three World Junior Championships from 1997-99 and in the 2004 World Championships.

Dave Hoffman | Builder

Noble & Greenough School Dave’s love for hockey developed on Wight’s Pond in Wellesley and was allowed to shine at the Noble & Greenough School, skating on the Charles

River! He played varsity defense for Nobles and was a reserve player at Harvard on the 195657 Freshmen Team. After returning from a stint in the US Navy, he and his wife, Sarah, rented in Watertown and moved to Natick in 1968 where he was asked to be an assistant on a Natick Comets Squirt House League team in 1972. He went on to coach every age level from beginners to Midgets over the years. In the late ’70s, Dave was elected treasurer of the Natick Comets and, soon after, president, where he served several terms. He remains a board member today. In the ’80s he was a District 8 director and was appointed USA Hockey District Risk Manager. The Risk Management Committee was new and included members from each USAH district. Its mission was to reduce claims and develop the insurance program for players, coaches, referees, and Affiliate organizations. Outside of Mass Hockey, he has served on the Greater Boston Salvation Army Advisory Board from 1982 to present.

Kents Hill School and Hebron Academy Amo Bessone was born on Cape Cod, and grew up in West Springfield in the 1920’s.

Bessone played with his older brother, Pete, who, like Amo, also became a U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame inductee. Amo went on to play defense at West Springfield High School, Kents Hill School and then did a postgraduate year at Hebron Academy in Maine. He joined a group of local high school stars who went to the University of Illinois, playing under the tutelage of Concord native Vic Heyliger. Following college, he played pro hockey with Providence and Springfield and took time away from hockey to serve as skipper of a PT boat during World War II. After the war Bessone, coached hockey and assisted with football and baseball at Westfield (MA) High School, before starting Michigan Tech’s hockey program in 1948. Bessone, who coached three seasons at Michigan Tech before moving to Michigan State in 1951, was one of the most prominent leaders in the days when college hockey was organized, operated and regulated by the coaches. In his 28 years with the MSU Spartans, Amo coached 814 games, and was their longest tenured coach. After years of struggles in East Lansing, Bessone’s perseverance was rewarded in the 1966 season when his “Cinderella Spartans” won the NCAA Championship. Amo retired from coaching after the 1978-79 season. The most valuable high school player in Western Massachusetts receives the Amo Bessone Trophy.

NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 9

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Meet Martha Brousseau, New NEPSAC President

by Wendell Maxey

W

hen Martha Brosseau recently traveled back to In 2012 Martha was selected to replace the legendary Angela Springfield, Massachusetts and her alma mater this Tammaro as athletic director after nearly 50 years at the helm. past Fall at Springfield College it was a chance to both “Martha is a good person who understands the program and look back and look ahead. A former women’s soccer and lacrosse knows what the right direction is for a school like this,” Tammaro player for the Pride, Martha was on campus to attend the school’s told the Greenwich Times at the time.

40th anniversary of women’s soccer and reminisce about just how Nine years later, Martha continues to move in the right far she’s come in athletics and in life. direction at the oldest all-girls school in Connecticut by leading In a lot of ways, she’s still going. a return to athletics for the 2021–22 school year on the heels “From the first time I stepped on campus as a kid, I knew I of a world health emergency in 2020. It was an unprecedented wanted to be a physical education teacher and a coach. And then time that saw both athletics and education equally impacted to have an opportunity to coach there, through the coronavirus pandemic. albeit brief, was very special” explained While schools pivoted to online learning I HOPE A ‘COVID KEEP’ IS Martha, the athletic director at Greenwich and introduced Zoom conference calls, Academy who was named President of the athletics and athletic directors used that THE SENSE OF CONNECTION New England Preparatory School Athletic time to inform and educate coaches and Council (NEPSAC) in mid-November. student-athletes on the importance of AND INTERDEPENDENCE “At Springfield, you were inspired to health, safety, and established a sense of do more than what was written in your job togetherness in the new normal of social THAT WE HAVE HAD description and to serve in other ways. This distancing and no sports.

THROUGH THIS. was an example set by our professors and “The early days of the coronvirus was a coaches. Being there was a nice reminder very frustrating time for coaches, studentto love what you do and do what you love.” athletes, parents and athletic directors.

With 30 years of experience in teaching, coaching, and athletic At our schools, the scholastic-athletic experience is such an administration, the life-long journey now includes the responsibility important part to who they are as students and at the end of the of navigating the NEPSAC forward by taking the wheel from previous day they look forward to going to practice. Having that completely NEPSAC President, George Tahan (Belmont Hill School). Thankfully, cut-off in 2020 was very hard. I think collectively everyone did a Martha’s own personal drive has resulted in gaining unforgettable remarkable job of finding the positives during a really challenging experiences along the way that have proven to be invaluable and situation. Even over Zoom calls, the belonging that teams shaped her own journey through sports. Back in 1990, Martha created for kids when they weren’t with each other gave students began her teaching and coaching career in Houston, Texas where something to look forward to. Coaches created an atmosphere she spent nearly 20 years between two different schools; Episcopal of connection when people felt so disconnected. Then having High School and The Kinkaid School. A move from Houston to returned to campus in the fall it felt like you were going over a Greenwich, Connecticut not only brought Martha closer to home, different hurdle every day — from masks being worn, to staying six but it also gave her the chance to grow within athletic administration. feet apart for social distancing, or being unable to even share the In her twelfth year at Greenwich Academy, Martha started as the same ball. There was no playbook on how to survive a pandemic. associate athletic director before being named athletic director in We all just did the best we could.”

2012.

In a lot of ways it was a clean slate across the board and a “It was a great experience and I worked with amazing chance to get better. colleagues who were in highly competitive athletic programs in “If there was a silver lining for ADs during COVID-19, it was Texas. It was those experiences that I relied on when first working how our constant communication brought everyone together. It at GA,” Martha began. allowed us to appreciate each other a little better, understand our “It helped shape my thinking today and has been a way for circumstances better, and how improved communication allows me to help coaches overcome obstacles they may have whether us to better do our work. I think we are a closer group amongst our it’s with athletes, parents, or being engaged with our school athletic directors across the NEPSAC. We’ve been more connected community. I don’t think I would be here today without that time,” and are relying on each other as resources, both logistically and emotionally.”

Athletic directors in the NEPSAC have not met collectively in Martha’s passion is fishing and when she’s not at work you will person since January 2020 yet remain in touch weekly through find her wetting a line from her boat.

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NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 11

Zoom conference calls. When George (Tahan) passed the presidential torch in November, Martha was hopeful that the past two years have provided the opportunity to learn from one another in order to move forward together.

“I hope a ‘COVID keep’ is the sense of connection and interdependence that we have had through this. We will still be in the throes of COVID through this academic year, so we want to evaluate how we handle the New England Championships this winter as teams move inside. By spring, I would like to think this whole thing will be behind us and we can return to some normalcy.

But no matter what lies ahead It will go back to our communication, our connection, and a more holistic look at the NEPSAC.” Recently, Lamar Reddicks (Milton Academy) was announced as the Coordinator of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), which Martha believes is a crucial and challenging role as part of the 2021–22 NEPSAC Executive Board.

“We did some good work with DEI responding to the Black Lives Matter movement by viewing sports as an intersection of society. We can continue to use that positive energy to support our student-athletes and coaches in creating a more diverse and inclusive environment in our schools. It’s all encompassing. On our individual campuses when someone is appointed as a DEI leader, it’s an enormous task. We need to be able to look at this in an abstract way but also more concretely when it comes to supporting our coaches, students, and administrators.”

For Martha, a series of questions helped provide some direction during those uncertain times.

What does sports really teach us? Can we go back to that?

Can we be less concerned with outcome and more dialed in to

THIS ROLE AS PRESIDENT OF NEPSAC MAY LOOK A LITTLE DAUNTING, BUT WITH THE HELP OF SOME REALLY GREAT PEOPLE WE CAN DO SOME GOOD FOR THE GREATER GOOD. process and have an appreciation for actually playing? In the end, the conclusions became a North Star for Martha on how to safely guide the program ahead.

“During the early days of COVID, my ask to the coaches at Greenwich Academy was this — everyone plays meaningful minutes, there are no bad calls, and we all appreciate the time that we have together. In that environment of COVID, that was a total bonus. If you take the time to step back and look at it, it allows you to see what sports can give and what team membership provides to students at a school. It was a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose.”

Along with her duties as President of NEPSAC and AD at Greenwich Academy, Martha still gets the chance to roam the sidelines by coaching middle school soccer during the fall. After

12 | NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022

Sometimes friends join Martha out on the water.

previously coaching both varsity and junior varsity athletics for the Gators over the years, staying involved in coaching has been a steady reminder for Martha to keep loving what you do and doing what you love.

“I can go back to my experiences from 10 to 15 years ago as well as what happened yesterday, but being in coaching ranks allows you to have a certain empathy for the kids and for the coaches. I am able to say, ‘I hear you...I’ve been there and done that’. Successful coaches can probably find themselves in any coaching environment and do well because they have the ability to connect with kids. That’s what it’s about — that connection.”

Growing up and attending the public school system in Southborough, Massachusetts, Martha took advantage of St. Mark’s school being down the street by sneaking onto their fields and into their gyms.

“It’s something to think that all these years later, that’s just one of the NEPSAC schools that is in the mix,” Martha said with a light laugh.

“This role as President of NEPSAC may look a little daunting, but with the help of some really great people we can do some good for the greater good.”

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NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 13

BREWSTER ACADEMY | WOLFEBORO, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Student Filmmakers Aim High with Creative Partnership

by Kara McDuffee

S

hannon “Murph” Murphy ’23 and Aidan Namkoong ’23 hit the trifecta at Brewster. Not only did they each discover their creative passion, they found in each other a collaborative partner, and now they are sharing their talents with the community and beyond.

Their passion is filmmaking, and their creation is Sabafilmz.

“Saba” stands for Shannon Aidan Brewster Academy, and Sabafilmz is the Instagram account and platform where Shannon and Aidan share edited videos of Brewster games and events.

What started as an interest in filming sports games turned into regular video releases that receive upwards of 4,000 views.

“We film pep rallies, games, and anything that gives an inside look into Brewster,” says Shannon, who is from Pembroke, Massachusetts. “We made the Instagram account to focus on what we love to do.” ​​Last year Shannon saw an opportunity to put her interest in film into action, and jumped on it: She filmed the lacrosse team when they stayed on campus over spring break. She also began

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filming other moments and trips in her life, launching the account MurphEdits. The only problem? She needed a better camera.

Fortunately, Aidan had one to lend. Before coming to Brewster, Aidan, who is from Frisco, Texas, had attended a couple of photography camps, inspired by his uncle’s love for photography.

However, it wasn’t until his freshman year at Brewster that a media class sparked a newfound interest in video editing.

After Shannon’s first couple of months filming Brewster sports, Aidan reached out to her with a proposal: What if they worked together to create Brewster videos?

“I really admired the idea that Shannon started this, and I asked her if I could help,” says Aidan. “Now we talk together, and we plan out who’s going to film and when we can edit together at night.”

The duo have created a true collaboration that many adults would envy. Each person brings their own perspectives to the table, supports each other’s ideas, and offers feedback on how they can continue to improve their videos and filmmaking. Meanwhile, they

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allow each other the space and credit to pursue their own passion projects.

“We both help each other out in many ways,” Shannon says. “I’ll make a video, and he’ll ask, ‘What if you tried this?’ or ‘Have you thought of this?’ And vice versa when Aidan makes a video. Plus, we’re close enough that we can tell each other if we don’t like something and think there needs to be a change.”

Another enviable quality of their passion pursuit is the supportive environment they’ve found themselves in. In addition to the opportunity to film competitive sports teams on a beautiful campus (two elements Aidan expressed his appreciation for), they both referenced how the Brewster community helped them turn a vision into reality.

“Any idea that you might have, Brewster wants you to do it. Nobody says, ‘This isn’t realistic.’ They want you to do it and give you a shot,” said Aidan.

Shannon echoed this sentiment. “If I’m going to be honest, if I wasn’t at Brewster, I probably wouldn’t have started filming,” she admitted. “At my old school, everyone would’ve questioned me filming. Here, everyone wants us to film their games. They ask us, Can you film our games? Can you come to ours? Everyone is so supportive.”

The impact of their filming is palpable. You can hear the buzz on campus (and see it on social media) when a Sabafilmz video is going to be released. Shannon and Aidan both talked about the pride they feel when they walk into the Brewster dining hall and hear someone watching one of their videos.

Thus far this year, they’ve created films that include highlights of the varsity soccer teams, prep basketball games, hockey games, and pep rallies. And they don’t just showcase the athletes, but also the robust fan base that comes out for games.

“I think our videos are not just giving the community highlights, but a sense of what Brewster is, and how competitive our sports are,” Aidan said.

The impact of their community contributions extends beyond the student body. The Communications Office has reached out to them for help with media projects, and Athletic Director Connor Wells worked with them to create a video for the fall sports awards, which he played for the entire school.

Both Shannon and Aidan appreciate the exposure that Brewster gives them, especially given their goals for the future.

Aidan hopes to major in business and minor in film, and he understands that Sabafilmz is giving him valuable skills.

“I definitely want to incorporate the skills I have toward something I do in the future,” Aidan says. “Let’s say I start a small business. I’ll have a good idea toward promoting it.”

Meanwhile, Shannon wants to major in communications and filmmaking. One day, she aspires to work her way into directing.

“Obviously, ideas into filming and editing helps out with what I want to do,” she says, acknowledging that Sabafilmz might also give her a leg up for college applications.

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However, bolstering a college application couldn’t be further from why Shannon and Aidan are spending hours each week filming, editing, and collaborating on Sabafilmz. (And it does take hours; both students have really learned how to manage their time between homework, their own sports commitments, and Sabafilmz work.) They’re doing it because they love it.

“When we graduate, I think leaving the Instagram account behind for Brewster to have is just a really cool thing to do,” Aidan remarked. “It’s a place to look back on all the memories.”

Both students also expressed their excitement over their growing audience and outreach with Sabafilmz. Not only do their views keep increasing (by thousands), but they’re also attracting followers from people outside of the Brewster community–namely because of the quality of their content.

“When we make a video and we know it’s going to do well, it’s just that feeling of, ‘Wow, we really did this.’ And then seeing the views go up and people follow us after, we realize people really want to see our stuff,” Shannon said. “It’s just the best feeling to know you’re improving so much, and one day you’re going to make it.”

When asked about their aspirations for Sabafilmz, Shannon talked about gaining the exposure and respect that some other popular New England video edit groups have.

“When MaxHoops walks into the gym, everyone gets excited that they’re here,” Shannon explained. “That’s sort of the dream, being known for what you love. I feel like that’d be the coolest thing.”

It’s impossible to predict the future. That being said, when you watch Sabafilmz videos and see their continuing growth, it’s hard to believe they won’t achieve the aspirations they’re looking for.

To hear Shannon and Aidan talk about their aspirations and collaboration, and to see some of their filming and editing work, watch the video here: https://www.brewsteracademy.org/ quicklinks/news-and-stories/news-posts/~board/school-news/ post/student-filmmakers-aim-high-with-creative-partnership

NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 15

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HOLDERNESS SCHOOL | PLYMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Winter Starts Now: Holderness Skiers Appear in Latest Warren Miller Film

by Greg Kwasnik

WARREN MILLER ENTERTAINMENT

“The Snow Sports and Holderness community are so excited for these three student-athletes to have this amazing opportunity to be a part of a Warren Miller movie,” says Director of Snow Sports Ben Drummond. “Warren Miller has a special way of telling stories and we look forward to this movie to showcase their story.”

By appearing in a Warren Miller film, Jayna, Helaina, and Henniyah are in very good company: Holderness alum and twotime World Champion skier Chris Davenport ’89 has appeared in no less than 30 ski films by Warren Miller Entertainment and Matchstick Productions. And in “Winter Starts Now,” they share the screen with skiing pros such as Grete Eliassen, Jonny Moseley, and Marcus Caston. Yet the prospect of appearing in a blockbuster ski film didn’t intimidate the young skiers, who spent several days last winter filming their segment at Snowmass, CO. “It didn’t really feel like we were being filmed. We didn’t have the pressure of all the cameras,” Helaina says. “It just inter hasn’t even begun, but three Holderness skiers felt like we were skiing with other people. It wasn’t as scary as are already ripping turns across the country. How? realizing that you’re being filmed. You just didn’t think about that.”

They’re featured in Warren Miller Entertainment’s Now that they’re at Holderness, the trio are focused on latest film, “Winter Starts Now.” becoming the best possible skiers – and students – they can be.

Three first-year students – Jayna Davis and sisters Henniyah All three have ambitious goals for this year and beyond. “I would and Helaina Rivers – are featured in the film’s segment about like to be able to compete in the Olympics,” Helaina says. “That’s the National Brotherhood of Skiers (NBS), an organization whose my dream goal for skiing, and I would like to go to college to get mission is to identify, support, and develop athletes of color and better at skiing and continue my skiing career.” Whether or not increase diversity and inclusion in winter sports.

Jayna, Helaina and Henniyah end up skiing Founded in 1973, the NBS is made in the Olympics, their time at Holderness up of more than 50 ski clubs across YET THE PROSPECT will undoubtedly improve their game - both the country, from the Southern Snow on the snow and in the classroom.

Seekers in Atlanta to the Fire & Ice Ski OF APPEARING IN A “I feel like it is preparing us for college Club in Pasadena, CA. Henniyah, Helaina, and to decide if I want to keep skiing into and Jayna are all skiers on Team NBS, a BLOCKBUSTER SKI FILM college and how serious I want to be as youth development program that provides an athlete,” Henniyah says of Holderness. funding and scholarships to up-andDIDN’T INTIMIDATE THE “I came from skiing two days a week on coming skiers of color, with the goal of YOUNG SKIERS the weekend and holidays. Here, I’ll be sending athletes to the Olympics. And all skiing every day. There will definitely be three skiers are new to Holderness this improvement. I just want to improve my year: Jayna hails from Steamboat Springs, skiing first and then see where that goes.”

CO, while Henniyah and Helaina live on Long Island and grew To watch Henniyah, Helaina, and Jayna on the big screen, up training and racing at Windham Mountain in New York. Their find a live screening of “Winter Starts Now” near you. (https:// father, Henri Rivers, is president of the NBS. warrenmiller.com/film-tour) The Holderness community is incredibly proud of Jayna, Henniyah, and Helaina.

W

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GANN ACADEMY | WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS ||| THE RIVERS SCHOOL | WESTON, MASSACHUSETTS

This Local Teen Will Rep the U.S. at Maccabi Games in Israel

A Gann Academy alum, Ziv Deener-Chodiker is a standout hockey player

by Kara Baskin

I

n some ways, Newton teenager Ziv Deener-Chodiker is an average kid. An alum of JCDS, Boston’s Jewish Community Day School, Gann Academy and Camp Ramah, he’s a center on The Rivers School hockey team and hopes to go to Williams College next year, where he plans to study computer science and economics. But, first, he’ll head to Israel this summer as a player at the Maccabi Games—essentially the Olympics for young Jewish athletes.

I think college will be where my real competitive career ends. It’s Division III. Most people who play professionally play Division I, or they don’t even go to college at all. I want a good balance with academics and athletics.

Congratulations on making the U.S. Maccabi hockey team! For those who don’t know: Could you explain how big a deal this is?

What are you most excited about for the Maccabi Games?

The way I put it: It’s like the Jewish Olympics. It takes place in Israel every four years. I think there are close to 80 countries going, and they have the same sports as the Olympic Games.

Did you try out? How did you get chosen?

I just got an email out of the blue saying: “Congratulations on your selection to the U.S. Men’s Maccabi team!” It’s pretty exciting.

Wait: What?

The tryout was actually last July, and I couldn’t go because I had a separated shoulder at the time. The way things unfolded, I think the coach knew me a little bit through some other people. They might have watched some video online. Then I got this email, congratulating me. So I texted and I was like: “Just want to make sure this is a legitimate offer.” Because I was under the impression that the team was made months ago. He was like, “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about you. And, yes, this is real.”

What sort of training is involved? I’m guessing the team has people from all over the country, so how do you practice?

I haven’t been given a specific schedule yet, but I would assume we have a training camp at some point just so the guys can all get together. It’s people from across the country, so, obviously, we can’t practice every week.

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When did you start playing hockey?

I was probably 3 years old in my backyard the first time I was on skates. Ever since then, I played for my town in Newton. I transferred over to some of the club teams with the Boston Junior Eagles. And then, my freshman year, I was at Gann Academy.

I was getting recruited to a couple prep schools. My family and I decided to pursue this. I made the switch and ended up going to The Rivers School in Weston.

That’s where I’m at right now. I’ve been playing here for four years.

What would you say to families who are considering hockey? I know it’s a big commitment. I have friends whose kids play hockey, and they’re up at 5 in the morning.

It definitely is a lot of time and a lot of commitment. But there are different levels. When I was younger, when I was playing town, there were a lot of early mornings. But I just loved it so much. I loved my teammates and the game. I had really great coaches. There’s a lot of training involved outside the rink, every summer with workouts, some extra stuff.

You definitely have to love it, because it is a big time commitment. But that can be different for each level and each kid.

There’s not one right path.

How many hours a day do you practice?

Well, with school, we have practice or a game every day of the week. So, let’s say an hour-and-a-half a day.

I mean, honestly, just having the opportunity to be in Israel and to play hockey is pretty cool in itself. And I’m really excited to meet all the guys. I’m excited to have a good run there. It’s going to be an awesome experience to meet people from around the world and get to play hockey in a country that I love so much. I’ve been to Israel twice already.

Is there a connection between hockey and Judaism? You don’t hear much about Jewish hockey players.

Yeah. I think there’s a growing Jewish presence in the hockey community, and it starts with us as young kids. And then you see these outliers who make it to the NHL. There’s a player on the Edmonton Oilers who went to a Jewish high school similar to Gann Academy. I think it’s growing. And it’s pretty cool, having this opportunity where you have a group of guys who have all been through the same type of experience growing up, playing hockey and being Jewish. I think it’s cool how we all share the same story.

You don’t need to know yet, but any idea what you want to do after college?

My friends and I always joke around about starting some type of startup together.

We’re not sure exactly what yet!

Reprinted with permission of JewishBoston.com

Do you want to play professionally?

What’s your ultimate goal?

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NEPSAC Athletes Participate in Bay State Games Programs

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hen Bay State Games is not busy organizing and running events in 35 different sports, they offer unique educational programs to high school students across the state of Massachusetts. Two standout NEPSAC student-athletes have been active in Bay State Games and its programs.

Future Leaders Scholarship Program

The Bay State Games Future Leaders Scholarship Program aims to identify young men and women who will be tomorrow’s leaders.

Bay State Games is proud to award these scholarships based on a student-athletes excellence in academics, athletics, community service, and leadership.

Olivia Adelabu, a senior at Pingree School was named one of six statewide scholarship winners, and the only one representing a NEPSAC school. At Pingree, she competes on the track & field and volleyball teams. Olivia is captain of the track & field team, the school record holder in the high jump, 4x200m, and 200m, has competed in Bay State Games Track & Field for two years, and has been a Bay State Games Ambassador.

She is the founder of the Banana Splits, a club for children from divorced families, and a member of the People of Color Coalition, the Student Equity and Inclusion Committee, and the Diversity Council. Olivia is also a poll worker during presidential elections and works to encourage others to register to vote and regularly volunteers at a homeless shelter. During the pandemic, Olivia provided cooking lessons over Zoom for young children in her church. She also made over 100 masks to ship to Louisiana.

Olivia was also tasked with creating short stories and art projects to help young children who were just starting school during the pandemic to learn different ways to recognize emotion when everyone is wearing a mask. Olivia plans to study neuroscience and pursue her passion for social justice while also continuing to run track in college.

Bay State Games sat down with Olivia for a Q&A to discuss her accomplishments that have stemmed from her time at Pingree:

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What does winning the Future Leaders Scholarship mean to you?

I am so honored to have won the Future Leaders Scholarship.

To me, this means being recognized for my leadership and my contribution to Track and Field. The scholarship will help tremendously with my tuition during my first semester of college. I am honored that the Bay State Games recognizes me as a future leader and is supporting me in my journey.

What is your favorite athletic memory?

My favorite memory is learning how to high jump. I never thought I would jump over the bar. It seemed to always land with me on the mat. I watched video after video, hoping to improve. Finally, I landed on the mat, and the bar did not land with me. I now hold the record for high jump at Pingree.

Of all the activities you have participated in, which is your favorite or most rewarding?

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My most rewarding athletic event is the 4x100m race. I love the team aspect and supporting my friends. I am often the last leg, so I am able to watch the competition and get in my zone.

I love helping my team to victory, especially when it is a tough competition and I need to put my all into finishing strong. I also enjoy the 100m race in general; I love the feel of the wind against my face and pushing as hard as I can to improve my time.

My favorite activity that I have participated in outside of athletics is my work with the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union).

During the 2020 presidential election, I phone banked to register voters of color. This was so rewarding to me because I had been looking for an opportunity to get involved in one of the most important elections in my lifetime so far and phone banking was an attainable yet impactful step on my social justice journey.

What is your favorite part about attending Pingree?

My favorite thing is the community. On my tour, I kept hearing how great the people were, and I figured they were just over-hyping the school for the open house, but I was proven wrong. Not only is the student body close-knit, but the teachers genuinely care about students and are always available to meet. I appreciate that greatly.

How has being a student at Pingree helped you get to where you are now?

High School Ambassador Program

Bay State Games also offers a High School Ambassador program aimed at providing high school students with leadership roles within their schools and providing them with early sport management and marketing experience. Ambassadors are tasked with promoting Bay State Games within their school by developing relationships with their athletic directors, coaches, and studentathletes at their school.

Colleen Murphy is a sophomore at Cushing Academy and is from Charlton, MA. Colleen is a three-sport studentathlete in basketball, softball, and soccer.

Colleen also plays AAU basketball and travel softball. Colleen played on the Central team in both the Bay State Games Girls Basketball and Softball Showcases, a rare feat for Bay State Games athletes.

Currently, Colleen is a member of the following clubs at Cushing Academy: Ambassadors Club, Kindness Club, Weekend Activities Club, Cushing Tour Guide, President of the Sea Club, and Leadership Club. Her college athletic goals are to play both basketball and softball and to later pursue a career in the medical field. A fun fact about Colleen is that while playing many different sports, she also did competitive Irish Step Dancing for three years.

A two-year ambassador at Cushing Academy, Colleen Murphy has established herself as a leader within her school. We sat down with Colleen for a Q&A.

Pingree promotes self-advocacy, kindness, and respect. Being a Pingree student has helped me think about the things that matter most to me and stand up for what I believe in. Pingree helped build my commitment to social justice and to making a positive difference in my community.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

I plan to attend college and major in neuroscience or a related field. I hope to incorporate my commitment to social justice and advocacy into neuroscience research.

Why should other athletes compete in Bay State Games?

What would you tell them about your experience competing?

It’s an amazing opportunity! Especially for me attending a school with limited track resources, I looked for any opportunities to compete and practice–the Bay State Games was perfect. The Games has good competition and resources, and there are many opportunities to advance. For example, even though the competition starts locally, you can qualify for the State Games of America. I also enjoyed being an ambassador for the Games, meeting students from other schools, and expanding my athletic career and collegiate knowledge.

Describe your time as an ambassador

My time as an ambassador has been great! I have met many new people and made new relationships with people. As I attend the meetings each month, I am able to learn new things each time. It has been such a great experience and has benefited me in many ways.

What is your biggest takeaway so far from the ambassador program?

My biggest takeaway from the ambassador program is how prepared I will be for the future. Being part of the ambassador program provides me with experience for the future especially for jobs that I might be looking at. I also feel as though participating in the Summer Games for both basketball and softball will help me to play at the collegiate level.

How has this program helped you grow as a leader in your school?

This program has helped me as a leader at my school because it has made me come out of my shell a lot more. Promoting Bay State Games helps me to take on many leadership roles, for example talking to my athletic director, communications office, and many more. Also, at my school, this has inspired me to be a leader in other groups at my school. For example, I am the president of the Sea No Plastic Club at my school, and I am involved in many other groups!

What kinds of opportunities are offered at Cushing Academy that help you be a leader within your school?

As I had mentioned before, there are many opportunities that I

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NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 23

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have been able to take on at my school. This year I was elected to be president of the Sea No Plastic Club, and this has been a great experience for me because I am able to work with my classmates and faculty around the school to make Cushing Academy a greener place. I am also a leader in my dorm, being a proctor who helps the dorm parents to run the dorm and coming up with my dorm activities as well. Lastly, I am also a leader in the classroom and on the court and field, I am hoping for my junior and senior year to be elected as a captain for our sports teams.

How do you hope the BSG Ambassador Program will help you pursue your goals after graduation?

BSG will help me to pursue my goals after graduation by opening new opportunities for jobs. Also, the volunteer opportunities such as job shadowing could help me with a career down the road.

Some of the speakers that have come in each month to talk have really inspired me to follow up on some of the job opportunities.

An example of a career that I am interested in pursuing in the future would be athletic training or nursing.

Why should other athletes compete in Bay State Games?

What would you tell them about your experience competing?

I believe that other athletes should compete in BSG because I think it is a great opportunity to get looked at by colleges, especially if you are interested in playing a college sport. I also think it is a great way to meet many different teammates and coaches and learn and improve from them. I would tell them that my experience competing has been nothing but positive. I have been able to compete in both the softball and basketball in the Summer Games, and I was able to meet new people and experience new things. I think this is a great way to prepare yourself for the future.

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TAFT SCHOOL | WATERTOWN, CONNECTICUT

Guarding NHL Players’ Health, Safety & Rights

by Bonnie Blackburn-Penhollow ’84

I

f you were lucky enough to watch Maria Dennis ’84 on the ice, you would have seen her blazing passion for the game of hockey. That Dennis is female has never been an obstacle in her hockey career.

She holds the record for most goals at her alma mater, Yale University, for both women and men, with 96 goals in her four years in New Haven.

“I love everything about hockey—the skating, the speed, the creativity of the game,” she says. “It’s like a chess board: there are three potential moves, all in the blink of an eye. Plus I love the camaraderie and being part of the team on and off the ice.

“When I stepped on the ice, everything went away, all those fears, insecurities. I was having so much fun and hopefully it carried over off the ice. I really appreciate hockey for what it did for me,” she says.

“I still play—I won’t give it up. It’s great exercise, and it’s great for my mental state.

I’ve made a lot of good friends through hockey.”

These days, Dennis continues her love affair with hockey, now as director of player health and safety at the National Hockey League Players’ Association. An attorney, she also acts as associate counsel for the NHLPA. Dennis is responsible for ensuring that players are protected and as safe as possible in a game of sudden crashes and falls. She is also called upon to represent players facing discipline.

“The NHLPA is in a unique position of representing both the player who was hit and the player facing suspension.

My job is to make sure that the player facing discipline gets a fair hearing under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.”

Dennis sits on a number of committees overseeing the general health of players, ensuring that each team has

Maria Dennis ’84, director of player health and safety and associate counsel for the National Hockey League Players’ Association, in her office in Toronto.

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Dennis with NHL officials after playing a pickup game last September while inside the Edmonton Bubble for the NHL Playoffs.

adequate medical staffing during games, and reviewing safety concerns about rinks.

For example, after a player was injured crashing into a stanchion, she was on the team that helped redesign and reinforce padding and made other changes to make the rink safer for players and fans alike.

What is really exciting for Dennis is her work improving options for women and girls to play hockey. She is the chair of the NHL/NHLPA Female Hockey Advisory Committee, where she is hoping to make sure young girls and women with “goals” in mind can experience all the opportunities and benefits the sport provides, according to an article about her in the Yale Alumni Magazine.

“There are three pillars we are working on. One, we need to highlight female role models,” she says. “If little girls see very successful hockey player women, they will think, I could grow up and be that too.

Second, how do we attract, develop, and keep girls in the sport? Learn to Skate programs are great. Now what do we do to keep them in? And third, how does the NHL market to girls and women?”

The league has made grants available to entities seeking to encourage girls to

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pick up a stick and step on the ice, as well as increasing the representation of women in off-ice positions with the league.

Several female hockey Olympians now serve in the front offices and behind the scenes with the NHL. “That program has been hugely successful,” she says, as have fan promotions to get women in the rink.

“Hockey is for everyone... and we’re trying to make sure that it is.”

Because Dennis was a member of the 1990 World Championships hockey team, she qualified under federal law to sit on the board of USA Hockey, and then she had the “good fortune” to join the U.S. Olympic Committee board of directors from 1991 to 2001, as well serving on as the board of USA Hockey during that same time.

The pandemic has meant new challenges for both players and teams, she says.

Dennis was named by Sportsnet as one of the “25 most powerful women in hockey” for her work on how hockey could safely return during the pandemic.

“It always comes down to money. It’s a constant struggle for owners, who are

responsible for putting up the operation costs, and the players who do all the work. They have to be compensated appropriately,” she says.

The solution? “Players and owners split revenue 50–50. As a sport we are collectively working to grow the industry, which is obviously good for both the players as well as the owners. Hockey is played internationally, so there are certainly opportunities to grow the game here in North America and globally as well. During the pandemic we knew we all were going to struggle, but we worked together to get the games back on the ice successfully. We’re still working together on health and safety protocols as the situation with COVID changes, with the ultimate hope that things will eventually get back to normal.”

What the future of hockey postpandemic will be, she’s not sure. But one thing’s for certain: “I love my job. It’s my calling and my passion.”

This article appeared in the Taft Bulletin and is reprinted with permission.

NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 27

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PROCTOR ACADEMY | ANDOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Max Cobb ’83 Applying Lessons on the World Stage

by Scott Allenby

W

hen Max Cobb ’83 enrolled at the Carroll School as a sixth grader who had recently been diagnosed with dyslexia, he was barely reading at a first grade level.

Little did he know that the arduous work during those early years at Carroll would unlock a series of experiences that would define the next forty years of his life, including connections made at Proctor Academy that would lead him to Dartmouth College and a career with US Biathlon.

It was during Carroll School’s Outward Bound program that Max first learned about Proctor Academy while attending a summer camp on Elbow Pond run by Proctor. Max and his family knew he would need additional learning support in high school, and Proctor was a logical choice. “I underwent a rapid progression at Carroll, and it was great and hard and difficult, as it is for all dyslexic kids, but I knew I still needed Learning Skills and Proctor was able to provide that support to me.” With Alice Fowler as

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his Learning Specialist, Chuck and Sarah Will as dorm parents and Sarah Will as his advisor, Max flourished at Proctor. “Proctor was just wonderful for me. I loved the outdoors and Orientation. I became involved with the Proctor Fire Department, played lacrosse, skied, had the most amazing time on Mountain Classroom. I learned to read and survive, and was surrounded by adults whose relentless enthusiasm and support of us as students permeated the school’s culture.” Max points to his time serving as School Leader and his interactions with Head of School David Fowler as truly transformational, “The lessons I learned from David around consensus building remain just as important to my work today as it was almost forty years ago as a student.”

Academic work at Proctor remained incredibly difficult for Max, however. “Life as a dyslexic was incredibly challenging before the era of personal computers and spell check.” When it came time to apply for college, Max had his sights set on Dartmouth

NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 29

College. “I went in and told Tim Norris, my college counselor and ski coach, that I would like to apply early to Dartmouth and he promptly responded, ‘No you don’t.’ It was a bit disheartening, but when I went back the next day and affirmed my desire to do so, Tim did everything he could to support me and wrote me a wonderful recommendation explaining my learning journey.” While initially deferred during the early-decision process, Max eventually found himself Dartmouth bound after raising his SAT math score more than 200 points, something he credits to Lee Carvalho and her relentless support of her students as an AP Calculus teacher.

Max’s Dartmouth experience mirrored that he created at Proctor: time in the outdoors leading the Dartmouth Outing Club, skiing on the Nordic ski team, and serving as president of the Dartmouth Biathlon club. A job guiding a visually impaired skier named Joe Walsh during the 1986 World Championships gave Max his first taste of international Nordic racing experience, and he was hooked. When a job opportunity to work with US Biathlon opened up in 1989, Max jumped at it. “I remember completing my job interview with US Biathlon over the radio phone at Hurricane Island as I was working there for the summer, and thought it would be a great job for the next year or two before I went back to graduate school. By February 1992 I was marching into the opening ceremonies with

the International Biathlon Union (IBU) in 1998, helped design and build the biathlon venue in Salt Lake City for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, and was chosen to serve as the Competition Chief for the Salt Lake games, an honor he says is still the highlight of his career. With an intense travel schedule, and his first child born in the summer of 1998, Max still found time to help create the Maine Sports Center in 1999, an organization he would work alongside to bring the 2004 Biathlon World Cup to rural Maine. Promoted to Executive Director of US Biathlon in 2006 and President and CEO in 2010, Max’s international sport career has blossomed “THE LESSONS LEARNED FROM DAVID FOWLER AS over the past decade, serving as Chair SCHOOL LEADER AROUND CONSENSUS BUILDING AND of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) Technical Committee and later on the MANAGING MEETINGS HAVE BEEN INCREDIBLY HELPFUL Executive Board, while also being heavily involved in investigations of the Russian WHILE CHAIRING INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEES WITH doping scandal that marred the sport and led to new anti-doping laws.

REPRESENTATIVES FROM NINE DIFFERENT COUNTRIES. With the IBU’s first strategic plan I USED WHAT I LEARNED AT PROCTOR TO CHANGE THE completed with Max’s leadership, the organization is poised to benefit from new CULTURE, TO HAVE MORE OPEN DISCUSSION AND BENEFIT marketing and broadcasting contracts that will drastically improve the athlete FROM THE DIVERSITY OF OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES and athlete development experience. In parallel to this success, Max has reengaged AROUND THE TABLE.” - MAX COBB ’83 with Proctor as a member of the Board of Trustees, “It has been really fun to come the US Olympic Team and realized there is a lot to international back as a trustee and see so many of the essential pieces of my sport and maybe I want to stick around. More than thirty years Proctor experience — experiential learning, supporting Learning later, I am still with US Biathlon and could not be more excited Skills students, and having this open and vibrant dialogue within about our future as an organization.” the community — still alive and well. The essential spirit of Proctor As program director, Max launched a new approach to recruit goes on as I remember it and as I had hoped it would.” young talent that laid the groundwork for an athlete development program that produced a gold medal at the 1997 Junior World Championships. He went on to become a technical delegate for

30 | NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022

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THE GOVERNOR’S ACADEMY | BYFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

Lacrosse Family Affair: Becca Block ’09

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f you love sports and competition, then come to the Block house. Whether you are around the dinner table, watching TV, or joining a conversation, it’s pretty much sports 24/7. “We all love sports, and we’re very active — we’re also a very competitive family. Even board games can get ugly,” jokes Becca Block ’09, one of four sisters in the Block family. “Even now, my family will come to watch me play and coach. Ever since we started playing, my parents went to every game,” added Becca, whose parents both played DI sports in college, and sisters all competed in various sports since they were young.

Growing up, Becca and her sisters all played soccer and other sports, but they didn’t have a girls youth lacrosse program. “My mother loves lacrosse and played DI at Towson University, so she decided to start the first girls’ youth lacrosse league in our hometown in New Hampshire,” said Becca. “In middle school, my twin sister Linley ’09 and I were really into playing soccer, but we started playing lacrosse in the league — with girls twice our size!”

And the rest is Block family lacrosse history.

Becca’s eldest sister, Emily ’03, enrolled at Govs and played lacrosse and soccer. Next up was sister Amy ’06, who played lacrosse, basketball, and soccer as a student, and later joined the Govs faculty in 2010 and currently serves as the chair of the math department, girls’ varsity soccer coach, and girls’ varsity lacrosse assistant coach.

In 2005, Becca and Linley enrolled at the Academy and alongside Linley: “It was a tremendous experience for both of carried on the Block family sports legacy, and then some. Having us! We were very fortunate to have such great teammates and played together since childhood, the twins were used to competing coaches at Syracuse. Linley and I have played together for so long together and against each other; the twins took the Govs lacrosse that we really understand how each other plays. We always have team by storm. During Becca and Linleys’ freshman year, they each other’s back — on and off the field,” she added. were thrilled to make varsity for both soccer and lacrosse, but Becca was the core of an Orange defense and was the 2013 even more so to play both sports alongside sister Amy while she IWLCA (Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association) was a senior. “Playing with Amy was so Defender of the Year and an Allcool. It was really nice to be a freshman American senior at Syracuse. During and have an older sister at Govs,” her four-year college career, she helped WE ALL LOVE SPORTS, AND added Becca. lead the Orange to the national title Becca and Linley were named game in 2012 and a Final Four berth WE’RE VERY ACTIVE — WE’RE team captains as seniors; Linley was in 2010 while earning Big East Alla defensive stalwart, recording 66 Academic honors twice.

ALSO A VERY COMPETITIVE ground balls, and 27 draw controls, After graduating in 2013 with and Becca more of a playmaker, piling FAMILY. EVEN BOARD GAMES a bachelor’s degree in health and up 53 goals, 28 assists, and 41 draws. science, Becca had some decisions to CAN GET UGLY With their shared success playing at make. She had more lacrosse in her Govs and with Seacoast Lacrosse Club future, and she knew it, but the postout of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the college options for women lacrosse twins began to attract a lot of college recruiting attention, namely players thin out. There was no prominent professional organization Syracuse University. to turn to at that time, at least not on par with the men’s National “At the time, I wanted to strike out and go to a different school Lacrosse League or Major League Lacrosse. But she soon realized than Linley,” recalls Becca. “Growing up, we did everything together. that college teams placed a high value on her playing experience But I remember visiting Syracuse on a beautiful fall day, and we and how she was coached; they were eager to learn from her. She both just fell in love with it. I’m happy that we went together,” said went on to play professionally for the Long Island Sound in the Becca. Looking back, she is grateful for the experience of playing United Women’s Lacrosse League and on the U.S. national team,

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‘95, P’23,’25 really understood me and helped me out — she was very supportive and caring.” Becca recalls trying out for varsity basketball, despite only a year of JV under her belt. “Despite my lack of experience and knowledge of the game, I loved it! OC (Erin O’Connell) and Coach (Scott) Kingbury were so awesome,” said Becca. “He was the best — he made you want to work so hard at every practice and was able to get the most out of me as a player.

As a coach, I want to make my players feel the same way — I still draw from that experience today,” said Becca.

Coach O’Connell recalls that Becca was one of the best athletes she had ever coached. “She has exceptional physical gifts, but she also has off the charts athletic intelligence. Even though she didn’t play a ton of basketball growing up, Becca was a very cerebral player who understood what we were trying to do and her role. But what makes her special is a real, innate, Tom Bradylike competitiveness that she just can’t turn off,” said O’Connell.

“She was a lockdown defender and relished her role of making the opposing team’s best player miserable for 32 minutes,” added O’Connell. The 2009 team had a challenging year, and it would have been easy to give up. “I remember bringing the team together and telling them that we needed to win our last five games to avoid having a losing record. I could tell right then and thereby the look in Becca’s eye that we were going to win those last five games,” said O’Connell. “She had always enjoyed playing a complementary winning the 2017 U.S. Women’s World Cup and World Games, all role in basketball, but in those last couple of weeks, with her while coaching. “main sport” (lacrosse) looming, she became our leader and pretty “If you’re competing in the top conferences, teams want to much willed us to refocus our efforts and win those games. It have your insight and learn about coaching styles I’ve experienced was one of the most satisfying stretches of basketball I’ve been a along the way. The game has changed so much, and I’ve evolved part of because the girls didn’t give up on a season that, to that as a player and coach. The sport is growing faster than there are point, was pretty disappointing and frustrating and turned it into coaches,” said Becca. something special. Becca was a huge part of that,” said O’Connell.

Becca coached at Florida and Oregon, but she longed to be And as a player, Becca still reigns as one of the premier closer to her family; close to home. “I realized that I wanted to defenders in women’s lacrosse and she’s keenly interested in come back east — I was suffering from FOMO (fear of missing out),” growing the sport and mentoring the next generation of players, she joked. “I have family and a lot of friends in the Boston area, all while continuing her own professional playing career. She was and when I have spare time, I want to be with them,” said Becca. named Defensive Player of the Year this past August within the She put feelers out with US National Teammate and head coach new professional league Athletes Unlimited, which focuses on for Harvard’s Women’s Lacrosse team Devon Wills and, in 2018, promoting women’s sports at the pro landed the Associate Head Coach level. position for the team.

“It’s important to find your passion I THINK IT’S VERY HARD AS Becca is lucky to grab a few hours and be confident — no one will to relax between coaching, working A FEMALE TO FIGURE OUT question it. I think it’s very hard as a out, and playing professionally, but female to figure out your identity — so coming back to the playing fields YOUR IDENTITY — SO MANY many distractions can get in your and seeing her old coaches and way. But I found a lot of confidence friends at Govs is near the top of the DISTRACTIONS CAN GET IN YOUR through playing. Having goals around list. “I love coming back to watch my getting better and being surrounded WAY. BUT I FOUND A LOT OF sister Amy coach,” said Becca, “and by others who have the same goals to see some old friends on campus.

CONFIDENCE THROUGH PLAYING. and values — that’s key.”

[Bert] McLain P’07, ’09 was huge for soccer, and Molly (Scharfe) Prinn

HAVING GOALS AROUND GETTING BETTER AND BEING SURROUNDED

BY OTHERS WHO HAVE THE SAME

Article and photos courtesy of The Governor’s Academy.

GOALS AND VALUES — THAT’S KEY.

32 | NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022

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PHILLIPS ACADEMY | ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS

Swinging for Success

Jeehae Lee ’02’s new app helps golfers analyze their game in 3D

by Joe Lemire ’01

Jeehae Lee’s experience on the golf course and in business management has primed her for her current role as CEO of Sportsbox AI.

J

card at Q-School in the same class as Wie, playing on the Tour through 2011—when she began working at IMG, the global sports, events, and talent management company, and representing Wie. After Lee earned an MBA from Wharton, Topgolf tapped her for its director of business strategy. Two promotions later, she was head of business development and growth initiatives for the company’s Toptracer brand.

“I think the biggest learning I’ve taken away from my Topgolf experience has been the leadership and management of a team,” Lee says. “I’ve had some really great bosses there that have shown me how to not only build a product that people like but how to really build a business and build a team.”

The experience primed Lee for her current role as CEO of Sportsbox AI, where she reunited with her former Yale teammate, Stephanie Wei. Technology has enabled advanced analysis of golf swings not only for professional players but also for dedicated amateurs, yet most data-collecting motion capture systems require golfers to either wear sensor-laden vests or take swings in expensive multicamera studios. Sportsbox 3D Golf changes the tool by taking slow-motion video from a smartphone and generating accurate swing data based on 39 points on the body.

The product has backing from the bold-named glitterati of golf coaching, such as legendary instructor David Leadbetter and Sean Foley, who coaches Justin Rose and Lydia Ko, both of whom have reached a No. 1 world ranking. They were sold on the product, sure, but its leadership, they say, made it a standout.

“Jeehae is incredibly impressive,” Foley says.

3D Golf launched on iPhone in October and Android in November, initially on an invite-only basis for coaches, but with

eehae Lee’s golf resume is impressive. She won two Ivy League team championships at Yale, played on the LPGA Tour, managed superstar Michelle Wie’s career, served as an executive at Topgolf and now is co-founder and CEO of Sportsbox AI, whose first product, 3D Golf, provides biomechanics analysis using only a smartphone.

Before all that, however, Lee starred for Andover’s golf team.

Being co-captain of a boys’ golf team in high school remains “one of my favorite fun facts that I tell people,” she says with a laugh.

Nearly 20 years later, the details of that experience remain fresh— including beating a highly ranked Deerfield player with a 17thhole birdie, team travels in the van, and Dairy Queen challenges organized by coaches Nat Smith and Bill Scott. “It’s the little things that stand out THE TECH ITSELF IS LEGITIMATELY INCREDIBLE. IT’S LIKE most,” she says.

Lee made the most of her Andover MAGIC, TURNING A 2D VIDEO INTO FULL 3D INFORMATION education. Even though she already had two difficult math courses lined up for her THAT RENDERS AN AVATAR YOU CAN SEE FROM MULTIPLE senior fall—statistics and linear algebra— Lee wanted to take another class with ANGLES.” – JEEHAE LEE CEO, SPORTSBOX AI Donald Barry, whose geometry class she enjoyed as a ninth grader. “This is the plans for wider expansion. A consumer version is slated for 2022 most Andover thing ever, but I went out of my way to take a third through which “a golfer of any level can get an analysis and have the math class my senior fall to have Mr. Barry again,” she adds.

AI coaching module recommend a few tips, as well as drill content Yuan Han’s instruction in language and mentorship helped, and instructional content that’s relevant for them,” Lee says. too. Lee was born in Korea and immigrated to the U.S. when she That’s a far cry from the experience of Lee’s own playing days was in middle school, where she learned English and French. At a dozen years ago, when she’d leave practice with a take-home Andover, Lee immersed herself in Chinese, and she credits Dr. Han compact disc on which a video of her lesson had been burned. for challenging her. “Dr. Han always took a special interest in me. He “The iPhone has been revolutionary for coaching,” she says. told me I was very smart, but that I just need to work a little harder.”

“With the advent of the iPhone, lessons have changed forever.”

On the golf course, Lee played two years on the Futures Tour after graduating from Yale in 2006. She then earned a LPGA Tour Article and photo originally appeared on andover.edu

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NEW HAMPTON SCHOOL | NEW HAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Athletic Hall of Fame Set to Induct 10th Class at New Hampton

Jamie Arsenault Honored

T

he New Hampton School Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates the exceptional coaches, players, teams, and loyal friends of New Hampton’s athletics who have made outstanding contributions both on the playing fields and in the community.

Athletics at NHS is about more than the score. As is true for our current student-athletes, it is about hard work and commitment, relationships and teamwork, and pride and humility. These individuals and teams have helped bring distinction, recognition, honor, and pride to New Hampton School and its athletic tradition.

Meet our 10th Induction Class

Our 10th Class was honored in an induction ceremony on Saturday, November 13, as part of New Hampton’s Homecoming Weekend festivities. New Hampton School welcomed each new Hall of Fame member and offered students the opportunity to hear their stories and meet them in person. Please join us in congratulating the following honorees.

Coach Category: » Jamie Arsenault P’13, P’15 – Director of Athletics and CoCurriculars, Former Varsity Men’s Basketball Coach and Golf Coach Male Athlete Category: » Henry Goode ’69 – Football, Basketball, Track » Rob Moore ’73 – Soccer, Hockey, Lacrosse Female Athlete Category: » Mary Marren ’99 – Women’s Ice Hockey, Soccer, Lacrosse Team Category: » 2001–2002 Men’s Varsity A Basketball Team Family Category: » The Bicknell Family

Jamie Arsenault

Jamie Arsenault’s admiration and commitment to athletics developed long before he arrived at New Hampton in 1997. Jamie attended Colby College where he balanced academics and athletics effortlessly as a three-sport athlete, serving as a captain for all three teams in his senior year.

Since 1997, Jamie has served as New Hampton Schools Director of Athletics & Co-Curriculars and a mathematics teacher.

Under Jamie’s direction, the athletic programs have thrived, and he works hard to promote school spirit, while never jeopardizing sportsmanship, and always holding our athletes, coaches, and fans to the highest standards. Jamie is an invaluable resource to his colleagues and coaches, providing mentorship and leadership, and is always enthusiastically cheering for the Huskies.

In addition to his work as the Director of Athletics, Jamie was Head Coach of the Varsity A Basketball team for 10 years, racking

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Jamie Arsenault, pictured here with his wife Lara and children Dempsey and Ryder, is set to be inducted into the New Hampton School Hall of Fame in the coach category. Arsenault has been a faculty member at New Hampton since 1997.

up 203 Husky wins–including the 2001/2002 NEPSAC Class A Championship. Members of that team are here today, as they too are being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Jamie helped to launch several players into basketball careers beyond New Hampton School including, 71 Division 1 players, four college coaches, three NCAA Division 1 champs, and two Olympians. While he coached his team for success, his players would say that the care and investment he made in his players, both on and off the court, were immeasurable. Jamie is not just regarded as a leader at New Hampton School, but also by his peers in the industry and those he works with on the NEPSAC Executive Board. One of his colleagues on the board shared, “He is a highly respected figure on that Executive Board because he is both fair and passionate about issues.”

Mark Tilton, former New Hampton Athletic Director, and legendary coach in his own right, credits his hiring of Jamie to take over the Men’s A Basketball Program as arguably the best decision he ever made while at NHS. In his many roles, Jamie has inspired thousands of student athletes and impacted the lives of all for the better. To honor all that he has given to better the athletic program at New Hampton School, for his many achievements, and his unwavering commitment to Husky Nation, we are honored to induct Jamie Arsenault into the New Hampton School Athletic Hall of Fame.

NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 35

DEERFIELD ACADEMY | DEERFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

Lessons Learned from COVID

by Bob Howe

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t’s been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began. We all felt its impact in one way or another. Cancelled seasons, the uncertainty of what to do, missing those smaller moments with friends in competition. This fall gave you all that much needed return to normalcy. Looking back now at our first 3 months of the school year I cannot help but feel so incredibly lucky to be here, to feel like we have all been through something together and I also feel like collectively we have benefitted from the experience.

I wanted to pause here for a moment — before talking about the wonderful accomplishments of so many this fall — to reflect just a little on what I hope stays with us and think of some of the lessons we learned from these past several months. I do hope everyone in this room understands and appreciates just how fortunate we are to be on this campus. The support and guidance, perseverance, and consistent informative communication we have all received has made our community function in ways that other schools’ envy. We are still being tested, as this pandemic lingers in the media and the threat of a resurgence makes enough people nervous. All of us need to continue to listen and hear what’s being asked of us, be confident that we live in a healthy community, and be vigilant about your health both on and off the campus. I’m excited for these next few months as I hope you all are too.

Here is what COVID has taught me:

1. I know I can be adaptable with any circumstance. We look for positive solutions. We make the best of any situation that comes are way. To not do this lets others down.

2. There is more than one way to coach and train. Get off the treadmill and

go outside for a run. Do push-ups and wall sits in your room. We’ve all had to change something and I’m hopeful that some new discoveries were found and there is a little more “grass-roots” thinking in all of us now.

3. You can only control what you can

36 | NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022

control. Initially I struggled with this — what an important life skill for all of us to have. We couldn’t control when we could compete again, but we learned how to focus and get the most out of practice and what we could control.

4. You have made the choice to grow and get better; adversity builds strength and resilience. Learning to persevere through hardships and challenging times is important for developing character. Now that we’ve made it this far learn to never take things for granted.

5. Relationships require maintenance.

Before the pandemic, we might have taken for granted the time we were able to spend with people and didn’t dedicate enough time to keeping up with them. We’ve learned to reach out more readily to one another.

6. Sport isn’t just about the physical benefits. Sports and activities are not just here to provide an opportunity for exercise; it benefits young people by giving you community, a sense of belonging, and wellness.

7. Gratitude is critical. In challenging times remember to be thankful for all that we have. Now, in good times continue practicing gratitude; it helps you stay positive, appreciative, hopeful, and optimistic. We dug deep to bring gratitude to the forefront a year ago when things were admittedly uncomfortable. Why not practice this and the previously mentioned initiatives all this year. We have lots to think about — exciting stuff for sure — so it takes extra effort to remember the strategies and techniques we used. My ask today of all of us is to not ignore these lessons and keep on including them as we gain greater and greater confidence as a healthy community.

Let’s have a great winter Deerfield!

Go Big Green!

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NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 37

How to Align Team Goals and Set Individual Goals

S

etting team goals for the season or the entire year should be a group effort—not a coach-driven spreadsheet or list. Each athlete on your team will come into the season with different goals, motivations, and values, and as a coach, part of your job is to help the team blend the overarching team goals and values with those individual drivers.

The process begins with some thoughtful conversations, and should continue throughout the season. Here, TrueSport Expert and registered social work, Nadia Kyba, MSW, shares advice for how to get team and individual goals as aligned as possible.

Understand the difference between goals and values

Values include characteristics like hard work, courage, respect, and integrity, while goals are more specific and focused around actionable items, explains Kyba.

While your team should have both process and outcome goals for the season, it’s arguably better to focus on values that the team holds together. Your team should be value-driven rather than goal-driven. This allows for each individual to also have a set of individual, specific goals for the season while still feeling in alignment with the team’s values.

Start the season with a team meeting about goals and values

Kyba recommends setting goals and values early on. In the beginning of the season, hold a team meeting where you discuss all of the objectives for the season. Who do your players want to be?

What characteristics will help the team be strong and successful as a unit? What goals should the team focus on? Come

up with a list, starting with the bigger picture values like hard work before getting granular on outcome goals like winning a regional championship title and process goals like showing up to practice on time and ready to work every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Make sure all the athletes on the team actively participate in this exercise: Athletes are much more likely to buy in and take ownership of goals and values that they create, rather than ones you’ve preselected for them.

Allow some time for athletes to also reflect and write out their individual goals for the season, encouraging them to think in terms of process and outcome goals.

Share individual goals

As you create a list of goals and values for the whole team, it’s important to allow athletes to share their individual goals as well. Letting athletes bring these goals to the attention of the team not only creates accountability around the goals, but it allows teammates and you as the coach to better understand each athlete’s

About TrueSport TrueSport®, a movement powered by the experience and values of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, champions the positive values and life lessons learned through youth sport. TrueSport inspires athletes, coaches, parents, and administrators to change the culture of youth sport through active engagement and thoughtful curriculum based on cornerstone lessons of sportsmanship, characterbuilding, and clean and healthy performance, while also creating leaders across communities through sport.

For more expert-driven articles and materials, visit TrueSport’s comprehensive library of resources.

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38 | NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022

individual hopes for the season. As a coach, take note of these individual goals and how they might help or hinder overall team objectives. For instance, an athlete whose goal is to score a certain number of points in a season may need occasional reminders that a core value of the team is teamwork, and he needs to be passing the ball more often. But on the other hand, if one athlete’s goal is to work on her leadership skills and public speaking, you can encourage her to lead warmup drills and pep talks before games, and to emphasize the team value of leadership.

You can even take the conversation further by asking athletes how they can connect their individual goals back to the team’s values and goals to inspire actionable ideas.

Create a list of team values and hang it somewhere it’s easy to see

This can be a team project or it can be relegated to the more artistic members of the team, but create a poster or other wall hanging that lists out the team’s values and goals for the season. Snap a photo or email it to all the athletes (and parents of the athletes if appropriate). This way, the initial goal-setting conversation isn’t forgotten as athletes get busy with the season and with schoolwork.

Understand and acknowledge that not all goals will align perfectly

While some teams may be more suited to meshing individual goals with teamoriented goals, that won’t always be the case, and as a coach, it’s your job to find the right balance between helping athletes achieve individual success while still helping the team thrive. Most team

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sports are fairly straightforward, though things like playing time and positions may be challenging as some individuals set goals of more time on the field and less time on the bench. Individual sports like wrestling may prove more challenging, especially for older athletes with goals that prioritize individual performances rather than team unity. And any athlete who’s involved in multiple sports, on multiple teams, or participating in other afterschool electives may have a very different set of individual goals compared to the team goal of showing up to every practice.

Remember, athletes are rarely actively trying to work against the team goals, but there may be an individual mismatch, and viewing that with empathy rather than aggravation is critical as a coach.

Get to know athlete’s motivations

It’s one thing to understand that each athlete has individual goals. But it’s arguably just as important to understand the motivation for each goal. The better you can understand the individual goals of your athletes, as well as the ‘why’ behind them, the better you can align those goals with the team’s overarching goals. For example, an athlete whose motivation is rooted in needing to get a scholarship in order to attend college might serve as a reminder to you that not every athlete on the team can afford expensive team gear or can commit to extra weekend practices.

Celebrate victories

Each week, take a moment after practice to acknowledge some small (or big) wins.

Did someone on the team truly exemplify the team value of hard work? Did the team as a whole hit the process goal of showing up on time every day? Taking the time to acknowledge when goals and values are being met makes it easier for athletes to remember what they’re working towards, so take the time to make their efforts feel seen.

Takeaway

Every time your players come to a practice or competition, there are both individual goals and values, as well as team goals and values, at play. These tips will help coaches align goals and values, while still honoring each individual.

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Session recordings available from the Wednesday, December 8, 2021 presentation

W

hile the concerns around athlete mental health and wellbeing continue to garner national attention, the youth sport landscape lacks clear direction for coaches, parents/guardians, and athletes as to how to respond to those challenges.

Join TrueSport and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency as we explore mental wellness through the lens of youth sport. TrueSport is proud to bring together nationally-recognized youth sport influencers through this hybrid event. Together, with athletes and experts, we will discuss challenges commonly experienced by young athletes and address practical solutions that chart a path forward for a healthier future.

Session 1 | Competing Well: Athletes and Mental Wellness

Session 3 | Community & Connection: How Healthy Sports Environments are Made

The underlying factors that impact mental health may be different for every athlete, and this athlete-driven discussion is designed to enlighten athletes, parents, and coaches about the spectrum of mental health challenges and to reduce associated stigmas. In this segment, Olympic and Paralympic athletes will discuss their own mental health experiences in and away from sports, including their own formative adolescent events. Featuring: Gracie Gold, Noah Lyles, & Deja Young-Craddock

Healthy relationships formed through sport involve active and ongoing participation. In this panel, the experts dive into the action steps needed to build and maintain engagement within sports communities. Featuring: David Plummer, Dr. Peter C. Scales, Dr. Brittany Patterson & Keisha Caine Bishop

Session 2 | Cultivating Cultures for Mental Wellness in Youth Sport Sporting environments that encourage resilience and allow for psychological safety are crucial for youth development, while win-at-all costs youth sports cultures can be harmful to the mental wellbeing of athletes. The panelists will identify the frameworks that make up supportive sporting environments. Featuring: Dr. Kevin Chapman, Dr. Bhrett McCabe, Ken Lolla, & Josephus Lyles

Session 4 | Capacity Building for Resilience: Skills for Athletes Successful athletes are developed, not born. In the same way, mental health capacity and resilience progress with practice. This panel tackles the actionable and practical skillbased response necessary to support young athletes in their mental wellness practice and how to respond to stressors inherent in their environment. Featuring: Dr. Deborah Gilboa, Dr. Jennifer Hartstein & Chris Curd

Watch the recorded sessions here: https://truesport.org/join-us/mental-wellness-resources/

NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 39

40 | NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT GREENS FARMS ACADEMY | WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT

Turf Enhancement Project at Greens Farms

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ith deep appreciation, GFA recognizes our turf field and track donors and thanks them for their incredible generosity.

Our new turf fields have already had an incredible impact on our athletic program.

The addition of a second turf field and improvement of the original field, have allowed for simultaneous practice and play time for our teams. The enhancement has significantly increased time spent practicing for our teams by cutting out transition time from sport to sport. Three rainy days during pre-season, that would have forced our athletes inside in the past, are no sweat for teams and coaches who practice on their fields in the rain.

Construction is now complete on the state-of-the-art practice field and half-track. We are so pleased to see what an obvious and important impact the turf enhancement has made for our school and athletes and look forward to years of continuous use of these wonderful additions to our campus.

Statement by Head of School Bob Whelan

In 2011, GFA became the first school in Connecticut to install an environmentally responsible synthetic turf field. More than eight

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years later, GFA has expanded to serve 715 students. Our athletic program has grown and is flourishing, and a single artificial turf field no longer accommodates the needs of our student-athletes.

The interscholastic athletic landscape has also changed; field hockey is expected to be played on artificial turf, lacrosse has trended in the same direction, and our soccer teams prefer the consistency of the surface.

On May 18th, we will begin the process of renovating the existing turf field and begin construction of a second artificial turf field. We will also add an adjacent warm-up field and a partial track.

This improvement and expansion will allow more practice and gameplay for those sports best played on turf, provide optionality for baseball and softball training during inclement weather, and offer an on-campus home for our growing track and field program.

We expect the renovation process on the existing turf field to be completed this summer and the completion of construction of the new turf field by fall 2019.

GFA’s commitment to the whole child begins with the partnership between students, teachers, and coaches, and is enhanced by high-performing spaces that support teaching and learning: the Janet Hartwell Performing Arts Center, Harkness

NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 41

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT tables, STEAM workspaces, fine art and performance studios, and contemporary science labs, serve as a few examples.

This investment complements our recently completed squash facility, wrestling gym, and fitness center. The addition of an expanded turf complex will have a positive impact on the entire school community and facilitate additional athletic and recreational activities for all our learners from PreK - 12. » Two full playing fields will allow our field hockey, soccer (boys and girls), and lacrosse (boys and girls) teams from both our Middle and Upper School divisions to have significantly more access to top quality, allweather playing surfaces. » The partial track and turf fields will be integrated into our PE programming for PreK-12. » The additional turf field will serve as an all-weather recess field for Lower School. » The additional field allows Middle and Upper School sports teams to begin practice outdoors weeks earlier in the spring. » The warm-up field will allow softball and baseball players to practice during the spring when the natural playing surfaces are often unplayable due to wet weather conditions. » The partial track will allow track and field athletes to practice hurdles, relay baton hand-offs, and interval training on a surface that replicates track competition. Currently, our track team runs in the parking lot or travels to Saugatuck Elementary School and runs on an asphalt track. » The additional turf field reduces the wear on existing natural grass fields by allowing us to put more heavy usage on the artificial playing surfaces, particularly during and after rain events.

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GFA’s new and renovated artificial fields will adhere to the most rigorous safety and sustainability requirements, continuing our commitment to the standards of excellence we hold our school to in any renovation, or improvement. We invite you to learn more about the project’s safety and sustainability measures, take a sneak peek at the layout, and explore some FAQs on our website.

We are grateful for the generosity of a small group of parents who wanted to ensure we had this facility for the 2019-20 season, rather than waiting for the next capital fundraising effort.

We’re excited about this investment in support of programmatic excellence at GFA. Two turf playing fields have been the standard for several years within our independent school peer group, and our community’s investment in this area helps us better position our student-athletes to reach their full potential and provides programmatic benefits across all divisions.

Photos courtesy Greens Farms Academy

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www.massheartbeat.com (508) 625-0353

NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 43

Snow Removal of Natural and Synthetic Sports Fields

by Steve LeGros This article first appeared in the Winter 2021 issue of The Blade. Reprinted by permission of NESTMA.

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s sports turf managers there are many challenges we face and many of these are weather related. While working in the Northeast, my biggest challenge was dealing with winter conditions. In football season or in early spring with field hockey or baseball.

I have found through trial and error a number of ways to deal with snow on both synthetic and natural grass fields; the most important strategy was to have a plan of attack ahead of time, before Old Man Winter throws multiple inches or snow or ice at you. If you are not prepared the results will be a lot of lost valuable time in the removing of this frozen precipitation. Establish what the plan of action will be in advance and be sure to fact in “the worst-case scenario” while also having a Plan B.

PLOWING OPTIONS

Here are a couple of plowing options that can be used successfully to remove snow on either synthetic or natura grass: If a rain tarp is available, tarping the surface before the event allows you to remove the snow/ice AS SOON AS IT BEGINS TO FALL. Using high-powered, PTO-driven blowers allows you to prevent as much accumulation on the tarp as possible: this requires being on site as soon as the snow or freezing rain begins to fall, and proactively removing the precipitation, working from the center of the field, and working your way out to the sidelines.

The snow must be a dry snow for blowers to work. If it’s a wet snow you can remove the snow by using rubber tip snowplows, or other snowplow options listed below. Do not allow the snow to accumulate more than 1 inch before beginning the removal. Also, plowing off the rain tarp makes for a cleaner surface in the end.

CAUTION: When plowing off of the rain tarp, plow in the direction in which the tarp was laid and modifying the plow blade to prevent snagging and tearing the rain tarp.

Plowing an uncovered surface with a pickup truck or utility work vehicle works fine, but you must retrofit the plow blades.

Here are some ideas: Use pressure treated wood/recycled lumber. Hardware needed: long lag bolts, washers, and nuts and one 2 x 4 x 8-inch or 4 x 6 x 8-inch piece of lumber. I remove the snowshoes from the plow (will still be used as the receiver for the pressure treated wood). Take the lumber or whatever you find that will keep the blade from coming in contact with the surface.

On the bottom side of the lumber recess drill two holes (large enough for the lag bolt head with a washer) in alignment with the plow shoe receivers; the recessed drill hole should be deep enough to allow for a lag bolt head to sit flush with the bottom of the board. Place a support washer at the end of the bolt for reinforcement. Run the lag bolt up through the board and through the snowshoe ring on the back of the plow. Add washers above and below the lag bolt as you would with the snowshoe for spacers and secure bolt with a locking nut.

Another idea is using a drainpipe bucket plow. You need a 15-20-foot by 18-inch diameter drainpipe, ratchet straps, and a tractor with bucket. Strapping the drainpipe to the bucket increases the plowing swath; when you plow have the lift bucket up, tilt the bucket forward, lower to turf and plow.

SYNTHETIC FIELDS

When plowing synthetic fields, you don’t need to scrape the surface clean. If you try it will result in the removal of crumb rubber and the chance of turf damage. Instead, drop the plow to the surface and then raise it slightly (1/8 to 1/4 inch). Leaving this small amount of snow is what you want to achieve. Synthetic turf heats up so fast that even 1-2 inches of snow will rapidly melt off if there are slightly exposed areas of green turf.

After the majority of snow has been removed, black crumb rubber (synthetic field) or black sand (natural grass) can be spread over the field. Allow this to sit 20-30 minutes and then run a field groomer over this last bit of snow and it will quickly dissolve. I have also seen green dye sprayed over the last 1 inch of snow that will absorb more sunlight and accelerate the melt.

If only 1-2 inches of snow has fallen on synthetic turf, I have been able to drive a utility vehicle in a crisscross pattern across the field (like a mowing pattern) to achieve melting; by compressing this little bit of snow in the tire tracks it accelerates the melting.

Snow blowers also work well but remember not to scrape it clean. Leave a 1/4 inch of snow, followed by an application of crumb rubber or black sand.

AARON BURDEN ON UNSPLASH.COM

44 | NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022

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Don’t be too concerned with plowing against the seams of the synthetic turf. As long as you’re not scraping it clean and take your time, it will be fine. If you try to cowboy plow the removal of the snow and the plow begins to bounce it could result in extreme turf damage.

If a large amount of snow is called for, get after it as soon as there is an inch of accumulation and keep repeating the removal process throughout the storm.

When the field is scheduled to be used in early spring (March/ April), I recommend you remove the snow after each storm event throughout the winter. Removing all but 1 inch will prevent a lot of heartache come March. It’s much easier to remove 1 inch of snow in the spring than to remove 3 feet of frozen, hard-packed snow.

NESTMA members get more.

Steve LeGros has been in the turfgrass industry for more than 30 years as a turfgrass/stadium operations manager and has been consulting with turfgrass management and facilities operations on all levels of athletic fields since 2007. The article originally appeared in Sports Turf magazine and is reprinted with the author’s permission.

Snow Removal MEMBERS WEIGH IN

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arlier this year, NESTMA polled members on their snow clearing practices. The majority indicated that they do clear snow off synthetic fields and those that don’t hold back due to warranty concerns.

There was an equal split between those that contract the service out and those who perform snow clearing in-house. Clearing snow with a Snow Pusher Box is the overwhelming choice for sports turf professionals.

Tom Barry, CSFM, heads the NESTMA Network committee. When reviewing the results of this poll he noted, “What was interesting to me was that most folks that clear fields do it on a storm-by-storm basis. At Greens Farms Academy [in Westport, CT] we wait until late February.

Primarily because we don’t use the fields over the winter. This has burned us in the past though because when snow builds up, and doesn’t melt off, it can become frozen in layers and is much more difficult to push.”

Sports turf professionals from across New England join NESTMA for meaningful networking, relevant education, and career building resources.

Be a part of NESTMA.

PLANNING IS KEY

Matt Clement, Grounds Manager at Roger Williams University in Providence, RI shares his thoughts on snow removal.

“We have seen an increasing number of synthetic turf fields being installed throughout New England.

“This has helped get athletes out on the fields earlier, but it has created another challenge: snow removal. Sports turf managers need to have a plan in place to remove snow from their synthetic turf fields and be prepared for what Mother Nature tosses their way. By being prepared and having a snow removal plan in place using in-house resources, or contracting out snow removal, sports turf managers can provide their teams and coaches a safe, playable field throughout the winter / spring sports season. There are many resources available including specialized plows and companies with expertise in snow removal on synthetic turf.

“Snow removal on natural grass athletic fields is probably the most challenging. A few years back, David Mellor, Senior Director of Grounds for the Boston Red Sox, came up with the great idea of applying black sand to snow covered athletic fields. The application of black sand is a safe and sustainable alternative to mechanical snow removal. The application of the black sand can be performed in house or contracted out to contractors that have the right equipment to apply the sand safely and efficiently.”

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NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 45

#ICYMI #NEPSAC

Remember to tag #nepsac in your social media posts!

46 | NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022

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WHAT IS SHAW SPORTS TURF?

#MORETHANAFIELD That’s how we like to think about our company. We believe our products are more than playing surfaces, they are centerpieces and rallying points for schools and communities. Along those same lines, we see our customers as partners. We want to be there throughout the life of a field together—and we will be.

Follow us to see more of how our fields are connecting communites.

www.shawsportsturf.com • 1.866.703.4004

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NEPSAC News | Winter 2021–2022 | 47

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