National academic and ethics awards for Worcester Prep’s soccer players

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America announced that Worcester Preparatory School girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer teams earned NSCAA Team Academic Awards. The achievement set the teams apart from other teams, demonstrating Worcester Prep’s commitment to achievement on the field and in the classroom. This is an annual award based upon the team members' academic performance throughout the entire school year. To be eligible, teams had to have a combined grade point average of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale. Both Worcester teams exceeded the required average with Worcester boys averaging 3.84 and girls 3.72.

In addition to the NSCAA Team Academic Awards, the girls’ soccer team was honored with the NSCAA Gold Award - Team Ethics Award of Merit for High School Teams. Only 16 teams in the nation are eligible to receive this honor. To achieve the Gold Award, the girls had to demonstrate fair play and great character in each game they played. Worcester girls did not receive any caution cards during their entire season of play.

Members of the Worcester girls’ soccer team are in front (l-r) Sarah Freund, Whaleyville, Md.; Frankie Willing, Salisbury, Md.; Amanda Gabriel, Millsboro; Maura Smith, Ocean City, Md.; Madison Bescak, Ocean Pines, Md.; and Cynthia Delaney, Berlin, Md. In back are assistant coach Tony D’Antonio, Hebron, Md.; assistant coach Megan Wallace, Ocean Pines; Mikalah Potvin, Snow Hill, Md.; Laura Issel, Rehoboth Beach; Grace Tunis, Ocean City; Tori Barros, Rehoboth Beach; Regan Shanahan, Ocean Pines; Julia D’Antonio, Hebron; Sophie Brennan, Salisbury; Olivia Bescak, Ocean Pines; Lilly DiNardo, Salisbury; Melissa Laws, Berlin; Claire Dorey, Millville; Maggie Coutu, Willards, Md.; and head coach Carol Hartnett, Bethany Beach. Not shown are Alissa and Julie Talbert, Eden, Md.; Shelby Laws, Berlin; and Molly Soulé, Ocean City.