With the commencement of a new academic year at Sacred Heart Academy and the welcoming of students, faculty, and staff back into the vast halls of this great institution, preparations in terms of a new year in sports for the SHArks also began to take root, bringing about a new ban of senior captains eager to lead their teams to victory. In approaching their final year at SHA and their final year to make their athletic mark within the history books for the fall season, it is clear that spirit and effort to make the best of this short term are high priorities among the courageous set of captains this year, each a crucial component for success in their respective teams.

Sacred Heart Academy, being filled to the brim with so many amazingly talented students (both intellectually and otherwise), has always had an impeccable track record in terms of our sports teams. Our girls have brought home countless titles, awards and state- wide recognition, achievements that are certainly commendable beyond words. The backbone of these teams that keeps each dedicated piece of the puzzle working in unity and with support of each other for achievement is the set of captains, each dedicating countless hours to ensure that their leadership and guidance help their teams achieve victory and work together as smoothly as possible.

Sarah Underkofler—co- captain for this year’s volleyball team alongside Anna- Claire Luciani—sees an importance in her ability to guide her team, helping them to find their way to victory with support and encouragement.  Underkofler states, “So far, this season has been quite tough, but the team and I are really sticking together and persevering. As a captain, it is sometimes difficult to lead a team that does not have a good record, but since our team is so close, we have been trying hard to have fun with everything we do, no matter the outcome, and it has made the season that much better!”  In actively working as captain, they are responsible for the well-being, safety, happiness, and effectiveness of their teams, taking their teammates under their wings to help them thrive and do the best that they possibly can each season. Though this a task is slightly intimidating, it is clear that all our of captains this fall season are entirely capable!

So far this year, SHA’s senior captains have exhibited an amazing amount of leadership, sportsmanship and spirit through their dedication to their team and sport, each team involved in the fall athletic season having done incredibly well as a result of their efforts.

Maddy Lagarde, co- captain of the SHA swim team alongside Jenna Tubby, was extremely happy to have been chosen as captain and is looking forward to the rest of what has already been a great season alongside her teammates. She is confident that in their efforts, they will do incredibly well moving forward in the season.“I was so excited to be one of the leaders of the team and to take charge and set the tone for the team this year,” says Lagarde. “I have loved all the previous captains and know how much they meant to and helped me since freshman year. I look up to them and hope to do them proud and to be that person that the team can look up to and come to for anything […] The swim team has always been a strong one and I hope to help that continue; every year we are well represented at States and I expect 2016 to be no different!”  In her clear motivation to help her team succeed (while also allowing everyone to have as memorable of a season as possible!), it is clear that success and cohesion are common goals which remain a major priority.

In approaching any sport, instilling a sense of unity and companionship among team members can create for a much more successful season. Having the ability to enjoy what you are invested in while also achieving great athletic accomplishments is certainly an incredible thing, and the spirit of the captains draws in the great degree of participation seen every year.

In taking this current season on, Annie Cunningham, another brilliant SHA senior and one of the captains of the soccer team this fall, is incredibly confident in her team and looks forward to seeing them thrive. She hopes to ensure a sense of cohesiveness among everyone involved, saying that “the SHA soccer team has great potential to do well this season, especially considering that we have a really solid group of devoted, hard-working seniors and a lot of really talented underclassmen.  With our new coach and revised game schedule, we are faced with many new challenges that we need to adjust to (such as the new competition, line-ups, etc.) but it’s nothing our team cannot handle! I expect us to have a really successful season!”

In having such a positive outlook and willingness to accept anything that comes within her path along with her team, Cunningham, and the other captains leading our teams this year, may certainly be able to advance team success. Each group consistently exhibits a clear sense of sincerity, willingness to strive for greatness, and desire to integrate team spirit–qualities that make for a well- functioning team.

Senior co- captain of the field hockey team alongside Ava D’Agostino this fall, Sara Martin, also notes, “I’m really excited about this season and Ava and I are both looking forward to leading our team. We have a young team this year, but so far we’ve all been able to work well together on and off the field.  With more communication and hustle during games, we’ll be able to score and get a W.” Martin’s enthusiasm demonstrates the distinct drive that makes for a successful captain and team alike.

In attempting to ensure that a team, especially when considering sports, will work well together so as to do the best that they may, it is important that each player works together, the team captain being the glue that keeps the team from crumbling.  Though an incredibly intimidating task, as proven throughout the weeks our captains have been at play, our fall sports teams at SHA are definitely in entirely capable hands, with each amazing senior demonstrating outstanding responsibility, sportsmanship, optimism and organization.  In being an effective leader and team captain, it is so vital that those set to the task are able to mentor their team, guaranteeing that throughout the entirety of the season, the betterment of the team is always put first.

One of the cross-country captains, Jessica Filardi, is thrilled with the opportunity to cheer on her team.”I really enjoy being captain for cross country! During every meet I love encouraging the girls to keeping running and to do their best. I am always so proud of each one of my teammates after every meet; it’s especially fun to watch the underclassmen improve more and more each week.”

Jessica Patten, senior captain of the cheerleading team, feels equally excited, saying, “I feel really blessed to be the captain for such an amazing team this year. It’s exciting to be a role model for so many girls, considering most of our team is new to cheerleading. Our team has improved so much since the first few practices, and I couldn’t be prouder of all their hard work.”

Truly, each of our senior captains this fall season  have been absolutely wonderful so far, exhibiting leadership skills in and out of practice, and with their guidance, it is only a matter of time before the SHArks dominate the SCC this year.

Best of luck to everyone participating and in fall sports this season (and to everyone participating in the future) alongside our amazing captains!  Victory is evident!