Girls’ Soccer Team Honored for Sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship is the essence of what it means to be a Saints athlete, so we are delighted that our Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team and coaches have received the Andy Pitonak Sportsmanship Award from the Western Connecticut Soccer Officials Association (WCSOA). Kudos to all the girls and to Head Coach and English Teacher Amy Franklin and Assistant Coach and Canterbury alumnus Seidu Shamsudeen ’18 for their strong leadership throughout the season.

Each year, the association recognizes boys’ and girls’ soccer teams from throughout the region that show exceptional sportsmanship. They commended our team for exemplary conduct towards referees and opponents, fair play, grace in victory or defeat, respect, positive attitude and motivation, and strong player-coach relationships. Amy accepted the award on the team’s behalf at the WCSOA banquet in Waterbury, Connecticut, in November.

“The award was an unexpected honor and a beautiful way to end the season. It is a testament to the players' resilience, work ethic, and camaraderie,” Amy said. “The team rose above expectations daily, demonstrating their unwavering character and dedication. This recognition validated our commitment to fair play and positively impacting the game and the team culture we have built over the past few seasons. I could not be prouder!”

And we could not be prouder of Amy, Seidu, and the team for setting such a fine example for others to follow all season long. Congratulations!