Coaches: Marc Batson and Ben Heebner

The 2022 season can be best summed up in three words: leadership, growth, and positivity. The Saints returned four sixth formers from the 2021 team, and the foursome of Lily Cucuzzella, Quinn Nguyen, Sabina Noël, and Veronica Noël were quickly identified by their fellow teammates as leaders as each were voted into the role of captain. Lily and Sabina led by example through their hard work and tenacity, while Quinn and Veronica were more vocal, with Quinn saying what needed to be said to push the team and Veronica ever cheerful and positive. Having these different leadership styles working together allowed the 2022 Saints to never get too high or too low throughout a challenging season. Their kindness, good humor, incredible work ethic, and leadership will surely be missed.

The growth of this team can be seen in the team’s youth. Second former Avery Ndong-Cantave, third formers Willa Pentony, Eliane Demba, and fourth formers Nina Hyat, Val Zumbrun, Anna McMillan, Kamsi Mbanugo, and Claire Barnes all played pivotal roles in the success of the team. These young players improved their ball skills, fitness, and knowledge of the game in leaps and bounds. Many times, these players were asked to play the entire game. Early in the season, the Saints struggled mightily against the stronger teams on the schedule, but as the season went on, the lopsided losses transitioned to thrilling wins or heartbreaking losses. The Saints scored a last-minute goal to earn a victory over Bishop Walsh but also had a last-minute goal against Saint Maria Goretti waved off in agonizing fashion. These moments, though polar opposites, taught the 2022 Saints the same lesson—that they are capable of playing with anyone.

The positivity of this team was their greatest trait. Led by the four senior captains, the team never got down on themselves despite many challenges. Many players were completely new to soccer but jumped right into each drill, conditioning session, and game, eager to learn. Dani Brown (Fifth Form), Pamela Boehm Solis (Fourth Form), Eugenia Bores-Leonori Ventos (Fourth Form), Gigi Rukos Montañez (Fourth Form), Jennette Nguyen (Second Form), Kirstie Kansiime (Fourth Form), Taylor McFadden (Second Form), Athena Sapp (Third Form), Julia Zumbrun (Second Form), and Charlotte Kingry (Fourth Form) brought energy, laughter, and enthusiasm to each practice. Though they did not play in games much, they were pivotal to the team remaining positive and having fun.

The 2022 Saints grew with each practice and game and were often praised by opponents for their sportsmanship. Though outsiders may not view this season as a success, those inside the program, that witnessed the leadership, positivity, and growth of this young team, define success a little bit differently. They were kind, they got better, and they never gave up.


MVP:
Sabina Noël '23

SAA:
Anna McMillan '25

MIP:
Claire Barnes '25