Coaches recognize freshmen fall sports athletes who shined throughout their first athletic season at Cabrini College. This season was their first taste of competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III, the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference and the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference. Members of each sports team sparkled in their own light, and some shined just a bit brighter in their coach’s opinions.
Six student-athletes have been recognized by their coaches as overall champions and have been noticed for not only their athletic abilities, but also for their positive attitudes. Every coach agreed that these players added an element to each team that helped to make the season a success. Here is what a few coaches had to say about their freshmen picks:
For the men’s soccer team, Coach Glen Jaskelewicz mentioned goalkeeper Colin Hinkelmon, who led the team with three wins this year, two of which were shutouts.
Jaskelewicz said, “Hinkelmon has been chosen for my star athlete because as a freshman this year, he was able to lead the team from the goalkeeper’s position and contribute to the team’s overall performance/success. He is very athletic, possesses tremendous leaping ability, has a huge punt, and most importantly, can take a leadership role among some of the older players on the team, but does it in a fashion that allows the other players to respect him.” Jaskelewicz added that Hinkelmon shows “true signs of strong character and the will to succeed.”
Although Ken Prothero, the women’s soccer coach, could not choose between so many of his team’s talented freshmen, he did add a comment about the team’s freshmen as a group. Prothero said, “We had nine one-goal games and played a competitive match against almost every opponent. Many of the freshmen had to play a lot of minutes in many of the games, often battling injuries and sore muscles. They truly love the game of soccer and enjoy playing together.”
Cross-country and track coach Tom O’Hora mentioned two outstanding team members. Justin Walsh, O’Hora’s star candidate from the men’s cross-country team, joined the Cabrini community after being one of the top runners in the PIAA District 1 AA. O’Hora said, “He quietly leads with his drive and desire to excel. In the future, he will continue to push the other members of the team.”
Jen Davis was O’Hora’s pick from the women’s cross-country team. Her dedication and potential was illustrated when O’Hora said, “Her hard work and devotion to the team despite being sick or hurt most of the season was an inspiration to everyone on the team. Jen always has a smile on her face even through some of the toughest workouts and through a trying season. Once she gets her health back on track, we expect Jen will improve greatly.”
Jackie Neary, head field hockey and lacrosse coach, chose Cat McCue as her freshman standout this season. This talented freshman earned a starting position early in the season and was able to contribute greatly to the team’s success. Neary said, “She is one of the most talented freshman I have ever had. She was our leading scorer this season with 12 goals and 3 assists. She is dangerous with the ball when she is near the cage.”
Diana DiTaranto is the choice of Women’s tennis coach John Magee. “I am impressed with her work ethic, dedication to her team and her willingness to be coached to try to improve her game. I believe that her up-side in tennis has no ceiling and one can see her maturing into a leader even though she is just starting her college career,” Magee said. DiTaranto has made a lasting impression on her teammates and coach by being selected as rookie-of-the-year and player-of -the-year as an incoming player.
Women’s volleyball coach, Tricia Arnold, decided to mention two star freshmen athletes that both stood out on the team. Outside hitter Lindsay Martin joined the Cabrini College community all the way from Torrence, Calif. Arnold described her as a very versatile player who could have played any position on the court. “She brought a new spark to the team as a leader,” Arnold said.
The “surprise of the season,” said Arnold, proved to be setter Michelle Mola. As one of the top leaders of aces in the entire league, Mola played through significant injury and contributed to the team’s overall success.
These star members of Cabrini College athletics maintain the mission statement of the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, which is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity for all student-athletes; protecting student-athlete welfare; and fostering a positive student-athlete image, while maintaining the tenants of the Division III philosophy, according to the Cabrini College website on athletics.
An anonymous writer defines a well-rounded Cabrini College athlete with an excerpt from a posting on the Cabrini College website, entitled “Why We Play D-III Athletics.” “We train hard, lift, throw, run, kick, tackle, shoot, dribble and lift some more, and in the morning we go to class. And in that class we are nothing more than students. It’s about pride-in ourselves, in our school. It’s about our love and passion for the game.”
Posted to the web by Brian Coary
