Success in sports translates into academic excellence
By James Quatromoni, Hull High Athletic Director
The term “student-athlete” is one that is taken quite seriously within the athletic department at Hull High School. Obviously, this season’s varsity girls’ basketball team shares that same priority. All 13 members achieved the honor roll for the second term, including three who earned high honors.
Athletics certainly help student-athletes better understand the connection between hard work and achievement. Time management skills are also tested on a regular basis. A typical week can include upward of eight hours of practice and two games. Without proper planning, things can unravel academically and athletically.
I believe that the words of these young ladies and their head coach will truly illustrate the mindset behind their success.
“Success in school starts with academic achievement. The players on this team recognize that and make it a priority,” said head coach John Donohue. “What we do on the court to win basketball games is very important, but it is secondary to the primary goal of every student-athlete, which is to excel in the classroom.”
A vital part of our high school coaching staff’s responsibilities is to maintain academic priority and achievement. Often, participation is the push a student needs to work harder in the classroom. Academic standards at Hull High demand that.
“Basketball is motivation to do well in school,” said junior Ana Bottary.
“The hard work that the team puts into training and practices seems to make academics easier,” senior captain Alex Mainini said. “Being part of an athletic team makes you mentally tougher, and you are better able to deal with obstacles.”
Physically, a basketball practice can be grueling. That preparation requires a strong mentality and focus if a team or individual is to succeed. Facing an opponent on the playing field often can help you better deal with your primary academic opponent – yourself. In dealing with that challenge, senior Leigh Woodworth said, “When in a season, I’m forced to prioritize my time. I have to make time for my assignments and consider game and practice schedules. I have to be disciplined about it.”
“To be successful as a team, we need to push each other on the court. We rely on each other for motivation. This carries over to the classroom, too,” Bottary added.
Ana’s quote really paints the picture. These girls compete on the court and in the classroom. Athletics has helped each of them demand and accept nothing less than excellence from themselves and the group.
When asked about lessons learned from athletics that help in the classroom, sophomore Julie Manning said, “Staying consistent is the most important thing. If you do your homework and prepare for tests, you will do well. If you can stay consistent on the court, you will win.”
Sophomore Ashleigh Condon answered the same question: “Even when things are going badly, you have to work harder.”
Perseverance. It is a necessary trait of any good athlete or team. It is a necessary trait of a good student. It is a necessary trait of successful, productive members of a community.
As these exciting results are produced in the classroom, the on-the-court success is encouraging as well. On Tuesday, the Lady Pirates qualified for their second consecutive trip to the state tournament. The girls are 7-5 in the South Shore League, and 10-5 overall.
“It is so nice to be part of a team that excels academically and athletically,” Junior Rachel Allen said.
All state tournament information will be available on the website as it becomes available.
This year’s team consists of seniors Alex Mainini, Leigh Woodworth, and Siobhan McDonagh; juniors Ana Bottary and Rachel Allen; sophomores Ashleigh Condon, and Julie Manning;
and freshmen Amy MacDonald, Elena Karski, Marissa Johnson, Nicole Heavern, Taylor Vieira, and Stefani Cohen.
John Donohue is the head coach, assisted by Liz Londergan, Mike Cohen, and Christine Sampson.
• • • •
Over the next several months, I am hopeful that you will see a steady stream of information regarding the Hull High School Athletic Hall of Fame. As we move into Hull High School’s 50th year, we hope to induct our first class of Hall of Famers in October.
There are many motivations behind the efforts of so many to make this Hall of Fame a reality. Mainly, though, we seek to show our current students some of the exciting accomplishments of those who came before them. We hope that role models will be created or recognized along the way. We also strive to build another bridge back to the community. This is our school, these are our teams, and – these are our kids.
I look forward to the efforts of our board and selection committee to provide a Hall that is a source of pride for our community. I am excited that the structure of our efforts will create a partnership between the community, alumni, and these groups. No matter your year of graduation, we are now, once again on the same team.
We appreciate your support. Go Pirates! |
