High School: McKenzie Meehan
New England Roundup: Rhode Island
February, 9, 2012
Feb 9
3:56
PM ET
By Mike Scandura | ESPNBoston.com
At the risk of using a horse-racing metaphor, Cranston West High recorded a “daily double” when Words Unlimited announced its award winners for the 2011 calendar year.
Jeff Diehl, who starred in basketball and baseball, was voted the Schoolboy Athlete of the Year while Falcons baseball coach Rob Malo was voted the Schoolboy Sports Coach of the Year.
Diehl, a senior, led the Falcons to the first-ever Division I basketball championship in school history.
Then, in the spring, he hit .537 with six home runs and 27 RBI as the Falcons compiled a 13-5 regular-season record. His production was a major reason why Cranston West won the Division I state championship.
When June rolled around, Diehl was selected in the 23rd round by the New York Mets.
Malo replaced veteran and eminently successful coach Chuck Jones in 2007 – two years after the Falcons won their first Division I state baseball title since 1975.
The Falcons finished the 2011 season on top of the Division I pile as they spotted North Kingstown a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three finals and won the next two games to capture the state championship.
On the distaff side, La Salle’s twin sisters Madison and McKenzie Meehan were voted co-Schoolgirl Athletes of the Year while Barrington cross-country coach Annmarie Marino was named the Schoolgirl Sports Coach of the Year.
Last fall, Madison Meehan led the country in assists with 44 while McKenzie led the nation in scoring with 80 goals as the Rams won their fourth consecutive Division I state soccer championship.
Each Meehan also earned All-State honors the previous winter as the Rams annexed their fifth straight state indoor title.
Marino guided the Eagles to both the Class A and State championships. The state title was the first in school history since 1994.
Words Unlimited is the statewide organization of sportswriters, sportscasters and sports publicists.
Jeff Diehl, who starred in basketball and baseball, was voted the Schoolboy Athlete of the Year while Falcons baseball coach Rob Malo was voted the Schoolboy Sports Coach of the Year.
Diehl, a senior, led the Falcons to the first-ever Division I basketball championship in school history.
Then, in the spring, he hit .537 with six home runs and 27 RBI as the Falcons compiled a 13-5 regular-season record. His production was a major reason why Cranston West won the Division I state championship.
When June rolled around, Diehl was selected in the 23rd round by the New York Mets.
Malo replaced veteran and eminently successful coach Chuck Jones in 2007 – two years after the Falcons won their first Division I state baseball title since 1975.
The Falcons finished the 2011 season on top of the Division I pile as they spotted North Kingstown a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three finals and won the next two games to capture the state championship.
On the distaff side, La Salle’s twin sisters Madison and McKenzie Meehan were voted co-Schoolgirl Athletes of the Year while Barrington cross-country coach Annmarie Marino was named the Schoolgirl Sports Coach of the Year.
Last fall, Madison Meehan led the country in assists with 44 while McKenzie led the nation in scoring with 80 goals as the Rams won their fourth consecutive Division I state soccer championship.
Each Meehan also earned All-State honors the previous winter as the Rams annexed their fifth straight state indoor title.
Marino guided the Eagles to both the Class A and State championships. The state title was the first in school history since 1994.
Words Unlimited is the statewide organization of sportswriters, sportscasters and sports publicists.
In its 27th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPNHS, today announced Hayley Dowd of Peabody High School as its 2011-12 Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Player of the Year. Dowd is the first Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Player of the Year to be chosen from Peabody High School.
The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Dowd as Massachusetts’s best high school girls soccer player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year award to be announced in May, Dowd joins an elite alumni association of past state award-winners in 12 sports, including Abby Wambach (1997-98, Our Lady of Mercy, N.Y.), Derek Jeter (1991-92, Kalamazoo HS, Mich.), Candace Parker (2001-02, Naperville Central HS, Ill.), Alexi Lalas (1987-88, Cranbrook HS, Mich.), Heather O’Reilly (2001-02, East Brunswick HS, N.J.) and Mark Sanchez (2004-05, Mission Viejo HS, Calif.).
The 5-foot-5 junior forward led the Tanners to a 22-0-2 record and the Division 1 state championship this past season. Dowd scored 41 goals and passed for 19 assists, recording seven goals and three assists in six postseason matches. An All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Dowd is a two-time Northeastern Conference MVP. She has 121 goals and 43 assists through three varsity seasons.
Dowd has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of the Peabody High Captain’s Council, she has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach.
“Hayley Dowd can score working with her team, she can go 1-on-1 and if she is double-teamed she finds her teammates with passes for easy goals” said Fred Day, Salem High's head coach. “She never stops working off the ball. I would pay to watch her play.”
Dowd has verbally committed to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Boston College beginning in the fall of 2013.
Dowd joins recent Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Players of the Year Sam Mewis (2010–11, 2009-10, Whitman-Hanson), Danielle Dakin (2008–09, Minnechaug), Hayley Brock (2007-08, Acton-Boxborough), and Amy Caldwell (2006-07, Braintree) among the state’s list of former award winners.
Here are the winners from the other five New England states:
CONNECTICUT: PAULA HAGOPIAN, KINGSWOOD-OXFORD
The 5-foot-4 senior forward scored 13 goals and passed for 10 assists this past season, leading the Wyverns to a 5-7-2 record. Also the 2011 Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Year and a two-time All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Hagopian led Kingswood Oxford to the 2010 New England Prep School Athletic Council Class B championship. She concluded her prep soccer career with 56 goals and 35 assists.
Hagopian has maintained a 3.73 GPA in the classroom. The first chair clarinet player in the Kingswood Oxford school band, she has volunteered locally as a peer tutor and at an area homeless shelter and food bank.
“Paula is so strong that defenders bounce off her,” said Matt Micros, a club coach with Connecticut FC. “She can hold the ball up well and also spin defenders with ease. What she lacks in technique she more than make up for with power and pace.”
Hagopian will attend Yale University where she will play soccer beginning this fall.
Hagopian joins recent Gatorade Connecticut Girls Soccer Players of the Year Riley Houle (2010–11, Windham), Kate McCarthy, (2009-10, Loomis Chaffee), Jessica Schloth (2008–09, St. Joseph), Alex Uscilla (2007-08, St. Joseph), and Bianca D’Agostino (2006-07, Loomis Chaffee) among the state’s list of former award winners.
RHODE ISLAND: McKENZIE MEEHAN, LA SALLE
The 5-foot-5 senior forward led the Rams to a 20-0-2 record and the Division 1 state championship this past season. Meehan scored 80 goals and passed for 14 assists, including two goals and two assists in a 6-2 win over Smithfield High in the state final. The returning Gatorade Rhode Island Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Meehan is a two-time All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. She recorded 16 hat tricks in 22 games with six four-goal games, four five-goal games and three six-goal games, concluding her prep soccer career with 181 goals and 41 assists.
Meehan has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of La Salle’s Pegasus Gifted Student Program, she has volunteered locally as a peer Spanish tutor and a youth soccer coach.
“McKenzie Meehan should be on the national team,” said Keith Caldwell, Meehan’s coach with the Scorpions SC club team. “She’s the best goal-scorer I’ve ever seen. She is strong, athletic, tough and she holds the ball well. She’s not flashy. She just scores goals.”
Meehan has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Boston College beginning this fall.
Meehan joins recent Gatorade Rhode Island Girls Soccer Players of the Year Allison Kelley, (2009-10, 2008-09, La Salle), Katie Reilly (2007-08, St. Mary Academy-Bay View), and Erica Florenz (2006-2007, Scituate) among the state’s list of former award winners.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: MORGAN ANDREWS, MILFORD
The 5-foot-9 junior forward scored 31 goals and passed for six assists this past season, leading the Spartans (11-6-1) to the Division II state quarterfinals. The returning Gatorade New Hampshire Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Andrews is captain of the U.S. Soccer Under-17 Women’s National Team and is a member of the Under-23 National Team. The 2011 National Soccer Coaches Association of America National Girls Youth Player of the Year for club play and a two-time NSCAA All-American selection, she has 83 goals and 35 assists in three varsity campaigns.
Andrews has maintained a 3.03 GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach and mentor, and she founded a local “Kicks for Cans” charity program that involves coaches and players donating their time in exchange for canned goods that are brought to area food banks.
“Morgan Andrews, the kid’s a phenom,” said Jason Dewhurst, the director of coaching for the Stars of Massachusetts club team. “She plays way above her years. She always shows up to play, whether it’s training or games, it doesn’t matter. She’s a fierce competitor and wants to win. She deserves all the accolades she gets.”
Andrews has verbally committed to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Boston College beginning in the fall of 2013.
Andrews joins recent Gatorade New Hampshire Girls Soccer Players of the Year Kailey Blain (2009-10, 2008-09, Merrimack), Kristy Zurmuhlen (2007-08, Fall Mountain Regional, and Lindsey Miller (2006-07, Bishop Guertin) among the state’s list of former award winners.
MAINE: CAITLIN BUCKSBAUM, FALMOUTH
The 5-foot-5 junior midfielder led the Yachtsmen to a 13-4-1 record and the Class B state championship this past season. Bucksbaum scored 10 goals and passed for 11 assists. In her first year at Falmouth High, Bucksbaum was a Maine Sunday Telegram First Team All-State selection and earned First Team All-Western Maine Conference recognition. As a sophomore in 2010, she started for Ardrey Kell High in Charlotte, N.C., which reached the Class 4A state final.
Bucksbaum has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of Falmouth High’s Environmental Action Committee, she has volunteered locally as a peer math tutor, a youth soccer coach and with the Ronald McDonald House.
“Caitlin Bucksbaum is a good player. Her appetite to get better is amazing,” said Jason Dewhurst, the director of coaching for the Stars of Massachusetts club team. “She’s quick, athletic, has good feet and can strike a ball from distance.”
Bucksbaum joins recent Gatorade Maine Girls Soccer Players of the Year Allison Walton (2010–11, 2009-10, Brunswick, Elise Amioka (2008–09, Marshwood), Rachele Burns (2007-08, Gorham), and Kelsey Wilson (2006-07, Gorham) among the state’s list of former award winners.
VERMONT: LAUREN BERNARD, COLCHESTER
The 5-foot-3 senior forward/midfielder scored 24 goals and passed for five assists this past season, leading the Lakers (7-6-2) to the Div. I state quarterfinals. The state’s returning Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Bernard is a two-time All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and was chosen as Burlington Free Press Player of the Year. She is a former member of the U.S. Soccer Federation Under-15 Women’s National Team, and a current member of the Under-18 National Team player pool.
Bernard has maintained a 3.93 GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally with youth soccer programs and camps.
“She’s very strong technically and her left foot is deadly,” said Dwight Irish, head coach of rival Vergennes High. “If she has a little bit of room and she’s anywhere near the goal, she’s going to change the game.”
Bernard has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on scholarship at Boston College this fall.
Bernard joins recent Gatorade Vermont Girls Soccer Players of the Year Brittany Pfaff, (2009-10, Rice Memorial), Natalie LeClair (2008–09, 2007-08, Essex), and Emily Milbank (2006-07, Champlain Valley Union) among the state’s list of former award winners.
The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Dowd as Massachusetts’s best high school girls soccer player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year award to be announced in May, Dowd joins an elite alumni association of past state award-winners in 12 sports, including Abby Wambach (1997-98, Our Lady of Mercy, N.Y.), Derek Jeter (1991-92, Kalamazoo HS, Mich.), Candace Parker (2001-02, Naperville Central HS, Ill.), Alexi Lalas (1987-88, Cranbrook HS, Mich.), Heather O’Reilly (2001-02, East Brunswick HS, N.J.) and Mark Sanchez (2004-05, Mission Viejo HS, Calif.).
The 5-foot-5 junior forward led the Tanners to a 22-0-2 record and the Division 1 state championship this past season. Dowd scored 41 goals and passed for 19 assists, recording seven goals and three assists in six postseason matches. An All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Dowd is a two-time Northeastern Conference MVP. She has 121 goals and 43 assists through three varsity seasons.
Dowd has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of the Peabody High Captain’s Council, she has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach.
“Hayley Dowd can score working with her team, she can go 1-on-1 and if she is double-teamed she finds her teammates with passes for easy goals” said Fred Day, Salem High's head coach. “She never stops working off the ball. I would pay to watch her play.”
Dowd has verbally committed to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Boston College beginning in the fall of 2013.
Dowd joins recent Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Players of the Year Sam Mewis (2010–11, 2009-10, Whitman-Hanson), Danielle Dakin (2008–09, Minnechaug), Hayley Brock (2007-08, Acton-Boxborough), and Amy Caldwell (2006-07, Braintree) among the state’s list of former award winners.
Here are the winners from the other five New England states:
CONNECTICUT: PAULA HAGOPIAN, KINGSWOOD-OXFORD
The 5-foot-4 senior forward scored 13 goals and passed for 10 assists this past season, leading the Wyverns to a 5-7-2 record. Also the 2011 Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Year and a two-time All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Hagopian led Kingswood Oxford to the 2010 New England Prep School Athletic Council Class B championship. She concluded her prep soccer career with 56 goals and 35 assists.
Hagopian has maintained a 3.73 GPA in the classroom. The first chair clarinet player in the Kingswood Oxford school band, she has volunteered locally as a peer tutor and at an area homeless shelter and food bank.
“Paula is so strong that defenders bounce off her,” said Matt Micros, a club coach with Connecticut FC. “She can hold the ball up well and also spin defenders with ease. What she lacks in technique she more than make up for with power and pace.”
Hagopian will attend Yale University where she will play soccer beginning this fall.
Hagopian joins recent Gatorade Connecticut Girls Soccer Players of the Year Riley Houle (2010–11, Windham), Kate McCarthy, (2009-10, Loomis Chaffee), Jessica Schloth (2008–09, St. Joseph), Alex Uscilla (2007-08, St. Joseph), and Bianca D’Agostino (2006-07, Loomis Chaffee) among the state’s list of former award winners.
RHODE ISLAND: McKENZIE MEEHAN, LA SALLE
The 5-foot-5 senior forward led the Rams to a 20-0-2 record and the Division 1 state championship this past season. Meehan scored 80 goals and passed for 14 assists, including two goals and two assists in a 6-2 win over Smithfield High in the state final. The returning Gatorade Rhode Island Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Meehan is a two-time All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. She recorded 16 hat tricks in 22 games with six four-goal games, four five-goal games and three six-goal games, concluding her prep soccer career with 181 goals and 41 assists.
Meehan has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of La Salle’s Pegasus Gifted Student Program, she has volunteered locally as a peer Spanish tutor and a youth soccer coach.
“McKenzie Meehan should be on the national team,” said Keith Caldwell, Meehan’s coach with the Scorpions SC club team. “She’s the best goal-scorer I’ve ever seen. She is strong, athletic, tough and she holds the ball well. She’s not flashy. She just scores goals.”
Meehan has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Boston College beginning this fall.
Meehan joins recent Gatorade Rhode Island Girls Soccer Players of the Year Allison Kelley, (2009-10, 2008-09, La Salle), Katie Reilly (2007-08, St. Mary Academy-Bay View), and Erica Florenz (2006-2007, Scituate) among the state’s list of former award winners.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: MORGAN ANDREWS, MILFORD
The 5-foot-9 junior forward scored 31 goals and passed for six assists this past season, leading the Spartans (11-6-1) to the Division II state quarterfinals. The returning Gatorade New Hampshire Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Andrews is captain of the U.S. Soccer Under-17 Women’s National Team and is a member of the Under-23 National Team. The 2011 National Soccer Coaches Association of America National Girls Youth Player of the Year for club play and a two-time NSCAA All-American selection, she has 83 goals and 35 assists in three varsity campaigns.
Andrews has maintained a 3.03 GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach and mentor, and she founded a local “Kicks for Cans” charity program that involves coaches and players donating their time in exchange for canned goods that are brought to area food banks.
“Morgan Andrews, the kid’s a phenom,” said Jason Dewhurst, the director of coaching for the Stars of Massachusetts club team. “She plays way above her years. She always shows up to play, whether it’s training or games, it doesn’t matter. She’s a fierce competitor and wants to win. She deserves all the accolades she gets.”
Andrews has verbally committed to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Boston College beginning in the fall of 2013.
Andrews joins recent Gatorade New Hampshire Girls Soccer Players of the Year Kailey Blain (2009-10, 2008-09, Merrimack), Kristy Zurmuhlen (2007-08, Fall Mountain Regional, and Lindsey Miller (2006-07, Bishop Guertin) among the state’s list of former award winners.
MAINE: CAITLIN BUCKSBAUM, FALMOUTH
The 5-foot-5 junior midfielder led the Yachtsmen to a 13-4-1 record and the Class B state championship this past season. Bucksbaum scored 10 goals and passed for 11 assists. In her first year at Falmouth High, Bucksbaum was a Maine Sunday Telegram First Team All-State selection and earned First Team All-Western Maine Conference recognition. As a sophomore in 2010, she started for Ardrey Kell High in Charlotte, N.C., which reached the Class 4A state final.
Bucksbaum has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of Falmouth High’s Environmental Action Committee, she has volunteered locally as a peer math tutor, a youth soccer coach and with the Ronald McDonald House.
“Caitlin Bucksbaum is a good player. Her appetite to get better is amazing,” said Jason Dewhurst, the director of coaching for the Stars of Massachusetts club team. “She’s quick, athletic, has good feet and can strike a ball from distance.”
Bucksbaum joins recent Gatorade Maine Girls Soccer Players of the Year Allison Walton (2010–11, 2009-10, Brunswick, Elise Amioka (2008–09, Marshwood), Rachele Burns (2007-08, Gorham), and Kelsey Wilson (2006-07, Gorham) among the state’s list of former award winners.
VERMONT: LAUREN BERNARD, COLCHESTER
The 5-foot-3 senior forward/midfielder scored 24 goals and passed for five assists this past season, leading the Lakers (7-6-2) to the Div. I state quarterfinals. The state’s returning Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Bernard is a two-time All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and was chosen as Burlington Free Press Player of the Year. She is a former member of the U.S. Soccer Federation Under-15 Women’s National Team, and a current member of the Under-18 National Team player pool.
Bernard has maintained a 3.93 GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally with youth soccer programs and camps.
“She’s very strong technically and her left foot is deadly,” said Dwight Irish, head coach of rival Vergennes High. “If she has a little bit of room and she’s anywhere near the goal, she’s going to change the game.”
Bernard has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on scholarship at Boston College this fall.
Bernard joins recent Gatorade Vermont Girls Soccer Players of the Year Brittany Pfaff, (2009-10, Rice Memorial), Natalie LeClair (2008–09, 2007-08, Essex), and Emily Milbank (2006-07, Champlain Valley Union) among the state’s list of former award winners.
New England Roundup: Rhode Island
November, 2, 2011
11/02/11
6:02
PM ET
By Mike Scandura | ESPNBoston.com
Is there any sports fan who hasn’t heard that cliché’ “picking up the slack?”
That’s exactly what Division I leader La Salle Academy did on October 28 when the Rams overcame the loss of quarterback Anthony Francis, who was sidelined with an ankle injury, and still throttled playoff contender Cranston West, 30-6.
Junior running back Josh Morris certainly picked up the slack in his teammate’s absence by scoring on touchdown runs of 22 and 51 yards in the first half as the Rams remained on top with a 6-0 record.
La Salle also received a lift from backup quarterback Jack Collins who came off the bench and scored on runs of two yards and one yard.
As a result, La Salle has outscored its six division opponents by a hefty margin of 234-86 and is in position to run the table which would enable coach Geoff Marcone’s team to clinch the division title and the top seed in the upcoming playoffs.
But as is frequently the case, the title and the No. 1 seed won’t be decided until Thanksgiving Day when the Rams play arch-rival East Providence (4-1) in the state’s longest-running series on that holiday.
The Townies ventured to Massachusetts last weekend and were blanked, 26-0, by Foxborough in a non-league game – due in large part to the fact they committed seven turnovers. But the previous weekend, East Providence moved into title contention by beating third-place Hendricken (4-2), 35-14, as quarterback Brandon Peters threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Victor Adewoski and ran for a pair of touchdowns.
Should East Providence and La Salle enter their Thanksgiving game still ranked 1-2 in the standings and if the Townies win which would force a tie, they would earn the No. 1 seed based on the first tiebreaker (record in head-to-head competition).
That’s exactly what Division I leader La Salle Academy did on October 28 when the Rams overcame the loss of quarterback Anthony Francis, who was sidelined with an ankle injury, and still throttled playoff contender Cranston West, 30-6.
Junior running back Josh Morris certainly picked up the slack in his teammate’s absence by scoring on touchdown runs of 22 and 51 yards in the first half as the Rams remained on top with a 6-0 record.
La Salle also received a lift from backup quarterback Jack Collins who came off the bench and scored on runs of two yards and one yard.
As a result, La Salle has outscored its six division opponents by a hefty margin of 234-86 and is in position to run the table which would enable coach Geoff Marcone’s team to clinch the division title and the top seed in the upcoming playoffs.
But as is frequently the case, the title and the No. 1 seed won’t be decided until Thanksgiving Day when the Rams play arch-rival East Providence (4-1) in the state’s longest-running series on that holiday.
The Townies ventured to Massachusetts last weekend and were blanked, 26-0, by Foxborough in a non-league game – due in large part to the fact they committed seven turnovers. But the previous weekend, East Providence moved into title contention by beating third-place Hendricken (4-2), 35-14, as quarterback Brandon Peters threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Victor Adewoski and ran for a pair of touchdowns.
Should East Providence and La Salle enter their Thanksgiving game still ranked 1-2 in the standings and if the Townies win which would force a tie, they would earn the No. 1 seed based on the first tiebreaker (record in head-to-head competition).
The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPN RISE, today announced Sam Mewis of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School as its 2010-11 Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Player of the Year. This is the second straight honor for Mewis, who is the first Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Player of the Year to be chosen from Whitman-Hanson.
The 5-foot-11 senior midfielder recorded 28 goals and eight assists this past season, leading the Panthers (17-1-1) to the Division I South Sectional Tournament. Also the 2009-10 Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Mewis was a member of the U.S. Soccer Under-20 Women’s National Team that participated in the Under-20 World Cup last summer in Germany. The 2010 National Soccer Coaches Association of America High School Player of the Year, Mewis concluded her high school soccer career with 77 goals and 34 assists.
Mewis has maintained a 3.89 weighted GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally as a youth soccer instructor, served in her school’s student government and assisted in relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina.
“Sam Mewis has really matured as a player over the last year,” said Keith Caldwell, Mewis’ club coach with Scorpions Soccer Club. “The time she has spent with the older national teams has made her a better player. It has exposed her to the highest level of women’s soccer in the world at the youth level, and she’s kept raising her game and raising her game.”
Mewis has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on scholarship at UCLA this fall.
Two-time winner Mewis joins recent Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Players of the Year Danielle Dakin (2008-09, Minnechaug Regional High School), and Hayley Brock (2007-08, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School) among the state’s list of former award winners.
Here are the releases for the other five New England states honoring Gatorade Players of the Year this morning:
CONNECTICUT: RILEY HOULE, WINDHAM
The 5-foot-2 senior midfielder recorded 18 goals and seven assists this past season, leading the Whippets (11-7) to the second round of the Class M state tournament. A member of the U.S. Soccer Under-18 Women’s National Team Player Pool, Houle was a 2010 ESPN RISE Second Team All-American selection and a 2010 National Soccer Coaches Association of America Youth All-American selection. Houle concluded her prep soccer career with 79 goals and 38 assists.
Houle has maintained a 3.70 GPA in the classroom. A volunteer youth soccer instructor, she has also created a fundraiser, JB24 Believe, to support a friend and teammate afflicted with leukemia, and she has donated her time locally as part of fundraising campaigns to benefit breast cancer research and an area homeless shelter.
“Riley Houle is the complete package in terms of a soccer player,” said Rick Derella, Houle’s club coach with Oakwood Soccer Club. “She’s a very skillful and instinctive player. She’s not a manufactured player. She can beat people on the run, she can shoot, she can pass. She can do it all.”
Houle has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on scholarship at the University of Connecticut this fall and recently graduated Windham High early to begin attending spring semester collegiate classes.
Houle joins recent Gatorade Connecticut Girls Soccer Players of the Year Kate McCarthy (2009-10, The Loomis Chaffee School), Jessica Schloth (2008-09, St. Joseph High School), and Alex Uscilla (2007-08, St. Joseph High School) among the state’s list of former award winners.
RHODE ISLAND: MCKENZIE MEEHAN, LA SALLE ACADEMY
The 5-foot-5 junior forward led the Rams to a 19-0-2 record and their third straight Division I state title this past season. Meehan scored 49 goals and passed for 10 assists, including the game-winning strike with two minutes to play in La Salle’s 1-0 win over East Greenwich in the state title game. A 2010 All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Meehan is a two-time Providence Journal First Team All-State pick and a U.S. Youth Soccer 1994 Region I Olympic Development Program team member. Through her junior year, Meehan has recorded 101 goals and 28 assists in her prep soccer career.
Meehan has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of La Salle’s Pegasus Gifted Student Program, she has volunteered locally as a peer Spanish tutor, youth soccer coach and at an area homeless shelter.
“I think McKenzie Meehan is at a different level than any other player,” said Drea Harms, head coach of rival Bay View Academy. “She’s way beyond anyone else. She finds ways to score that I’m astounded by. I just see McKenzie as someone who looks like she’s always had a ball at her feet. She’s just very impressive to me.”
Meehan has verbally committed to play soccer on scholarship at Boston College beginning in the fall of 2012.
Meehan joins recent Gatorade Rhode Island Girls Soccer Players of the Year two-time winner Allison Kelley (2009-10 & 2008-09, La Salle Academy), and Katie Reilly (2007-08, St. Mary Academy-Bay View) among the state’s list of former award winners.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: MORGAN ANDREWS, MILFORD
The 5-foot-9 sophomore forward recorded 28 goals and 13 assists this past season, leading the Spartans (10-7) to the Division II state tournament. A former captain of the U.S. Soccer Under-15 Girls National Team, Andrews is a member of the Under-17 Women’s National Team. A 2010 National Soccer Coaches Association of America Youth All-American, Andrews was the leading scorer in Division II this past season. Through her sophomore year, Andrews has scored 52 goals and passed for 29 assists in her prep soccer career.
Andrews has maintained a B average in the classroom. She has volunteered locally on behalf of a community-outreach program, and she launched her own charity program that allowed coaches and players to donate their time and field-use privileges in exchange for canned goods that were brought to area food banks.
“Morgan Andrews, she’s just an unbelievable player,” said Jason Dewhurst, Andrews’ club coach with the Stars of Massachusetts. “She’s a perfectionist, always has been. Andrews is the type of player you build a team around, she’s that good. She is just a talent like I’ve never coached before. She’s just a different breed.”
Andrews has verbally committed to play soccer on scholarship at Boston College beginning in the fall of 2013.
Andrews joins recent Gatorade New Hampshire Girls Soccer Players of the Year two-time winner Kailey Blain (2009-10 & 2008-09, Merrimack), and Kristy Zurmuhlen (2007-08, Fall Mountain Regional High School) among the state’s list of former award winners.
MAINE: ALLISON WALTON, BRUNSWICK
The 5-foot-6 senior forward recorded 31 goals and 14 assists this past season, leading the Dragons (17-1) to the Class A state semifinals. Also the 2009-10 Gatorade Maine Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Walton was a 2010 All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and a three-time Class A First Team honoree. A natural defender, Walton was the 2010 Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Player of the Year. She concluded her prep soccer career with 84 goals and 40 assists.
Walton has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of the National Honor Society, Walton co-produced a documentary about her experience of being homeless for three days to bring attention to the plight of area homeless. She has volunteered locally as a peer tutor and as a youth soccer coach and referee.
“I think she’s one of the best center backs in the whole region,” said Keith Caldwell, Walton’s club coach with the Scorpions Soccer Club in Massachusetts. “She can play anywhere. She gets better and better with every game and every practice. She’s as good as anyone in the Northeast right now.”
Walton has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on scholarship at Providence College this fall.
Two-time winner Walton joins recent Gatorade Maine Girls Soccer Players of the Year Elise Amioka (2008-09, Marshwood High School), and Rachele Burns (2007-08, Gorham High School) among the state’s list of former award winners.
VERMONT: LAUREN BERNARD, COLCHESTER
The 5-foot-3 junior recorded 18 goals and 11 assists this past season, leading the Lakers (10-5-3) to the Div. I state final. Bernard was an All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and earned First Team All-State honors from the Burlington Free Press following each of the last two seasons. She is a former member of the U.S. Soccer Federation Under-15 Women’s National Team, and a current member of the Under-17 National Team Player Pool.
Bernard has maintained a 3.99 GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally with youth soccer programs and camps.
“She’s one of the most determined and committed soccer players I’ve seen in a number of years,” said Tom Schaefer, head coach of rival South Burlington High. “She has amazing pace, she’s very quick and she’s very smart. She also has a tremendous, tremendous left foot.”
Bernard has verbally committed to play soccer on scholarship at Boston College and will begin her senior year of high school this fall.
Bernard joins recent Gatorade Vermont Girls Soccer Players of the Year Brittany Pfaff (2009-10, Rice Memorial), and two-time winner Natalie LeClair (2009-10 & 2007-08, Essex High School) among the state’s list of former award winners.
The 5-foot-11 senior midfielder recorded 28 goals and eight assists this past season, leading the Panthers (17-1-1) to the Division I South Sectional Tournament. Also the 2009-10 Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Mewis was a member of the U.S. Soccer Under-20 Women’s National Team that participated in the Under-20 World Cup last summer in Germany. The 2010 National Soccer Coaches Association of America High School Player of the Year, Mewis concluded her high school soccer career with 77 goals and 34 assists.
Mewis has maintained a 3.89 weighted GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally as a youth soccer instructor, served in her school’s student government and assisted in relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina.
“Sam Mewis has really matured as a player over the last year,” said Keith Caldwell, Mewis’ club coach with Scorpions Soccer Club. “The time she has spent with the older national teams has made her a better player. It has exposed her to the highest level of women’s soccer in the world at the youth level, and she’s kept raising her game and raising her game.”
Mewis has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on scholarship at UCLA this fall.
Two-time winner Mewis joins recent Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Players of the Year Danielle Dakin (2008-09, Minnechaug Regional High School), and Hayley Brock (2007-08, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School) among the state’s list of former award winners.
Here are the releases for the other five New England states honoring Gatorade Players of the Year this morning:
CONNECTICUT: RILEY HOULE, WINDHAM
The 5-foot-2 senior midfielder recorded 18 goals and seven assists this past season, leading the Whippets (11-7) to the second round of the Class M state tournament. A member of the U.S. Soccer Under-18 Women’s National Team Player Pool, Houle was a 2010 ESPN RISE Second Team All-American selection and a 2010 National Soccer Coaches Association of America Youth All-American selection. Houle concluded her prep soccer career with 79 goals and 38 assists.
Houle has maintained a 3.70 GPA in the classroom. A volunteer youth soccer instructor, she has also created a fundraiser, JB24 Believe, to support a friend and teammate afflicted with leukemia, and she has donated her time locally as part of fundraising campaigns to benefit breast cancer research and an area homeless shelter.
“Riley Houle is the complete package in terms of a soccer player,” said Rick Derella, Houle’s club coach with Oakwood Soccer Club. “She’s a very skillful and instinctive player. She’s not a manufactured player. She can beat people on the run, she can shoot, she can pass. She can do it all.”
Houle has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on scholarship at the University of Connecticut this fall and recently graduated Windham High early to begin attending spring semester collegiate classes.
Houle joins recent Gatorade Connecticut Girls Soccer Players of the Year Kate McCarthy (2009-10, The Loomis Chaffee School), Jessica Schloth (2008-09, St. Joseph High School), and Alex Uscilla (2007-08, St. Joseph High School) among the state’s list of former award winners.
RHODE ISLAND: MCKENZIE MEEHAN, LA SALLE ACADEMY
The 5-foot-5 junior forward led the Rams to a 19-0-2 record and their third straight Division I state title this past season. Meehan scored 49 goals and passed for 10 assists, including the game-winning strike with two minutes to play in La Salle’s 1-0 win over East Greenwich in the state title game. A 2010 All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Meehan is a two-time Providence Journal First Team All-State pick and a U.S. Youth Soccer 1994 Region I Olympic Development Program team member. Through her junior year, Meehan has recorded 101 goals and 28 assists in her prep soccer career.
Meehan has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of La Salle’s Pegasus Gifted Student Program, she has volunteered locally as a peer Spanish tutor, youth soccer coach and at an area homeless shelter.
“I think McKenzie Meehan is at a different level than any other player,” said Drea Harms, head coach of rival Bay View Academy. “She’s way beyond anyone else. She finds ways to score that I’m astounded by. I just see McKenzie as someone who looks like she’s always had a ball at her feet. She’s just very impressive to me.”
Meehan has verbally committed to play soccer on scholarship at Boston College beginning in the fall of 2012.
Meehan joins recent Gatorade Rhode Island Girls Soccer Players of the Year two-time winner Allison Kelley (2009-10 & 2008-09, La Salle Academy), and Katie Reilly (2007-08, St. Mary Academy-Bay View) among the state’s list of former award winners.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: MORGAN ANDREWS, MILFORD
The 5-foot-9 sophomore forward recorded 28 goals and 13 assists this past season, leading the Spartans (10-7) to the Division II state tournament. A former captain of the U.S. Soccer Under-15 Girls National Team, Andrews is a member of the Under-17 Women’s National Team. A 2010 National Soccer Coaches Association of America Youth All-American, Andrews was the leading scorer in Division II this past season. Through her sophomore year, Andrews has scored 52 goals and passed for 29 assists in her prep soccer career.
Andrews has maintained a B average in the classroom. She has volunteered locally on behalf of a community-outreach program, and she launched her own charity program that allowed coaches and players to donate their time and field-use privileges in exchange for canned goods that were brought to area food banks.
“Morgan Andrews, she’s just an unbelievable player,” said Jason Dewhurst, Andrews’ club coach with the Stars of Massachusetts. “She’s a perfectionist, always has been. Andrews is the type of player you build a team around, she’s that good. She is just a talent like I’ve never coached before. She’s just a different breed.”
Andrews has verbally committed to play soccer on scholarship at Boston College beginning in the fall of 2013.
Andrews joins recent Gatorade New Hampshire Girls Soccer Players of the Year two-time winner Kailey Blain (2009-10 & 2008-09, Merrimack), and Kristy Zurmuhlen (2007-08, Fall Mountain Regional High School) among the state’s list of former award winners.
MAINE: ALLISON WALTON, BRUNSWICK
The 5-foot-6 senior forward recorded 31 goals and 14 assists this past season, leading the Dragons (17-1) to the Class A state semifinals. Also the 2009-10 Gatorade Maine Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Walton was a 2010 All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and a three-time Class A First Team honoree. A natural defender, Walton was the 2010 Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Player of the Year. She concluded her prep soccer career with 84 goals and 40 assists.
Walton has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of the National Honor Society, Walton co-produced a documentary about her experience of being homeless for three days to bring attention to the plight of area homeless. She has volunteered locally as a peer tutor and as a youth soccer coach and referee.
“I think she’s one of the best center backs in the whole region,” said Keith Caldwell, Walton’s club coach with the Scorpions Soccer Club in Massachusetts. “She can play anywhere. She gets better and better with every game and every practice. She’s as good as anyone in the Northeast right now.”
Walton has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on scholarship at Providence College this fall.
Two-time winner Walton joins recent Gatorade Maine Girls Soccer Players of the Year Elise Amioka (2008-09, Marshwood High School), and Rachele Burns (2007-08, Gorham High School) among the state’s list of former award winners.
VERMONT: LAUREN BERNARD, COLCHESTER
The 5-foot-3 junior recorded 18 goals and 11 assists this past season, leading the Lakers (10-5-3) to the Div. I state final. Bernard was an All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and earned First Team All-State honors from the Burlington Free Press following each of the last two seasons. She is a former member of the U.S. Soccer Federation Under-15 Women’s National Team, and a current member of the Under-17 National Team Player Pool.
Bernard has maintained a 3.99 GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally with youth soccer programs and camps.
“She’s one of the most determined and committed soccer players I’ve seen in a number of years,” said Tom Schaefer, head coach of rival South Burlington High. “She has amazing pace, she’s very quick and she’s very smart. She also has a tremendous, tremendous left foot.”
Bernard has verbally committed to play soccer on scholarship at Boston College and will begin her senior year of high school this fall.
Bernard joins recent Gatorade Vermont Girls Soccer Players of the Year Brittany Pfaff (2009-10, Rice Memorial), and two-time winner Natalie LeClair (2009-10 & 2007-08, Essex High School) among the state’s list of former award winners.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Scott Barboza
Scott Barboza joined ESPNBoston.com as a high schools editor/reporter in May 2010. He spent the previous three seasons working in the New England Patriots media relations department after a stint at the Taunton Daily Gazette, where he covered everything from Little League baseball to the Boston Red Sox. The Fall River native is a graduate of Emerson College. He can be reached at sbarboza@espnboston.com.
Brendan Hall
Brendan Hall joined ESPNBoston.com as a high schools reporter/editor in May 2010, after four years covering high schools for The Boston Globe. The Westminster, Mass. native also served on the Globe's Bruins beat last season. Hall is a graduate of UMass Amherst. He can be reached at bhall@espnboston.com.
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