Issue # 226 April 7 2016 - South Charlotte Sports Report
Transcription
Issue # 226 April 7 2016 - South Charlotte Sports Report
South Charlotte Sports Report “HOMETOWN TEAMS ... HOMETOWN KIDS” Volume 11, Issue 1 www.southcharlottesports.com @SCSportsReport April 7, 2016 - FREE CARRIE EBERLE - A COMMITMENT TO SUCCESS … Charlotte Catholic senior is bound for Virginia Tech Commitment --- the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc This one singular word provides a perfect description of Charlotte Catholic High School senior softball and basketball player Carrie Eberle. The 18 year old daughter of T.J. and Missie Eberle has been fully committed to both academic and athletic success from a very early age in life. After deciding to play softball at age six, Carrie has worked hard to become the very best pitcher and hitter she can be. That commitment has provided her with the opportunity to move on beyond high school to attend Virginia Tech where she will study Biology and play for the Hokies softball team. “I began playing softball when I was about 6 years old. I grew up in a very sports oriented family, with my dad playing baseball and my mom playing field hockey through high school. I had been doing gymnastics for a while, but I eventually was too tall for my favorite exercise, so I had to find a new activity. I had already been exposed to baseball from my brother playing, so the most logical sport for me to try next was softball, and since then I have never stopped playing.” Carrie has made so many special memories over the years playing softball. “The best part about playing softball is the friendships I have made with teammates I have played with for years that I know will last a lifetime. The road trips and many nights in hotels, where you get to hang out with your teammates, are also full of fun and laughter.” Carrie says the consistent level of coaching she has received was the key to her success. “I have been blessed with amazing coaches and teammates throughout my years of playing softball. Unlike many people, I have played with the same coach since I started travel softball. Adam Martin and my dad have coached me since I was about 7 years old. Also, I have played with many girls for multiple seasons, which helps team chemistry and performance. In addition, my team was able to join a strong organization, Team NC, which helped us get the needed attention from college coaches.” As Carrie moved into high school and became a dominant pitcher, colleges began to take notice, With a 65mph fastball, changup, curve, screw, drop and rise ball, Carrie showed the colleges she had what it took to play on the next level. Virginia Tech provided a natural landing point as Carrie has been connected to the university since childhood. “I grew up going to Virginia Tech with my parents to various events, especially football games. Over the years, it became like a second home to me. I fell in love with the beautiful campus, and the great academic and athletic atmosphere. I wanted to play softball at the best college I could, and I was blessed to have the opportunity to play at the school I dreamed about going to since I was a little girl.” With the offer from Virginia Tech and Carrie’s commitment, the Hokies have landed an All-Conference and All-State player. They have also gained the winner of the Greater Charlotte Hot Stove League High School Softball Pitcher of the Year. In addition, the Hokies are proud to land such an accomplished Student-athlete that is dedicated to academic success. Carrie has received First Honors at Charlotte Catholic every semester of high school. She has also won the Cougar Award for Academic Excellence every year in high school. Carrie is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. Her weighted GPA is 4.49 with a class rank is in the top 20 out of 320+ students. Carrie was able to win these academic and athletic honors by working to maintain time management skills. In addition to playing softball, Carrie was a key member of the Cougars Basketball Team all four years. “To be able to balance both school and sports takes excellent time management skills. I have learned to do homework with any extra time I have in between school and practice or a game. Also, when I get home after practice or a game, I do not have any free time to watch TV, or play on my phone, I have learned to focus on my homework and be efficient with my time, so I can still go to bed at a reasonable hour, and get the sleep I need to be successful in the classroom and on the field or court.” Carrie Eberle has proven to all that she is a very committed Student-athlete. In each phase of her childhood, she has set goals and worked hard to achieve them. The South Charlotte Sports Report is proud to feature such a wonderful Student-Athlete in our tenth anniversary issue and we wish her the very best of luck moving forward! THANK YOU FOR 10 YEARS OF SUPPORT Today is a true landmark day for the South Charlotte Sports Report. What started as a basic idea to highlight Hometown Teams and Hometown Kids in the South Charlotte community is now ten years old. I never really knew where this idea would take me when I began, I just wanted to develop a new job for myself that would allow me to retire from a 17 year career in the NASCAR marketing business that had me traveling for 36 weekends a year. To sit back now and see that I made it ten years and hopefully have made a positive impact on the community gives me a great sense of accomplishment. I am very blessed to be able to work on something I am very passionate about, youth sports. In addition to caring for my family and being a good Dad and Father, I really want to see our youth have opportunities and to make good decisions that don’t put them in a tough spot in life. Every opportunity I have with the newspaper or in working with kids, I try to deliver a message based on making good decisions, hard work in the classroom and being thankful for what your parents have provided you with. Our community is filled with tens of thousands of kids that work hard in the classroom and believe in the Student-athlete concept. The South Charlotte Sports Report is just a small little part of the community that can highlight these Hometown Teams and Hometown Kids. I want to take a moment to thank the people that have made ten years possible for the South Charlotte Sports Report. A huge thank you to every single advertiser you see inside our newspaper. These wonderful companies believe in our product, they believe in the community and they provide the backing it takes to produce the newspaper, website and other outlets I use to deliver my message. Please take the time to allow each of these companies to earn your business, they are all first-class people that I am very thankful for. I thank my wife Grace and children Hannah, Will and Tyler. They are the most special part of my life and all have played a role in the development of the newspaper and other events under our umbrella. I also want to thank you, the community, for your support. I have met so many wonderful Student-Athletes and families through this company. The community has been very welcoming to the South Charlotte Sports Report. I have no idea what the next ten years may hold but I hope it includes all of the programs I currently operate and more. I hope to continue to be a positive addition to the South Charlotte community and I certainly want to see more wonderful kids growing up to make great decisions and have success in life. It’s kind of wild to me to think that the high school seniors we featured in year one are now 28 years old and having children of their own. Maybe in ten years, I will be able to place one of their children inside the pages of the South Charlotte Sports Report. Thank you for all of your support. Tripp Roakes [email protected] Page Volume 11, Issue 1 BEYOND THE GAME WITH CYAN MERCER Weddington High School junior Cyan Mercer is one of the top soccer players in the state of North Carolina. The daughter of Mark and Tawny Mercer has committed to play soccer at Clemson University following her high school career. She plays Center Back for the Warriors and hopes to lead the team to a successful spring season. Let’s go Beyond The Game with Cyan Mercer to learn more. How well have you performed in the classroom? “I have taken all honors and AP classes, and have maintained an A in all of my classes throughout high school. I have been on the A/B honor roll my entire life.” What are your top three athletic accomplishments? “I ran track for two years (freshman and sophomore year) and won the state championship for the 4X100m in the spring, and the 4X400m both years in the winter. My club team won State Cup 3 times, and we are also National Champions.” What do you hope to study at Clemson? “I plan on studying computer engineering, and later I plan on going into robotics.” When and why did you begin playing soccer? “I do not remember a day when I was not play soccer, but my parents told me I started playing around age 4. I started playing soccer mainly because my older sister played, and I enjoyed going to her games and watching and kicking the ball around on the sideline. So I started playing and found that I enjoyed it, too.” What was the key to putting yourself in position to play D1 soccer? “Practicing a lot and getting as many touches on a ball as possible. Growing up I would juggle with a goal to keep beating my highest record. My parents also signed me up with a lot of personal trainers so that I could get more personalized trainings. So in general, practicing as much as possible and being dedicated to getting better, was the main key to being able to play D1 soccer.” How did you end up choosing Clemson for school and soccer? “Clemson is overall a beautiful school and I love every aspect of it, but I would say the main reason I chose Clemson is because everyone there made me feel so welcome; everyone I met made me feel special and they were all so kind. Another huge reason is because the head coach is an amazing person, too. I know that he will help me to improve my game, but I also know that he will be a great friend. Also, the players and alumni have all told me that their experiences at Clemson were unforgettable and that I would not regret choosing this school. Lastly, Clemson had the majors that I was looking for.” What is the best part of your game? “I would say the best part of my game is how I play smart. I will learn how to defend different attackers and what their strengths and weaknesses are, I always think about my body position and location on the field relative to where the ball is, and I most always play a ball out of the back that will keep our team in possession, whether it is playing to the keeper or threading a ball into a forward.” How have you been able to balance academics and athletics? “I can’t say that it has been easy, or that I haven’t lost sleep because of it, but it has been doable. I prioritize school work over everything else, but I will never skip soccer practice because of homework. Also, I have learned to get ahead in school work whenever I can because that will help in the long run.” Community Service Heroes Award Volume 11, Issue 1 Page Recognizing Actions in Support of Community Service Heroes Heroes Award Individuals, Community and the Environment Community Service Award Recognizing Actions in Support of Recognizing Actions in Support of Individuals, Community Community and and the the Environment Environment Individuals, Mary Catherine Avey Mary Catherine Avey DYNAMIC Leadership University Mary Catherine Avey has been named the Queen City Audio, Video and Appliances Community Heroes Award Winner. The daugh- Mary Catherine Avey has been named the Queen City Audio, Video and Appliances Community Heroes Award Winner. The daughter of Scott and Meg Avey attends Carmel Christian School and she isLeadership active in both soccer and serving DYNAMIC University has been inside namedher thecommunity. winner of Mary the Queen City Audio, Video and Appliter of Scott and Meg Avey attends Carmel Christian School and she is active in both soccer and serving inside her community. Mary Catherine has been playing soccer since the age of threeances and she plays forward as a senior member of the Carmel Christian Schoolstudent-athletes didn’t spend Spring Community Heroes Award. Dynamic Leadership University Catherine has been playing soccer since the age of three and she plays forward as a senior member of the Carmel Christian School team. Break at the beach or in the mountains - they invested it here in their city! These students served at Levine team. Children’s Hospital and at Project 658 during their week off school to impact, influence, and inspire “at- Mary Catherine was named to the All-Conference Team in 2014 and she was voted as the MVP of her soccer team. She has served as kidsand in she Charlotte. Mary Catherine was named to the All-Conference Teamrisk” in 2014 was voted as the MVP of her soccer team. She has served as the team captain for all three of her varsity soccer years. As a captain Mary Catherine helps lead the team in practices and games. the team captain for all three of her varsity soccer years. As a captain Mary Catherine helps lead the team in practices and games. DYNAMIC Leadership University iscalled madeRice up and of 50 student-athlete Mary Catherine is very active in serving her community. She volunteers with an organization Beans. They go outleaders from fourteen different schools Mary Catherine is very active in serving her community. She volunteers with an organization called Rice and Beans. They go out in South Charlotte, and Prom, 20 college & high school student-athletes who serve as interns & mentors. The into downtown Charlotte and feed the homeless. She also is active with the Joy an event held by the Carmel Christian Church into downtown Charlotte and feed the homeless. She also is active with the Joy Prom, an event held by the Carmel Christian Church Leadership University Team Society, is expanding this Spring. from 40 high schools in our that provides a full scale prom for those with special needs. As a member of theRegional National Honor Mary Catherine alsoPrincipals volunthat provides a full scale prom for those with special needs. As a member of the National Honor Society, Mary Catherine also volunteers with the Beds For Kids organization that suppliesregion beds and for families in need.10 student-athletes (9th-11th grade) from each school to represent arefurnishings in the process of selecting teers with the Beds For Kids organization that supplies beds and furnishings for families in need. their high school on the Regional Team. These 400 leaders will come together at the Regional Leadership www.DynamicLeadershipUniverAP classes and is involved in many school clubs. Marysity.com Catherine plans to attend UNC-Wilmington and study Athletic Training. AP classes and is involved in many school clubs. Mary Catherine plans to attend UNC-Wilmington and study Athletic Training. Leadership U. outreach Levine Children’s Inside the classroom, Maryat Catherine carries a 3.69 unweighted grade point average andSat. a 4.7 weighted average. She is taking three Summit at UNC-Charlotte 7. For more information to: Hospital Inside the classroom, Mary Catherine carries a 3.69 unweighted grade point average on and a 4.7May weighted average. She is takinggo three Front Row: (L-R) Bryce Bilodeau, Grant Queen City Audio, Video and Appliances salutes Mary Catherine Avey for her work in the classroom, on the soccer field and in her Sutherland, Davis, Nick CityAvey Audio, Video and salutes Leadership Queen City Zach Audio, Video andPeterson, Appliances salutes MaryQueen Catherine for her work in Appliances the classroom, on theDynamic soccer field and in her University community. Christian Peterson, Carlisle Dixon community. mitment serving others in our community. Back Row: (L-R) Mike Stricker, Athan Roddey Player Roddey PlayerMatt Petersen, Michael Limbanovnos, President, Queen City Audio, Video & Appliances President, Queen City Audio, Video & Appliances Parrino, Dan Zeidman Roddey Player President, Queen City Audio, Video & Appliances To nominate your your team or or a student-athlete for for To To nominate nominate your team team or aa student-athlete student-athlete for their service to the community, please email their their service service to to the the community, community, please please email email [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.QueenCityOnline.com www.QueenCityOnline.com www.QueenCityOnline.com www.QueenCityOnline.com The Shoeless Enterprises Leadership Award Logan Davidson Providence High School senior baseball player Logan Davidson has been named the winner of the Shoeless Enterprises Leader of the Week Award. The son of Mark and Linda Davidson plays shortstop and pitches for the Panthers baseball team. He signed an NCAA National Letter of Intent to attend and play baseball at Clemson University next season. Logan is one of top ranked players in the state and has won numerous awards and honors during his high school career. So far this season, Logan’s play has helped the Panthers to an undefeated conference record and only one loss outside of conference play. Away from the baseball field, Logan is an outstanding student with a 4.6 grade point average. His leadership has been a positive for the Panthers as they attempt to repeat as the NCHSAA 4A State Champions. Congratulations to Logan Davidson for being named the winner of the Shoeless Enterprises Leader of the Week Award. for their continued com- Page Volume 11, Issue 1 The Marvin Ridge Middle School Lacrosse Team Front Row: (L-R) Middle Row: (L-R) Back Row: (L-R) Carter Blankner, Carson Kanipe, Keaton Snider, Ben Palmer, Jacob Parvin, Nicky Nigro, Jack Downes, Jonah Elkins, Jake Atlas Eric Chin, Jacob Holland, Nate Crouse, Alex McLaughlin, Logan Pacora, Nate Lee, Rithvik Mantha, Mark Bauer, Daniel Cook, Bryce Maggi, Ridr Knowlton Coach Miles, Mackie Peterson, Emmett Houlihan, Ryan Downes, Sully McDermott, Josiah Snapper, Bobby Savage, Nick Spiers, Jack Makarewicz, Ian Hutter, Paul Hatzinikitas, Coach Henderson The Marvin Ridge Middle School Tennis Team Front Row: (L-R) Back Row: (L-R) Joe O’Callaghan, Sahil Bhave, Ryan Marr, Ethan Basinger, Matteo Checa, Ryan Reichman Coach Watson, Will Griset, John Cirincione, Ishan Dalsania, Will Demore, Mattias Moran, Jason Traub, Coach Traub Volume 11, Issue 1 Page The Park Sharon Athletic Association Team Whitewater Center squad. Front Row: (L-R) Back Row: (L-R) Andrew Wawak, Brandon Silden, Michael Mohr, Austin Settles, Deagan Burgie, Landon Burnett Coach Don Johnson, Gavin Carmichael, Noah Kaminskis, Joseph Fish, Charles Treadaway, Cayden Benson, Jackson Rogers, Coach Adam Kelly Boating Without Owning It’s About TIME! Rising Star Award Blake Franks “THE LEAGUE OF CHAMPIONS” %$6(%$//f62)7%$//f)227%$//f75$&. %$6.(7%$//f58*%<f&+((5/($',1* Arthur Goodman Memorial Park, 1200 S Trade St., Matthews, NC 28105 www.marasports.org Sponsorship opportunities are available. See our website for more information. Cuthbertson Middle School seventh grader Blake Franks has been named the winner of the Carefree Boats Rising Star Award. The son of Billy and Doreen Franks is a shooting guard for his basketball team and works very hard to prepare himself for the future. Blake has played basketball for the EA Prep Stars and for a team in the Dynamic Performance Sports League. He was also chosen to participate in the South Charlotte Sports Report Middle School All Star Showcase Games. “I started playing basketball when I was 5 and I have been dedicated to playing the game ever since,” Blake said. “I have worked hard both mentally and physically to continue to learn and grow as an athlete.” Academics are the first priority for Blake. He works extremely hard in the classroom and enjoys his time in Geometry class. Blake has recorded all A’s and one B so far this school year. Congratulations to Blake Franks for being named the winner of the Carefree Boats Rising Star Award. [email protected] 704-557-0848 ext. 4 www.CarefreeBoats.com Page Volume 11, Issue 1 10 YEARS OF HOMETOWN TEAMS AND HOMETOWN KIDS I wanted to share some of the Student-athletes that have appeared over the last ten years in the South Charlotte Sports Report. There have been so many wonderful kids that have been on the pages of the South Charlotte Sports Report. If parents today are like mine were, maybe they cut the story out and have it in a scrapbook or up on the refrigerator. One of the things I remember most about my childhood was having my name or photo in the Salisbury Post. I hope that every kid I have ever placed in the South Charlotte Sports Report had that same feeling I did so many years ago when I opened the paper and saw my photo. 2006-2016 Hometown Teams and Hometown Kids, they will always be special! Tripp Roakes Trent Thornton shown here as a basketball player for Community House Middle School is now in the Houston Astros Baseball organization. Trent graduated from Ardrey Kell then attended UNC-Chapel Hill before being selected in the fifth round by the Astros in the first year draft. Alex Wood graduated from Ardrey Kell High School after a standout baseball career. Following a three year stay at the University of Georgia, Alex was drafted by the Atlanta Braves. After spending a couple of seasons as a starting pitcher for the Braves, Alex was traded to the LA Dodgers last summer. This photo back in 2006 started it all for the South Charlotte Sports Report. I gathered up a bunch of friends to appear on the cover for the first ever South Charlotte Sports Report newspaper. So many of these kids have now gone on to graduate from high school and college. Tate Small was cut from his middle school basketball team both years. He went on to become a record setting player at Ardrey Kell and is now a member of the Queens University Basketball Team. After attending South Charlotte Middle School, John Carrick graduated from Providence Day School. An extremely gifted Student-Athlete, John now plays football for Washington and Lee University. Volume 11, Issue 1 Page Youth teams have always been at the forefront of the South Charlotte Sports Report. Here is one of many MARA state championship teams that have been inside the pages of the newspaper. Corey Venable delivered newspapers for the South Charlotte Sports Report for seven years and also played lacrosse at Marvin Ridge High School. Ali Lane was a standout basketball player at Charlotte Catholic before playing four years of basketball at Western Carolina University. Cuthbertson High School has opened since the start of the South Charlotte Sports Report. Located in Waxhaw, the Cavaliers cheerleading team is featured here at their inaugural game. Madison Arroyo is one of the top softball players in Marvin Ridge High School history. She now plays softball at Mississippi State University. Eve Davis was an All-American volleyball player at Charlotte Latin School. Summer College Internships Available! * Sports Writing * Event Management * Website Content * Advertising Sales * Interested students should email [email protected] Ross Cockrell completed a successful career at Charlotte Latin School before moving on to Duke University and now into the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s always been exciting to watch kids go from being a youth player to a college prospect and then signing an NCAA National Letter of Intent. Here Drew Loepprich signs on to play baseball and continue his education at Wake Forest University. The Blaze softball team from 2010 was featured in the South Charlotte Sports Report. Over the years, many local softball players have gone on to play in college. Page Volume 11, Issue 1 STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE WEEK ETHAN SCHWARTZ ALINA MCCUE Written By: Lane McCree Weddington High School golfer Ethan Schwartz has been named the Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student-Athlete of the Week. The son of Eric and Carolyn Schwartz is one of the top golfers in the community. Ethan gave up competitive tennis to focus on golf in the 8th grade and he hopes to be able to play golf in college. He works extremely hard year round to become the best golfer he can possibly be. A Junior at Covenant Day School, Alina McCue, has been named the Architech Sports and Physical Therapy StudentAthlete of the Week. The 16 year old daughter of Mark and Susan McCue plays forward for the varsity Lions soccer team. The junior has recently scored her 100th career goal at the Brittany Willis Memorial Tournament in Wilson, North Carolina. Ethan’s top three athletic accomplishments are placing in the top 10 at the Junior Honda Classic this past January in Palm Beach, FL, winning all conference honors as a tenth grader and qualifying for an international tournament in San Diego. His top golf memories have come both times that Ethan has “holed out” from 115 yards with his approach to the green. Alina began playing soccer at age seven and is now competing to break the school record for goals scored during a career. She also strives to become a leader both on and off the field for her teammates. In addition to breaking the single season scoring record during her freshman year, Alina has also been awarded All-State honors during her freshman and sophomore years. Inside the classroom, Ethan is an outstanding student with a 3.9 grade point average. He is enrolled in all honors classes and two A/P classes. Ethan is also a volunteer with the First Tee Charlotte program and enjoys teaching young kids to play the game. Congratulations to Ethan Schwartz for being named the Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student-Athlete of the Week. Inside the classroom, Alina has attained a 4.0 GPA in AP and Honors classes. In 2015, she was the recipient of first place in the Congressional Seminar Essay Contest for the state of North Carolina. Her favorite class is AP Chemistry, as she loves the challenging aspect of the class. Congratulations to Alina McCue for being named the Architect Sports and Physical Therapy Student-Athlete of the Week. ARCHITECH SPORTS AND PHYSICAL THERAPY Blakeney Office: 8918 Blakeney Professional Drive Suite 120 | Charlotte, NC 28277 | Ph. 704-900-8960 Indian Trail Office: 1001 Van Buren Avenue Suite 3 | Indian Trail, NC 28079 | Ph. 704-628-6053 www.architechsports.com Physical Therapy for Athletes and Weekend Warriors * Sports Performance * Soccer Speed and Agility Baseball Pitching Arm Care Evaluations * Female Jumpmetrics Training * Coaches Care Programs All programs in conjunction with Morrison Family YMCA Four years ago, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools put into motion a plan to eliminate middle school sports. I led a county wide effort to fight back against the school system and offered a plan to self-fund the programs which continues today. In this photo, Rainey Dellinger, now a South Meck senior cheerleader speaks at a rally attended by close to 1000 people to speak out against the CMS plan. Eli Shenise is currently an 8th grader at Community House Middle School. Featured here as a youth baseball player, Eli became a favorite kid of ours as we got to know him during his successful battle with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. At age 12, Eli became the youngest player to ever sign a contract with the Charlotte Knights Baseball Club. Volume 11, Issue 1 Page The Marvin Ridge Middle School Boys Golf Team. Front Row: (L-R) Back Row: (L-R) Adam Gentile, Daniel Neuman, Lucus Schroeder, Bryce Tackett, Jackson Marky, Hunter Thompson, Zach Haines Coach Lein, Jack Otterson, Uli Berhens, Luke Cashion, Cole Vernon, Luke Lein, Ethan Malecki, Coach Zettlemoyer The Park Sharon Athletic Association Orange Crush Front Row: (L-R) Middle Row: (L-R) Back Row: (L-R) Beckett Barlas, Luke Yett, Andrew Lobo, Sean Lynds Joey Gadams, Pierce Miller, Carter Fiddes, James Farley Coach Wes Lobo, Coach Trey Farley, Coach Jeff Lynds The Marvin Ridge Middle School Girl’s Golf Team (L-R): Bridget Sullivan, Amber Capote, Natalie Morehead, Hailey Flo, Carmen Cary, Madison Pasko, Elli McTamney, Coach Ian McTamney 2016 Advertising Packages on Sale Now! Market Your Company To Active Families In The Community Tripp@south charlottesports.com 704-906-5466 Page 10 Volume 11, Issue 1 BEYOND THE GAME WITH MIA THILLET Providence High School sophomore Mia Thillet is one of the top soccer players in the area. The daughter of Rolando and Tanya Thillet has made an early commitment to play college soccer at NC State University. Let’s go Beyond The Game with Mia Thillet. The Team of the Week Feature, one of the most visible features in the South Charlotte Sports Report, is now open for sponsorship. Please contact Tripp Roakes at 704-906-5466 or [email protected] to learn more about our Team of the Week Advertising Package. South Charlotte Sports Report Team of the Week 12U Venom Softball When did you begin playing soccer? “I began playing soccer when I was 3. At first it was just small clinics through a foundation called baby soccer. My cousins and I were put in the program and it was something we all did together. My dad also grew up playing soccer and wanted me to try it out. The rest is history.” What are your top three athletic accomplishments? “Making the international Olympic Development Team and getting to travel to Costa Rica to play in the international championships and winning the tournament, making the region 3 ODP team three years in a row and winning a national championship with my Carolina Rapids team.” As you look back on your soccer career, what are a couple of memories that really stand out for you? “There are so many it’s hard to choose! I’ve loved every minute traveling the country with my teams. I’ve been to Seattle, Arizona, San Diego, Alabama, Indiana, Florida, and Texas. Each time we travel we make so many memories and it’s just so much fun getting to share those moments with my favorite people. Of course, any time we’ve won a tournament that sticks out in my mind but the non soccer moments are really special as well.” What are your goals for the season? “My goal for the season is for our team to win the State Championship.” What position do you play? “Outside back or attacking midfielder.” How did you decide to choose NC State for your college soccer? “It was a long journey but ultimately, State was were I felt most at home and where I could truly see myself. The coaching staff is incredible and how they treated me throughout the whole process made me positive that I was choosing the right place for me. I also wanted to stay close to home and it’s exciting that I will be representing my home state, North Carolina.” How well do you perform in the classroom? “I’m in all honors and AP classes and I have As. I’m on the staff of the newspaper, Spanish Club, Key Club and Unicef Club.” The 12U Venom Softball team won the Silver Championship Bracket at the Top Gun -Concord 1 day Tournament - March 19, 2016. The Waxhaw based team worked hard in one of their first events since moving from 10U to 12U. Congratulations Venom! Front Row: (L-R) Back Row: (L-R) Caroline Gravelle, Kiana Termine, Avery Hawk, Rilie O’Connor, Gabi Gama, Jaedyn DePollo Coach Marc Sinacori, Gabby Kaduson, Rebecca West, Coach Shannon Hawk, Morgan Nayle, Ella Jordan, Coach Jay Kaduson, Maddie Sinacori To nominate your team for the Team of the Week, please email [email protected] Football Academy Skills Program February – July 2016 GameTime4Athletes ▪ Instruction/Teaching by qualified HS Coaches ▪ 2 hour sessions ▪ Skills & Technique Development by position: QB,WR,TE,LB,DB's ▪ 7 0n 7 at each session ▪ Combine preparation ▪ To register, contact Jeff at 704-619-8517 or at [email protected] #TBT Volume 11, Issue 1 Page 11 Throwback Thursday With Kelly Ellis Supporting Student-Athletes From Pee Wee To High School. The Stars NC 12U Baseball Team won gold in the WNC Spring State Championship. Front Row: (L-R) Back Row: (L-R) Bennett Ives, Damon Ottavianelli, Kaiden Cross, Dave Mosrie, Jake Boyna John Dziomba, Tyler Roakes, Jack Davison, Kyle Percival, Reid Bowman, Enzo McIntyre, Garrett Robb, Nicholas Armstrong, Alex Tomasovich 12U Cooperstown Dreams Park Baseball Opportunity Spots Available [email protected] Brooks King, junior at Providence Day School If you have a throwback picture that you want featured, please submit your digital photo to [email protected]. Kelly Ellis, Realtor NC & SC Specializing in S. Charlotte and Waxhaw/Weddington 704-236-0821 [email protected] www.kellyellisrealtor.com Smile into Spring with Invisalign! Your smile says it all. Schedule your complimentary consultation and a FREE gift will be waiting for you. We’d love to see you smile with us! Let us help you decide if Invisalign is right for you! 8125 Ardrey Kell Road Charlotte, NC 28277 704-443-0006 www.quimbyandcollins.com Page 12 Volume 11, Issue 1