Student athletes will be remembered for their effort and character
The graduating class of female student athletes of 2016 from Windsor High School will be remembered for their many accomplishments both on the field and in the classroom.
The athletes selected in this issue were among the best and brightest of their class and all had one thing in common; they represented their school and teams with tremendous talent, dedication and sportsmanship.
Although there were too many seniors to list, we congratulate all of the athletes for their accomplishments and pay tribute to them with a few words and pictures. The following is part one of a two-part series. Next week: a salute to the boys. Â
(1) Perseverance – Four-year varsity soccer star Clara Constantini was a reminder that dedication and resilience are everything, both in life and on a soccer field. A tenacious player at the mid-field stripe, Constantini’s high school career was interrupted by serious injuries that only motivated her to work harder to get back on the field. Her determination landed her All-League honors and served as an inspiration to the playoff bound Jaguars. (Photo provided)
(2) Speed – Giselle Saleby was speed personified in a great four-year track and field career for the Jaguars. A perennial league finalist and NCS REQ qualifier in both the 100- and 200-meter races, Saleby saved her best for her senior campaign, where she logged NCS qualifying performances in both events before going on to compete at the prestigious Meet of Champions. (Michael Lucid)
(3) Production – Brinn DeLugo was a key figure in a volleyball renaissance of sorts for the Lady Jaguars in an impressive multi-year career as a middle blocker, bringing production and consistency to the court each night. Among the team’s leaders in kills and blocks, DeLugo was at her best in the biggest matches, helping the Jags to the most wins in school history last fall. (Guy Foster)
(4) Tenacity – Yasmine Angel was all in, whether leading her team to wins on the soccer pitch or giving her best on the track in a distinguished multi-year career. A soccer veteran and team captain, Angel was a first-team All-League selection who garnered team MVP and Coach’s Award honors in leading the Jags to the NCS semifinals. She also excelled on the track as a sprinter and member of the 4 x 100 relay team. (Photo provided)
(5) Consistency – Scholar athlete Rebecca Thomas enjoyed a great run for the Lady Jaguars softball team in a multi-year varsity career, leading the team with her steady glove. Among the top second basemen in the league, Thomas committed just three errors in 92 chances for the Jags in her senior season, with her .967 fielding percentage earning her the Ms. Defense award. (Greg Clementi)
(6) Versatility – Alyssa Stewart was equally valuable whether running down marks on the soccer pitch or blistering the track in the spring. Stewart used tremendous speed to her advantage in helping the soccer team to the NCS playoffs, but she was at her best in a stellar track and field career, excelling in both sprints and jumping events. (Michael Lucid)
(7) Leadership – Veteran volleyballer Cassie Howard flourished in a multi-year run as a defensive specialist for the Lady Jaguars, playing a major role in their success each season. A team captain, Howard excelled in all facets of the game, contributing great passing, serve receive and defense. (Guy Foster)
(8) Determination – Kathryn Kuklinski enjoyed a successful multi-year varsity athletic career in both tennis and swimming, bringing a great work ethic and outstanding attitude to both programs. A valuable member of the swim team, Kuklinski was perhaps at her best on the tennis court, where she rose to become the top singles player for the Jaguars. (Greg Clementi)
(9) Power – Ashlynn Wells turned in a distinguished athletic career in both golf and softball in a stellar varsity career for the Jaguars, using great hand-eye coordination to her distinct advantage. One of the top golfers in the North Bay League, Wells was a team leader on the links. She was even better on a softball diamond, where she was a steady fielder and perennial .300 hitter. (Greg Clementi)
(10) Athleticism – Alex Rooney excelled in a stellar run on both the varsity soccer and track teams, combining natural ability with a strong work ethic. Among the top scorers on the soccer team, Rooney was a threat every time she touched the ball. Those same gifts translated well in the spring as a member of the girls varsity track squad. (Photo provided)
(11) Toughness – Valerie Perez led by example in a sparkling multi-year varsity run for the Lady Jaguars, helping her team compete in the tough North Bay League and NCS playoffs. A first-team All-League selection, she was a two-year team captain. She was voted the Jag’s Offensive MVP and won the Golden Boot Award. Last season she helped her team reach the NCS semifinals for the first time in a decade. (Photo provided)
