This past fall, the Varsity Soccer team dominated the Independent Girls Conference, reclaiming the league’s championship title and making a successful run in the NEPSAC tournament. These victories throughout the season, however, would not have been possible without the outstanding leadership by the Class of 2024. As our seniors approach the end of their time at Montrose, we must recognize their accomplishments on and off the field and thank them for all their contributions to the soccer program over the years. Thank you Theresa, Helen, Leslie, Cate, Bella and Vivian for an amazing season!
As a two-time team captain, Cate Lynch has set the standard for athletic performance and leadership on Montrose soccer teams. Cate is a tremendously talented player, who gained recognition by both the team and NEPSAC for her skill. She could be seen making plays all the way from the defensive goal line to the opposing team’s goal, demonstrating her tireless effort. Even against challenging opponents, Cate maintained her determination and enthusiasm as she continued to communicate with her team and push the players around her to secure the team’s victory. Understandably, her impact on the team earned her the Most Valuable Player award at the season’s closing banquet. We know Cate will continue to wow us as she continues her academic career at Boston College next year! We will miss you, Cate!
Any spectator of a Varsity Soccer game this year can attest that Leslie Baker is an incredible athlete and passionate leader. Leslie held our midfield together during competitive games this season, facilitating a seamless transition from defensive stops to offensive advances. In her role as a team captain this year, Leslie connected the team both on and off the field. She encouraged and productively challenged both five-year members of the team and rookies alike. Playing through injury, she always put the team first, and we are eternally grateful for her as a member of our team. Leslie Baker is a hard-working, compassionate and gifted athlete, who inspired others on the team to run faster, play harder and smile brighter. She is someone the team could always count on to make a huge play or to check on a player on the ground with a potential concussion. She genuinely goes above and beyond for her teammates and we were so grateful to have her as our captain this year. Leslie is going to do amazing things as she continues her academic career at Cornell University next year! We will miss you, Leslie!
As an outside back defender this year, Theresa Bettinelli was the reason at least a dozen goals didn’t find their mark at the back of the defensive net. During competitive games, she never came off the field, putting in a hundred percent effort for an entire ninety minutes of gameplay. Both the team’s coaches and her teammates recognized Theresa as an integral part of the team’s defensive line and trusted her to continue to be a defensive “brick wall.” Theresa is an amazing teammate, noticing when players were struggling from injury or mental blocks on the field and doing her best to help support them. Her energy and competitive spirit is infectious and her athleticism never fails to amazing the rest of the team. Theresa was often the first person to congratulate teammates or comfort them after a game. With Theresa’s rare combination of defensive skill and leadership, it will be a challenge to find someone to fill her shoes. We are sure that Theresa will continue to thrive and make us proud next year at the University of Dallas! We will miss you, Theresa!
Bella Prunier is a player that will always put her best foot forward in demanding games, playing from whistle to whistle. As an important part of the team’s midfield, Bella has an unbreakable competitive spirit. Whether she is encouraging others to play their best during practices or exemplifying hard work during games, Bella makes everyone around her a better player. Her love for competition and leadership led the team to numerous wins throughout the season. She fostered a balance of hard work and fun with her irresistible sense of humor and never failed to raise the team’s energy level during a high-stakes game of 21 in practice. Bella is a gifted athlete, who is unafraid to bring intensity and passion into each game she steps on the field for. We are positive that Bella will continue to wow us as she continues her academic career at Virginia Tech next year! We will miss you, Bella!
Holding together our pair of center-back defenders, Vivian Krawiecki exemplified a dedicated player and leader through the entire season. Though health challenges threatened to limit her impact on the field, she continued to be an impactful player for the team. Her communication on the field prevented numerous defensive breakdowns, helping guide younger players with her experience. Although she is recognized as a talented lacrosse player, Vivian can hold her own on the soccer field. Her leadership and enthusiasm created a positive environment for the team and we are eternally grateful for her presence on the team. Vivian is going to do amazing things next year as she continues her academic and athletic career playing lacrosse at the University of Findlay! We will miss you, Vivian!
Helen Olohan persevered as a strong player and leader this season despite illness, always bringing positive energy and enthusiasm to the team on and off the field. Throughout the season, the team could always count on Helen for a light-hearted joke to boost morale at practice or words of encouragement during a difficult game. Her dedication to everything she does is apparent and added so much value to the Varsity Soccer team this year. From her commentary on game film to great defense, Helen perfectly completed our team of senior leaders this season. We are so grateful for her role on the team. We wish Helen all the best and know she will do great things at Boston College next year! We will miss you, Helen!
A special thank you to our senior managers Laurel Kelley and Liana Petruzziello, who did so much for the team behind the scenes to make our season run as smoothly as possible. They truly supported the team in every way possible this season and we wish them the best of luck next year at Syracuse University and Endicott College! We will miss you both!
By Rachel Dunn ‘25, Sports Editor
25rdunn@montroseschool.org
