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WEEK of September 24, 2007
@BFS! archives

Panther Sports Fall Preview

by David Gardella and Joan Martin

It’s fall at Brooklyn Friends, and the focus this year is definitely on our first year (freshmen) players and our female athletes. Nine freshmen, many of them experienced, skilled players, have joined the girls varsity soccer team, and several more are will be representing BFS on the girls volleyball teams and the coed cross country teams this fall.

Not to be overshadowed, the varsity boys soccer team is looking forward to their own days in the afternoon sun this fall as they compete in the strong ACIS and PSAA leagues. UK-native Christopher Nattrass, now in his second year as head coach, is determined to bring the boys within striking distance of a championship win in late fall.

“The 2007 season is off to a promising start,” said Coach Chris. “Having lost only a handful of seniors, almost a dozen promising freshmen have joined the squad and practices have already exhibited skill, enthusiasm and teamwork.” Most impressive among the new crop of players have been Owen K., Morgan R. and Ben F. The defense will be particularly strong this year: Casey H., Liam M., Casey G. and Alex J. all return to form a solid back line. Ryan L. and Josh A. will be strong in midfield and Jackson Watts and Chhaya-Karrim A. have lightning pace up front.

The girls varsity soccer team has high hopes and great expectations for the fall season. New to BFS this year, experienced youth soccer coach Keith Sequeira joins veteran coach David Gardella; together they aim to lead a young and talented group of players into a cohesive team. With nine freshmen, one sophomore and four juniors, the team is looking to rebuild and grow for the long-term. Last season, the team lost key player Shelby Cummins, who graduated and is now playing for Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania.

The team’s primary focus is on working as a cohesive unit. Junior forward Laura D. and captain McKenna S. (also a junior) will provide guidance and wisdom to the young players. Freshman Hannah L. will anchor the defense; alongside her will be Nina R., another ninth grader. The team’s main playmaking will come from freshman Molly A., playing center midfield. Molly has played with the Downtown United Soccer Club since she was 7. Also in midfield will be freshman Beatrice T., a hard tackler and strong runner. In goal for the Panthers will be freshman Chineke N. The team will also rely on Sherika C., Kristen S., and Sabrina D., Sibyl W., Ashley F., Krystal S., Geselle S. and Sarah D.

This year promises to be an exciting and successful year for the volleyball program. Coached by veteran Felix Alberto, the girls varsity team is composed a very experienced group of players—8 seniors and 2 juniors. Senior captains Jenine A., Imani H., and Laurice F. are ready to lead the team through hard work and determination in accomplishing specific goals for the season. The other seniors—Thema N., Octavia W., Kim T., Angelique C., and Brittany G.—are ready to step up in their last year with the BFS volleyball program. Our two juniors, Alexandra M. and Margot L., add great enthusiasm and skills to the squad. “The return of alum assistant coach Julie Weber ‘00 adds a strong sense of pride and tradition to the team,” said Coach Felix. “Everyone is looking forward to a rewarding and fulfilling season, as well as all the great memories and legacy that this team will bring to the BFS volleyball program.” In their first week of play, the team had three victories!

Coaches Staci Otto and alum Jazelyn Montanez ’98 begin their third year coaching the junior varsity girls volleyball team and hope to prove the adage, “three’s a charm” this year. The coaches will be working with several continuing players and a strong contingent of freshmen, who are moving up from middle school play.

The upper school cross-country team has had a great start to the year. There has been an increased level of participation and many student-athletes trained on their own during the summer months. Jackson W. returns as the #1 runner from last fall and he will be joined by a strong group of freshmen, including Kieran N., Jake N., and Daniel W. Kieran looks to make an immediate impact, as he finished 8th in the National Junior Olympic 3000 m run this summer. A strong group of freshman girls will also add to the depth of the BFS cross country program, coached for the second year in a row by Disa Nicholson and Peter Prince.

There’s so much great news to report, and that’s just our upper school athletic program. In middle school, 7th and 8th graders are representing BFS in interscholastic competition on the girls volleyball team and the coed soccer team. Fifth and sixth graders are participating in the AM Sports program. On Tuesdays they will be learning soccer skills with Coach Chris and Coach Keith, and on Thursdays Coach Darlene teaches tennis.

All BFS families are encouraged to visit www.highschoolsports.net. (Bookmark this site, or access the link anytime on the BFS home page.) HighSchoolSports.net has accurate, complete, and up-to-date scheduling information about all BFS athletics. When you create an account, you may request e-mail or cell phone updates on any changes in our teams’ practice and game schedules.