The Inter Academic Athletic League Directors of Athletics named 13 student-athletes as recipients of the annual Inter Ac AD’s awards. The AD’s Award is presented annually to a senior girl and/or senior boy who has been a multi-sport varsity athlete and has exemplified dedication to their team and school. Recipients are considered to be outstanding representatives of the Inter Ac League in sportsmanship and leadership. 
 
The AD’s Award began as the Willard Award in 1997 and from 1997-2010 the award recognized accomplished three sport athletes within the Girls Inter Ac League. After the Boys and Girls’ Leagues merged in 2013, the award became the AD’s Award. Boys were first recognized with this award in 2019.
 
Click here for a video of each award winner.
 
This year’s recipients are:
 
Riley Gillan - Academy of Notre Dame
Sports: Field Hockey / Basketball (Capt.)  / Lacrosse
College Attending: University of Delaware - Lacrosse
 
Playing three sports in high school can be difficult at times, but it's very manageable, and overall it's fun. I think that competition in sports teaches you so many important lessons that you can't really get anywhere else, and by playing three sports I got to experience new things in different environments with three completely different and incredible teams. I think it's important not to limit yourself to trying one sport because all sports are intertwined in different ways, and I've found that practicing one sport helps me improve in some aspects of another. – Riley Gillan
 
Congratulations Riley on this outstanding honor. It certainly is well-deserved. I have watched your growth over the past 4 years and it has been a pleasure to coach you. You are an extremely coachable player, but more importantly an outstanding teammate. Thank you for your contribution to NDFH. We are so proud of you and wish you all the best in your collegiate career. – Coach Williams, Field Hockey
 
It's hard to put into words what Riley has meant to our program. While her talent and athleticism helped us on the court, she became an invaluable leader when faced with a devastating, season-ending injury as a senior. Riley blew us away with how she handled this adversity and quickly became a student-coach. She never missed a practice, did the little things, collected stats and gave inspirational speeches to her teammates. She was the consummate example of how to stay positive and make the most out of a tough situation. She was a mentor for our younger players and leaves behind a legacy of sacrifice, commitment, selflessness and so much more. – Coach Thomer-Power, Basketball
 
I know she is an incredible athlete and person. She remained dedicated to the team and came to tryouts and practices. She helped me tremendously by giving ideas on offensive plays, helping in drills, and warming up the goalies. Just by her mannerisms, I know that she has what it takes to be very successful in college. She is able to see the field from the sideline and help her teammates be the right places to be open. This will translate greatly for when she is able to step on the field again. I know Riley is hungry to play again and it will show when she gets on the field at Delaware next year. – Coach Brown, Lacrosse
 
Natalie Pansini - Agnes Irwin School
Sports: Soccer (Capt.) / Squash / Lacrosse (Capt.)
College Attending: Princeton University - Lacrosse
 
My favorite part about competing for Agnes Irwin and in the Inter-Ac is being able to compete in such a highly competitive league with amazing players on every team. Having a team full of girls who are incredibly close and support each other through the good and the bad helps so much to create an atmosphere where everyone wants to push each other and themselves to elevate their games. - Natalie Pansini
 
Natalie became a big part of the Squash program and played on the Varsity team in her Junior and Senior year helping us become the number 2 team in the country. Natalie is a fantastic competitor and gives everything she has on the court, she chases every ball down and never gives up. She has excellent sportsmanship and always played the game in the right manner and represented Agnes Irwin in the most positive way. Her work ethic and mentality were a great example to our other players and she will be hugely missed. – Coach Stait, Squash
 
Natalie Pansini is an extremely talented soccer player. She is blessed with athleticism not many people possess. That being said, what I find more impressive about Natalie is how dedicated she is every day to a sport that is not her primary one. You would never know watching her play - her commitment is exemplary. She pours everything she has in to soccer during the high school season, and all the time while wearing a big smile. Natalie was one of a fantastic group of captains for 2019, and it was fitting that she finish her soccer career with the winning goal on EA Day. – Coach Welsh, Soccer
 
Natalie has demonstrated exceptional leadership and sportsmanship in all her athletic endeavors at Agnes Irwin. As a lacrosse captain, she brings a competitive spirit to our team that is contagious. Her willingness to always put the team before herself has allowed her teammates to trust and follow her. Natalie's dedication to the team, off the field, is evident by her tireless work organizing team events, activities and team meals. Over the years she has demonstrated a continued devotion to making the team the best it can be and she is a very deserving recipient of the Inter-Ac Athletic Directors Award. - Coach Wray, Lacrosse
 
Alexandra Loomis – Baldwin School
Sports: Soccer (Capt.) / Basketball (Capt.) / Softball (Capt.)
College Attending: Penn State University
 
My experience as a Baldwin student-athlete has been more rewarding than I could have ever imagined when I started four years ago. My time in the classroom has always been met with a challenging, yet encouraging, athletic atmosphere after school. I have certainly felt immense support from my classmates, coaches, teachers and fans. I am so grateful I was able to have this Baldwin experience! - Alex Loomis
 
Alex was instrumental in leading Baldwin soccer to unprecedented heights. She was a four-year starter in the midfield and played the game with skill, passion, intelligence and toughness. Her creativity with the ball and work ethic off the ball will be difficult to replace. Alex is leaving a legacy of excellence. She is one of the top multi-sport student-athletes in Baldwin history. She is graduating with 12 varsity letters and served as a team captain of all three sports played during her senior year. Additionally, Alex represented the school community with integrity and professionalism as Head of the Athletic Association. It was a pleasure coaching Alex in soccer and watching her raise the level of our emerging basketball and softball programs. She is well-respected by her teammates and classmates and will do great things at Penn State and beyond. - Coach Cox, Soccer
 
Alex was an absolute joy to coach on and off the basketball court. She is a model student-athlete due to her uncanny ability to balance academics, athletics and her co-curricular activities. Alex was a relentless defender and selfless passer. Her leadership and team-first attitude will be missed. - Coach Bernhardt, Basketball
 
Alex has an innate athleticism and a competitive spirit that is simply unteachable. She has one mode, and that’s 110%. I would take her on any team for any sport and know that she will always bring something to the table. – Assistant Coach Landow, Softball
 
Caroline Burt – Episcopal Academy
Sports: Tennis (Capt.) / Squash (Capt.) / Lacrosse (Capt.)
College Attending: Yale - Lacrosse
 
I will be forever grateful for my high school athletic experiences! Beyond the lessons learned from winning and losing I have developed lifelong bonds with my teammates and coaches, that I will always treasure. – Caroline Burt
 
Caroline is a tremendous athlete and a an accomplished student. She is self-motivated, hard-working, and engaging as a leader. I will miss her creative spirit and wonderful sense of humor.  I look forward to following her lacrosse career at Yale with tremendous pride. – Coach Ferri
 
Caroline has been a tremendous varsity squash player for four years, playing #1 nearly all of that time. She is a great athlete who brings an intense work ethic to practice and competition. As a teammate and leader, she is always positive about training with players who are lower ranked on the team to help them become strong for our Episcopal team. Caroline has made a great impact on EA Squash - Coach Holleran, Squash
 
Caroline is a talented athlete and a valuable member of the tennis team. She puts forth great effort and enthusiasm toward tennis even though it is not her #1 sport. She is a leader, a competitor, and an absolute joy to coach. I know she will continue to thrive in all areas of college life. - Coach Powell, Tennis
 
Maurcus McDaniel – Episcopal Academy
Sports: Football (Capt.) / Basketball
College Attending: University of Pennsylvania – Football
 
I have really enjoyed working hard toward our team goals and developing strong relationships with my teammates and coaches. I am grateful to my coaches and teammates for pushing me and encouraging my development as an athlete and as a person. – Maurcus McDaniel
 
Maurcus is an excellent athlete, a revered leader, and a fearless competitor. He is tough, he is gritty and he is incredibly humble. Maurcus has taken advantage of every opportunity to develop as a student and as an athlete, at EA. I look forward to watching him make an impact on the Penn Community as he moves on to the next level. Thank you Maurcus! – Coach Fairlie
 
Maurcus is an intense competitor and an excellent teammate. As a coach, I want him on the floor in a critical situation. He understands what it means to 'make a play' and he is willing to do whatever it takes to make a difference. Beyond his athleticism, teammates and coaches admire his leadership and unselfish effort. – Coach Shanahan, Basketball
 
Maddie Burns – Germantown Academy
Sports: Soccer (Capt.) / Basketball / Lacrosse (Capt.)
College Attending: University of Michigan – Lacrosse
 
GA provided me with the opportunity and environment to grow into a successful athlete and a supportive teammate. I will miss the outstanding coaches and teammates that made my four years unforgettable. I am grateful for the GA athletic program and am proud to represent GA in all of my future endeavors. – Maddie Burns
 
Without a doubt, Maddie Burns is the best all-around athlete I have had the pleasure to coach in my career.  As a soccer player, she has excelled at multiple positions through both raw athletic talent, through an unparalleled work ethic, and through an inherent understanding of the flow of play. She is a joy to coach and it is a privilege to have watched her excel in three different sports over the past four years. – Coach Nelson, Soccer
 
I salute Maddie Burns for playing three sports at GA. She was integral to the success of our basketball team, both as a competitor and team player. Her elite athleticism combined with her natural intelligence made her a leader our basketball team will miss next year. – Coach Retif, Basketball
 
Maddie Burns is the heart of whatever team she is playing on. She is a true athlete in every sense of the word. Maddie excels at anything challenge that lies ahead of her. What makes Maddie so special is that she makes everyone around her better. She motivates others through her own tremendous work ethic and selfless commitment to her teammates. – Coach Dean, Lacrosse
 
Matthew Sandifer – Germantown Academy
Sports: Cross Country (Capt.) / Indoor Track & Field (Capt.) / Outdoor Track & Field (Capt.)
College Attending: Johns Hopkins University – Cross Country / Track & Field
 
I've had a truly amazing experience competing for GA. I've made so many great friends, broken many PR's, and had lots of fun along the way. My coaches and teammates have been nothing short of outstanding, and I can't thank them enough for helping me develop as a student-athlete over these past four years. – Matt Sandifer
 
In four years, Matt rarely had a bad race, seemingly never had a bad day, and was always generous with his appreciation and praise of his teammates. Matt is exceptional at this sport because he makes the daily decision to do what is needed, and he never wavers from this approach. A two-time captain and a leader by both example and with deliberate and thoughtful actions, Matt separated himself within the league as one of its top performers; and yet as fierce a competitor as he is, he has tremendous respect for his competition, helping him to be well respected around the league. He has simply been the most outstanding representative of our team and our school that a coach could ask for. – Coach Jennings, Cross Country
 
If you don’t believe that “hard work pays off” then take a look at Matt’s four year running career. His rise from freshman year to senior year will forever be our example to young runners of the merits of consistently sticking to your training and being willing to work harder than everyone else. Matt cemented himself as a top runner in a crowded history of distance runners and he did it with unwavering drive and incomparable kindness to teammates and competitors. – Coach Lehman, Track & Field
 
Bobby Blewett – Haverford School
Sports: Water Polo / Swimming (Capt.) / Lacrosse
College Attending: Wagner University
 
Competing for the Haverford School has taught me life lessons and given me memories with my close friends that will last a lifetime; for those I will be forever grateful. I am honored to be recognized as a multisport athlete and to be the recipient of the Athletics Director Award on behalf of The Haverford School. - Bobby Blewett
 
Bobby is a gifted athlete and a remarkable young man. His competitive spirit, selflessness, and positive attitude personifies the cornerstones of our program; making him an invaluable teammate. - Coach VanSuch, Water Polo
 
Bobby has been a source of inspiration for everyone involved with the Swimming and Diving Program since his arrival.  He exemplifies the qualities of dedication, sportsmanship, and heart; qualities that are not quantifiable. If they were, it would look something like 20.99 and 46.40 - Coach Hansen, Swimming
 
Bobby has defied the odds and persevered through injury, competition and doubt. He has turned himself into one of the best face-off men in the Delaware Valley. More importantly, he’s the ultimate teammate. Bobby cares deeply about those around him and has made his team better through his leadership, thoughts and words. He’s an inspiration to his coaches and teammates. -Coach Dawson, Lacrosse
 
Keith Carra - Malvern Prep
Sports: Basketball / Lacrosse (Capt.)
College Attending: Villanova University - Lacrosse
 
Playing two sports at Malvern has been the best experience of my life, and I would not change it for the world. – Keith Carra
 
One of the main reasons we had such a successful season was the leadership of Keith Carra. The level to which Keith embraced his role will forever be the example we use when talking to our future teams. We had some players have truly remarkable seasons, none more so than Keith. - Coach Harmatuk, Basketball
 
For years we will be able to point to him as what "great" looks like within our program. Keith religiously worked at improvement without anyone looking, But it was evident to see as his development and confidence grew weekly. He has proven that there is no easy way or substitute for hard work. Keith truly earned everything he has accomplished at Malvern Prep. He has earned the coaches' pride and admiration as he included himself within a long line of great MP defenders. - Coach McEvoy, Lacrosse
 
Abbie Rorke - Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
Sports: Soccer / Squash (Capt.) / Lacrosse (Capt.)
College Attending: University of Pennsylvania - Squash
 
SCH provided me with the space to not only improve on athletic skills with outstanding and kind coaches, but also a space to build meaningful friendships with my teammates. I will miss the SCH athletic program dearly next year. But I know that my coaches and teammates will always have my back. – Abbie Rorke
 
Abbie worked tirelessly during each of our practices. With persistent effort, she was able to push herself and her teammates to improve their games. During matches, we could always count on Abbie to combine her exceptional athletic ability with her tenacity and keen understanding of the game to produce an impressive outcome. Off the court, Abbie demonstrated the leadership by supporting and challenging her teammates to be better people. – Coach Jones, Squash
 
Abbie was a four-year starting defender for the girls soccer team. Her natural athleticism and competitive nature made her one of the most reliable and consistent backs I have had the pleasure to coach. During her 4 years she helped anchor the defense and was a big part of program history, winning both a PAISAA and Inter-Ac championship. Abbie took on a new position her senior year, learned it, made adjustments, and was irreplaceable and was named 2nd team All Inter-Ac. She did all of this with a positive attitude, determination, putting the team’s needs first. The way Abbie has grown the past 4 years was a rewarding experience to witness. The dedication she has had, not only to SCH soccer, but to the many sports she has competed in has set the bar high for underclassmen to follow. – Coach Kosmin, Soccer
 
Abbie is an exceptionally gifted athlete. She has not only been a standout defender with killer instincts - but she has also afforded us tremendous speed out of the backfield, jump starting many successful transitions over the years. She consistently brings a smile and calming voice of reason to the team huddles. Her infectious laugh will be sorely missed and forever remembered. We wish Abbie the absolute best as she pursues her athletic career on the Penn squash courts. – Coach Powell, Lacrosse
 
Jared Sprague-Lott – Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
Sports: Basketball (Capt.) / Baseball (Capt.)
College Attending: University of Richmond - Baseball
 
My experience competing at SCH over these past 4 years has been nothing short of enlightening and challenging. I have been lucky to be surrounded by great teammates, coaches, and trainers that have made my time on the field/court that much more enjoyable. I will miss them deeply, but I am grateful for the time that I have spent with them. – Jared Sprague-Lott
 
Jared is a consummate professional. This is something you don’t get to say about high school athletes often. Jared has been a leader for our ball club, pushing his peers to new heights with is competitive nature. Off the court, he is a student of the game, always looking for ways to better himself. For Jared to be honored with such an award is extremely fitting as he continues his journey to Richmond. – Coach McFadden, Basketball
 
Jared is a once in a generation high school athlete. He plays the game with an unmatched level of commitment and intensity. A true leader on the field, in the dugout, and in the SCH community. His legacy extends beyond spectacular plays and championships. His biggest imprint will be that or his character. Jared treated everyone, players, and coaches, with a unique sincerity that uplifted all of us, letting us know that we mattered and were part of something special. – Coach Ishikawa, Baseball
 
Sally Foley – William Penn Charter School
Sports: Water Polo (Capt.) / Swimming (Capt.)
College Attending: Duke University - Swimming 
 
Through PC athletics I have made close friendships, met some of my greatest mentors, and have grown as a student-athlete. Being a part of PC athletics always made me want to perform at the highest level for my team and school. At PC, I am surrounded by amazing student-athletes that create a culture for success. The memories I’ve made through PC athletics are ones I will hold onto forever! - Sally Foley
 
It has been an absolute pleasure to coach Sally. At the high school level you often see athletes with incredible raw talent who aren’t willing to put in the work. Sally is an incredible combination of raw talent, determination, tireless effort, and a little bit of crazy. Her work ethic pushes her teammates to work harder and her hilarious personality and quick wit keeps everyone loose and relaxed on the deck. Sally showed day in and day out that team success meant way more than any individual accomplishments. She has certainly left her mark in the PC aquatics programs and we are bummed to see her go but are excited for her to flourish at Duke next year. – Coach Hecker, Water Polo and Swimming
 
Since I met Sally on the pool deck when she was 9 years old I have watched her become a remarkable swimmer, athlete, and person. Being a part of her journey has been so special. Even when our little "Frenchie" took a quick detour to France she kept in touch telling me about her practices, race times and when she would be home in Philly so she could come visit. Sally has always been easy to talk to and fun to coach, and all of her incredible accomplishments speak for themselves. However, it is her work ethic, attention to detail, team pride and leadership which truly sets her apart from the rest. I will miss her dearly, but look forward to pridefully watching her dominate at Duke University. - Crystal Keelan, Swimming
 
Akeel Blake – William Penn Charter School
Sports: Football / Indoor Track & Field (Capt.) / Outdoor Track & Field (Capt.)
College Attending: Wilmington College – Track & Field
 
Penn Charter athletics to me was another family. It was a place where a lot of people could understand me and get to know me better. Whether it was on the field or on the track, most of my development as a better person was found there. It gave me resiliency, happiness, and mental toughness. Those three characteristics that I learn from PC athletics are the most essential to me because everyone needs happiness in their lives and sports bought me my happiness. Mental toughness and resilience go hand in hand because one cannot exist without the other. Mental toughness is the thought while resiliency is the action. After my injury, PC athletics gave me a lot of support when I was at my lowest and I will be forever grateful. - Akeel Blake
 
Akeel Blake is an outstanding athlete. He led our football team in sacks and scored a touchdown as a defensive lineman during his senior season. He is unselfish. At times, Akeel was asked to move from his defensive end position to play an interior defensive tackle position. Due to injuries, our offensive staff found the need to use him as a tight end. Akeel adapted quickly, allowed himself to be coached, and to no one's surprise performed at a very high level. Akeel has earned the respect of his coaches and peers. He worked tirelessly to recover from an injury that certainly presented a challenge. Akeel will be missed. His work on the practice field every day allowed our younger student-athletes to witness a road map for success. Akeel Blake has worked tirelessly to impact our football program and this school community. His work is greatly appreciated. Coach Coyle, Football
 
Akeel Blake was the leading 3 event jumper in the Delaware Valley Indoor Track circuit this year. He made a miraculous recovery from a devastating ACL injury two years ago to become one of the premier track athletes on the East Coast. He capped off an incredible season at the 2020 PA State Meet where he was 3rd in the Long Jump( 22'11.25) and 8th in the Triple Jump( 45'3.50). Akeel will study Biology and run track at Wilmington University. – Coach Bonnie, Track & Field