Inter Ac Announces AD Award Winners

| By: Josh MacArthur
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 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:
 
Mia Abruzzo - Academy of Notre Dame333
Sport: Swimming (Capt.)
College Attending: University of Georgia – Swimming
 
The best part about competing in the IAAL is that you are swimming against some of the best schools and swimmers in the area. – Mia Abruzzo
 
Mia Abruzzo will graduate next month as one of the most talented and decorated student athletes Notre Dame has ever had. Mia is an All-American and an Olympic Trial qualifier in multiple events. She was selected All Main Line, All Inter-Ac and All Delaware County Swimmer of the year every seasonand holds 8 of the 11 Notre Dame swimming school records. She was the 1st Notre Dame swimmer to get gold at Easterns and be named Swimmer of the meet. Mia is a hard working student, loving sibling and daughter, compassionate friend and inspiring teammate. Mia will graduate with the rest of the class of 2021 and continue her academic and athletic career at the University of Georgia. The Bulldogs are lucky to have her. – Coach Brigit Bright, Swimming 
 
 
Caroline Vauclain - Agnes Irwin School330
Sports: Cross Country (Capt.) / Basketball (Capt.) / Lacrosse
College Attending: Bowdoin College
 
My time playing sports at Agnes Irwin has taught me so many valuable lessons and skills and I am so grateful to have had this experience. All of the teams that I've played on over my four years have been so supportive and close knit and have made even the toughest practices or games fun. I'm going to miss these teams so much next year and I can't thank enough all my teammates, coaches, and everyone else who has helped me! - Caroline Vauclain
 
Caroline has shown focus, drive and perseverance as an athlete in her time at Agnes Irwin. As a captain of the cross country team, she demonstrated leadership by pulling her teammates through long runs and being a calming presence on the starting line. Her kindness and joy in practice and at meets has been contagious through all of her seasons on the team. Caroline is a highly competitive athlete but her competitive nature is not outweighed by her loyalty and dedication to her team. Her voice, determination and commitment to AIS athletics are all components that make her so deserving of this award. - Coach Steph Hogan, Varsity Cross Country
Caroline has shown tremendous character and leadership in all her athletic endeavors at Agnes Irwin. She always gave it her all on the court and led by example with a smile on her face. As a basketball captain, she was the first to pick her teammates up in the most positive way. Caroline’s work ethic and attitude were a great example to the program and that is why she is a very deserving recipient of the Inter-Ac AD Award. - Coach Janine Mullin, Assistant Basketball
 
Caroline is an exceptional teammate with model sportsmanship and dedication to Agnes Irwin Athletics. She always comes to practices and games with a smile on her face and the determination to give her best effort. Caroline provides unwavering support for her teammates and her selfless, team first attitude is respected by her coaches and peers alike. She has been a multi-sport athlete her entire career and I have been proud to watch her leadership grow during her time at Agnes Irwin. - Coach Lauren Wray, Varsity Lacrosse
 
 
Taylor Levinson - Baldwin School336
Sports: Soccer (Capt.) / Basketball / Lacrosse
College Attending: Harvey Mudd College - Soccer
 
While playing multiple sports at Baldwin, I am most grateful for my amazing teammates who have become like a second family to me.  They, along with our coaches, continually pushed me to become a better player and person every day.   I'm also thankful that the athletic directors, coaches, and trainers created an environment where there is a comfortable balance between having fun but also playing to win. – Taylor Levinson
 
Taylor represented Baldwin athletics and the school community with dignity and respect for others. She contributed greatly to our competitive soccer, basketball and lacrosse programs. Taylor consistently worked hard and demonstrated a commitment to excellence inside and outside the classroom. Baldwin will miss her positive attitude, sportsmanship and selfless leadership. She will be an excellent addition to the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps soccer program. - Adrian Cox, Assistant Director of Athletics & Varsity Soccer Head Coach
 
Taylor has been the epitome of what a student-athlete is at Baldwin. She has not only been a leader on the field and court, but in the leader in the classroom and with performing arts. Everything Taylor does, she does at 100% effort, intensity and focus. - Coach John Bernhardt, Basketball
 
Taylor was a pleasure to coach during her one season with the lacrosse program. She is a quick learner, extremely versatile and dedicated to helping the team in any role. I wish Taylor the best of luck academically, athletically and socially at the college level. – Coach Samantha Brennan, Lacrosse
 
 
Margot LeRoux – Episcopal Academy332
Sports: Water Polo (Capt.) / Swimming / Crew (Capt.)
College Attending: Princeton - Crew
 
My athletic experience at Episcopal has been truly rewarding in more ways than one. Not only did I grow immensely as an athlete and a leader, but I celebrated every win and graced every loss with a family of teammates alongside me. My self confidence and my sense of belonging at Episcopal increased with every sports season as a whole support system of coaches and teammates cheered me on. I am certain that EA athletics has equipped me with the skills, strength, and values necessary to excel in collegiate level sports, and I will forever cherish my time on the water polo, swim, and crew teams here. – Margot LeRoux
 
The first word that comes to mind when thinking of Margo LeRoux is "impressive". She has been swimming for me for 7 years here at Episcopal Academy. She has grown into an amazing athlete here at EA and has been a massive part of our success! It has been a pleasure to coach her and to watch her grow as an athlete and leader in Water Polo and Crew. She was the captain of the water polo and crew teams and played a strong role as leader on the Swim and Dive team. Princeton is lucky to have her next year! - Coach Brian Kline – Swimming & Diving
 
Margot LeRoux began her rowing career with a gold medal in the Philadelphia City Championships in the women’s novice 8+. She also won the Main Line Slide Ergometer competition as both a sophomore and a junior while she was in the midst of her swimming seasons. Following her sophomore year, she was invited to US Rowing’s High Performance Camp with one of the strongest erg scores in the country in her age group. After her junior year, she was named to the US Rowing’s virtual junior national team. Just last weekend, Margot ended her final Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association race with another win in the Cities in the women’s varsity quad. Margot is going to continue her rowing career at Princeton University. – Coach Molly Konopka, Rowing
 
 
Bradley French – Episcopal Academy334
Sports: Cross Country (Capt.) / Ice Hockey (Capt.) / Track & Field (Capt.)
College Attending: Northeastern University
 
My athletic experience at EA has been absolutely incredible and played a large role in shaping who I am. My talented and inspiring coaches and teammates for cross-country, ice hockey, and track have all had a meaningful impact on my personality and character. Both my teammates and coaches always support and encourage me to work as hard as I can. Whether it be running on the course or track, or skating on the ice they have helped me to develop as an athlete and a leader. I certainly would not have become the student athlete I am presently without the genuine love and interest that I have been fortunate enough to receive from both my teammates and coaches, and the amazing opportunities EA has provided me with throughout my four years of athletics. – Bradley French
 
Bradley French has been a three year all-league Ice Hockey player who would have gone four for four if not for Covid. He served as captain during his senior year and led his team through a difficult season, in which only two games were able to be played. Bradley was a leader in the 2019-20 season when EA reached its first league championship game. He leads by example and has been an outstanding role model for younger players. – Coach Steve Schuh, Ice Hockey
 
Bradley was all Inter-Ac his sophomore and junior years. He would have been all Inter-Ac as a senior if we had our season. He won countless medals at our invitationals in his sophomore and junior years and as a senior, he won the EA Boys' Team Cross Country Award. Bradley was a great leader through the spring, summer and fall. For much of that time, we were virtual and he came to the majority of the workouts and pushed his teammates to come to the workouts on a regular basis. Beyond being a great athlete and leader, Bradley is genuinely nice to everyone. He is a true gentleman and we will miss him next year. – Coach Jim Farrell, Track and Field
 
Bradley French is a 4-year letter winner in track (if you count last spring). He is one of our elected captains this year. He has won two Boys' Team Delco Championships and has been a steady leg on a 4x800m relay that has earned several medals over the years. Although this is his first season as an official captain, Bradley has always been a leader on this team. We never would have made it through the pandemic last spring without him. Even this winter, while he was playing ice hockey, he was still leading the track team in zoom workouts. He is a strong athlete, a great person, a steady leader, and a fantastic role model for our younger athletes. He embodies all that is EA and he will be missed mightily next year. Best of luck at Northeastern! – Coach Zach Richards, Track and Field
 
 
Elise Smigiel – Germantown Academy338
Sports: Lacrosse (Capt.) / Swimming (Capt. '19-'20) / Basketball
College Attending: Marquette University - Lacrosse
 
I would not be the athlete I am today without the constant support of my coaches and teammates at GA. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities GA has presented to me in leadership, academics, service and athletics. – Elise Smigiel
 
Elise was a presence on the swim team from the first day she stepped foot on the pool deck at Germantown Academy – her presence demanded a level of respect and attention that is uncommon for student-athletes at the high school level - her teammates and coaches quickly came to admire these qualities.  Elise always trained and competed with a purpose – a purpose to improve her craft. In just two years Elise managed to make a significant contribution to the culture of the GA swimming team. – Coach Jeff Thompson, Swimming and Diving
 
It was exciting to have Elise join the basketball team this season. She was an exceptional role model for our younger players; a Division 1 signee who was willing to step out of her comfort zone and play a new sport, an elite athlete who was constantly in the fitness center developing her strength and conditioning and a gifted leader who was willing to step into a supporting role to challenge teammates to become their best. We see you, Elise! I can't imagine a better recipient for this honor, and I look forward to following your career at Marquette! Fly Golden Eagles! – Coach Sheri Retif, Basketball
 
Elise is the kind of player you want to play against because she makes you a better player and the kind of player that you want on your team because she makes you a better teammate. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching Elise for her 3 years years at GA. Her dedication, talent and love of lacrosse is unmatched. She puts her heart and soul into the game and will have a wonderful career at Marquette because of it. – Coach Mary Dean, Lacrosse
 
 
Jordan Longino – Germantown Academy331
Sports: Basketball (Capt.) / Football (Capt.)
College Attending: Villanova - Basketball
 
Starting off with coach Fenerty, he has been at GA ever since I came in Pre-K so I have had a relationship with him ever since then. He has coached me and guided me for a long time, and when I finally got to play for him, I truly saw how much of a great coach and man he is. Coach Fenerty has always supported me and had confidence in me, and that has helped me tremendously through my time here at GA. Sadly I didn’t get to finish my senior year with him as my coach, but he still texts and calls me all the time and gives me advice on my play and even how I should carry myself off the court. As for coach Dolan, I met him my junior year and we became close really quickly. We would watch films, workout, and just talk about life. Right from the jump he woke up with me at 6am before school to workout in the gym. That is something only special coaches that truly care about their players do, and I will always appreciate everything he did for me. Without these to amazing coaches I would never be in the position I am today. I give a huge thanks to both of them. – Jordan Longino
 
Jordan is one of the all-time great athletes in GA history. He also has to rank up there with the greatest 2 sport athletes in our school and league history.  As a QB, he is one of the top to ever play at GA and is one of the most talented I have ever coached in high school or college. The thing that makes Jordan so special to me is that he is a great person. He cares about others, defers the spotlight and has the backs of his teammates. He is not only an All-Inter-Ac athlete, but also an All Inter-Ac person. A true model of a person that is meant to receive an honor like this.– Coach Matt Dence, Football
 
It’s the type of person he is, he’s an incredible human being, cares about others and works his rear end off,” Dolan said. “He’s always in the gym morning and night, there’s no surprise why he’s so skilled and so good, it’s because he puts in the work. Those have been the most impressive traits that I’ve come to know. – Coach Matt Dolan, Basketball
 
 
Quintin Campbell – The Haverford School335
Sports: Football / Squash (Capt.) / Lacrosse (Capt.)
College Attending: Dartmouth College - Squash
 
Competing on the athletic field has been a vital part of my overall Haverford experience. While I was extremely lucky to be able to develop as a student in the academic buildings of Haverford, I believe that being able to compete athletically was monumental in my overall growth as well. Whether it was on Sabol Field or the Squash court, I constantly found myself learning new things from my coaches and being pushed to work harder by my teammates. For that, I would like to thank all of my Coaches and teammates for helping me become a better person and athlete. Haverford athletics has been such a significant part of my life for the past 14 years, but I cannot wait to begin competing at the next level. I will miss competing for Haverford tremendously and will always be thankful for everything Haverford and its athletic programs have done for me. – Quintin Campbell
 
Quintin represents the best traits of a Haverford School athlete. He has a work ethic that is second to none, possesses natural leadership abilities and cares deeply about his teammates. On the lacrosse field he is selfless and puts the needs of his team and teammates before his own at all times -- I can think of no one more deserving of this special recognition. – Coach Brendan Dawson, Lacrosse
 
Quintin has been a leader on the Squash team for many years and embodies everything you could hope for in a student athlete. He is a fantastic player who elevates his game when playing for Haverford and by doing so inspires his teammates to do the same. Off the court he led efforts to make sure our team had the best culture possible and made sure all players felt included and part of the team. Quintin certainly deserves such a great award and is a credit to the squash program and The Haverford School. - Coach Alex Stait, Squash
 
Quintin was new to the football family. He saw an opportunity to help the team and his brothers. Quintin joined the team and earned a spot kicking off for the Fords. He knew it was going to be a challenge but with his work ethic and determination Quintin immediately made an impact on the team. One thing about Quintin is that he genuinely cares about the school and his teammates. He is what the Haverford School embodies and that is why he deserves this recognition. – Coach Brain Martin - Football
 
 
Lonnie White, Jr. – Malvern Prep337
Sports: Football / Basketball / Baseball
College Attending: Penn State University – Football and Baseball
 
I would like to thank the Malvern Prep community for all they have given me the past four years. I would like to thank my coaches, teammates and friends who appreciate me for the person I am today. Last, thanks to my parents for their love and support they have given me. – Lonnie White, Jr.
 
Not very often do coaches get to coach a once in a lifetime talent. We were lucky to get to coach Lonnie White Jr.. Lonnie had a huge impact on our state final team last season. He has left his mark on three sports at Malvern Prep, and will go down as one of, if not the best, athlete in school history. We can’t wait to watch his future development.– Coach John Harmatuk, Basketball Coach
 
Lonnie is without a doubt the best athlete I've ever been around and had the pleasure of coaching. There is absolutely nothing on a baseball field that he can't do. However, even more impressive than all of his abilities on the field is his character. He is humble, hard working, caring, coachable, and one of the finest young men I've ever known. I've enjoyed every second of my relationship with him through the years and it has been a pleasure to coach him and watch him develop into the superstar player and person he is. – Coach Freddy Hilliard, Baseball Coach
 
Lonnie White is the most gifted athlete I have ever coached, breathtaking. Truest definition of a humble superstar! He is an even better person. – Coach Dave Gueriera, Football Coach
 
 
Esther Lamb – Springside Chestnut Hill Academy340
Sports: Soccer (Capt.) / Indoor Track & Field (Capt.) / Outdoor Track & Field
College Attending: Rhodes College - Soccer
 
As a freshman, playing three varsity sports seemed daunting but I am so thankful that I decided to take on the challenge. Playing sports at SCH and in the Inter-Ac has not only pushed me athletically but also provided me with structure, which allowed me to excel academically. Over the past four years, I have created meaningful relationships with my coaches, teammates, and competitors and I can only hope to build the same strong community in college. – Esther Lamb
 
Coaching Esther these past 4 years has been extremely rewarding as a coach. She made an immediate impact on the team from day one. Esther started as a freshman and was a huge part of SCH winning the State Championship her freshman year and the Inter-Ac Championship her junior year. Watching her grow as a leader and being elected a senior captain has been awesome. The balance she demonstrated between competing and winning to knowing when to let loose and enjoy the game and her teammates will be missed. Esther will certainly be missed and she has a bright future ahead of her. - Coach Maria Kosmin, Soccer
 
Esther is a joy to coach, her bubbly personality keeps the coaches and the team laughing. Behind that smile is one of the most competitive athletes that I have coached in my 20 year career. Her athleticism makes her proficient in every sport she picks. I am just thankful she choose track & field. – Coach Maurice Broadwater, Track & Field
 
Bobby Markey – Springside Chestnut Hill Academy341
Sports: Football (Capt.) / Basketball (Capt.) / Baseball
College Attending: Dickinson College - Football
 
My athletic career at SCH has taught me many things that can apply to not only the field of play but also the classroom and real life situations. It has taught me to be persistent and that hard work will get you places in the long run. Most Importantly, it has taught me how to work with a team and collaborate with a group of people to achieve a common goal. – Bobby Markey
 
Bobby’s improvement as a football player over the 4 years was amazing to witness. As a freshman, it would have been hard to predict that he would be an All League caliber wide receiver and college football recruit. The improvement is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and love of the game. This past season, Bobby was a tremendous team leader as a captain. He set a great example for our younger players, and is a true student-athlete. I also need to point out there are not many 3 sport varsity athletes in this day and age. Bobby deserves recognition for that accomplishment. I am proud to have been able to coach him and respect him greatly. – Coach Rich Knox, Football
 
We coach for the opportunity to share the diamond with Bobby Markey. This young man is built blue-collar “Markey Tough” as we like to say. Give us noine of him and we’re ready for anybody, anytime! He honorable personifies the spirit of this award. He’s earned it, and we are extremely proud of him and thankful for the legacy he leaves to the SCH community. - Coach Joe Ishikawa, Baseball
 
Bobby Markey has been a staple within the Boys Varsity Basketball Program during his accomplished 4-year career. Bobby’s commitment to multiple sports shows his all-around physical talent and athleticism, yet the most impressive trait he exudes is maturity in time management, leadership, and competitive nature. Bobby understands the multiple facets of competing. Sometimes that looks like making shots for his team, other times it’s stretching the field on a fly route in football. By Spring season that means putting the ball into play for base advancement. He’s just special! Congratulations to Bobby and the entire Markey family on the prestigious Inter-Ac AD Award! – Coach Julian McFadden, Basketball
 
Janae Stewart – William Penn Charter344
Sports: Soccer (Capt.) / Basketball / Outdoor Track & Field
College Attending: University of Pennsylvania - Soccer
 
Penn Charter athletics helped shape me into a better athlete and person. My teams became more than just teammates, we became a family that supported each other on and off of the field. My coaches pushed me to become my best self and take on each season with passion. There will never be another team, group of people, or family that will compare to my time as a part of the Penn Charter community. – Janae Stewart
 
Janae is an exceptional soccer player, teammate and leader. She is hard-working, unselfish, driven, skilled and powerful. Not only is she the type of player who can take over a game, but as she does it, she makes the other players around her better. Janae has impacted Penn Charter soccer is an amazing way and we are very grateful to have been part of her soccer journey. – Coach Darci Spencer, Soccer
 
Aaron Maione – William Penn Charter339
Sports: Football (Capt.) / Indoor Track & Field / Lacrosse
College Attending: Davidson College – Football
 
Throughout my time at Penn Charter, I have grown tremendously as a student-athlete and as a person. PC Athletics taught me to always strive for being my best self both on and off the field. I have met many coaches and teachers that have been mentors for me and I thank them for guiding me through my high school experience. I am forever thankful for Penn Charter and the opportunities it has created. Roll Quakers! – Aaron Maione
 
During his four seasons as a starter for our football team, Aaron Maione made plays on offense, defense, and special teams. Aaron’s ability to make plays during key moments that are found throughout a football game have earned him the respect of opposing players and coaches. Teammates and coaches have been impacted by his leadership and work ethic. Aaron’s approach to practice is unique. Every day, he competes at the highest level and challenges others to do the same. He will be remembered as a leader and role model. Our football program is better today because of the work Aaron Maione invested on the practice field over the past four years. We wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors. – Coach Tom Coyle, Football
 
 

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