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.
 
 
 
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.
 
Evelyn O’Neill - Academy of Notre Dame
Sports: Field Hockey (capt.) / Track & Field
College Attending: Villanova University – Field Hockey
 
Throughout my time at Notre Dame, athletics has been a focal point in my high school experience. I have made lasting friendships and unbreakable bonds with my teamates, coaches, and classmates. This community shaped me into the player and person I am today. Being a student-athlete at Notre Dame has helped me develop leadership skills that I know I will use at the collegiate level and in life. – Evelyn O’Neill
 
Congratulations Evelyn on this outstanding honor. It certainly is well deserved. You have been a key contributor to the field hockey program. Your love and commitment for the program has always been evident. You always put the team first and did whatever was needed to ensure the team's success. As a team captain you led by example both on and off the field. I have watched you grow as a player over the past 4 years and it has been a pleasure to coach you. Thank you for your contribution to NDFH. We are so proud of you and wish you all the best at Villanova. -Coach Adele Williams – Field Hockey
 
 
Emma Twitmyer - The Agnes Irwin School
Sports: Soccer (capt.) / Squash (capt.) / Golf (capt.)
College Attending: University of Pennsylvania
 
I have really enjoyed competing in the Inter-Ac because the inter-school rivalries are fun, high energy and you get to know your competitors really well. Team sports have been such an important part of my life since elementary school, and I want to thank my parents, coaches, teammates and Agnes Irwin for supporting me the past few years. Congratulations and the best of luck to my fellow Inter-Ac graduates. – Emma Twitmyer
 
Emma is a wonderful person and has always displayed a maturity beyond her years. She was selected as one of our captains this past year because she possesses great leadership qualities and is very approachable for the younger players. She manages to keep a calm head even in the most frantic of games, and leads with integrity, always displaying great sportsmanship. – Coach Mike Welsh – Soccer
 
Emma is a perfect representative of Agnes Irwin Athletics. She always gives her best on the court and off the court. She is involved in so many aspects of the Agnes Irwin community. Her leadership skills and the way she carries herself is a model for younger athletes at Agnes Irwin. – Coach Fabio Cechin – Squash
 
From the first moment of her freshman season, Emma was a leader on the golf team with unbridled enthusiasm and an uncanny ability to make everyone feel welcome and part of the team. Emma was voted by her peers to be a captain as a sophomore and has continued in the leadership position ever since. – Marie Logue – Golf
 
 
Clara Page - The Baldwin School
Sports: Soccer / Indoor Track / Lacrosse
College Attending: University of California, Berkeley – Lacrosse
 
I am honored to be a recipient of the Inter-Academic Athletic Director Award. I am happy to be recognized by Baldwin for my dedication and hard work ethic; more importantly, I am extremely proud of all of the athletes who received the award with me from the other schools in the league. I am thrilled that all of our passions for the sports we played were evident and led us to receive this highly esteemed award. Thank you! – Clara Page
 
Clara Page is leaving a legacy of excellence at Baldwin. She will be remembered as one of the best multi-sport athletes and leaders in school history. Clara served as a team captain of all three sports and earned numerous individual accolades. She is a fierce competitor with a tremendous work ethic and drive to succeed. What makes Clara so special is her positive energy and passion for leading and serving others. She represents Baldwin inside and outside the classroom with class and pride. She brings a smile and positive attitude to every team which creates a healthy and fun atmosphere for everyone. The Cal Berkeley lacrosse program and school community is getting a well-rounded student-athlete with a bright future. – Coach Adrian Cox – Soccer
 
Since Clara’s first year on the indoor track team, it has been an honor to coach her.  Not only is she an outstanding athlete but an outstanding leader as well.  If I ever needed a big relay leg from someone or a positive speech to the team, Clara would step up and take charge.  I’m glad I got the opportunity to coach her and watch her evolve into the runner and leader she is. – Coach Lamar Moore – Indoor Track
 
It was an absolute pleasure coaching Clara Page for her last high school Indoor Track season. Clara's performance never faltered, even through a team's season that was riddled with Covid-related obstacles.  She either medaled, PR-ed, or both, at every meet we competed in. She was constantly pushing herself to new levels at practice, sometimes even requesting a special workout in addition to what the team was doing, in order to get closer to her goals. 
Clara was also an incredible teammate and leader as a captain. I have a quote from Abby Wambach that reminds me of her: "A woman who doesn’t give up can never lose". It is unrealistic to think that anyone can have a perfect season, and there were moments where Clara was unhappy with her performance and needed a moment to feel that. But she was always able to shake herself off in time for whatever race one of her teammates were in next. She would cheer them on, and always made sure to be at the finish line to offer them a hug and tell them how amazing they did. She never gave up on being an incredible sprinter, but more importantly - she never gave up on being an incredible team player. It was my honor to coach Clara - Congratulations! – Coach Kate Leibrand – Indoor Track
 
Congratulations to Clara Page and all the other Inter-Ac League student-athletes who received the Athletic Directors' Award. Clara is a talented multi-sport athlete, selfless team leader and well-rounded representative of the school community. I have enjoyed coaching Clara and helping her develop into a versatile and two way lacrosse player. She can change the game in the attack with her goal scoring ability and aid the defense with her pressure and hustle. Clara's work ethic, mental toughness and drive to succeed is impressive and motivates teammates to play better and work just as hard. I am looking forward to finishing the season strong with Clara and following her lacrosse career at Cal Berkeley. – Coach Samantha Brennan - Lacrosse
 
 
Alexa Capozzoli – Episcopal Academy
Sports: Soccer / Lacrosse (capt.)
College Attending: St. Joseph’s University – Lacrosse
 
My athletic experience throughout my four years at EA has been nothing short of amazing. all of my wonderful teammates and coaches from lacrosse to soccer have really played a large role in shaping me into the person I am and helped make my transition into a new school as a freshman seamless. whether it is on the field or off the field everyone pushes me and cheers me on. Being a part of episcopal lacrosse and soccer has been a true honor. Being able to contribute to such high caliber teams has truly helped me become a better leader socially and athletically. Without the constant support, effort, care, and encouragement from my teammates and coaches I would not be where I am today. the amazing opportunities I have received through EA athletics will be some of my best memories and I am so honored to have played for EA sports and to be apart of its history and tradition. – Alexa Capozzoli
 
Cap started off freshman year as a standout performer on JV, earning the team's Unsung Hero award. Rostering on varsity as a sophomore, Cap showed the coaches in preseason that she belonged on the varsity team. Although we saw junior year was shortened due to Covid, Cap emerged as a player we can rely upon and gained confidence in her own ability at the varsity level by finding the back of the net and dishing out assists. Her performance junior year earned her our John A. Harter, our most improved player. As a senior, Cap was a leader in this program through her kindness and inclusiveness; she embodied our family-first mentality. Her continued growth as a player over her four years is a testament to the hard work she puts in, not only in games but at each practice. Although lacrosse is her first sport, it was never in question that Cap still loved playing soccer and being a part of this program. – Coach Andrew Fraggos – Soccer
 
Alexa Capozzoli is not only an incredibly skilled lacrosse player, she also holds a strong leadership presence in our program. She consistently leads by example, both on and off the field, and strives to demonstrate the highest levels of sportsmanship and teamwork. She inspires her teammates with her love for the game and internal drive to constantly improve. – Coach Josie Tomaino – Lacrosse
 
 
Jake Jaszcz – Episcopal Academy
Sports: Football (capt.) / Basketball (capt.) / Baseball (capt.)
College Attending: College of the Holy Cross – Baseball
 
I have been lucky enough to play three sports at EA. I played for all four years and wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. I was welcomed right away when I first started and the coaches and upperclassmen  were always helping and teaching. Throughout the years I was able to compete at such a high level in football, basketball and baseball. Going into EA I never would have thought that I would have played four years of football, but it gave me some of my favorite high school memories and friends. Being encouraged to play multiple sports has made me become a better student and athlete. My experience with athletics at EA has been nothing but amazing. I could not be a three sport athlete and captain if it weren’t for the coaches around me and my teammates pushing me. – Jake Jaszcz
 
Jake is a tremendous leader, his contribution in all three seasons during his time here has been very impactful - Captain of the team and a true role model for younger athletes in our program. I can’t remember a player having a bigger impact outside of contributions on the field than Jake had in my time coaching. – Coach Todd Fairlie –Football
 
Jake has a quiet, serious and detailed way about himself and how he handles leadership. He never shies away from the moment and finds the right times to lead but also empowers others to take on more responsibility. Baseball is a fast and slow game so there are moments where he sees things moving too fast for guys and reels them back in and gets them centered and refocused. To be a 3-sport captain at any school is quite an achievement and coupled with the academic and social rigors of EA, you can see why Jake has been nominated. – Coach Tom Grandieri – Baseball
 
 
Alexis Goodridge – Germantown Academy
Sports: Soccer (capt.) / Basketball (capt.) / Track & Field
College Attending: Georgetown University
 
Thank you to all of my coaches and teammates who have made my athletic journey at GA so special. I am so grateful for the lifelong friends and endless memories I've made over the past four years. – Alexis Goodridge
 
Any coach is lucky to have Alex be a part of their team and program.  She’s a encouraging presence around her teammates, she is ever positive, and she’s a fierce competitor.  It just so happens that she’s also a phenomenal athlete who can lead not only by her words, but also her actions.  She doesn’t shy away from a challenge, and she steps up in the biggest meets and at the biggest moments.  She’s been our swiss army knife, stepping up and scoring points in any event from the 100 through the 400 and the long jump as well.  Simply put, Alex has been an indispensable part of the success the Girls Track and Field program has had these past four years. She’ll be deeply missed. – Coach Dion Lehman – Track and Field
 
Alex Goodridge can, often times, make hard work look easy.  But one shouldn’t allow the speed and the grace with which she plays to fool us.  Her deft touch on the ball, her preternatural spatial awareness on the field of play, and her poise in even the most challenging moments, come from a tireless work ethic, an unparalleled determination, and a ceaseless drive to excel.  Alex is certainly one of the most talented players that I have coached in the past decade, more importantly though, she is, without a doubt, among the most coachable – and teachable – student athletes that I have ever worked with.  Honestly, it was a privilege sharing the soccer field and the classroom with her over the course of the past four years. – Coach Chris Nelson –Soccer
 
Alex is an amazing person and athlete. She was the perfect captain for our young varsity basketball team.  Leading by example, she consistently modeled maturity, kindness, and commitment. – Coach Sherri Retif – Basketball
 
 
Jacob Hsu – Germantown Academy
Sports: Football (capt.) / Basketball (capt.)
College Attending: University of Pennsylvania – Football
 
From my journeys in elementary school on the soccer, lacrosse, and baseball fields to my endeavors in the football and basketball arenas today, sports have been one of the most integral parts of my entire life. Beyond being an escape from the daily challenges of school, sports have taught me about the way in which I should approach life. Athletics have instilled in me a work ethic and mental toughness that can be found in no other areas. I have applied these values to my academic side and owe much of my academic success to the lessons I have learned from sports. Sports have also been a critical point of connection between me and my family and friends. Growing up, baseball connected my grandfather and I. Today, my family and I bond over attending Sunday afternoon Eagles games or Friday night Sixers games. I have endless memories traveling to differing golf course to play with my father. I am most grateful to sports for the long-lasting relationships it has brought me with my best friends and teammates. – Jake Hsu
 
Simply put, Jake Hsu is one of the finest human beings to walk the halls at Germantown Academy. He is the most selfless leader that I have ever coached. He puts his teammates and his team ahead of himself every single day. He truly cares about others and lifts them up constantly. He is the ultimate captain and our school is better for his presence. Jake is also one of the most talented athletes that I have coached in my 10 years at GA. Everything that he does, he does 100%. He is one of the few guys that I have coached that could turn his effort level on and off and still be effective. However, we would never see that because he never, ever turned it off. He is everything good about athletics and competitive team sports. He is an all-time great (person, student, athlete) and I know that he will do great things at the University of Pennsylvania both on the football field and off. I am truly proud to have been his football coach. – Coach Matt Dence – Football
 
I am tremendously proud of Jake for being recognized with the Athletic Director’s Award. Jake truly embodies what it means to be a high achieving student-athlete. His work ethic and humility set him apart, and he earned the trust of his teammates and coaches with captain selections in both football and basketball. Even more impressive, it is the work Jake has done in the classroom and the community that makes him such a special young man. The Germantown Academy community has been blessed to have him. Jake is a special competitor and wonderful GA representative who will be missed as he moves on to the University of Pennsylvania this fall. – Coach Matt Dolan –Basketball
 
 
Jake LaRocca – The Haverford School
Sports: Water Polo (capt.) / Swimming (capt.) / Baseball
College Attending: Wake Forest University
 
Competing in the Inter-Ac requires a competitive edge that is unique to the league. In order to win the league, every member of a team must learn to be selfless and put their team’s success above their own. Playing in the Inter-Ac optimized my potential as a teammate/captain. Representing Haverford through athletics has been a life-changing opportunity. At every game, students pack the stands to support the athletic teams, resulting in a heartwarming feeling. When people refer to Haverford as a “brotherhood,” they aren’t lying: each and every member of the Haverford community supported me endlessly. – Jake LaRocca
 
Jake has been a pillar of both our swimming and water polo programs as a standout senior captain.  He is a quiet leader that leads through his work ethic and exemplifies making good decisions.  He is supportive of his teammates and is respectful of his competition.  Jake was an incredible athlete, and an even better teammate and leader that will be sorely missed next year. – Coach Sean Hansen – Water Polo & Swimming
 
Jake LaRocca was determined to make himself into a varsity Baseball Player. He came to us as a swimmer but has since made himself into a starting outfielder despite the odds. His hard work and passion for the game have served him well and he was not going to be denied his opportunity to represent our baseball program. Terrific teammate and competitor for us this season. – Coach Bob Castell – Baseball
 
Jake is a motivated student-athlete whose energy and play served as a catalyst to the team’s success. His competitive spirit, commitment to his teammates and selflessness have helped shape the foundation of Haverford Water Polo. – Coach Kevin VanSuch – Water Polo
 
 
Nicholas Feldman – Malvern Prep
Sports: Wrestling (capt.)
College Attending: The Ohio State University – Wrestling
 
Being a wrestler for Malvern prep has meant the world to me. Malvern has the best coaches and the best support system in the country. I’m beyond grateful for my time at Malvern, it will always be home to me. – Nicholas Feldman
 
Nick is a generational talent that will be irreplaceable. His infectious attitude and work ethic will lead him to the top no matter what path he takes. He has been a pure joy and honor to coach over the years and he has helped make Malvern Prep Wrestling into the powerhouse it is.  He is a leader both on and off the mat and will continue to provide leadership to our program for years to come.  He is the true definition of hard work and talent and what happens when you mix them together.  He has helped define the Malvern Wrestling culture and brotherhood.  –Coach Nathan Lautar – Wrestling
 
Nick is one of the strongest, most explosive athletes I’ve ever had the pleasure of coaching. He is MP’s first ever student-athlete to be pound for pound ranked number one in the country at every position or every event you could have at any sport. He is an amazing listener and student of the game. He can make on mat decisions and adjustments, he can push the pace, and his technique and position is flawless. – Assistant Coach Nate Wachter – Wrestling
 
 
Jerry Rullo – Penn Charter
Sports: Football / Lacrosse
College Attending: University of Notre Dame
 
Inter-Ac competition and the outstanding people and culture of Penn Charter athletics has inspired me to pursue excellence in life. Throughout my four years in high school, I have grown tremendously in mind and body, as well as in character. As a freshman, I was smaller, weaker, less knowledgeable, less equipped to deal with hard challenges and less equipped to lead. At the same time, I was and always have been hypercompetitive and willing to embrace the suck. Penn Charter has always been a place full of tough people and leaders who expect no less than full effort, dedication, and toughness. The qualities of leadership I have learned from seniors such as Terrence, Ryan, Kyle, Aaron, and Mr. John Estok. The Inter-Ac’s commitment to excellence in building athletes, scholars, and strong character has pushed me to new heights through competition. – Jerry Rullo
 
Jerry is a three-year starter at linebacker, where he was outstanding and was also an exceptional leader. Jerry has served as a great role model for all of our student-athletes. – Coach Tom Coyle – Football
 
Jerry is a consistent leader and a reliable teammate that guys rally around.  He plays hard every game and  has contributed to our program for four years.  The impact he has had on our inexperienced defense over the last two years has been so valuable and has contributed to the success of our team this season.   More importantly he is a better person than he is a lacrosse player.   Best of Luck ! – Coach Pat McDonough – Lacrosse
 
 
Madeline Shoup – Penn Charter
Sports: Soccer / Basketball / Lacrosse
College Attending: University of Colorado – Lacrosse
 
I want to thank my parents for making sacrifices and sending me to Penn Charter. I was blessed to have amazing coaches throughout my four years here. All of which have helped me become the person I am today. They taught me how to push myself and have taught me important lessons in preparing me to play at the next level. I want to also thank my teachers for helping me throughout my 4 years, especially Mrs. Noonan, I’m not sure where I would be without her. And another thank you to my teammates who have pushed me in every sport and helped me get better on a daily basis. – Madeline Shoup
 
Maddie Shoup is the definition of a multisport student-athlete. Maddie is a fierce competitor who raises the play of her team and makes her teammates better. Maddie is a leader who sacrifices her personal success for the betterment of the team. She just wants to win. Maddie is going to be successful in life because she is a great teammate and leader. I have been fortunate to coach Maddie for 4 years, but more importantly, as a father of 4 daughters, have my own daughters get to spend time with Maddie at our practices and games. I hope they can grow up to be like Maddie. – Coach Joe Maguire – Basketball
 
It has been an absolute honor to coach Maddie the past 4 years. She is exactly who you want with the ball at the end of the game as she is confident, athletic, fast and has no fear. It has been amazing to watch her grow as an athlete on the lacrosse field, soccer field and basketball court. She is a true leader by example and will leave it all on the field no matter what. She has the ability to take over a game and my favorite thing about her is that she will find a way to get the ball back. I will miss her next year but will forever be a mentor and Maddie Shoup fan as starts her next chapter at Colorado. – Coach Colleen Magarity – Lacrosse
 
Maddie Shoup definitely makes game day exciting.   She is a fierce competitor
and her tenacity set the tone for our team's performance!!  Her never quit mentality
was a big factor in our success this year. – Coach Ashley Maher – Soccer
 
 
Henry Brandstadter – Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
Sports: Cross Country / Indoor Track & Field (capt.) / Track & Field (capt.)
College Attending: Emory University – Track & Field
 
If there is one thing I have realized after 5 years in the Inter-Ac, it's that success comes from a lot of hard work and commitment. It's fine to feel annoyance, anger, bitterness, and even doom from time to time, just remember to keep going. Whether I am in school or on the track, I apply this mentality so I can achieve my goals. I want to thank my coaches, teachers, and family that have helped me through my time at SCH as I move on and reach for higher goals. I wouldn’t be who I am today if I was on my own. – Henry Brandstadter
 
Henry sets goals for himself and he puts into action a plan to achieve them. In fact. On several occasions, Henry has gone beyond his goals. Henry is also a good teammate who helps his fellow jumpers become better at their events. Henry is an Inter-Ac champion in the high jump, a public and private state champion in both the long jump and triple jump, and a three- time All American in the high jump. – Coach Paul Hines – Cross Country and Track & Field
 
 
Maya McDermott – Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
Sports: Soccer (capt.) / Basketball (capt.) / Track & Field
College Attending: Syracuse University – Soccer
 
I remember coming into SCH Freshmen year, scared out of my mind, to walk to the turf and start preseason for soccer. A freshman on varsity seemed far-fetched, but not impossible, and I’m beyond grateful I got that honor 3 years ago. Starting with soccer, leading into basketball, and finishing off every year with spring track, the experiences and friendships I’ve made from SCH athletics are unmatched. I will always remember our undefeated season ending with a state championship in soccer - this season was a core memory that will last a lifetime. I came in as a little naive Freshman, and I’m proud to say I’m leaving as a confident senior leader on and off the field. Without my sports experience at SCH, I never would have gained the courage to become student body president, or even talk to my future college coaches during the recruitment process. All of the tools I now have to continue my athletic and academic journey are a representation of the learning done on the field, court, and track. – Maya McDermott
 
Maya McDermott will be missed just as much on the field as she will be missed off the field. Maya is explosive on the attack and has been a consistent threat throughout her 4 years on the SCH soccer team. Her ability to score goals and create chances for her teammates will be missed. Maya’s athleticism and runs of the ball make it very hard to defend her. Maya’s increase in confidence and her positive attitude throughout the years has made her a strong leader both on and off the field. Maya is the type of player/person that is just enjoyable to be around and always finds a way to smile and have fun while competing. The type of teammate Maya is and her leadership is a huge reason for the success of SCH soccer in the past few years. During Maya’s time at SCH she was a 4 year starter, 2 time Inter-Ac Champion,
State Champion & 1st team All Inter-Ac. – Coach Maria Kosmin – Soccer
 
Maya has speed and athleticism and she is fearless when attacking the basket. She frequently pushes the basketball after hauling in defensive rebounds, seeking to create easy offense for herself or her teammates. In those situations, her speed is also eye-catching. She’s an emotional leader for us because she gives us stability and consistency. She will be missed. – 
Assistant Coach Antowine Graham – Basketball